Latest auction purchase - fifth wheel

GON

$175 Site Donor 2026
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Messages
12,395
Location
White Sands, NM
Over the past year I have bid on fifth wheel RVs from time to time.. it is commonly discussed the used RV market is collapsing..I found the opposite. I was often bidding against RV dealers, and losing generous bids, of course the dealer is reselling so that is a sign that can't be overlooked . Dealers buying used inventory, and paying a premium for the used inventory at auction.

Three weeks ago I found a RV at auction, and the auction house specializes in auctioning repossessed RV, motor vehicles, etc

The RV was listed in good condition (for what that's worth). Something caught my eye. The blue plastic tape the manufacturer installs at the factory that holds all the plastic shelves in the refrigerator were still in place. Looking closer, I found the factory sticker on the stove still in place.

I ended up paying $17k USD above reserve for the fifth wheel. Not knowing if used, condition, etc. The bid came out to be about 49 percent of MSRP.before auction fees, with auction fees (out the door) just under 52 percent of MSRP.

Picked up the fifth wheel. It is in fact unused. It was a 2024 Alliance. Took a huge risk, primarily based on the tape in the refrigerator.

I can't call it new, as it appears to have been titled prior. I almost suspect the RV was repossessed from the selling dealership parking lot. The bank typically has to auction off a repossessed vehicle in order to sue the consumer for the loss, that is why the dealership can't outright take it back, unless they want to make the bank whole, and the consumer agrees.

First auction vehicle purchased since spring of 2023. Should have had a pre bid inspection. Worked out really well, but the risk was substantial and not prudent.
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I sold our last 5th wheel toy hauler, for more than I paid for it. I got a good deal buying and selling. I'd look it over with a fine-tooth comb. Lots of RV's are built rather poorly.

Good luck with it.
 
I sold our last 5th wheel toy hauler, for more than I paid for it. I got a good deal buying and selling. I'd look it over with a fine-tooth comb. Lots of RV's are built rather poorly.

Good luck with it.
Some people suggest buying a slightly used RV over a new RV. People report new RVs almost always have issues, so a slightly used RV may have had the warranty issues resolved.

Ok this RV, I have zero warranty, so if it is broke, defective, etc ... I will need to fix it myself.

This is a new RV, I don't think it ever left the dealership. Some dispute may have come up, the buyer refused to take delivery, but signed the papers so the buyer was on the hook, and the dealership wasn't willing to reverse the sale (pure speculation).
 
Nice looking fifth wheel dry weight Pretty close to my old DRV
What I found with DRV is that sellers would list them with great pictures and great price, but an inquiry would return that DRV sold, but they had plenty of other fifth wheels for me to come look at.

Funny, these sold DRVs and still showing as available on Facebook marketplace. Connect the dots....

Although huge risk at auction, at least the salesman game play is not part of the transaction.
 
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