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r-pod pricing?

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Category: Forest River r-pod
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Topic: r-pod pricing?
Posted By: NY r-pod'r
Subject: r-pod pricing?
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 4:47am
I stopped in at my local r-pod dealer this weekend to pick up some camping supplies and get a replacement hose. My dealer asked where I got my r-pod from and I told him couchs in ohio. He asked what I paid for it and when I told him $13,295 out the door for my rp-174 he laughed and said those days are over.
 
I asked him what he meant and he said forest river has a new internet policy where dealers can not publish the price of their campers on the internet. He called it MAP pricing? I told him that the internet genie is out of the bottle and any manufacturer that thinks they can 'protect' dealers that want to charge a premium (we were standing next to their r-pods - the 171 had a big $16,500 sticker on it - plus $600 for the screen room.) will not be around.
 
Has anyone else heard this - why would forest river want to do that? From what I see here the smart dealers are competing over the internet - the guy in WI, couchs, the guy in utah, etc ... hey, if someone wants to buy locally and pay more but have the security of a local dealer more power to them.
 
Anyway, just in case this stupid policy (btw: General Motors will be allowing their dealers to sell on eBay - they are getting it) is true - I want everyone to know that I paid $13,295 - including a free 'starter' kit for my r-pod from Couch's RV Nation in Ohio.
 
I would be interested to know what did you pay for your r-pod and did you get it locally?
 
BTW: I left there and went to Walmart and picked up my supplies .. LOL.



Replies:
Posted By: geneowens
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 5:14am
I got mine at Couch's too and the 171 was a great price. Only a few local Forest River dealers even had the Pod at the time I ordered and the ones that did wanted $2000 more for the same thing. We hear a lot of talk about "free enterprise" and "competition" - I say, if you can't/will not compete then go .... Out of business!!!


Posted By: admin
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 5:45am
MAP pricing is nothing new.. many suppliers try to protect their brand value by not allowing an internet dealer to post a price well below what the local or brick-mortar location runs it at. Internet dealers can usually sell MAP restricted items for any price they choose, but they may not display in any print or online advertising, a price below the MAP figure.

What is does is require that the consumer take 1 additional step - usually entering their email, or click on a 'online chat/help button' to engage a retailers sales person to get their price. There are also review and forums that will have consumers talk about their purchase and often they will list what they paid for it.

There is some sound logic behind it, the manufactures have a large base of dealers that they want to help stay competitive and be around to service their products. But, it does fly in the face of free enterprise and open competition - unfortunately many dealers will choose to take advantage of the policy by over pricing the more popular units.


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 5:54am

$12070, 171, Stoltzfus RV in PA, all options (except white interior) and battery.  I tried my local dealer first but after getting no return call they lost the sale.  Drove 1 1/2 hours to Stolzfus.



-------------
'10 Forest River R-pod 171


Posted By: admin
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 9:19am
Good for you ... Stolzfus is a good dealership, local dealers get complacent when they think you don't have another option...


Posted By: Pam and Bob DeLay
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 9:43am
We are purchasing our 172 from Couch's in Ohio as well.  We pick it up on Friday!  CAN'T WAIT!!!!   We are really lucky -- it is only a 3 hour drive for us -- but we actually DO have a local r pod dealer in Lancaster, Ohio who we did not select.  That dealer couldn't touch Couch's prices OR knowledge level of the R pod.  In fact, the local dealer wanted to charge us $500 extra for the awning (included in Couch's price) and the price to begin with was higher.   

-------------
the hills of Ohio



Posted By: Mary & Don
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 9:57am
Pam & Bob,
Don & I are from Columbus and reached the same conclusion.  We found the Pod in Lancaster, but his price was too far out of line conpared to Jeff Couchs especially since Jeff included the extra options.  We have not regretted the decision.  Jeff and his crew have gone out of their way to help us and they have a great service department too. 


-------------
Mary & Don
R-Pod 175
Columbus, Ohio

Life is good in R-Pod!


Posted By: tedbear
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 9:59am
Couch's made me the same great deal on the 171 as others have reported getting, but my local dealer here in Omaha - A.C. Nelsen - matched their deal except for the awning (which I could have bought with the money not spent on a roadtrip to Ohio).  They are great to work with and advertise their price online, and I recommend them to anyone in the region.


Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 1:32pm
My 175 is at home and I'm in New Orleans so I can't look up the exact price I paid.  One thing else I want to say is IF a dealer of a car or camper will not post their price on the net I will NOT contact them.  If they don't put the price on the item in their lot I will not stop and ask.  I told an R-Pod dealer just that and he wasn't very nice in his reply. 

Terry


Posted By: tabkld93
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 4:26pm
We purchased from Couch's because of price and location. They are my local (50 miles) dealer.

I will tell anyone we paid $11,995 for our 172 with all options except white interior and the lift kit. You simply can't be the price. Most dealers are now matching the Couch price - the smart ones anyway. Jeff told me about the pricing directive from Forest River and he didn't like it and was going to keep posting the prices as long as possible. The days of dealing with the man behind the curtain are over. The price of a camper is no different than any retail operation.

My nearest forest river dealer skipped the line as they wanted him to buy - get this - 10 units. He didn't think a "niche" product would sell. I told him Couch had moved over two hundred. He laughed and said that was only because he was selling them out west and the local market was dead. I sure see a lot of owners in Ohio.

