Expertise and opinions please

[zeropunch]

It has become apparent due to the economic reality of the day, forced early retirement losses in home value and IRA?s,  that a new Hitchiker is not in our near future.  Our desire to get out on the road is no less diminished so we have been looking at used units of all brands. We have looked at all makes, models, the oldest a 1997 Alpinlite, of all that we have looked at only three manufactures products have looked to have stood the test of time, the above mentioned Alpinlite, Excels and of course Hitchiker.

We had considered a toyhauler but really don?t care for them but we do want to take our motorcycles so looking for a slightly used Hitchiker triple slide max 35? and plan on a swivelwheel to tote them.  I also wish to remain within the tow limits or nearly so of my F350 CC DRW. Searching the web I have found several that would meet our needs and being frugal I hate to shell out more than I have to. These are mostly 5-10 year old units HH II?s, Snowbirds of various denotations. I have not seen any of them as most are located some distance so they may suffer some deficiency unlike those we have looked at.  It seems that dealer?s prices are 15-25% above NADA and private party sales are asking even more. Could be the private parties are upside down and just trying to break even though I wouldn?t think so on a 8-10 year old coach, but hey I could be wrong on that.

Anyway I have a few questions, are these older units constructed the same as the present models with the blue Dow foam and were they all capable of adding a receiver hitch if not so equipped, I've noticed some have them and others do not.

["Highlander"]

I don't know about all, but most are..
check the http://nuwa.com/archives/ for any additional  info...
Highlander

[GlenH]

Our 1998 HH II built and purchased in 1997 had the blue dow foam. It also had the youngs frame and the 2" receiver hitch.
 We kept this trailer untill late 2008 when we got our 327 DA.
 
 NuWa has some very good used HH in the inventory.  Worth your while to check them out.
 Looks like some very good deals. You know they are in top shape or Mike would not sell them.
 
 Good luck in finding what you want.

[CampingCaptain]

To add to what GlenH posted, the used units at NuWa are either refurbished or if not, Mike Mitchell has stated that the customer will be told what is wrong.  I also think you'll get a fair price at NuWa as I also remember that Mike mentioned something about the used units being priced below NADA.  Just go to NuWa's main page and then click on the link for inventory.

Bryan

[Bruce and Bunny]

Our 94 SnowBird had the blue foam walls and a Young's frame.  Also the older NuWa's have the stick built walls.  Not really sure when they started using the aluminum studs. We run that trailer 14 years, 12 of them full time.
Bruce

[mmitc100]

Not sure where home is for you, but we have a good variety of used units at the factory.   They are fairly priced and more importantly we do inspect them closely and fix any major issues we discover.  I think this fact is worth more to used unit buyers than they realize.  I now realize that many used unit owners and even dealers sell units with "issues" which the buyer will not realize exists for some time.  At NuWa we know what to look for and I suspect we discover most of these issues,(and spend the money to properly repair them) even though we won't warranty them, since we just can't be obligated to what might not be known.  I would like to use the word "refurbish", but just can't get comfortable with the suggestion of warranty this word includes.  Tires, brakes and bearings are also inspected and we typically have some "bargain" tires which are in great shape when traded to us for upgrade tires.  NuWa is having no problem selling all of the used units we take in trade.  At this moment our inventory is a little larger than normal because of the tough Winter weather.  It also means we have the best selection at this time.   We will do what you ask to guide you to a unit that fits your needs and desires and we will be your "shopper".   Unlike new units which are "no haggle" priced, we do have a little room for negotiation in used units, because like you we are not certain of the value. NuWa does not make much profit on used units, but the trades are an important tool to help us sell our production.   Our practice is to allow as much as we can to the party who trades the unit and then to fairly price it according to age and equipment.  If we have to spend labor dollars to bring the unit to "standards", that cost is borne by NuWa or the person who traded the unit.   Several units impress me at present.  Two Newmar products are worth every bit of what we are asking.  They are both in great shape and like HitchHikers are not lightweights and are quality built.  Take a look at the 2007 31'LK DA new unit if it is in your budget; it's a great buy.  And we have two 34.5 DA models which will be performing fulltimer units for years.   Orv or Ed will be your personal shopper if you want them to be and send whatever photos or info is needed.      MIKE

[Jeff Collingwood]

Personally I would start looking a the NuWa factory for a used trailer.  I would also be willing to wait for one too.  I'd want one that they refurbished.  Prior to 2005 most all the trailers had wood frames.  Now they have a combination of wood/aluminum.  If I were you I would have no fear of an older HH.  But I sure would try to buy a used one from the factory.  I'd tell them what you want..... maybe they could make a better effort to get one on a trade-in.
...Jeff....

