Sticker shock

[popupChris]

We're a family of 3 and bought new a Coleman Santa Fe in 2003. Now 19 years later the roof has been leaking for 2 years without us knowing. So we're thinking of replacing it with an A-frame pup. I first looked at the Aline Evolution, but got sticker shock when I found out it's more expensive than my TV.

We're in Canada and spend a fair amount of time in the trailer during spring and fall outings. That's why I was looking at the 15ft box models. Even the Expedition is beyond our budget.
Will need to check what the Ranger 12 will cost. As my wife does not like 2nd hand, we're focusing on a new pup. I also noticed the Rockwood A122S. Is there difference in quality between these makes?

Thank you for all your insights.

 

[browniestarmite]

I have no insight on quality differences between the Aliner and Rockwood, though I do know the Rockwood is heavier. I couldn’t easily tow it with my TV.

Regrettably, there are few new Chalets available. They were known for better quality (for a while) over Aliner.

Larry
2015 Aliner Ranger 15

 

[Papa Glenn]

I also noticed the Rockwood A122S. Is there difference in quality between these makes?

We have a 2021 Flagstaff T12RB (sister to the A122) and love it. Can’t speak to quality difference as don’t have experience with other brands but the quality on ours is good. Only issue in 2 years and over 100 days camping was a small leak on the city water hook up (replace the crimp ion clamp with a hose clamp and solved that easily enough)

 

[popupChris]

I have no insight on quality differences between the Aliner and Rockwood, though I do know the Rockwood is heavier. I couldn’t easily tow it with my TV.

I just checked my Santa Fe and the values are marginally more than the A122S. The A122S is a few inches taller closed than the Santa Fe, but still below the roof line of the TV. So, I should be good with my TV.
I see there is one A122S in stock at the dealer, will check it out next weekend.

 

[Econ]

@popupChris

Wait til spring. Just do research now. I dont know about the current models but the expedition has a 2 am no walk to the John toilet and a frig. When you are my age you appreciate the john.

I'm a bottom feeder. DW took me out to eat yesterday and saw 3 repo trucks.

Ask @Hilldweller about new expeditions. I would get used

 

[Dnodoz]

We're a family of 3 and bought new a Coleman Santa Fe in 2003. Now 19 years later the roof has been leaking for 2 years without us knowing. So we're thinking of replacing it with an A-frame pup. I first looked at the Aline Evolution, but got sticker shock when I found out it's more expensive than my TV.

We're in Canada and spend a fair amount of time in the trailer during spring and fall outings. That's why I was looking at the 15ft box models. Even the Expedition is beyond our budget.
Will need to check what the Ranger 12 will cost. As my wife does not like 2nd hand, we're focusing on a new pup. I also noticed the Rockwood A122S. Is there difference in quality between these makes?

Thank you for all your insights.

The dealer we bought our 2018 Aliner Classic from, Princesscraft in Austin, Texas is selling Aliner’s reduced 20-25% off MSRP. Not sure that helps as MSRP’s have gone up so much but at least the market seems to be softening. Good luck finding the right unit for your family.

 

[popupChris]

@popupChris

Wait til spring. Just do research now.

Ask @Hilldweller about new expeditions. I would get used

Why wait til spring, I would think they would be more eager to make a sale now. In the spring everybody is looking for new toy!?

 

[popupChris]

The dealer we bought our 2018 Aliner Classic from, Princesscraft in Austin, Texas is selling Aliner’s reduced 20-25% off MSRP. Not sure that helps as MSRP’s have gone up so much but at least the market seems to be softening. Good luck finding the right unit for your family.

Yes, and the CAN $ is even lower now. The dealer said that if he has to order the trailer from the factory, it's significantly more than what he has them in stock for...

 

[jmkay1]

Why wait til spring, I would think they would be more eager to make a sale now. In the spring everybody is looking for new toy!?

Yes, this has been my experience as well. I bought my popup near Christmas if I waited until spring that same camper would have cost me thousands more. Dealerships especially want to make room for their spring stock so you “could“ begin to find sales now. Well, that was before this crazy market. No clue if they still follow that same practice.

 

[popupChris]

Yes, this has been my experience as well. ... No clue if they still follow that same practice.

That's the problem as a consumer, it's been 19 years since I bought my last one. Dealers always have the upper hand in a sale transaction

 

[Econ]

I would think they would be more eager to make a sale now. In the spring everybody is looking for new toy!?

Difference in personalities. I'm will to risk losing the deal to get the best deal. The manufacturer will force the dealer to have a minimum inventory. We have already had two quarters of negative GDP growth and will probably have a third soon. I wouldnt trust any BLS statistics now as its two close to political season. CEO polls say they arent hiring for Christmas. We are following Europe into recession. China has a debt to GDP ratio that is so high I question the numbers but China is having a real estate collapse.. All three are going down the tubes at the same time. The capitalist system runs on the free flow of oil. Even Jamie Dimon says it is going to be a bad spring. Unemployment is like a snowball. it is the last thing, a lagging indicator. It builds upon itself..If there is a change in political regime It will take the new group, one that doesnt believe in MMT or Keynsian BS a long time to fix the mess.

 

[Hilldweller]

Difference in personalities. I'm will to risk losing the deal to get the best deal. The manufacturer will force the dealer to have a minimum inventory. We have already had two quarters of negative GDP growth and will probably have a third soon. I wouldnt trust any BLS statistics now as its two close to political season. CEO polls say they arent hiring for Christmas. We are following Europe into recession. China has a debt to GDP ratio that is so high I question the numbers but China is having a real estate collapse.. All three are going down the tubes at the same time. The capitalist system runs on the free flow of oil. Even Jamie Dimon says it is going to be a bad spring. Unemployment is like a snowball. it is the last thing, a lagging indicator. It builds upon itself..If there is a change in political regime It will take the new group, one that doesnt believe in MMT or Keynsian BS a long time to fix the mess.

So I've got my trailer already but you're saying to stock up on arrows now while we still can?

 

[J Starsky]

I'd go back to "fix the roof" conversation. How bad is that job gonna be? Can be as bad as all that. Maybe that's the 1st thought. I'd start there.

 

[popupChris]

I just don't have the time to fix the roof. Too many projects at the house. If I have to fix the camper also, we never get to camp.
Besides we do a lot of spring and fall camping, it'll be beneficial to have hard walls for warmth and comfort.

 

[popupChris]

FYI
As my signature shows, we did buy the A122S.
Just need to sell off the Santa Fe...

 

[jmkay1]

FYI
As my signature shows, we did buy the A122S.
Just need to sell off the Santa Fe...

Congratulations. So when did they say you take pick up of it?

 

[popupChris]

As soon as I can clear my driveway from the Santa Fe. Will need to give them a heads up as they will still need to do the PDI.
I'm expecting it will be in the spring.