Rv Buyers Survival Guide (Plastic Comb)

by Bob Randall (Author) "Congratulations. If you are reading this guide, you are likely preparing to take a big step forward in your life by joining many millions of..." (more)
Key Phrases: dealer cost, tow vehicle, tent trailer, Buyer's Survival Guide (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Bob's years of experience in the RV Industry and knowledge of the RV purchasing process will save the savvy buyer a great deal of money. This book could be priced at $500 and chapter six alone would pay for it. --Mark Polk owner of RV Education 101 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
The Rv Buyers Survival Guide is the first book that really directs you in the buying process of Rvs. You get all the facts without the fluff. From selecting what type of Rv fits your needs, to learning the "Insider" secrets of negotiating, you won't be disapointed. The guide has proved helpfull to all, whether they were buying the first Rv or the last. Written by a 25 year veteran of the industry you'll find out how to figure what the dealer cost is and how "NOT" to pay more than you should for it. Additionaly the guide comes with a support website that directs you to all the information tools you'll need to help make the right choice in an Rv. Called by many the "Black book of Rv knowledge" it has helped many save thousands of dollars buying either a new or pre-ownened Rv. A Must read- don't get taken by dealers at your expense.

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Product Details

• Plastic Comb: 53 pages
• Publisher: Rv Publications. Com (October 20, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 0970692803
• ISBN-13: 978-0970692801
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,506,152 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, February 17, 2005

By	Anthony Brady (Syracuse, NY, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Rv Buyers Survival Guide Edition II (Paperback)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars RV Buyers Survival Guide, October 9, 2001

By	B. Johnson (Ben Lomond, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This how to book is a must if you plan to purchase a new or used RV. The guide walks you through the shopping process and describes the many types of Rv's that are on the market, and how to choose the best one to suit your needs. There is also a glossary of terms that are used in the RV business that will help you to talk the talk. After you have done all your research, have found the RV of your dreams, and are finally ready to take the big step towards the purchase, this guide excells in teaching you how to make your best deal. It explains the ins and outs of the industry, the best time to buy, and finally the purchasing process, where you can save thousands of dollars. We found this guide very easy to follow and when my wife and I applied his step by step instructions, by the time negotiations were over we had saved thousands of dollars! Bob even taught us how to receive more thousands in the value of our trade. It was a great feeling knowing we had the confidence to walk into the sales office being one-up on the dealer and their sales staff. Thanks for this great guide Bob!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not very helpful, February 7, 2002

By	Douglas R. Simpson (Virginia Beach, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I should have been suspicious when I saw that the "book" was really a ring bound notebook about 1/4" thick. The information inside was of similar quality. The author told me little more than books and articles that provide tips for buying automobiles. One of the most elusive pieces of information, when shopping for an RV, is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and the price of individual options. Many dealers and manufacturers are reluctant to provide this data or do not provide it at all. And how accurate is the MSRP when is is available? The author never addresses these issues. What about add-ons, such as dealer prep and other miscellaneous fees. Are these legitimate fees? The author does not say. For me, this book was useless.