What I have noticed, since 2003, when I first began RVing full time, and then went to kind of like haft time (all summer in the RV in MI) and now just being the long weekender type of RVer in FL.
Is that to get an RV, large enough to live for long periods of time. You really need slides on both sides and at least 25 feet of length. This means
either a big travel trailer (TT), or a 5er (5th wheel) or an fairly expensive
motorhome (MH).
Some disadvantages of MHs are, only 2 gas chassis makers (GM and Ford), having to buy an expensive & complex piece of equipment from
a RV Dealer-Chiseler
. We all know about Diesel Pushers. While
they are very nice, they are very expensive, to buy and repair, etc.
Deprecation, interest expense, insurance costs, on 2 motor vehicles, because most people really need a toad (a car for convenient transportation to grocery store & to see things, otherwise you have to
un-hook the MH, every couple of days...not fun), in order to RV full time, on a long term basis.
Repair and maintenance on MHs, is often very expensive, often much more than repairs on a regular car or light truck. Plus the initial cost of a toad, because most cars will not work as a toad (i.e. they don't have a drive-train, capable of being towed behind a MH).
The toad towing apparatus, is also an expensive and complex system, with another set of possible problems. You generally can't stay in the MH, when it is getting major service or repair. When this happens to a full time RVer, they have to stay in a hotel.
Also, right now, there is a very limited resale market, for used RVs in general and MHs in particular. There are a lot of used RVs for sale, in FL, which is always been the case. But they are just not moving, I drive by and there is nothing happening. Other than salespeople just looking at one another and/or gabbing and having a smoke. No customers coming in
or calling, just plain nothing happing.
I have also noticed, dealers in my area of FL, have few new RVs, on their lots and do little advertising, compared to the past, before high fuel prices and the economy headed south, back in 2007.
When they do advertise, the ads have used RVs in them, as opposed to in the past, when mosty new RVs, where in the ads. Once you buy a MH, you are stuck, if things don't workout as planned. In most cases, the
buyer will take a substantial loss, if they have to sell, anytime soon after the purchase.
Many folks can't afford the loss and the RV gets repossessed. That is one reason, it is still hard to get a real good deal, on a used RV in today's
arket. An owner owes more on it, than the RV is worth. So the owner can't sell it in the open market.
The RV is then repossessed and ends up on a dealers lot. I am surprised that dealers, have been able to maintain price levels, of the NADA Guide. Sense there is so little demand. I guess the reduction in RV models and
less total production, by RV makers has done the trick.
Some TTs and 5ers, with slides, give a decent amount of living space.
Getting around some of these problems, that HMs have. But most of them weigh so much, you need a specialized 3/4 or 1 ton TV (tow vehicle, a pick-up truck), to pull them. Here again, there are only 3 makers of 3/4 & 1 ton trucks, the Big 3 (GM, Ford & Dodge). Meaning less competition in price and a limited selection.
Most 3/4 & 1 ton pick-up also come w/4 wheel drive. This is a costly, complex, high maintenance and MPG reducing option. That has no real value to RVers, who generally do not go where it snows. Those trucks often come with other questionable options, more designed to make profit, than do anything for the buyer. The MPG of gas 3/4 & 1 ton pick-ups, is not good. Like 7-8 MPG hwy and 4-5 MPG city, when towing a TT. That is a lot of cost, in fuel to go places and see things. Which is why your out RVing in the first place.
These are some of the reasons, 3/4 & 1 ton trucks cost so much. A diesel truck used to be a great way to pull an RV. They had long life, got a little better MPG and had good resale. However, new emission requirements,
changed all that. Adding even more to the cost, and undoubtedly reduced reliability. I would not buy a new diesel pick-up, at this point.
It is really a shame what has happened to the RV Industry, RVers and the Auto Industry. I see RVing continuing to shrink, until fuel prices come back down, if that ever happens.
With many RV makers, have consolidated, or gone out of business. There will be a less competitive RV marketplace, preventing price and selection
competition from improving RVing for the consumer.
Just my expericence and thinking on all this. I really hope it does not go
this way. Besides lower fuel prices, I think more makers of gas RV chassis
and 3/4 & 1 ton TVs, would help, with price and selection. Maybe Toyota and Nissan get in to the market, l think that would improve things.
Doug FL
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