Maintaining the appearance of your RV can be time consuming and hard work… and you did not invest in a recreational vehicle to spend hours and hours cleaning and maintaining it.
Almost all of our guests take advantage of our exterior and interior comprehensive protection package – called PROTECT. Originally designed for the aviation industry in partnership with Boeing, the Package provides comprehensive protection for your new investment against the elements and minimizes the maintenance on your new RV.
You may be wondering if PROTECT is really worth it, and if it will last the lifetime of your vehicle?
The exterior PROTECT components have passed Boeing Materials Technology testing and withstood 1,400 hours of salt spray exposure and temperatures up to 450 degrees. The molecular strengthening of the gel coat and clear coat in RVs withstand a UV30 block to prevent high altitude paint fade… so think about how much more protective it is at ground level! It does not break down like automotive waxes, which then have to be reapplied.
The product is backed with a 5 year warranty with no need to ever wax your RV.
Daily maintenance is a breeze with love bugs, insects, and road spray not adhering to the gel coat or clear coat, and when they do, rinse down is simple and easy. Normal cleaning, not long afternoons of scrubbing and waxing, will easily and effectively maintain your RV interior and exterior appearance when PROTECT is applied.
InteriorPROTECT- On the interior, it is applied to all fibrous areas of the vehicle, carpet, dash, leather, etc., and prevents accidental staining and fading!
X-Microbe technology is used on Boeing aircraft as an effective cleaner of almost all micro-organisms that can live in aircraft cabin interiors, in partnership with Dow Corning development.
Protects against water and oil-based spills.
Increases tensile strength of the fabric to add years of life.
Fabric will clean easier, look better and last longer.
Will not alter fabric appearance or texture.
Vinyl and Leather PROTECT keeps vinyl and leather soft and supple.
Protects against fading and weather aging.
Unlike other products, PROTECT leaves no oily or greasy residue.
Leather will retain its natural luster and sheen.
X-Microbe technology eliminates odors, is safe for children, adults and pets.
Helps control mold and mildew in storage.
All products are registered with the EPA and is a certified green solution.
And… all of this is backed with an 85 year proven track record in the industry, and each PROTECT package comes with a 5-year warranty for all new RVs and pre-owned RVs.
Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.
Whether you plan on using your RV as a full-time home or for occasional road trips, insurance is a must. For the best financial protection, consider RV insurance. This coverage combines elements of auto and home insurance to account for the unique potential problems that could arise with a recreational vehicle. Many Insurance Companies will insure your RV, but often you are only getting coverage for physical damage, and it may not cover items that “RV Specific” Insurance does.
What does basic RV insurance cover?
A basic RV insurance policy may include slightly different coverage types depending on the insurer, but you can expect the following to be required or added automatically when you get a quote:
Liability insurance: To legally operate your RV, you’ll need at least the same amount of liability coverage that your state requires for car insurance. If you ever cause a crash, liability covers others’ injury and property damage costs, up to your limit.
Collision and comprehensive coverage: Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your RV if you cause a crash or run into objects such as a tree or street sign. Comprehensive covers a variety of issues, including theft of your RV, animal collisions, falling objects, vandalism and more. Note that collision and comprehensive come with a deductible, which is the amount your insurer subtracts from claim payments. If you file a claim for $2,000 to repair damage from a fallen tree branch, for instance, and you have a $500 deductible, your settlement would be $1,500.
Uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage: Uninsured/under-insured motorist bodily injury coverage helps cover your and your passengers’ injury treatment if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance, or who has some insurance but not enough to cover your bills. Uninsured/under-insured motorist property damage coverage kicks in at the same time but goes toward repairing your damaged RV.
Medical payments coverage: If you crash your RV, this coverage pays for injury treatment for you and your passengers, no matter who was at fault in the incident.
You might want to consider some additional RV insurance coverage that will protect your investment.
RV Full/Total Loss Replacement: If your RV is stolen or totaled, comprehensive coverage through car insurance typically pays a depreciated replacement amount. This means you only get back what your RV was worth at the time of the loss. With RV insurance, on the other hand, you can choose Total Loss replacement coverage and get back the replacement value of your RV plus tax, title, and license fees.
