Heading to Newmar--Quotes on changes

[JavaJelly]

Actually I am only using the depreciated portion of the asset not the total purchase price. We have stayed about 100 nights in the coach since purchase.

Value of coach now less what I paid for it, plus extras like tow bar, brake etc, plus fuel, plus maintenance, plus camping fees and a few other things comes to about $75,000 in 1 year 3 months.

The cost will actually be higher if I decided to add in the opportunity cost of the capital not being invested at, let's say, 5%.

My costs/night will go down as the depreciation rate decreases w/age. Also, when we stay in it more.

Also, how can I put a price on the friends I've made.

[JavaJelly]

With respect to Ken's comments on what else would I be doing. The answer is nothing. I did not say I regret it or that I even care that much. It is my hobby and we love it.

I simply made a calculation. I am not trying to justify it or unjustify it. I'm happy and that is all that matters.

As far as more camping goes, it is tough w/two kids in school and being the business I'm in. Still won't give it up though.

[Jetsmania]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I'm over $750/night </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi Scott! Let's see... for that you could be in the Plaza in New York. What's better NYC or having a great trip?? You don't have to answer, we already know which is better!! Paul

[rebelsbeach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JavaJelly:
This thread has been 'jacked' twice. I want to return it to the first jack, that of the extras I'm getting quoted. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

OK Scott, I changed the title for ya, now YOU have to quit "jacking" your own thread....


Back on topic for ya, even though there are those that say spending 10-15K on changes to your present rig for your present benefit, just how do you then "value" those changes
when you go to sell or trade the vehicle in the future?
As those features would not be part of what you could conceivably order on a DSDP, in my mind you've then thrown good many away to a degree...

This is part of the reason I would move toward a new coach....

Yes, I understand that a new coach at the present time isn't "in the cards" financially, but..... you asked.

You have also brought up a very good point about "cost versus actual use" of the coach and Dirk and I were discussing this last night at dinner....

It's also the primary reason why I may choose NOT to buy a coach anytime soon.... or at least not buy as much coach.

[Lug_Nut]

10 to 15k? I have doubts that all that stuff listed could be done for that kind of money. I'm thinking 20 - 25k, maybe more.

Peter

[rebelsbeach]

I understand that Peter, especially when the refrigerator alone costs somewhere around 4K....

20-25K makes my point even better I think....

[JavaJelly]

Hey Bob,

Just 'cause I scream Hijack doesn't mean I don't like it. I actually enjoy it although I know some who don't want to sift through the chit chat. I am flattered when the fine participants of this forum decide to meander about in a topic I created.

Yes I know that the value of the changes vs. what they cost probably makes no sense. I'm just exploring. Having the coach and camping (well 2 hours a day anyway ) is for my family and I. The maintenance, toys and upgrades has become my hobby. Oh yeah, this forum has become part of my social network.

This coach is pretty well vetted out and at the earliest a new coach isn't coming till '10. I need something new to work on and struggle with. Cut me some slack will ya'


BTW, all of the changes I am quoting were available on the '07 DSDP. We regretted not getting them. The inverter fridge would have been a special but, still available.

[Spikester]

My 2 pennies worth; changes like you are suggesting make perfect sense to me IF you are into long term ownership, money well spent. When I say long term I mean 10yrs plus. Get your coach the way you desire, so you can enjoy its true potential.

Spike

[ViperDriver]

Compared to depreciation and the cost of money, the two largest costs most of us face, the cost of upgrades are minimal. Depreciation and cost of money on my four year old KS runs about $15,000 per year. A new $300K coach in its first year will set you back over $75K for those two items. My spreadsheet says buy used and fix up. More on this on my Web site .

[JavaJelly]

Update:

Switch for Heater fan in bathroom - Free if they can get to it today.

Paint Satellite Dome - $118

Dishwasher - $1,965

Ceramic Tile throughout - $4,525. Biggest cost is labor because have to rip out dash. They don't align the tile in the front w/the kitchen when there is carpet in between. Man I wish I would got this option.

Replace Batteries w/AGM - $1,000 for 4 batts. Turns out my batteries are fine and the inverter was set to Gell instead of flooded. I will go with them once my current batteries go bad.

Upgrade to residential Fridge and 3000 watt inverter - $6,000+ Inverter is $2,350 alone. Two biggest hurdles, a lot of cabinet work and no place to put the extra batteries. The extra batteries I hadn't thought about. Also, they mentioned that the floor is lowered to accommodate the fridge.

Did not get a quote on window in kitchen. Forgot it list it.

So what am I getting done. Right now nothing as I am out of time. However, the satellite dome will definitely get painted. The dishwasher is in discussion. Fridge/Inverter upgrade is out. This became much less important now that the source of the cooling problem in the Norcold has been found (missing second fan). So the cost benefit is way out of whack. Also, If I was interested Newmar would have looked into it more but, it probably was not doable.

Total cost would have come in well under $15k.

[JavaJelly]

I should have noted that the labor rate was at $65/hour which is the lower off-season rate.

[Route 66]

Hmmmmm.

Since Newmar only does paid work during the off season, why is there an in season labor rate?

[GaryKD]

Hi Scott,
If I may ask, why are you out of time? Your CG is closed. In one Winter, you could turn your DSDP into a MADP.

[JavaJelly]

Since I'm sitting in the lounge I asked Jeannie. She said there is occasion for the normal $80/hour rate in season which is April - November. But it is not common.