Community Forums

EngineerMike · 07-03-2012, 12:51 PM

RV'ing is a life style choice (same as boating). We do it because we love it, and we meet such gracious & adventurous people. If you want to do it to save money, might as well get a job in our Nation's finance department; your just as good at math as they are not.
In no way, shape, or method of reasoning has RV'ing been cheap. But its a hoot.

Winnebeater · 07-03-2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack1234

Sometimes I think "cost of ownership" becomes over focused on $$$$, when for me it is more about "aggravation" of ownership. A "good & comprehensive" EW can take care of the expense issue, but I cringe everytime I read about the owner who's MH sends more time in the shop than it does rolling down the highway. New or Used....who cares if you're afraid to leave your driveway.

I couldn't live with this sort of aggravation! In my mind, this is one of the best reasons to buy Used & be sure you can live with the problems & necessary "fixes". If our MH had turned out to be perpetually in the "shop" it would have been painful, but I could have driven it off a cliff & walked away with a smile ony face!

In addition to this, if it had been well maintained and has survived for 10-20 years then it probably has been reliable for the previous owner(s). There choice to get rid of it is generally because they want to upgrade. My MH had two owners prior to me and they are related to each other. The maintenance records were also meticulously kept. If it's used get a very thorough inspection. The inspection would cost far less than the depreciation of a new MH.

chief02 · 07-03-2012, 01:13 PM

I own both. Anybody wanna buy a boat?

Tom-NC · 07-03-2012, 01:26 PM

Hi, I would first off like to reply to Paul Haller about his RV costing him $1500 a month. What are you doing to it for it to cost that much in maintenance. Number one you don't change the oil once a month unless you are on the move all the time. I don't what else would cost $1500 a month to maintain. If you are counting trips and campgrounds and fuel then maybe but you can't travel any cheaper than by RV. A fly drive trip out West with air fare and care rental let alone 3 meals a day would cost you more than traveling out west by RV.
Please explain how you came to the $1500 figure.

I have been traveling with a motorhome since 1989 and have enjoyed every nickel I spent on traveling including things such as tires or water pumps or any other big money item. You must remember it is like taking your house and putting it on 6 tires, things are bound to break including mayb a dish or two or a glass or two. All those things are part of rving.

By listening to you Paul then I shouldn't have taken a trip on a lifetime to Alaska and back which cost me $10K driving 11,361 miles. I wouldn't trade that trip for anything as it was spectacular. If you are going to worry about costs then by all means don't get an Rv and stay home and watch the world go by. Enjoy!

kat_nda_sand · 07-03-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwomack

If you cringe at $5, $6, or more per gal fuel or $50+ campsites, you might not want to jump into RV'ing.

I cringe at both of those things & I've been RV-ing since I was a baby. I think that most people with a car would cringe at $5, $6 or more per gallon. Maybe they shouldn't be driving?

$50+ campsites don't work for me either... 1. because I don't use or need hookups and 2. because I am used to boondocking for free.

So happy that I can RV my way and you yours, without any judgements.

MartySQ · 07-03-2012, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by athuddriver

Then again, as much information as I tried to get, I didn't even begin to know what I didn't know. LOL

Yup! Ditto!

cb1000rider · 07-04-2012, 01:33 PM

Interesting... Mine costs around $800/year to insure.
We have at-home storage for it, although I did have to move the roofline about 4" higher (don't ask).
Kept inside, insured... It costs me very little.
Using it, I figure it's probably $1-$1.50 per mile. Fuel, tires, maintenance...

Note, mine is already depreciated. We'll sell it *at* cost or maybe a little above, assuming no major mechanical issues... I take the same tact with boats... I think we've sold one for a $2-3k loss including some major maintenance (outdrive), but that's about it.

If you're comfortable inspecting "used" toys and are reasonably mechanically inclined, these don't have super expensive costs of ownership.

If you're buying a new one, expect rampant depreciation for the first 5 years.

RickO · 07-04-2012, 01:43 PM

FWIW, I don't believe that wanting to fully understand the cost of RVing is an indication that someone shouldn't own one. IMO far too many folks jump in to an RV purchase with rose colored glasses on, only to be shocked at the "hidden" costs over time. This can lead to a financial burden or worse... a lack of necessary maintenance.

This is not a situation where the old adage "if you have to ask how much it costs... you can't afford it" applies IMHO.

Rick

greezykid · 07-04-2012, 01:52 PM

It could be worse,I have motorhome,big boat,and horses,I dont' know which is bigger hole.

jpriest · 07-04-2012, 02:44 PM

Well, as a working stiff who will be RVing full-time (once I pick-up my TT this month) I'm actually going to be saving $$$. Rather than spending per diem on rentals everywhere I go I will be able to apply it to my own TT.

Even without per diem, the cost - for me - is going to be cheaper than renting while located in an area for several months.

Can't wait!!! Just a couple more weeks!!!