Just like cracking eggs (apparently), there are multiple ways to purchase an RV. Do you buy new or used? The current model, or one from a year or two back? Do you go to the dealership, the manufacturer, or that guy on craigslist? With the possible exception of that last one, there’s really no right or wrong way to go about buying an RV, but each approach comes with its own advantages and drawbacks.
One great option that has been around almost as long as manufactures have been making RVs, but is often overlooked, is custom-ordering your next RV through the dealership. Choosing this route may require a little more patience, but the added benefits may make the wait worth it for you.
At The RV Shop in Baton Rouge, we strive to keep our lot filled with brands and models that meet the needs of our customers, and we do a pretty good job of it. But with the amount of floor plans, optional features, and design elements that are available in the RV industry today, even we can’t have every option available all the time. That’s why we compiled a short list of three of the best reasons you should look into custom-ordering your next RV from The RV Shop.
1) Get Exactly What You Want by Factory-Ordering an RV
Anyone who has gone through the process of buying an RV before, however they did it, knows that, in general, they are not cheap. The thought process goes: if you’re already willing to drop some serious cash on an RV, why not get the one you really want? Many owners already spend additional money, either at the dealership or through a third-party, to add features from exterior speakers to custom cabinetry, and most technicians will tell you it’s easier to include these kinds of things during construction than it is to install them after the unit has already been assembled.
Certainly, the biggest downside to custom-ordering versus buying off the lot is how long it takes before you actually get to use your new rig, but purchasing an RV has never been a quick process for people who need instant gratification. Many first-time buyers are shocked to hear that they aren’t going to be leaving the trade show with a shiny new fifth wheel, but with an appointment to pick it up from the dealership at a future date instead.
It is true that a custom-ordered RV will most likely take longer to wind up in your driveway, but with a little preplanning and patience, it’s usually worth the wait. The savvy traveler will use this build process time to get everything else they need for their next excursion, so when the rig arrives, they’re ready to roll!
2) Avoid RV Market Fluctuations
Between fluctuating supply chain issues, changing state and local regulations, and the occasional pandemic, the RV market can be a volatile one. Recently, largely due to a shortage of labor and production, dealerships have had a hard time keeping certain RV types in their inventories. To a customer walking onto the lot, this means less options and more compromise, which is not an issue if they order the perfect RV instead.
One way many seasoned full-timers have gotten around the problem of industry-wide low inventories is by expanding their search area, sometimes to include the entire country. There are countless stories of people driving hundreds, even thousands of miles just to pick up the RV for sale that they really want. If you order through your favorite dealership, you could save yourself some time, effort, and a whole lot of gas (something else that’s not so cheap these days)!
3) Order an RV Through A Dealership and Get The Best of Both Worlds
When you custom-order an RV through a reputable dealership like The RV Shop, not only do you get the exact home-on-wheels you want, but you also benefit of their knowledgeable sales staff and expert service technicians, usually people who live the RV lifestyle themselves. Their finance department might be able to find you additional savings with promotions or discounts.
A good tactic is to start your search at the dealership, so that you can get familiar with the available brands, styles, and floor plans out there. Take advantage of the salesperson’s industry experience and ask about materials, options, and features. Figure out exactly what you want in your dream RV and how you want it to look, then ask the dealer about placing a custom-order with the manufacturer. There are countless benefits in going this route for them, too, so they will likely be eager to help you get the process started.
An added benefit of pre-ordering an RV through an authorized dealership is that you have a team of passionate RV enthusiasts available to make sure that when your rig arrives, it arrives just the way you anticipated. If there are any issues with the unit, a good RV dealer will perform a pre-delivery inspection, and have their service department take care of the problem before you ever take possession. And if you experience any trouble with your RV down the road, the dealership will most often be able to provide services covered by your warranty.
Another thing to keep in mind, especially if you are planning on buying your first RV, is that you need more than just the trailer or fifth wheel to be able to put it to use. Unless you plan on camping in front of your house forever, even an Ultra-lite couples coach needs an appropriate hitch. Larger models like toy haulers and fifth wheels require the installation of even more equipment like sway bars and stabilizers before they are road-worthy. If you custom-order from a dealership, they can anticipate your needs, and ensure all your bases are covered when you place the order, and they will probably install them for you, too!
You Don’t Have to Compromise. Order the RV of Your Dreams From The RV Shop in Baton Rouge, LA!
The RV Shop is Louisiana’s premier dealership for everything RV, from cozy travel trailers to roomy fifth wheels to luxurious Class A diesels, and the accessories to go with them. We have a great selection of RVs for sale in many different price ranges at our lot near Hammond, but if we don’t have the perfect one in stock, we are always more than happy to order a brand new, customized RV that suits your every need. Just call, text, email, or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll get the ball rolling right away!
We have been proudly serving the RV community in Southern Louisiana and across the nation for more than 45 years, providing exceptional customer service to every RVer from casual weekenders to hardcore full-timers. Our service department is here for all your maintenance and repair needs, and our finance department is dedicated to getting you the best deal possible. If you’re ready to sell your RV or trade it in, we can help with that, too. So, when you’re in the market for a new or used RV at a great value, or you need help ordering the ideal one for you, give us a call at 225-272-8000, or visit our beautiful Baton Rouge RV dealership, and start planning your next big adventure!