Enough of my rambling. Everyine should buy a pod and negotiate a fair price.

-------------
Todd, Karen & Leah
'13 Surveyor 240
'12 Ford F150 EcoBoost
Former owner of 2010 R-Pod 172


Posted By: Empty
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 5:03pm
RVMAX in Whitesboro, TX has a price of $12895 for a 172.  It does not include r-dome or microwave.  They post these prices in their trailers and on the internet.  I didn't want to go through the extra effort to go to Couch's so I am paying a premium for shopping locally.  I hope the local dealer makes my experience worth the extra coin.  The miraculous power of the internet will ensure you read about it one way or the other. Wink





Posted By: admin
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 5:09pm
You speak the truth, with a little google'ing you can pretty much find anything .. Good for you on finding what you wanted locally...


Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 5:46pm
Lol, a few of the dealers around Washington state are posting the 172 as having a $21,195 MSRP.   171 are listed out here at $19,929 MSRP on sale for $16,995 for their "liquidation" price.   Unfortunately Couch's is a bit out of the way for us out here.  But transportation costs around around $2000-$2500 if you decide to have one delivered from Ohio.  I find that most dealers are willing to deal, but like you the dealer has transportation costs. 

So its not quite possible to get down to east coast prices out here unless you factor it in but if you know what you want to pay going in most dealers right now don't want a sale to walk and are willing to negotiate quite a bit.


Posted By: matt
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 6:14pm
Ditto for me.  I live in Columbus and found the 172 at Specialty RV's space at the January RV show.  They are very friendly, but wanted more money (document and setup fees???) and lacked the knowledge of Couch's - they seemed to be "figuring out" the Pods as we looked at them.  You won't regret the drive to Couch's.


Posted By: jlhyatt
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 6:17pm
I purchased mine at Lazy Days RV Center in Florida. Paid way, way to much for it, should have shopped around. First and last buy from Lazy Days. No support from them after purchase. Should and will buy local next time.

-------------
jim


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2009 at 8:40pm
Bought ours from Horn's RV in Sheboygan, WI, great dealers, for just under $11K.  Did not want the R-dome or TV/DVD.  Happy with the price we paid and the dealer.  No Complaints.  We did stop in at another dealer in Lake Mills, WI, today to fix a problem with our city water inlet.  (They were on our way home)  We were told we had to take it back to the dealer we bought it from, which I know was incorrect.  They were helpful and told us what the problem was and how to fix it.  We will make an attempt to fix it ourself, since the part was only $15 and it would cost us more in gas to drive back to Horn's.   

-------------
Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: Empty
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 2:44am
You might consider a quick e-mail to Forest River if this dealer is violating a corporate warranty policy.  It might not help you, but it may pay dividends for the r-pod community in the long run.  I can't help think that Forest River can afford to let the dealers be short sided at it's expense.

I'm pretty up front with the dealer in letting them know that I belong to this community and that I'm writing all my experiences for the world to see.  Does it impact behavior?  Time will tell.  


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 4:34am
We told them right up front we did not buy it from them, and they where on the defensive right away.   We also told them we were moving and they would be closer for us for service work, but that didn't make any difference.  They told us each Forest River Dealer were responsible for their own warranty work and we needed to return to the dealer we bought it from.  They were helpful and friendly.  They just refused to do the warranty work.  I thought about reporting them to Forest River and still might.  Our first thought was if someone were traveling and had an issue, what was a person suppose to do?  Even his logic wouldn't make any senseLOL.  We didn't want to argue in case we would use them in the future, after warranty, for service work.

-------------
Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: Gomjabber
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 5:38am
Good info as I will have to choose between those two dealers.
Good to know what you paid too because that is exactly what I want to get with the same options.

Big smile


Posted By: admin
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 7:53am
Originally posted by Empty Empty wrote:

I'm pretty up front with the dealer in letting them know that I belong to this community and that I'm writing all my experiences for the world to see.  Does it impact behavior?  Time will tell.


If they are smart it will ... forums like this keep the retailers/dealers on alert. I called and talked to Couch's today and they order 40-50 r-pods a month from forest river .. their next order will be around 15 (a couple of each model) since they have no idea of the reaction and drop in sales due to the MAP pricing mandate.

MAP pricing is a band-aid to the real problem that many of Forest Rivers dealers have not bothered to asses the impact of the Internet on their business model and FR is not forward thinking enough to help them (not that they have a handle on it either) .. that's the problem and same lack of foresight that allowed the Toyota's and Honda's to over take the US auto manufacturers in the 70's and 80's.  All it will take is a savvy RV Manufacturer to embrace the internet and local needs and if they build a good product they will move light years ahead.


Posted By: NY r-pod'r
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 8:00am
I talked to their guy, Doug, at Couch's when I got my r-pod. He told me that he came from an Ad agency that handled Cintas and other big internet accounts. He went to school with Jeff and come on after a year of Jeff asking him to. He told me that back in November he personally created the r-pod buzz by creating blogs, something called Vuvox ad's, and applied all  the internet marketing skills he applied there .. he is even a marketing speaker http://www.onlinemarketingconnect.com/douglenos/ - http://www.onlinemarketingconnect.com/douglenos/ ... no wonder Jeff is doing so well.. it sounds like Forest River needs to call this guy up and get his advice... LOL.