Vacation Liability: When your RV is in a park or campsite, it’s considered a temporary vacation residence. It’s wise to have liability insurance to cover the damages in case, say, someone is injured inside your RV or you accidentally throw a football through a neighboring camper’s window.
Pet Injury Coverage: Lichtsinn RV insurance offers pet injury coverage as part of your Collision coverage. This coverage pays up to $1,000 toward veterinary bills if your dog or cat is injured when you’re in a vehicle accident. We also cover them for Comprehensive claims, such as vehicle theft or fire. In the unfortunate event that your pet dies as a result of injuries sustained in your Collision or Comprehensive claim, we provide a $1,000 death benefit.
Personal Effects Coverage: RVs are made to be loaded with items and attachments that a traditional auto policy won’t cover, such as cooking appliances, sporting and camping supplies, satellite dishes, awnings and furniture. If your stuff is stolen or damaged, you’d need separate RV insurance to repair or replace it.
Emergency Expense Coverage: Pays up to specified limits for reasonable temporary living facilities, transportation and the cost of returning the RV if it becomes inoperable due to a covered loss more than 50 miles away from the primary residence. $750 is included when physical damage is selected. Up to $2,000 is available for Pleasure users.
For insureds who use their RV as a Primary Residence: Pays up to specified limits for reasonable temporary living facilities and transportation expenses if the RV becomes inoperable due to a covered loss. $750 is included when physical damage is selected. Up to $7,500 is available for these users.
For more information call: 1-800-343-6255 to speak with Brandon or Kevin in the Business Office today to find out how we can give you peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are getting the best RV Insurance at the lowest price!
Purchasing an RV is an exciting time for all new and seasoned RVers. There are 5 questions that all RVers should ask themselves when they start the process of purchasing an RV – either new or pre-owned.
What Type of RV is right for your travels?
When it comes to freedom and flexibility motorhomes offer the ultimate experience. Ranging from the larger Class A motorhome to the compact Class B camper vans, to the Class C, all motorhomes are RVs that take transportation and living quarters and roll them into one comfortable experience. With something for everyone, motorhomes range from compact and space saving models to luxury buses that can all pull a family car in tow, so you can zip around town for daytrips. Read our in-depth blog post on how to choose the perfect RV for you here.
What are my options for financing an RV?
Financing is a great option for those planning on purchasing an RV. Financing allows the RV lifestyle to be more affordable by breaking up the cost into manageable monthly or bi-weekly payments. It is a great time to finance an RV as interest rates are low. You can work with your local lender to secure financing, or you can work with the experienced team at Lichtsinn RV. Kevin and Brandon in the Lichtsinn RV Business Office are authorized agents for several large national banks like Bank of America, US Bank, Bank of the West and more. Our relationships with these banks provide you with a competitive rate often lower than your local lender.
Financing at Lichtsinn RV allows you to –
We offer financing and are authorized agents for several large major RV banks including Bank of America, US Bank, Bank of the West and several other major lenders.
We generally provide a credit application to these banks and allow them to compete for the lowest rate.
All of our loans carry no fees at closing, no closing costs and no points.
In most cases, the interest can be deducted for tax purposes by qualifying as a second home.
We can generally do terms of up to 20 years! Pre-payments can be made in full or in part, at any time, without penalty with nearly all of our lenders. All of our loans are conventional fixed rate loans.
We offer both monthly and bi-weekly payment options.
Learn more about financing with Lichtsinn RV here.
What kind of additional expenses should I plan for when buying an RV?
RV Insurance: After you purchase your RV there will be some additional costs you want to plan for, the first being RV insurance. While it may be enticing to look for the cheapest RV insurance you can find, you will want to make sure it properly covers your RV. When looking at RV insurance, you will want to make sure it is RV-specific insurance and offers RV Full/Total Loss Replacement – offered on newly purchased RV’s one model year old or newer: if your RV is totaled within the first 5 years, this policy provides the monetary equivalent of what it costs to buy a brand-new RV of the same or similar model, even if it costs more than what you originally paid for your RV. You may look for additional offerings like vacation liability, pet injury coverage, fire department service charges or personal effects coverage for contents inside the RV. Most “other” insurance policies do not offer these additional benefits. Kevin and Brandon in the Lichtsinn RV business office are licensed insurance agents and can answer any questions you have regarding RV insurance. Learn more here.
