Depreciation Bubble?

[Capt J-rod]

I don't want to upset or rock the boat, but I am wondering it Thor is creating a bubble in the depreciation of our trailers. By integrating new materials and interiors, they have created some waves. It definitely influenced the purchase of my 2015. I was originally drawn to the aluminum roof and floor. I have been to the belly of the beast with my old jayco. New roof and floor on a 6 year old trailer. After endless hours of quality time with those repairs I found out why a camp lite was "different". I don't know how many of us picked camp lite for our first camper, but it was definitely what I wanted for my second one. I'm wondering if the values on the all aluminum trailers will hold better than the composite ones? Now I see a fiberglass camp lite? This is definitely a different direction. I looked at Olivers, Escapes, Camp lite, Lance, and airstreams. The 21 was easily the winner with the construction and price. I wasn't ready to switch until I found out that they had changed things. I quickly found and bought a 2015 used. If Thor keeps changing the trailer as well as raising the price, I think the values may freeze on our units. Seems like a 21' sells for $20k  and the 16' dual axle brings $16ish. Time will tell I guess. Needless to say I will be keeping mine for quite a while. Sadly I see no replacements in the current market. Any thoughts? 

[Merlin]

When I go to an RV show, I'm struck by the overwhelming feeling of "sameness" to the trailers available. In addition to the obvious length differences, there are minor differences in in interior arrangements, size of the television, and whether there is a outdoor kitchen, but they are all seemingly the same. The salespersons are all busy doing what they do, "selling the sizzle and not the steak". Back in the fall of 2014 when we bought ours (our first camper), The Camplite trailers stood out with their aluminum-ness and the salespersons were quick to tout that; they were able to sell the steak and did not have to re-focus buyer attention from cheap presswood cabinets to sizzle like 42" televisions in other brands. With the recent and continuing changes, I wonder if Camplite will complete it's mash-up with everything else and meld into a nondescript but expensive camper? So far, it's a "some good, some bad" for the changes. At this point, my only significant concern is the new TPO roof. Reading Trailer Life magazine has led me to realize re-roofing RVs with failed roofs is a HUGE separate industry. I sure hope those businesses won't be making big money from Camplite owners with TPO roofs in the coming years. If I were in the market right now, I'm not sure what I would do.

As a relevant aside, I see some wrinkling on the inside paneling of the cargo compartment doors. Is there wood in those, as there is in the main door?

[LivinLite AZ]

When I go to an RV show, I'm struck by the overwhelming feeling of "sameness" to the trailers available. In addition to the obvious length differences, there are minor differences in in interior arrangements, size of the television, and whether there is a outdoor kitchen, but they are all seemingly the same. The salespersons are all busy doing what they do, "selling the sizzle and not the steak". Back in the fall of 2014 when we bought ours (our first camper), The Camplite trailers stood out with their aluminum-ness and the salespersons were quick to tout that; they were able to sell the steak and did not have to re-focus buyer attention from cheap presswood cabinets to sizzle like 42" televisions in other brands. With the recent and continuing changes, I wonder if Camplite will complete it's mash-up with everything else and meld into a nondescript but expensive camper? So far, it's a "some good, some bad" for the changes. At this point, my only significant concern is the new TPO roof. Reading Trailer Life magazine has led me to realize re-roofing RVs with failed roofs is a HUGE separate industry. I sure hope those businesses won't be making big money from Camplite owners with TPO roofs in the coming years. If I were in the market right now, I'm not sure what I would do.

As a relevant aside, I see some wrinkling on the inside paneling of the cargo compartment doors. Is there wood in those, as there is in the main door?

So glad we scored our 2104 13QBB before the Thor takeover. I can't tell you how many favorite things have been replaced with cut rate substitutes with the same brand name slapped on them over the years. Acquisitions are usually governed by the bean counters who are quick to dilute the spirit of a brand that they have no affection for. Hopefully Dan at CL, who's been there since the beginning will fight for the integrity of what made the brand an aspirational standout in the sea of sameness. All we can do is speak up and vote with our wallets.

[Steve Sanders]

If they keep changing the product, my guess is that the original Livin' Lite units will become more valuable and probably retain that value for quite a while. But that will depend on what we are willing to sell them for.

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[PaulJ]

I would not buy the new 2018 Camp-Lite 21 RBS because of the floor and roof changes.  If I ever sell I do not know what I would buy, they all are built CHEAP, yet the want top dollar for junk!  Probably would go back to a Casita, Oliver or Big Foot.

[pjcd]

Its all about the money, Thor bought out LL to make money, and they will. Small niche companies start out with quality products or they don't survive, they need to stand out and create product loyalty. Once that has been established , some giant will offer them a deal they can't refuse and then the cost cutting and QC fall by the wayside. Now, I'm not saying this is universal, but it certainly happens enough.

[whitefish]

I think the older Camplites will hold their value for quite sometime. Used Camplite TT's don't come up very often up here, but there are alot more 2017 and 2016' for sale than 2013, 2014 or 2015's.  Did a quick seach and I found one 2013 13BHB for sale.  The rest were newer Camplites and/or slide in's.  Seems like the market is already speaking.

Will quality degradation (perceived or otherwise) in future Camplites cause the value bubble to burst on the older trailers?  I don't think so. Just like pre-64 model 70's and Marlins before Remington, people in the know will seek these trailers out and pay for them.

Maybe one day Thor will make a Camplite Classic with dual axles, aluminum roofs and aluminum floors again and charge a mint for it! 

[pjcd]

The reality is that the RV market is a dog eat dog business and the consumer is wearing milk bone underwear. 

[Paul]

I have a hard time finding someone that want to give me a reasonable price for my used 13QBB here in New Brunswick so I am trading it at the dealer. Most people find them too expensive for the size and don't understand the added value of it. Most people want cheap ($) bigger trailer. So even if they have "more" value than newer unit they think it's too small for the asking price. Anyway here in New Brunswick the market is not really good for them. The dealer is giving me more than the offers I had so far around here

[DavidM]

I think you are doing the right thing, Paul. It takes a large market to find that unique individual who appreciates the value of a used LL, particularly a pre Thor one. Your market is probably too small for that.

So sell it to the dealer and enjoy your new camper.

David

[USCG]

When I tried to sell my 2013 16 dual axle, the best offer I got was 13K.  I wasn't selling it for that, after I took it off the market people wanted to offer me more, but I had already made up my mind to keep it.  IF I got something else, it would be a Keystone Outback rear living..  HUGE camper, I would just move in it and live in it full time.