Posted By: tedbear
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 8:17am
Originally posted by rpodAdmin rpodAdmin wrote:

Originally posted by Empty Empty wrote:

I'm pretty up front with the dealer in letting them know that I belong to this community and that I'm writing all my experiences for the world to see.  Does it impact behavior?  Time will tell.


If they are smart it will ... forums like this keep the retailers/dealers on alert. I called and talked to Couch's today and they order 40-50 r-pods a month from forest river .. their next order will be around 15 (a couple of each model) since they have no idea of the reaction and drop in sales due to the MAP pricing mandate.

MAP pricing is a band-aid to the real problem that many of Forest Rivers dealers have not bothered to asses the impact of the Internet on their business model and FR is not forward thinking enough to help them (not that they have a handle on it either) .. that's the problem and same lack of foresight that allowed the Toyota's and Honda's to over take the US auto manufacturers in the 70's and 80's.  All it will take is a savvy RV Manufacturer to embrace the internet and local needs and if they build a good product they will move light years ahead.
 
Ditto that.  I am constantly bewildered that here in 2009, a good decade since the internet as we know it came into existence, there are still so many companies that have failed to embrace the new business model and "get with the program" so to speak.  Those who do are the ones getting the business and rightfully so.  It is neither complicated or expensive to set up a web site, though some places have done that but still offer a tired, old product that looks just like it did in the 70s, not that I am naming names (Scamp), so a web site isn't everything but just the way business is done here in the new century.  Hats off to Couch's for creating the buzz, and even though I didn't buy from them they are the ones who steered me away from other campers I would have "settled" for - my 171 is the travel trailer of my dreams.


Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 8:22am
Couches told me that a Forest River dealer has to do warranty work even if they did not sell the unit.  True or not I don't know.   But a dealer here in Florida did do warranty work for me and mine came from Couches in Ohio. 

Terry

PS:  Couches set up the appointment for me in FL.


Posted By: admin
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 8:41am
What Forest River and their local non-internet dealers that have basically forced FR to this mandate don't realize is that all this will do is let those dealers sink back into their hole all comfortable in the fact that they will get their 'local' traffic at 30+ % margin.. that will be their downfall. Their model is flawed in today's age and it will get worse as everyone gets PDA's, iPhones and other devices that brings the internet to the palm of their hand.
 
The internet dealers will continue to find other avenues on the internet to promote their product and they will switch over to other manufacturers eventually .. in the end it will be FR losing customers to other manufacturers that will cause them to wake up.


Posted By: admin
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 8:44am
Originally posted by TerryM TerryM wrote:

Couches told me that a Forest River dealer has to do warranty work even if they did not sell the unit.  True or not I don't know.   But a dealer here in Florida did do warranty work for me and mine came from Couches in Ohio.
 
Again - a SMART dealer will do the warrenty work - they can refuse it. What you should always do is call and ask for the service guy - he is charged with turning a profit for the service area - if you call the sales guy he may shut you down since you did not buy it there ... again, stupid business practice, but I have seen it. I hate to beat a dead horse but those dealers have one foot in the grave and these practices only speed up their burial.


Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 1:13pm
MAP is a common tactic used on the internet for everything from TV's, computers, appliances, etc.   Anytime you have been to on online electronics store or web page for a brick and mortar store that says "check price in cart", this is a result of MAP.  They can't advertise the price, but if you go to buy it or request a quote they tell you the price.
 
Minimum advertised  price always fails as a market protection technique in a marketplace saturated with competing brands.  As the real competition for a product is not between dealers of the same product but with competition against other manufacturers products.    In that regard MAP hurts brick and mortar's more then etailers.    A brick and mortar dealership primarily uses tv/print/radio for primary marketing.   Which means they can't advertise their low prices, which potentially means that it drives business to other products such as Tab or tada trailers.   An etailer can almost always get around the MAP by have a "request quote" button to send folks a quote or through numerous other loop holes.   If FR goes further and tries to enforce a minumum selling price barried in a MAP agreement they will be committing suicide for their brand as they will have eliminated their products price point advantage.  Which doesn't make sense really, as FR makes money on the quanity of trailers sold, not the price the dealer actually sells it for.


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 1:25pm
Yep they would be digging a hole if it's based on my type of shopping.  No price...move on till I find it.  If I have to "request" a quote and give my information...move on.  If all I have to do is click "buy" to get a price...then I'll check it.  Otherwise...move on to the next website that'll give me a price.

-------------
Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 1:30pm
Thanks rpodAdmin for the tip when calling for service work.  If we are unsuccessful in replacing the part, we'll keep that in mind if we go to the "other" dealer to get warranty work.

-------------
Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: cane2
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 3:30pm
I have a dealer that is thirty miles from my house that gave me a quote of $19,500 for a 171 that later i found out to be a 2009. I did not feel like countering his offer. I came home got on puter and found this site and Jeff and a another dealer sixty miles from me that quoted $12,300 for a 2010  171 with a 27 size battery and a carrier air conditioner. so as soon as doctor gives me the OK i am off to buy a pod. 60 miles away.