Parts and Accessories: There will be additional parts and accessories you will want to purchase for your new RV like tow bars, hoses, waste dumping chemicals, and more. The Lichtsinn RV parts team has identified the top parts and accessories you will want to purchase for your first night of RVing and it is available during our half-day orientation.
Camping Fees: There will be additional costs when traveling in your RV like campground costs. There are several loyalty programs that include camping discounts including Winnebago’s WIT (Winnebago International Travelers) Club.
Extended Service Contracts: You will want to consider the long-term costs of maintaining an RV. Most new RV Warranties cover 1-3 years so if you are purchasing a pre-owned RV or planning on keeping the RV for more than 3 years you will want to consider an extended service contract. Learn more about extended service contracts and why you should get one here.
Do I get a pre-delivery inspection of the RV?
A reputable RV dealer will provide you with a walkaround inspection and review of your coach. At that time, you can see how to operate your RV. At Lichtsinn RV, one of our RVDA Master Certified RV Technicians will provide you with a half-day educational orientation of your coach. You will learn how every single switch, component and feature works in your RV as well as learn maintenance tips and get your questions answered by a knowledgeable source.
Will the dealer support and service my RV in the long run?
RVs require service and maintenance and it is imperative that buyers find a dealer that will support them for the life of their vehicle and not leave them high and dry when it comes to servicing it in the future. You may find a fly-by-night dealer with a low price tag on an RV, in an old building with one or two service bays and techs, and no way of servicing your RV in the future.
In 2014, Lichtsinn RV built a new, state-of-the-art RV dealership and has continued expanding in the last few years. Our dealership boasts 8 RV service bays, a large indoor RV parts and camping accessories store, a spacious service check-in area, a video production studio, indoor delivery and service drive area, and a guest lounge equipped with the latest technology. Lichtsinn RV also offers dealership guests complimentary electrical hookups while visiting for RV delivery or service.
Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.
When it comes to freedom and flexibility motorhomes offer the ultimate experience. Ranging from the larger Class A motorhome to the compact Class B camper vans, motorhomes take transportation and living quarters and roll them into one comfortable experience. With something for everyone, motorhomes range from compact and space saving models to luxury buses that can all pull a family car, so you can zip around town for day trips. We have RVs that will fit anyone’s needs and more importantly budget.
Identify your needs and purchase an RV that meets them.
When you are looking at purchasing your next RV figure out what your needs are – do you want something that is more compact for shorter trips? Or are you looking for an RV that you can bring the whole family and more on trips? Maybe you are looking for an RV that has all the amenities of home? First, make a list of what you are looking for, so a Lichtsinn RV Sales Consultant can show you RVs that will work for you.
Create a travel budget and stick to it.
Having a budget for the RV lifestyle doesn’t end once the papers are signed. Similar to your home, you will want to identify what you will spend each month – if you’re a full-timer or part-timer – or on each trip if you’re more of a weekend warrior RVer. Some fixed expenses you will want to keep in mind are –
RV Payment
RV Insurance
RV Maintenance and Repair
Campground Fees
Gasoline or Diesel Fuel
Propane
Food and Household Items
Entertainment
Laundry
Internet
Look for activities that are free or inexpensive.
There will be tons of free activities you can do while RVing. Depending on the campground you are staying at, there will be a variety of activities and outdoor recreation you can enjoy. However, if you encounter a rainy day or your looking for something new check with the local visitor’s center to see a calendar of events for inspiration you can also use app-based coupon sites like Groupon or Living Social for discounted admittance to restaurants, events and more.
You’re Bringing the Kitchen Sink… Use it.
It may be tempting to want to eat out when you are camping, but that is the easiest way to save money. Your RV will have a nice galley with a refrigerator, a microwave or convection oven, and a stove top and you can always make a delicious meal over a fire. Before you go RVing, check out Pinterest for ideas for meals while camping.
Find Campgrounds with the Amenities that you will actually use.
