We are planning a trip in the next week or two to tour the following factories in the Elkhart Indiana area: Haulmark, Renegade, Showhauler, and United Specialities Trendsetter.

Obviously we are interested in a truck RV. I would appreciate any suggestions on things to look for and questions to ask. Also, we are traveling from southern Missouri, are there other factories we should consider or dealers along the way that we might want to check out? Route:Joplin to St Louis to Springfield Ill. to Elkhart.

Thanks for your help.
Steve/SWMO

Try stopping at Gebhardt's Trailer Sales in Jacksonville, IL

https://www.gebhardtstrailersales.com...inventory.html

Bob Dill

.....none of their unites have prices posted so you can't compare using the 'net....dealer can UP the price as you walk in the door or after he sees what your driving....same old dealer games....I'd wouldn't even stop to look unless I had already made a decision and need some more ammo to beat up the other salesmonkey......geof

Steve, I would stop at a dealer and look at their inventory. When you visit the factory to see the construction techniques and differences, you may not see any finished motorhomes. By stopping at a dealer and looking, you will be able to see different examples and options, if you are interested in Haulmark or Renegade- it is easier to see one or two and know what they look like. Showhauler and United Specialties have many more options and custom designs than others and in those cases it may make a bigger difference to see more examples.

The best way to compare the dealers price on a particular unit is to get the retail price sheet and just do the math, much easier on a Haulmark or Renegade because of the simplicity of the price sheet but not impossible on United Specialties or Showhauler.

One of the problems you may find is that while the coach manufacturers might not have raised their prices, the chassis prices have gone up $2,000 or $500 with another increase most likely coming in January. There could be a $2,500 difference in dealer cost between a 2004 built in mid model year and an early '05.

Also keep in mind that you may want to call ahead to schedule a tour although at most times they can accomodate you. Renegade schedules tours at 1:30 daily.

Good Luck!

Bob Dill