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 4:11pm
Originally posted by yizit yizit wrote:

Yep they would be digging a hole if it's based on my type of shopping.  No price...move on till I find it.  If I have to "request" a quote and give my information...move on.  If all I have to do is click "buy" to get a price...then I'll check it.  Otherwise...move on to the next website that'll give me a price.
 
+1
 
This has been true for me for all online shopping for years. 


-------------
'10 Forest River R-pod 171


Posted By: Joe-Eastern Shore MD
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 5:13pm
Had a call from Brooks Ramsey RV, White Marsh, MD today telling me they had received a 175 and others for me to look at. 
 
In our conversation, I mentioned the "dealer in Ohio" and the fact that some dealers were trying to get MSRP pricing and that if that was his case, I'd save the drive over.  He did say he would negotiate and I said I would like to do business with him but wouldn't exclude a trip West to save big bucks.
 
He did cordially manage to mention that folks who didn't buy from him, but came to him for warrany work would "have to wait a while".
 
So it becomes a math equation.  If I can save several thousand $$ by going to Ohio, am I prepared to essentially give up the warranty for all but major defects.
 
Will be in that area again on Monday and will update if there's any interesting developments.
 
Joe- Eastern Shore MD
looking for a "home" on wheels


Posted By: Empty
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 5:54pm
Quote .... 
He did cordially manage to mention that folks who didn't buy from him, but came to him for warrany work would "have to wait a while".....
 
Joe- Eastern Shore MD
looking for a "home" on wheels

I think we should post Dealerships that are difficult to deal with as well as names of salesmen.  The power we have is in that potential buyers and current owners know of whom to stay clear.  When you google r-pod this site is in the top three.  I cruised this site to see what was what and other potential buyers will as well. 

 Dealers may forget all the other stuff that needs to bought to deck out the r-pod ( r-dome, convection oven, hoses, screens , locks, non warranty service ect).  There is still a lot of money left on the table for them to grab after the big sale...if they'd just use the head extractor tool and give good customer service.


Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2009 at 6:02pm

Being that I come from a family who has had more then a few car salesmen in it over the years, I know most of the tricks of the trade.    While they use alot of tricks, threats should never be one of them.   I would say that a dealer who made that type of comment wouldn't get my business at all.   I would view that kind of "sales" tactic as a losely veiled threat and would report it to the sales manager at the rv dealership.   A threat such as  warranty work from other dealers "have to wait a while", to me shows a lack of integrity on their part so I would bring it to the sales managers attention, and check with them to see if that is how they train their salesmen to do business.  



Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2009 at 6:40pm
FYI: Looks like couch has switched his site over to deal with forest river MAP pricing policy.    You don't see his low prices on his page anymore, there is a little "get sale price" button which you click and it emails you a price quote pretty much instantly.   He has a little blurb about the MAP pricing on the front page now.
 
 


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2009 at 4:01am
But his Vuvox site still has prices right there...
 
Joe-Eastern Shore:  Just FYI, I called Brooks Ramsey FIRST and the salesman I spoke to took my info down and promised to call me within a day to let me know what models they had and expected soon from the factory.  Never got a call back.  So they lost my sale to Stoltzfus RV in PA.  For what its worth Couch's did the same thing - I called the number they list next to Doug's name, never got a call back.


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'10 Forest River R-pod 171


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2009 at 4:04am
Here is the full text of Couch's posting.  He comes darn close to saying his actual asking price.  He mentions rpodnation, too...
 

Jeff Couch’s RV Nation offers the widest selection of Forest River RV’s at wholesale prices. Our Ohio wholesale RV Dealership has a large inventory of new and used Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers, and Toy Haulers and the lowest price in the country on the all new http://www.couchsrvnation.com/r-pod - 2010 lite weight r-pod campers for you to choose from.

MAP Pricing - Forest River has recently mandated that all their dealers must not publish their selling price on the internet. Instead, their dealers must publish a "Minimum Advertised Price" and require the customer to ask for the sell price by clicking on the 'Sale Price' link. RV Nation has long had the lowest prices on the internet - our prices are literally thousands of dollars below the MAP price and lower than any dealer in the country. For example, the r-pod the MAP price is in the $17,000+ range, while our fully loaded price for the rp-175 is below $13,000!

Check out the r-pod owners forum at http://www.rpodnation.com/ - rpodnation.com . Here you will find many satisfied owners from all over the US and Canada talking about the great deals they got here at RV Nation.



-------------
'10 Forest River R-pod 171


Posted By: admin
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2009 at 7:04am
Looks like they put it back ... I emailed Jeff as to why and he said they got 380 emails from 4pm last night until 10am today... many were also upset that the prices are not visible. He also said many other dealers did not comply and left their pricing the same .. looks like FR may have to decide if they want to risk losing their better dealers over this.. it will be interesting to see how it works out.


Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2009 at 7:12am
FYI, the two local dealers I know of around Washington state just knocked about 3k off their "list" prices for R-Pod's.  Still puts their pricing way off over dealers back east.   But seen the 172's listed now in the 13-14k range when they used to be listing them in the 17k range.   Of course transportation costs from the manufacturer are much higher out here then back east, but nice to see them "list price" coming down.   But could be them just trying to liquidate old models prior to new models being announced.


Posted By: duder
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2009 at 8:11am

I see the prices are back on Jeff's site, way to go!