Choose campgrounds and RV parks that only have amenities you plan to take advantage of during your stay. Generally, the more services and amenities a campground has, the more it’s going to cost. Campsite fees don’t have to break the bank. State parks are a great low-cost option, as are many RV parks. Look here to find a campground or consider travel apps to help you find the campground that best suits your need.
Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.
You are ready for a change with your RV, maybe you are upgrading to your dream RV – like an Adventurer or Horizon – or downsizing to a more agile RV like the Winnebago Travato or View.
You have found the perfect RV, now you have to decide between trading-in your current RV to a dealer or selling it to a private party. You may think selling it to a private party is the clear choice, but you may want to consider the following benefits of trading your RV into a dealer.
Marketing and Selling Your Old RV
When you are selling your RV, you must figure out the best way to find a qualified buyer to pay the right price for your RV. How much will you spend to get your RV in front of the right people? Do you want to deal with the countless emails and phone calls that come with doing it yourself? What will you do to differentiate your RV from all the others?
You may find it easiest to market your RV to a local buyer, by parking it somewhere with a for sale sign. But how long will it take to sell your RV to a local buyer if there is one who is interested?
When you work with Lichtsinn RV, we take care of the marketing and selling of your RV and you can drive off in your new RV without worry.
Delay to Purchase Your New RV
The process of selling your RV is like real estate, it is an extensive and could take months. Are you willing to put your travel plans on hold or potentially lose the opportunity to purchase your dream RV? When you trade in your RV at Lichtsinn RV, you do not have to put your plans on hold or risk losing the perfect RV for you.
Tax Benefits for Working with a Dealer
When trading in an RV most states will give a tax credit meaning the guest will only pay tax on the difference between what they are paying for the new rv and what they were given for their RV. Below would be an example.
Sale Price: $100,000.00
Trade Allowance: $60,000.00
Difference: $40,000.00
In this example the guest would only pay tax on $40,000.00 instead of the full $100,000.00 Purchase price. (each state is different, and you will want to look into your states’ rules)
Paper Work
When you work with Lichtsinn RV, we take care of the all the paperwork, titles and payoffs. You will not have to worry about whether you have all the paper work in place necessary to sell your RV. When you sell your RV or trade-in your RV, we handle everything from pick up to title work to paying off any loans and you can put your trade allowance towards your dream RV or cash if you are looking to sell.
Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.
Don’t let the cool temperatures of the fall season keep you from getting out and camping. There are great advantages to “cold season” camping, including fewer people, fall colors, and seeing areas in different seasons, to name a few.
With some preparation, most people can stay comfortable in cooler temperatures and keep on adventuring!
1. No cotton next to your skin.
Cotton holds moisture and is not at all warm. Natural fibers like silk and wool are good insulators that have moisture-wicking properties. Synthetic fibers like viscose, Vætrex, or polypropylene add some technology to their fabrics to maintain warmth (even when wet) with minimal bulk.
They make some really soft wool blends now that don’t itch like you might remember as a kid.
2. Undershirts.
Having a snug-fitting silk undershirt on as a base layer keeps air from seeping in around the skin and wicks away any moisture you may give off while you are out enjoying life.
3. Double up on hats.
Most people know to dress in layers, and that includes your head. Wearing two hats allows you extra warmth, blocks wind, and allows you to take one off if you get warm. You can even add an ear band if you tend to get cold.
4. Loosen your laces.
You need space around your toes to keep them insulated. Don’t get boots that are too tight or pinch you anywhere. Boots that are too tight or wearing too many socks will restrict this air space around your toes and you will get cold.
Sometimes all you need to do is loosen your laces some, or take off a pair of socks and you will have warmer feet.
5. Eat more fats.
Cold weather increases your calorie requirements, so don’t worry about eating—you will burn it off. The important thing if you are trying to stay warm is that your internal furnace needs fuel to do that. And the best fuel to burn to stay warm is fat.
So put cream in your coffee, butter your toast, and add some cheese and avocado on your eggs. Take pocket food like trail mix with nuts, your favorite dark chocolate, or smoked salmon and crackers to enjoy on the move.
6. Move.
Sitting still makes you cold, so get up and move. Yes, it is harder when you are dressed in layers and wearing boots, but if you are cold you need to get your heart going so it can pump warm blood into your fingers and toes.
