karenh,
When we purchased our 3670, we shopped and did the deal via phone and internet. We did not, and still don't don't own a vehicle capable of handling the Bighorn. We had the dealer deliver our rig to us in North Carolina from his location in Western Michigan. He, of course charged for this, but it was a very reasonable fee. Because of our full-time status, we also purchased a 7-year extended warranty. The driver who hauled it North Carolina was an independent driver hired by the dealer. He also knew the other independent driver who had hauled from Elkhart to Michigan a couple days earlier. The only thing we "missed out" on through the traditional sales process was a comprehensive PDI. The dealer had supposedly done one, in our absence, at their facility; The driver simply delivered the rig, and received the necessary signatures. We were comfortable doing this because of 1) my ability to make most repairs on my own, 2) familiarity with RV's, appliances, and their operation. 3) Heartland's reputation, and 4) the extended warranty plan we had purchased. We have not had a single warranty issue in 2+ years of full-time living. That is not to say that the rig was perfectly designed and built, as it was delivered. We've had many of the same workmanship issues, and performed some of the same Mod's that you can spend weeks reading about on this forum. (It would be safe to bet that you will have them too, regardless of your purchase arrangement or PDI) Again, I am of the mindset that I'd rather fix the problem myself, if at all possible, than rely on a dealers $8/hour "technician" to do the work properly on their schedule. When you live in your RV, a trip to the dealer for several weeks is not a good option.
Several months later, I was reassigned to Florida - again no tow vehicle. I called about a dozen drivers that I had located through a variety of sources. Most of these were not an option due to price, terms, professionalism, and just not having "comfortable" answers on insurance, their tow vehicles, etc. I found another independent operator, from a bulletin board in a campground. He towed with Ford F-650, had a commercial license and insurance, (is a county Deputy Sheriff) and was willing to drive to NC and tow me to Florida on my schedule. Again, a perfect business transaction, and cheaper than a new truck.
As you see from our signature - "still no tow vehicle" and I'm probably getting ready to go through this again. (My first call will be to the gentleman who brought us to Florida 2 years ago) I have not used U-Ship or any other brokers, so can't offer much there. This lifestyle philosophy probably won't work for us forever but in the meanwhile, it does.
I guess to summarize MY advice.... You can do this, but you have to get comfortable with your situation, your resources, and it pays to do your homework on these "transactions". In your case, I'd be concerned about the liability in transit, and the transaction (paperwork and PDI) on your end.
Someone suggested that you need to develop a relationship with your local dealer. Here's MY OPINION of that - Through the years, I've done business with many good (and poor) dealers on RV's, cars, motorcycles, etc. The "relationship" with them is formed solely through each transaction and how much of your money that they can put in their pocket. I've never had one of them do me any favors. Many offer excellent conversation, advice, service, etc. That's good customer retention, and PR skill, but that's certainly no guarantee that your next transaction with them will be consistently good, or equitable.
You owe it to yourself to protect yourself financially. If you can save a significant piece of your money, and assume those risks comfortably, then the choice is clear.