-------------
Chuck and Bev
2010 R-Pod 172

Happy Trails!!!!


Posted By: tedbear
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2009 at 9:12am
This is an industry that simply refuses to accept that times have changed.  They have weathered other recessions and see this one as no different, but they fail to realize that today's customers aren't the same ones they sold to in the 90s and 80s and 70s.  Those tired, old snake oil sales tactics just don't work anymore, people have more choices than ever (God Bless The Internet!) and can share information in a way that was never possible before (case in point: this forum).  Smart dealers are savvy to this and embrace it the way Couch's does, and look at their sales - it speaks for itself.  Any other dealer could do the same, but they refuse to change their high-margin/low-volume mentality instead of lowering the price, encouraing more sales and putting people back to work building, selling and servicing RVs.  Duping the customer is a death wish for those who try it, and We The People hold the power to who survives and who doesn't - vote with your checkbook, and good riddance to the scammers and schemers.


Posted By: tedbear
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2009 at 1:51pm
Check out this from The Golden Guide To Camping (C) 1965:
 


Posted By: Joe-Eastern Shore MD
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2009 at 2:56pm
Managed to stop by B-Ramsey today after visiting a friend who is in Johns-Hopkins.  One of their salesmen called me yesterday to remind me the trlrs had arrived. 
 
Gal there today showed me the 171,172,175 and was surprised to find out about this group.  She was also surprised to find out they lost a sale due to non returned calls....said it must have been a fluke Wink .  They've been very responsive to me so far.
 
Now I have to decide which model I want before discussing prices with them.


Posted By: retired Roxy
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2009 at 8:54am
I bought my 172 in Southern California. They are very limited out here-just starting to be on the lots. My dealer matched the price I was quoted on the phone by a Texas distributer with internet pricing, including the dome tent. I bought the cover for $300, also. Shipping to California is very expensive and that is included in the price but as always Calif taxes and license fees add $$$ to the cost.

Now I am starting the remodeling inside. I will be traveling with my dog so I don't need to sleep 4, just 1 1/2 so I am having a friend cut out the middle of top bunk and converting the sides to hold great storage area. (closet on a shelf) He will be hanging another TV under what is left of the top bunk for TV watching in bed. He is also going to build a minny wall unit on one arm of the u-shaped dining area for a larger tv, wireless printer and more storage. More $$$ but it should be perfect for me. Also, if I have designed this correctly, it can easily be converted to sleep 3 with the removal of the wall unit.

Are there any other r-pod owners in Southern CA???


Posted By: Bigbit
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2009 at 8:59am
Hi Roxy,
 
I think you and I are the only SoCal folks on this board.
 
I live in Upland and am picking up my R-Pod 175 from Giant RV tomorrow.  The only other dealer that I know of around here is Barber RV in Ventura, who are 90 miles away.
 
What dealer are you working with?


-------------
Regards,

Bigbit

2010 Trailmanor Elkmont
Tow Vehicle: 2009 Buick Enclave CXL (Cliffy)


Posted By: retired Roxy
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2009 at 9:04am
I got the same threat from my dealer but since he matched the price I was quoted on the internet I bought from him. Also, he is 20 minutes from my home and the repair shop is 3 miles from my home. I was kinda stuck. What was interesting, I went to one of the other satelite stores and they would not meat the price, I went to my local satelite dealer of the same company and they did.
They have their flaws but at least they are close!


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2009 at 4:11pm
Originally posted by Joe-Eastern Shore MD Joe-Eastern Shore MD wrote:

She was also surprised to find out they lost a sale due to non returned calls....said it must have been a fluke Wink . 
 
And wouldn't you know it - yesterday they called me back.  Imagine the coincidence.  The guy claimed he had been out of town.  LOL  I told him I already had one sitting in my driveway, he took the news well. 


-------------
'10 Forest River R-pod 171


Posted By: Rpodluvr
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2009 at 4:47am
How I wish I lived in the US!    When it comes to pricing for R-pods, you guys have it all over us. We paid $18,000 for our 172 (taxes, etc. included) here in Nova Scotia. The dealer also included the dome.


Posted By: Tink
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2009 at 5:38am
I bought my 174 from a dealer in Kentucky. Two hours away. I paid $500 more for it but I didn't have to pay the Ohio document fees ($200)  and other hidden charges.  I paid the Kentucky sales tax and then when I registered it in TN I paid the other 1% . So I paid $13,500. I thought that was a deal since I only drove 2 hours instead of 5 hours away. AND I have a dealer in knoxville who doesn't carry R_Pods but will take care of my warranty work.

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Tink'rPod 174 Knoxville,TN,


Posted By: RpodMan
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 4:24am

You all need to be very careful with the thought of driving to a dealer that may have prices lower than your local dealer. Sometimes these deals are not quite what they seem.   If you ARE willing to drive to pick up your pod, ANY DEALER, including your local dealer can have the unit PDI'd (Pre-Delivery-Inspection) and a walk through in the Goshen/ Elkhart Area.  That way, you can also take a tour of the plant and see how your pod was built!



Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 4:56am
Originally posted by Rpodluvr Rpodluvr wrote:

How I wish I lived in the US!    When it comes to pricing for R-pods, you guys have it all over us. We paid $18,000 for our 172 (taxes, etc. included) here in Nova Scotia. The dealer also included the dome.