The more you move, the more your body will be able to adjust to the cold, so get out and walk, run in circles, dance like nobody is watching, whatever you need to do to get your blood moving.
7. Keep dry with 2 sets of things.
Any moisture in your clothing, including moisture from sweat and breathing, will make you feel cold. Always have a set of dry things to put on, and alternate as you go through different activities in the day.
You only need two sets of a base layer, clothing, gloves, hats, etc to allow you to alternate the set you wear and the set that is drying.
Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.
So you have decided that the RV lifestyle is for you and now you have begun researching the perfect RV for your needs. A lot of buyers think the research process ends when you find the perfect RV, but there is another important step that many people forget… finding the perfect RV dealer to work with. Buyers will want to invest just as much time if not more, in researching RV dealers to make sure they find a reputable dealer to work with.
“There is another important step that many people forget… finding the perfect RV dealer to work with.”
Let’s face it, there are a lot of lousy RV dealerships out there. Unfortunately, in the race to find the lowest possible rig price, many people choose to buy from dealers who do not have a track record of great customer service and outstanding RV repair. Know in advance that the lowest price is not usually synonymous with the best reputation. We listed some questions you may want to answer before you agree to purchase an RV from a dealer.
What do their online reviews say?
In the past, buyers had to rely on word-of-mouth to learn whether or not an RV dealer is reputable. Now with Google Reviews, Facebook, Yelp and more customers can read about other customer’s experiences with the dealer. You will want to make sure to read third-party reviews like the ones on Facebook and Google because dealers are not able to remove negative reviews like reviews featured on their sites. We have seen larger “super-store” type dealers remove reviews from their Facebook page so potential buyers can’t read what their customers are saying about them.
Is their online inventory, resources and information complete and accurate?
When you look at a potential dealers’ website are the inventory listings complete and accurate? Do they have photos along with listings so you can see exactly what is in the coach? Working with a dealer that has inaccurate information on their inventory pages should be a red flag, it may mean they are not knowledgeable about the RV you are interested in buying or worse they could be misleading you about the features included in the RV.
Do they have a modern, fully-staffed service center?
RVs require service and maintenance and it is imperative that buyers find a dealer that will support them for the life of their vehicle and not leave them high and dry when it comes to servicing it in the future. You may find a fly-by-night dealer with a low price tag on an RV, in an old building with one or two service bays and techs, and no way of servicing your RV in the future.
In 2014, Lichtsinn RV built a new, state-of-the-art RV dealership and has continued expanding in the last few years. Our dealership boasts 8 RV service bays, a large indoor RV parts and camping accessories store, a spacious service check-in area, a video production studio, indoor delivery and service drive area, and a guest lounge equipped with the latest technology. Lichtsinn RV also offers dealership guests complimentary electrical hookups while visiting for RV delivery or service.
Do they have accreditation from the RV Manufacturers they sell?
RV manufacturers typically present their top-performing and highest quality dealers with an award so consumers know who are reputable dealers. Winnebago’s version of this award is the Circle of Excellence award. The Circle of Excellence award is given to dealerships who have demonstrated exemplary performance in the areas of sales, service and customer satisfaction. Lichtsinn RV has received the Circle of Excellence Award from Winnebago every year for the last 25 years. We have also been named the largest volume RV dealer in North America for the last 4 years.
Do they have a well trained sales and service staff?
You will want to work with a professional and knowledgeable sales person when you are purchasing an RV. With all the features and components included in RVs you will want to work with a sales consultant who has in-depth, product specific knowledge. You will also want to know if your service technicians are certified to work on your RV. The RV Dealer’s Association (RVDA) offers service tech certification programs that provides you with the assurance that a tech has the expertise to work on your unit.
Professional development is key at Lichtsinn RV. Our Winnebago Factory Trained Professional Sales Consultants receive daily professional development so they can keep up on the latest products and features available in Winnebago’s products. Our service team also receives regular training on servicing products and features from Winnebago and each of our RV service technicians is a RVDA Master Certified Technician.
What does their delivery process look like?
