Is it cheaper to rent or buy

[DRosedale]

Is is cheaper to rent a car when you arrive at your destination or buy something you can tow?

I know there are a lot of pros for having your own auto, but are the costs worth it? (You've got purchase cost, insurance, maintenance, towing equipment, plus the extra cost of fuel you will spend towing., etc., etc.)

[GaryKD]

Hi DRosedale,
I've done both. Both have their advantages. It really comes down to an individual choice. There is no right or wrong decision. If one chooses to tow, all the costs need to be amortized over the life of the vehicle. The national average for owning a vehicle is now 12 1/2 years.

This decision also depends on the type of RVing one does. If one will travel and stay put for several weeks or months then travel again, towing a vehicle may be best. If one travels and stays for a week or less, renting may be an option.

Lastly, my Cummins diesel could care less if it is towing my 5.3K lb toad. I have taken some trips not towing and see no real difference in fuel MPG. Maybe a .1 or .2 MPG at the most.

[Cat320]

DRosedale...if there is a prize for the most threads started during certain period...you're ahead.

[DRosedale]

Thanks Gary for the information. Right now we don't seem to stay in one place more than a week.

My coach is gas and has a towing rate of 5k. Not sure I would want to get even close to that weight. It is also small enough to pull into a Walmart or other store and get supplies.

We do try to take at least one trip per month, if the first trip is short, then we try to take another. So far we have not missed not having a car, but we are planning a 4 to 6 week trip this summer, but again we probably won't stay in one place more than a few days. The DW thinks that when we get to a certain location and want to do some local sight seeing, we will just rent a car for a couple of days. She has made a lot of good points on renting. I just hate to rent because in the end you don't have anything but receipts.

I guess we will need to sit down, put pen to paper and figure out the costs of each and then decide. Of course I hope others will give me thoughts and arguing points, since I have used all I can think of at this point. (I just hate to lose without putting up a good fight.)

[DRosedale]

Thanks Cat320.

I guess you haven't heard. Top Poster gets a free tank of fuel from the Forum, plus 30 nights at your favorite camp ground. Second place gets first chance to purchase The Bridge To Nowhere and half tank of fuel. Third place gets 1/4 tank of fuel, plus option to purchase The Bridge To Nowhere if second place doesn't take it.

So now you know, but don't tell anyone, we don't need any competition.

HEHEHEHEHEHE, I just love starting rumors.

[GaryKD]

Hi DRosedale,
Pen and paper will not make this decision. In addition, this is not a life long irrevocable decision. Consider trying it. The decision will be made based on how the choice fits your lifestyle and personality. There are rental companies that will pick you up and drop you off at your CG. Do a 6 week trip and try it. Renting may fit your RVing lifestyle perfectly. Experience is the best teacher.

[bronk]

We plan to go full-timing (again) in a couple of years, so purchased a Jeep Wrangler for a toad. It is relatively low in gross weight and the set-up and hook-up are quick and easy. Both of us like the 4 wheel drive function, and although it is a little tight in the back (not a late model Jeep) it serves the purpose very nicely. And that Jeep engine and drive train is very dependable and easily serviced. We have rented however, but don't any longer. Good luck with your decision!

Bronk

[DRosedale]

Thanks Gary and Bonk

Gary, I think you have hit the nail on the head. I read your post to DW and she agrees totally and since she is the boss, that's what we will do on long trip. (Still didn't tell her I also agreed.)

[JSPERRELLA]

My wife and I are also debating this issue. But we have come up with an alternative. As we already have a covered trailer we were going to sell. We are considering towing it with two 250cc scooters and when we need a car rent. Any one else out there using scooters as an alternative?

[DRosedale]

JSPerrella

That is another good option. I already have a motorcycle, just need a trailer.

Thanks

[dwarne]

I just started towing. Got a '95 Jeep Wrangler (3000#). With a gas RV it will take about 1 MPG. I've got a 31' class A with a V-10. I've done it both ways. You have to plan a little because of backing up, but it only takes a couple min. to hook and unhook and you always have a ride. We like it.

[Cat320]

For us, it's a no brainer and has nothing to do with cost. It's probably easiest to rent a car at an airport. When I think back over the last few years, most of our RVing has been no where near an airport. It would be very hard and extremely inconvenient to try to rent a car where we 'camp.'

[pkunk1]

I haul a scooter on the back. 50cc will take us both around where we park, into town if not too far and has enough space under the seat for a few groceries. A rental car for when we need the extra range or we meet up with friends who have a car.

[jimkate]

Yea, well. When we started off, we rented a car when we got to our destination. Until the time that we arrived at our destination, and there were no, I say, no, I say again, no cars to be had at all from any of the car rental firms in that city!

As soon as we returned home, we purchased a car to tow, and that's what we've done ever since.

Our coach doesn't even know the vehicle is behind us. Only negative, we can't back up.