For $18,000 all-in, you paid $2071 in HST (NS has 13% HST, doesn't it?), meaning it was $15,929 CDN before taxes.  At today's conversion rate, that would be $14,530 USD.  Considering that your price includes an r-dome, freight and dealer prep, I think that fares pretty well against US pricing.


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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray


Posted By: Rpodluvr
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 5:32am
Duh! Must have been having a "blond moment".   

Pam


Posted By: Phil H
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2009 at 2:54am
I noticed Couch's have taken the selling prices off their website AGAIN!! Cry


Posted By: MaltnHops
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2009 at 11:59am
Roxy,
 
Where did you buy yours from and what did you pay?  I'm going to be buying one in October or November.


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2009 at 12:44pm
Originally posted by Phil H Phil H wrote:

I noticed Couch's have taken the selling prices off their website AGAIN!! Cry
 
I checked after you posted that and it was up, I wonder how often they take it down every day?  Confused


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'10 Forest River R-pod 171


Posted By: retired Roxy
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2009 at 2:14pm
I bought mine (172) from giant RV in Murrieta. I had called a dealership in Texas and had a price quote of 13,500 with the dome shade and all extras included.   I called couches and they quoted me $500 less but shipping would eat that up plus additional shipping costs.

I went to Giant RV near Ontario and they said they couldn't meet the price.,
I went to Murietta and they agreed to meet it. I also bought the cover for $300.00 which is the price quote from texas. It included shipping Then I had to add CA taxes and license fees. Out the door was $15,000 plus. I would have to look at my receipt. I charged it and then paid off my bill so I had the brownie points on my credit card.

I haven't used mine yet as it is getting 'modified' to fit my dog and me. Plus I am still buying all of the goodies needed to outfit it.

Good luck on your purchase.


Posted By: MaltnHops
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2009 at 2:25pm
Originally posted by retired Roxy retired Roxy wrote:

I bought mine (172) from giant RV in Murrieta. I had called a dealership in Texas and had a price quote of 13,500 with the dome shade and all extras included.   I called couches and they quoted me $500 less but shipping would eat that up plus additional shipping costs.

I went to Giant RV near Ontario and they said they couldn't meet the price.,
I went to Murietta and they agreed to meet it. I also bought the cover for $300.00 which is the price quote from texas. It included shipping Then I had to add CA taxes and license fees. Out the door was $15,000 plus. I would have to look at my receipt. I charged it and then paid off my bill so I had the brownie points on my credit card.

I haven't used mine yet as it is getting 'modified' to fit my dog and me. Plus I am still buying all of the goodies needed to outfit it.

Good luck on your purchase.
Interesting.  I never thought about charging it to a card.  If you do that, can you still write off the interest as a second home?


Posted By: Empty
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2009 at 3:16pm
Originally posted by MaltnHops MaltnHops wrote:

Originally posted by retired Roxy retired Roxy wrote:

I bought mine (172) from giant RV in Murrieta. I had called a dealership in Texas and had a price quote of 13,500 with the dome shade and all extras included.   I called couches and they quoted me $500 less but shipping would eat that up plus additional shipping costs.

I went to Giant RV near Ontario and they said they couldn't meet the price.,
I went to Murietta and they agreed to meet it. I also bought the cover for $300.00 which is the price quote from texas. It included shipping Then I had to add CA taxes and license fees. Out the door was $15,000 plus. I would have to look at my receipt. I charged it and then paid off my bill so I had the brownie points on my credit card.

I haven't used mine yet as it is getting 'modified' to fit my dog and me. Plus I am still buying all of the goodies needed to outfit it.

Good luck on your purchase.
   
Interesting.  I never thought about charging it to a card.  If you do that, can you still write off the interest as a second home?

I did the same thing to get the sky miles.  I could borrow someone else's money for a month with no interest.


-------------
Mike, Kim and Kane (ARF!)
2010 172
'03 Honda Odyssey


Posted By: Maryjo
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2009 at 4:47am
I got my 173 at a dealership in Texas. I saw Couches price on the internet and took the information to the dealer close to where I live. He matched the price, plus all the extras thrown in including the Dome. Of course I still had to pay shipping, but I think I got a good deal at 13,499.

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FoxyPod (Maryjo)2010 R-Pod 173 Tow Vehicle:2004 Expedition


Posted By: rpodmania
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2009 at 2:27pm
I cant believe the pricing your getting in the U.S
Im in Canada and you would be shocked to know how much we paid for ours.
Im almost feeling a little ripped off after reading this thread.Cry


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2010 171
Ford f-150 5.4L


Posted By: nucamper
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2009 at 4:53pm
We have contacted Couches about ordering an R 177. The price was great. Don't know exactly how the financing works. Do you make a deposit and pay balance upon delivery? Sending this much money to a stranger several hundred miles away is a little scary!

Would appreciate feedback on your experience.

Thanks!Shocked


Posted By: Tusten Traveler
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2009 at 5:59pm
They wanted a $500 deposit to order exactly what we wanted and that can be placed on a credit card which makes it safe. Couch's will accept up to $2000 on a credit card.
 
We picked ours up and paid the maximum we could on a credit card (to get air miles) and paid the rest with secured funds. Don't know how it works if you are going to have them deliver.
 