At Lichtsinn RV, you will receive a complimentary ½ day orientation where every single feature, switch, maintenance and warranty item is covered. In your half day educational orientation, you will learn about every switch and feature, what to do and not to do in with your new RV, maintenance tips and warranty items. In this orientation, feel free to ask any questions you have, and your advisor will happily answer them. We also recommend that you stay for at least one night during your delivery so if any additional questions or concerns arise you can speak with your service advisor, sales consultant or business manager right away.
The RV buying process is a lengthy, but exciting process and finding the perfect dealer to work with makes the experience that much more enjoyable.
Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.
It’s trip-planning time! You’ve picked a great location, scoped out some sightseeing locations, and reserved your RV rental. But there’s one major question still on your mind: “How do I find RV parks near me?”
These days, finding the best RV campgrounds seems like it would be as easy as doing a quick online search. But before you jump in too quickly, you need to know what to look for. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your search and find the best RV camping for your group’s needs. Read on to learn more!
Once you’ve nailed down a location, you’ll want to explore all your options for RV campsites. Let’s say you’ve decided to visit the Grand Canyon. Your first big decision is whether you want to stay on site at the national park’s public campgrounds or down the road at a privately operated RV park.
Obviously, there are pros and cons to each choice. Staying on site can make for a truly memorable vacation — plus, you’re already where you need to go when you wake up in the morning! Public campgrounds generally offer more affordable RV park rates than private campsites, too.
On the other hand, private campgrounds typically have more amenities, such as pools, laundry facilities, grocery stores, playgrounds, and more. For that reason, if you’re traveling with kids or with a large group, it might make more sense to find a campground with all the bells and whistles.
Campgrounds Near Me – Now that you’ve narrowed down the type of RV sites you’re looking for, it’s time to find your ideal campground. Try doing an online search for something like “RV camping near me,” “RV parks near me,” or “RV camping near Grand Canyon.” Google will then populate a map with all of the available RV parks in the area so you can get a sense of their locations and read some reviews from other campers.
Don’t forget to click through to the photos so you get a visual of the campgrounds before you make a decision. You’ll also want to see if the campground offers full or partial hookups for water, sewer, and electricity. If you’re traveling with a pet, remember to check if the RV park is animal friendly, since many campgrounds have a strict no-pets policy.
RV camping checklist – After booking your trip, it’s time to start packing! The blessing and curse of RV travel is that you can bring a lot with you, but be cautious about over-packing since every item you take is more weight on your camper’s load. Many RV rental companies include basic essentials like pots and pans, bed linens, and towels, but be sure to verify this before you leave. Some people also feel more comfortable traveling with their own sheets and pillows, so if that’s you, that’s fine too!
If you have a few weeks to prepare ahead of time, consider picking up some other essentials for your trip, such as a compact, pop-up trash can or quick-dissolving toilet paper that’s made specifically for RVs. Some travelers also like to pack an outdoor rug and chairs to convert their outdoor space into another living room. Add some bistro lights and the beverage of your choice, and you’re in for a great night!
Best RV parks – One last piece of advice: Don’t forget that there’s no such thing as the “best RV park.” There’s only the best RV park for you. Reading reviews is important for vetting campgrounds, but it’s not the be-all, end-all. Some people prefer a more tranquil, rustic vibe at an RV campsite, while others are looking for updated facilities or family-friendly activities. The key to planning a great RV trip is knowing yourself (and your travel group!) and identifying your top priorities for a campground. Happy camping!
Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.
Interest in the RV lifestyle is at an all-time high and we are seeing more and more guests enter the lifestyle by purchasing a pre-owned RV. In some of our guest’s situations, it makes sense to purchase pre-owned rather than new. For those looking at purchasing from a private party versus a dealer there are some considerations you will want to take to ensure you are making the best long-term ownership decision. We believe there are several benefits to buying from a dealership versus a private party.
Reason #1: Market-Based Pricing Approach vs. Whatever the owner thinks it is “worth”
Lichtsinn RV uses a real estate approach when pricing our pre-owned inventory, meaning we look at: the condition of the vehicle, mileage, NADA book value, vehicle history report, true comparable coaches in the market and more to establish a fair price, for a pre-owned vehicle.
