Trying to become a R-poder
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Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3633
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Topic: Trying to become a R-poder
Posted By: wooddl
Subject: Trying to become a R-poder
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 12:08am
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Hello all, my wife and I are looking for an RV and we stumbled on the R-pod.. After some research and window shopping not only have we fallen in love, we have narrowed it down to the 172 or 182g. Hoping some of you might have an idea what I should pay for one. The dealer prices here in Tacoma seem a bit outrageous . Looking mostly at new models. Thanks in advance, we are pretty excited to get our hands on one of these.. |
Replies:
Posted By: JCMoran
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 2:24am
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Hi Wooddl, We went to the Poulsbo RV lot in south Everett and they were great! Prices were not that far off MSRP and lots of goodies thrown in as well. I think it would be worth the drive. It's nice to see more from the pacific northwest joining the Pod family. ------------- John & Stevie Bella & Emma (Fur babies) 2014 RP178HRE "Hawg Pod" 2001 Silverado 1500 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 8:48am
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My suggestion is to look online at Couch's and download a copy of their prices. Show that to your local dealer. If they won't be more competitive, move on to another dealer. Look under Events and Campouts and see if you can join us for the Roundup at Seaside Oregon, August 15-18. Currently we have 19 Rpods coming as well as other Forest River products and 65 campers. Should be a ball. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 9:05am
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Welcome. It is possible to get a price well below MSRP but you may have to go well out-of-state to get it. At the very least you can use the pricing from other dealers as leverage. Camper dealers have a lot of wiggle room in their pricing - many here have purchased their pods for about 1/3 off of the sticker price. The dealer I bought from cut the price from around $18k to $14k with haggling but wouldn't go farther. Then I mentioned another dealer that was selling it for around $12k and he instantly came within a few hundred dollars. I'm sure he still made a profit so that tells you just how much profit they build in. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 9:34am
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We were able to get a fantastic deal on ours last October, but only because it was a 2012 model that had sat on their lot since February and they were desperate to get it sold. It was a strategy that we have always employed with buying our cars as well ... wait until the new year models come out in the early fall, and then make a deal on what they have remaining in stock.
However it only works if they have remaining stock sitting around that they want to need to get sold ... ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: bhamster
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 11:28am
| Check out Broadmoor RV in Pasco. They beat Poulsbo by $3k. Another dealer that beat Poulsbo by a lot was Sutton RV, but Broadmoor was a little cheaper and closer (plus no OR/WA issues to deal with). |
Posted By: wooddl
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 11:49am
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Wow! Couch's RV is really cheap. RP-182g for 15K.. Thanks for all the input everyone. A cool community of campers is another reason pushing us to the R-Pod... |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 12:19pm
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Now take that bid and show it to all the dealers and see who will deal the best. Don't be bashful, it's your money. Better in your pocket than theirs. My own experience was just as I told you. Got a price on my 171 so low, that I'm not able to share it. I also had them throw in a pair of LP tanks and autochangeover, a much better AGM size 27 battery and install some accessories that I purchased separately. Such as removing the jack and replacing it with a swivel jack with wheel, and some other items. WORK 'EM. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 12:23pm
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Another thought. Save yourself some travel time. Fax a copy of your lowest price to each of the sales managers of the dealers. Don't forget Oregon. Tell them you are ready to write a check and who is willing to take the least. Give them 24 hours and list all of the items that you want on your trailer. That is also the way to purchase a new vehicle, after you get their cost in the internet. Let us know your progress. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 10:28pm
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If you are not able to get a low price near by travel to Couch's and make a vacation out of it. I was born in Hamilton and have family in the area worked out great for us. We traveled from south Florida, a good thing is you would only need to tow the camper one direction. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: wooddl
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 11:20pm
Yeah, the point of the trailer is to show my kids the country so might as well start with buying the trailer  I'm going to a dealer tomorrow with my pricing in hand to start the process.. |
Posted By: LarryK
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 11:24pm
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I got a price from Broadmoor in Tri-Cities, then Blue Dog in Post Falls, ID matched it. I think its easier for service to be closer, but to each his own. We live in Spokane. Sure do love our 2012 HRE177! We paid $15,000.00 and they through in the brake controller. Probably a bit high, but were pleased. I am not real good at dealing. ------------- 2012 R Pod 177 2006 Toyota Tundra Access Cab 4.7 Liter V8 |
Posted By: wooddl
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 11:29pm
| Talked with Broadmoor today.. The next 182g they have coming in is a few weeks out but they do seem willing to talk pricing.. |
Posted By: bhamster
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 12:03am
I would definitely do business with them again. We did everything over the phone and I just showed up with a check for the amount that we agreed on and there wasn't any surprises. I was worried since it was a significant drive for me (and car dealers love pulling last minute stuff), but it went smoothly. The only variable was what ball mount to use, but they helped me find one that would ride level and we were off. I do all the servicing myself, so the distance wasn't an issue there.
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Posted By: wooddl
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 9:42pm
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Well.... Poulsbo RV (Fife) didn't go so well. Archaic selling practices at its best.. tried getting my SSN before we had started negotiating, "lets get the credit app going to save some time" when I refused they wanted a credit card so they could "make sure you're serious" as though I just thought this would be a great way to spend my day.. I was waiting for the sales manager to offer me a free undercoating. The sales manager didn't have a reply when I asked him if he did anything different when buying large items for his family. I showed them other dealers prices and I heard everything from "that doesn't have the hood river package" worth several thousand dollars, to "Oh that one doesn't have mini blinds"... mini blinds are they kidding me? :) The hood river package is about $550.. best I can find Onward and upward I talked to a couple other dealers out of state that are be much more reasonable.. kind of looking forward to a little road trip.. still trying to figure out how to make that Seeside camp-out. thanks again for all the responses.. |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 11:19pm
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[QUOTE=wooddl]Well.... Poulsbo RV (Fife) didn't go so well. Archaic selling practices at its best..
