RV Buyer's Survival Guide Edition III Paperback – October 15, 2007

My apologies to other reviewers who had negative sentiments concerning this book but I (a 60 year old man) found this book very informative. No, there are no "tricks" and it does present "common sense" principles but it DOES explain in detail the dealer's process in establishing a price and in negotiating the lowest offer that they will probably take below the MSRP. It takes common sense and insider knowledge and organizes them so the average RV buyer can use them to their negotiating advantage. It is certainly better than walking into a dealership unarmed with any clues.I think some of the complaints concerned the first edition. The second edition is in booklet form. It is a bit high priced for the size and quality of the book but it is NOT high priced when compared to the information the contents give to the reader.Recently, a friend of mine bought a new Chevy pickup truck. While he was describing the negotiating process, I was thinking to myself that his actions seemed bull-headed and almost rude. But, as this book points out, you are negotiating for YOUR MONEY and not for five or ten dollars but for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.My buddy knew what a fair price was and he not only stuck to his guns but he was willing to walk out of the showroom unless they made a deal that day. Just as described in this book. If you have done your research properly and you KNOW what a fair price is then YOU MUST stick to your guns and not let sales-people talk you out of any more money with flimsy reasons.The glossary is helpful and the author did steer me toward a fifth-wheel rather than a travel trailer by letting me know that there is more liveable space in the fifth-wheel for a given length. The trailer has a 3' hitching point in front. Also, the combined length of the truck and fifth-wheel will be shorter than with a truck and trailer because of the way the fifth-wheel hitches up in the bed of the truck rather than on the rear bumper area. That allows for easier maneuvering.There were some very helpful guides about what to compare when shopping for a rig, too. They covered all the options such as bed size, holding tank size, hot water heater size, chassis, sidewall construction etc, etc.But, the "meat" of the book was how to take all the information that you have gathered and figure out a "fair" price. Then, how to take that information and use it when you go to the dealer. Priceless. He explains what the MSRP is, how it is calculated and, most importantly, why it exists.Remember, if the MSRP is a 40 % markup from the invoice price, you don't take 40 % off of the MSRP to get the invoice price. It would be a 28 % markdown from the MSRP to get the invoice price. Math is funny isn't it? Practice with your calculators.

This book had a lot of info for buying a new RV but I was in the market to buy a used one so this book was not helpful to me. They talked about hagling strategies for when you purchase a rig which I thought is helpful.

Great overview of RVs and how to pick one that right for your needs using a systematic approach. I had already picked out the right coach for our family so I bought this to make sure I didn't miss anything and know how the industry works in terms of pricing. Differently helped me get a Rv we wanted for a good price and made the process a easy one.

I just bought my first Motor Home. Everything the author talked about was played out to the dotted "i" and the crossed "t". Being in business, I can attest to the truth of how MSRP & Cost is calculated. I do encourage you to use the NADA information and research the internet by the RV model you have selected to own. With this book, you will save literally thousands like I did. Don't be afraid to hold your ground as the author recommends in his views. I saved $62,000 off the MSRP at the desk negotiations alone. In the financial department or side desk was a little harder but still saved on the APR due boldness knowing my good credit score, and much more. GET THE BOOK AND KNOW MORE ABOUT HOW TO BECOME A GOOD SALES PERSON DURING THE PURCHASE PROCESS!!! Happy Hunting!

You can find most of this information by surfing the web or going to the library (whats that)

This book does a great job in explaining how the dealership works and what you need to do to prepare to buy an RV. I have bought three RVs and this book is spot on. Information is indeed power and this arms you with great information. By doing your homework up front, you can save $1000s of dollars and lots of regret. Whether you are new to buying RVs or a seasoned veteran, this has great information. Worth reading a couple of times to get a full appreciation for its content.

The information is very basic except for the section on price negotiation which is worth the cost of the book.

Nice and easy to follow. Good info on pricing and a lot of the basics when shopping for your new RV.