One common problem with buying from a private party is they still owe more than the RV is worth, or they think the RV is worth more than it really is. So, there is a strong possibility that the unit from the private party will be overpriced.
Reason #2: Lichtsinn RV’s inspects all incoming trades to gauge the overall condition of the RV
When we take in a trade we complete a full inspection of the unit to establish the overall condition of the coach. Our team ensures there is no hidden damage or potential issues that could arise down the road. In fact, we have a certified pre-owned vehicle designation providing you piece of mind service after the sale.
If you were to buy from a private party, you will have to trust the word of the previous owner. Unless you are highly knowledgeable about RVs you might not know what potential red flags to look for.
Reason #3: Lichtsinn RV works with national lenders to get you the best rates and terms
Whether you have the perfect credit score, or a more challenging credit history, our business managers will find the right RV financing option for you.We work with several lenders to bring you the most competitive and flexible financing options around. We will do whatever we can to help you get the monthly payment and loan term that best suits your budget.
When buying from a private-party you have to figure out how to finance the vehicle yourself which can be confusing and you may not receive the competitive rates our team can get.
Reason #4: Lichtsinn RV can assist you with purchasing an extended service contract to protect you from costly repairs
What is commonly referred to as an extended RV service contract is a form of mechanical breakdown protection. Lichtsinn RV works with a well-known extended service contract provider to provide you with complete protection for your home on the road. This service contract extends the 12-month/15,000-mile basic limited warranty from Winnebago to 7 years or 70,000 miles. Learn more about extended service contracts here.
When you buy from a private party the vehicle is As-Is and any costly repairs on your coach will fall squarely on you.
Reason #5: The Lichtsinn RV team will support you after the sale
You will have your Sales Consultant assisting you with the purchase process and with any questions after the sale. The Lichtsinn RV Business Office will assist you before and during the delivery process to ensure you understand your options for financing and protecting your investment down the road.
Next you will meet your designated service consultant who will answer all your questions and assist you with setting up service appointments for the lifetime of your vehicle. Our service consultants and our Winnebago Factory Trained RVDA Master Certified RV Service Technicians have the training, experience and certification to ensure your RV is in the right hands when receiving service work.
The Lichtsinn RV Parts Department is the largest Winnebago Parts Department in the country with same-day shipping on in-stock parts with nationwide shipping. Our Parts department team will assist you in ordering parts and accessories for the lifetime of your vehicle and answer any questions you have related to parts and accessories for your RV.
Meet our sales, business office, service and parts team members here.
Learn more about what makes Lichtsinn RV different here.
Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.
At Lichtsinn RV, we encounter a lot of guests that either have previously bought or spoken to another an RV dealer or have heard horror stories from family members or friends who had a negative experience buying from another dealer.
Here at Lichtsinn RV, we are different, but don’t take our word for it. Read our hundreds of guest reviews on Facebook and Google to see what our guests thought of purchasing at Lichtsinn RV.
We wanted to debunk some common myths about buying RVs that we have heard from guests who have previously spoken or bought from another dealer.
Myth #1: The Salesperson Doesn’t Know Anything About the Product I am Looking At.
The Reality at Lichtsinn RV: The Lichtsinn RV team has the Winnebago-Specific Product Knowledge to Assist you in the Sales and Service Process.
The Lichtsinn RV Team Receives Daily Professional Development.
Lichtsinn RV exclusively sells new Winnebago product and has been for over 40 years. The team members at Lichtsinn RV have Winnebago-specific product knowledge and receive extensive, ongoing professional development to ensure they stay up-to-date on new product and features. In fact, the Lichtsinn RV sales team receives daily professional development to review Winnebago product and features. This training ensures that the Lichtsinn RV sales consultants can answer your questions no matter how in-depth they are, and if we need to research something in more detail we have our partners at Winnebago, just down the road, to help. This extensive training continues into our service department. Each of our Winnebago factory trained RV Service Technicians has earned their RVDA Master Certification. This certification provides you the assurance that the technician working on your RV has the specific skills required to properly diagnose and fix your RV. Several members of our service team actually worked at Winnebago Industries’ motorhome facility before coming to Lichtsinn RV, so they have first hand knowledge of how the product is built.