I will tell you they are extremely easy to work with and the gal who does the financing/financial stuff (can't recall her name) was very personable and accessible for multiple questions.


-------------
John and Linda
One 14 lb Cockapoo
2010 RPod 174


Posted By: NY r-pod'r
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2009 at 6:12pm
I thought about having it delivered ... they just ask for the $500 deposit (refundable) ... prior to it leaving their building it has to be paid for in full. The delivery company has insurance on it until you get it and accept it. Then is it yours. I looked and could not find any bad reference or issues with them delivering a camper long distance... they said they ship as many as 50 campers out of state every month...


Posted By: nucamper
Date Posted: 17 Sep 2009 at 4:25pm
Thanks! Your comments have made me much more comfortable about this transaction!

Big smile


Posted By: pepperpod
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2009 at 4:15am
I agree with this.  I went to the Couch site yesterday and asked for a quote.  My answer was in my email box within 10 minutes.  Doug sent me quotes for ALL of the R Pods although I had only asked for the 172.
We are seriously considering them since the local dealer is asking $3000 more for the 172. Smile


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Pepper,Coach,and Henry (a very brave little Maltese)
R Pod 172

The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor...unknown


Posted By: Bakes99
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 9:12am
In the process of trying to get one here in BC.  In contact with 3 dealers here now.  Would love to know if the price I'm being quoted is competitive here in BC.  Doesn't seem as if the price goes down at all in the off season.  If anyone has any experience with purchasing in British Columbia, Canada, Chime in please.
Thanks


Posted By: tsunami
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 2:55pm
Got a reply from Couch's on pricing in only thirty minutes after emailing them!
Because winter is coming to the upper Midwest this weekend...Couch's stated
that they would provide free storage until April if the unit were paid for now.
I am 900 miles from couch's but my local dealer wants nearly the MSRP price
plus shipping charge.  Thinking about taking an early spring trip to Ohio!


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tsunami


Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 3:06pm
Originally posted by tsunami tsunami wrote:

Got a reply from Couch's on pricing in only thirty minutes after emailing them!
Because winter is coming to the upper Midwest this weekend...Couch's stated
that they would provide free storage until April if the unit were paid for now.
I am 900 miles from couch's but my local dealer wants nearly the MSRP price
plus shipping charge.  Thinking about taking an early spring trip to Ohio!
 
If you are looking to save some miles might want to check out Country campers in Lake Mills, WI.   It seems quite a few poddies on here got theirs from there are good prices, and it appears to be a bit closer to you.


Posted By: Saskpodders
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 6:14am
Bakes99 - Here is a site in Saskatoon, SK with some prices.  (http://lardners.com/)

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Saskpodders - '10 RP171
06 Chevy Silverado 5.3 V8
"Land of Living Skies"


Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 7:05am
Originally posted by Bakes99 Bakes99 wrote:

In the process of trying to get one here in BC.  In contact with 3 dealers here now.  Would love to know if the price I'm being quoted is competitive here in BC.  Doesn't seem as if the price goes down at all in the off season.  If anyone has any experience with purchasing in British Columbia, Canada, Chime in please.
Thanks

Bakes99,

I don't live in BC but bit to the south of you in Washington state.    The transportation costs the dealers pay to get a trailer to the NW runs in the $1500-$2200 range depending on how they transport it.    Most all dealers pay the same for the base trailer, you see differences in dealer cost across the continent mainly based on transportation costs and overheads.   Older dealerships in theory have less overhead.
The advertised prices don't always go down in the off season, but what dealers will accept as an offer often goes down during the off season and often a bit more at the end of the month if their sales figures have been down.
   Take a look at the prices at dealerships in the midwest and what others are paying and add maybe $2k to that, and I would assume that would be in the range of what you should expect to pay for a trailer in the NW.    I wouldn't pay the $18k I have seen NW dealers and Canadian dealers list as their "sale price".
   The thing to remember is that dealers will almost never give you the "best price for you" over the phone, or over the internet.   As at that point you are a prospect, and not a sale.    They will give you the "best price for them" which is the price they think they can get you into the dealership and what you might pay based on what other options you might want.
    Never let the dealer tell you what they are going to sell you to trailer for, you should be telling them what you are going to pay.   Do your homework, figure out what you think is reasonable based on where you are.   Find a dealership with the one you want in stock, and walk in with your down payment/load application in hand and tell them what you are ready to pay and that you are looking to take home a trailer today.    If within 20minutes you haven't gotten to your price, just leave.   Its after all your money.   
    For example in washington state, the 4 dealers I know of where all advertising a fully loaded 2010 172 for $16999->17999 "onsale", but was able to pick up mine for a little over $13.5 with a bunch of other stuff included.   It just took several attempts with different sales people and different dealerships, untill I found the one who really wanted to actually make a sale.   I walked out of one dealership twice, and came back.   Each time I came back dealer came down a bit more.   The important thing it to remember to yourself that you 'want' to buy the trailer today but you don't 'need' to.   The dealership is betting on your emotional 'need' to have a trailer today when they are trying to negotiate the price.   If you don't walk in that door with that 'need' then the dealership has lost most of its power over you.

Everyone has there own opinions of how to buy a car or an RV, the above is just my humble opinion based on personal experience and advise from all the car salesmen that seem to be in my family. :)  



Posted By: Bakes99
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 2:33pm
Will take that advice with me,  Thank you.  