We bought our Pod 3 years ago from Poulsbo (Auburn). They were the only dealer within a great distance to carry Pods at that time. You are correct. They are pretty old school with their tactics. We didn't walk out on them, but it was close. Guess they haven't changed much. Sales manager really knew how to take liberties with the truth. Oh well, the Pod has been great so far, but with many more local dealers now , I wouldn't run back to Poulsbo if I was buying. ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: bhamster
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 11:58pm
Sorry about that. I probably could have saved you the time, but I didn't want to go insulting them in case our experience was an exception. I guess now it's confirmed. This sounds just like our experience and we did walk out. We came prepared with prices and were willing to pay them slightly more because of the distance, but they didn't even come close. Here's a funny story for you: The pod we settled on was in Everett and the salesman we started with was in Burlington, so he met us down there. After we walked out of "negotiations" we sat out front talking with some friends that had watched our daughter. The salesman actually stayed in the parking lot and watched us. He even got back out of his car when another salesman came by to "claim" us. What I should have done is asked the other salesman if he could strike a deal. Oh well... we got what we wanted somewhere else. I think the Poulsbo guy even called us a couple weeks later saying he could take off another $300... woopty doo...
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Posted By: wooddl
Date Posted: 21 Jun 2013 at 12:19am
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It's funny that there are still sales people operating this way in any business. The amount of information that is available to the consumer has never been greater, they should expect to see people show up informed on the price and product. Most of the time I felt like I was teaching the salesman about the R-pod.. |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 21 Jun 2013 at 6:59am
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Having been in sales my entire adult life, I will share some thoughts. Selling is a numbers game. The more prospects you see, the better chance of a sale. As P.T. Barnum (who was one of the best hucksters ever) said, "There is a sucker born every minute." For you youngsters, he was one of the creators of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Check Google. I was directed away from Poulsbo as not a place to waste time at, last year, when we were shopping. Do your due diligence, as you have done so far, and when you walk into a new dealer, ask immediately for the sales manager. Bypass any salesman. The sales manager has greater leeway on discounts, and is able to make a "better deal" than the salesmen. I did send you a private message. Check that. Hope to see you in Seaside. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: 2Peas-n-Rpod
Date Posted: 21 Jun 2013 at 2:34pm
We have our 182G for sale right now. Check out this link: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3638&title=2011-182g-hood-river-edition-for-sale - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3638&title=2011-182g-hood-river-edition-for-sale ------------- 2011 R-Pod 182G Hood River Edition "Ribbitt" Pod (now sold) 2000 Ford F150 5.4L V8 TV |
Posted By: wooddl
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 11:32pm
| Thank you for the offer, we found the perfect one for us today... |
Posted By: wooddl
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 11:35pm
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Thank you to all for your help and offers for help through this process.. We struck a deal with Blue Dog for our 182g and are looking forward to picking it up on Thursday.. |
Posted By: 2Peas-n-Rpod
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 11:44pm
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Glad you found a good deal on a Pod. Enjoy all the good times! ------------- 2011 R-Pod 182G Hood River Edition "Ribbitt" Pod (now sold) 2000 Ford F150 5.4L V8 TV |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2013 at 12:08am
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Congrats. Coming to Seaside? Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: wooddl
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2013 at 12:37am
| We will be at a camp in Oregon that week and are thinking about cutting our vacation a day short to come visit the roundup.. |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2013 at 8:07am
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Congrats. Let me know if you are coming as I have to add you to the dinner on Friday. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: wooddl
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 2:02am
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Well its official!!! We picked up our 182g at Blue Dog RV yesterday and spent last night in it at Potholes, couldn't be happier.. http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa460/wooddl/null_zpsd1e695b0.jpg - http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa460/wooddl/null_zpsd1e695b0.jpg ------------- 2014 RP-182G 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 9:06pm
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Congrats! I made your link clickable, by the way. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 12:15am
 .------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: GA_RPOD_178
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 8:20am
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When we met with the local dealer in GA to discuss pricing, we had already gotten a quote from Couch's. The dealer ended up being within $300.00, adjusted for what it was going to cost us to have it delivered. I went with the local person because of future service issues, but it saved us over $2000. In today's electronic world, we could simply show him the email with the price and unit options and it was a great tool. Information is power! Had he not gotten close I would have certainly done business out of state. -------------  [/URL]
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Posted By: GA_RPOD_178
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 8:22am
What are some of the "marginal tow rigs" that you have encountered? ------------- [/URL]
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Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 12:20pm
What are some of the "marginal tow rigs" that you have encountered?
His trailer had to have been heavier than any Pod. ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: GA_RPOD_178
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 1:26pm
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Thanks, as always, for the quick and informational reply. ------------- [/URL]
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Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2013 at 8:13am
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I agree with Kickstart in that geography has something to say about the type of TV you have. Having spent 37 years of my life growing up in the NW there is no way I would contemplate towing a Pod with my current TV due to the terrain, but down here in North & South Carolina it is enough to do the job. ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2013 at 4:02pm
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Hey P&M. Thanks to N.C. and Wisconsin, too, for prepping Russell Wilson to be the Seahawks quarterback. What a great young man and family to have added to our region. "Go Hawks" ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |