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RV Tip #14
How Not To
Get Screwed Buying Used Coleman Tent Trailers
Coleman manufactures several lines of tent trailers for
different consumer needs and budgets. Included in these
are the Americana Series with the Coleman Santa Fe and
Cheyenne models. The Americana Series is intermediately
priced and includes special amenities like a swing-level
galley and a stepper door. The Coleman-Fleetwood Mesa
model is another good buy, particularly for used tent
trailers. Undoubtedly, new RVs as offered by RV dealers
can be very pricey and reach into the thousands.
Looking for used Coleman tent trailers is a good idea to
start saving. But why limit yourself to just used RV
units in the area? Using various auction sites like
Ebay, or classified ad sites such as RV Trader, you get
to do business with sellers all over the country and get
a much wider selection, based on your needs and budget.
Before buying a tent trailer online however, take
precautions. A deal too good to be true may literally
be fraud or at the very least, a misleading deals
involving a shoddy, unusable vehicle. Unless you have
money to waste, always inspect the RV in person – even
if you have to drive across the country or take a plane
or a bus ride to the location. Once you pay for an item
through an auction site, there is little legal
protection even if the RV falls apart. RVers recommend
that you carefully examine the entire unit, the interior
and exterior. Look for stained walls or leaks, check
all of the lights and fans, check the doors and tent
windows, as well as any amenities such as any
retractable/detachable awnings, kitchens, air
conditioning or heaters and shower and toilets to see if
they are operating. RV sellers will never be in any
rush to tell you what's wrong with the tent trailer if
you don't ask first. Check the tires and the
window and door awnings, as well. Moreover, after a
thorough inspection test the trailer on the road to make
sure there aren't any unusual noises or mechanical
failures.
Besides condition, research your desired model online
and determine an approximate price to see if you're
actually paying too much for what seems like a good
deal. Online consumers recommend paying by credit card,
as dispute charges are easier to investigate that way
than dealing with Paypal or by check. Check the
sellers reputation (for sites like Ebay) and stick to
companies that have at least ten items sold and have
generated positive feedback. Never pay outside the
auction system, as there is literally nothing you can do
to dispute wire transfers or Western Union payment.
Article By Adam O’Connor,
www.RVTravelPro.com
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