Posted By: Bakes99
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 7:06pm
I Hope dealers don't read this site.  Going into the dealer this weekend.  Really like to buy from these guys b/c of the location, especially in regards to warranty work, but they are more expensive then anywhere else in the province, probably in Canada.  Otherwise I have  to go along way and probably spend the extra money in travel costs and ferries to order it elsewhere, Where I could easily save a couple of grand. Kind of a no win situation.  My hands are somewhat tied if I want this unit.  Guess I don't have a question, just venting.


Posted By: campyman1977
Date Posted: 11 Oct 2009 at 4:27pm
Hey All:  I have my 171 for sale for $11,000.  Used 12 times so still in mint condition with that 'new camper' smell still there.  We live near Appleton Wisconsin.  Post reply if interested.Smile

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Get out there.


Posted By: Bakes99
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2009 at 3:03pm
Put an offer of 20,000 all in at the dealer.  Lowest they would go is 21000 Canadian.  Axle risers, awning and a/c only.  No other options.  Good deal or not?


Posted By: Mamajomba
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2009 at 3:34pm
Others may pay less, some may even pay more.  IMO, whether or not you get a good deal depends upon you.  If you think the r-pod you are buying is worth what you have to pay then you're getting a good deal.  That's how I've looked at it.  I could have taken about 5 days off, spent $$$ on travel to pay $13K+ at Couch's, but I thought dealing with a local dealer and not having to take off and travel was worth paying the higher price I ended up agreeing to.  Good luck in finding an r-pod at the price that is right for you.


Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2009 at 4:24pm
Originally posted by Bakes99 Bakes99 wrote:

Put an offer of 20,000 all in at the dealer.  Lowest they would go is 21000 Canadian.  Axle risers, awning and a/c only.  No other options.  Good deal or not?
My personal opinion that is way high.   MSRP around $20000 for R-pod's, I know some people have paid that but still seems excessive.    Did dealer give you an itemized quote?   Did he happen to list destination fees?   Trying to figure out why dealer has them so high.   Dealers in Saskatchewan are advertising fully loaded 172's for 17000 (don't know which model you are looking at) and I can't seem to think that the destination/transportation fees are that higher to get trailers to BC dealers.  You in northern or southern BC?


Posted By: PodPatrol
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2009 at 6:18pm
We are purchasing at Couch's because of the great price, which includes all options, and we have heard great things about their store and their people. We are purchasing the 177 for under 14,000 US. Its a 5hr or so drive from us. Perhaps when towing it will be somewhat longer. If there are any "Major" malfunctions, or Factory recalls, or bullentins, then we will travel back to OH and deal with it.(as long as we're not burning up bearings every 50 miles). Id rather travel the 5 or so hours it takes to get there, and deal with a reputable dealer, than spend the extra 5plusThousand $, purchase locally, and get questionable service.
If you have a dealer you trust/like, then it may be to your advantage to buy locally.
No Harm In That !!!
 
The dealers here are questionable, and they still require a drive to get there. Not 5 hours, but a few at least.
Like mentioned before, its all about how you feel about the deal your getting.
 
An advantage to one, might be a disadvantage to another.
 
HAPPY PODing !!!


Posted By: Bakes99
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2009 at 7:40pm
I'm surprised with the recession that dealers would not compete for my business a little more.  Hard to hear everyone getting great deals in the US and even in Canada, but for some reason, here in the West, I have to give my right arm.  
TO ANY DEALERS, I will gladly pay 20,000 dollars Canadian, all in, for an RPOD 172, (No entertainment unit or micro)  
Getting desperate and whiney


Posted By: gepaine
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2009 at 7:56pm
Bakes99,
 
Would the Seattle area be too far for you to travel to make a purchase? In July 2009 I bought a 2010 RP-175 with all options except the the axle risers. I paid $17,000 US plus sales tax at Poulsbo RV in Mt. Vernon, WA.


-------------
Gene & Linda - 2007 Escalade - 24-Foot Keystone Cougar TT- Life is not just about gas mileage!


Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2009 at 8:02pm
Bakes99,
 
Not sure where you are in BC, but here are some forest river dealers in BC that carry rpod's.
http://www.trianglerv.com/index.php - http://www.trianglerv.com/index.php
http://www.travelhome.com/Sales/travel-trailers/r-pod/r-pod.html - http://www.travelhome.com/Sales/travel-trailers/r-pod/r-pod.html
http://www.leisurelandrvpenticton.com/ - http://www.leisurelandrvpenticton.com/


Posted By: Bakes99
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2009 at 3:33pm
Originally posted by gmandual gmandual wrote:

Bakes99,
 
Not sure where you are in BC, but here are some forest river dealers in BC that carry rpod's.
http://www.trianglerv.com/index.php - http://www.trianglerv.com/index.php
http://www.travelhome.com/Sales/travel-trailers/r-pod/r-pod.html - http://www.travelhome.com/Sales/travel-trailers/r-pod/r-pod.html
http://www.leisurelandrvpenticton.com/ - http://www.leisurelandrvpenticton.com/

Let's put it this way, it won't be Trianglerv.  I would rather pay the extra travel costs and deal with the 2nd two.



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