[mmitc100]

I invite used unit customers to create a relationship with Ed or Orv or myself.  Tell us what you are looking for, so we can give you a first opportunity on a trade that is coming in.  Give us an idea of number of glides wanted, length wanted and some idea of price range.  I price the units taken on trade based on trade allowance, age and condition, thus prices are what they are.  Our smart used buyer (and new buyer) takes advantage of our willingness to help you buy the right unit for yourself, whether you are buying it from the factory or a new unit from one of our dealer partners.  We view our job as helping you meet your needs.  If we do that I figure we earn enough to meet payroll.   MIKE   

[Carol and Don]

The factory certainally sounds like the place to go, whether new or used.  We bought our HHII used and have no regrets.  The factory could make sure you were set up to tow your small trailer also.  IMHO  Carol

[zeropunch]

Thanks for all of the replies, especially Mike?s. I have considered the used inventory and there are a couple of units that I think would work. I however am less particular in my wants than my most cherished wife. So although I may find a coach acceptable mechanically for our needs, I will defer to her preferences for amenities and choice of floor plan. I most assuredly know what she dislikes but what she likes is sometimes transient. I will give a call to the factory and let them know what we?re looking for. Perhaps they have something on the horizon.

I don?t expect a used unit to be perfect nor totally problem free but would hate to end up with a neglected unit on the verge of several major failures or immediate replacement of consumables tires, brakes.  I am familiar with the need to replace aged rubber for new regardless of tread life and I?ve greased a wheel bearing or two. As a carpenter for forty years there?s not much I?ve seen in RV?s that I couldn?t handle. And as long as I have web access there?s no lack of experts willing to assist in those areas I'm unfamiliar with.

Thanks again,

[kkro]

There is a range of price in the NADA book depending on options and condition. Nu-Wa has had a strong resale value for many years, while others (like Alfa) were over priced to begin with, so trade-in prices appear much lower than original cost.

Most lenders will go 15 years on financing for a quality RV of sufficient price. Depending on the original interest rate, about 8 or 9 years would be a reasonable break-even point where value exceeds debt, and the principle payments exceed the interest.

While I would trust Nu-Wa to provide excellent value and strong product support, there are also some quality dealers who can provide great value and support. I'm not a "salesman," and I don't think I could ever sell something that I didn't believe in, but I had the pleasure of attending a sales seminar several years back at Nu-Wa as a dealer representative (and personally as a HH II owner). Even then, the emphasis was on quality and value for the long haul, even if they had to buck the cheapies out there that looked superficially good, but wouldn't hang together under continuous use. Both in quality and philosophy, Nu-Wa is a top flight company. You'll be hard pressed to do better.

[Donr827]

John, If you are looking for a used trailer in good condition then NuWa factory would be the place to go.  They are not going to stick you with a trailer with a lot of problems. Also remember if the wife is not happy no one is happy.
Don

[jamvir]

We bought our unit used in Aug '08.  We developed a short list based on the ratings, then narrowed that list down to one model by looking at many different floorplans.  Sounds like you already have a good starting point - looking at the NUWA 5ers, you know the approx length, you know how many slides you want, and you have the TV so you know what weight you can carry and pull.  Now "all" you have to do is narrow it down to one or two floor plans.  Then you wait until your 5er is available.  After we decided to look for just one floor plan, the 29.5 LKTG, we anxiously waited for our baby for 4 months.

Don't be too concerned about the advertised price.  You determine what you believe is a fair price, and within your budget.  If they really want to sell, and your offer is fair, then either they meet your offer, or come close to it, or you WALK - I know that's hard to do when you find the one you're looking for.  The dealer we bought ours from dropped the price ~ 17%. 


Jim