Myth #2: A Winnebago on my local dealer’s lot is no different than any other new Winnebago – even though it already has hundreds of miles on it.
The Reality at Lichtsinn RV: the Winnebagos at Lichtsinn RV are Factory Fresh and Do Not Have Any Delivery Miles or Tow Car Stress on them.
Your brand-new Winnebago already has 1,000+ miles on it… But how is that possible if the Winnebago is new?
A dealer that is more geographically proximate to you might not tell you about how crucial the first 1,000 miles is for engine break-in. A Winnebago from your local dealer could arrive with 1,000 miles or more on it before you even step foot inside the coach. Winnebago and the chassis manufacturers have recommendations for breaking in the engine. When you purchase from Lichtsinn RV you can control the critical break-in period and not leave it up to a delivery driver towing their personal vehicle across the country. If you buy a Winnebago from Lichtsinn RV you don’t have to worry about whether a delivery driver ate, drank, or lived in your brand-new RV before you could. Your local dealer can not say the same.
Myth #3: There are a Bunch of Added Fees and Extra Work to Buy an RV Out of State.
The Reality at Lichtsinn RV: There Are No Additional Fees to Purchase an RV in Iowa
Here at Lichtsinn RV, we help guests from all over the USA. There are no additional fees to purchase an RV in Iowa and you will pay the tax and license fees in your home state. Our business office has experience working with DMV offices all over the USA to make the vehicle registration process as simple as possible.
Myth #4: It will cost me extra to purchase outside of my geographic location
The Reality at Lichtsinn RV: Lichtsinn RV Provides a Superior Purchasing Experience for All Our Guests
We assist guests from all over North America, and many of our guests take advantage of our airport transportation service. We arrange a driver to pick you up from either the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Des Moines, or Mason City airports saving you valuable travel time. We often here that people will fly to Lichtsinn RV and still save money over their local dealer.
When comparing RVs at Lichtsinn RV to a dealer in your geographic location you will want to ensure you are looking at truly comparable RVs. We often hear from guests that their local dealer will stock a lesser model and then force the buyer to spend a significant amount of money to equip the RV to meet their needs. We equip all of our stock units similarly to how most of our guests prefer to equip their RVs, so they are ready to get on the road and enjoy their coach not spend additional time or money equipping it with comfort or efficiency items.
Myth #5: The Dealer Rushes Through the Delivery Walk-Around.
The Reality at Lichtsinn RV: You will receive a complimentary ½ Day Orientation Where Every Single Feature, Switch, Maintenance and Warranty Item is Covered.
In your half day educational orientation, you will learn about every switch and feature, what to do and not to do in with your new RV, maintenance tips and warranty items. In this orientation, feel free to ask any questions you have, and your advisor will happily answer them. We also recommend that you stay for at least one night during your delivery so if any additional questions or concerns arise you can speak with your service advisor, sales consultant or business manager right away.
Visit our video library here for a look at what our half-day educational orientations look like.
Myth #6: RV Dealers Don’t Support You After the Sale.
Reality at Lichtsinn RV: At Lichtsinn RV, you have a full team of support from our Sales, Service, and Parts Departments to support you after the sale.
The Lichtsinn RV Team is Here to Support You for the Duration of Your RV Ownership!
You will have your Sales Consultant assisting you with the purchase process and with any questions after the sale. The Lichtsinn RV Business Office will assist you before and during the delivery process to ensure you understand your options for financing and protecting your investment down the road.
Next you will meet your designated service consultant who will answer all your questions and assist you with setting up service appointments for the lifetime of your vehicle. Our service consultants and our Winnebago Factory Trained RVDA Master Certified RV Service Technicians have the training, experience and certification to ensure your RV is in the right hands when receiving service work.
The Lichtsinn RV Parts Department is the largest Winnebago Parts Department in the country with same-day shipping on in-stock parts with nationwide shipping. Our Parts department team will assist you in ordering parts and accessories for the lifetime of your vehicle and answer any questions you have related to parts and accessories for your RV.
Meet our sales, business office, service and parts team members here.
Learn more about what makes Lichtsinn RV different: click here.
