Community Forums

OlYeller · 03-20-2017, 11:04 AM

In the near future I am planning to go fulltime. It will just be me and my elderly (16) Beagle. I love our current RV, a 2008 Aspect 26A. However, as it is now almost 9 years old it has some needs and I would like to add some stuff to make it more livable to fulltime in. There is some minor body damage (from a previous owner) and clearcoat peeling which will take some bucks to fix. I'd like to add solar as well as auto levelers. Throw in a few other conveniences and mechanical repairs, maintenance, and I am looking at about $25K to put into it. The rig only has 45,000 miles on it. Keep in mind I love how this rig handles and it is the right size for me and the dog. I also like almost everything about the layout except that the toilet is a little tight for me. In looking at the market here I figure my rig is worth around $30 to $35K. After the modifications it will still be worth about the same. I own the rig free and clear.

My other option would be to buy a new class C that has all the options already installed. That would also bring a warranty. I figure the MSRP would be around $140K which after haggling I should be able to get it for around $100K. The other plus is that I could solve the tight toilet problem I have in my current rig.

So, if my math is correct the difference is about $40K to $50K to get what I want in a new rig verses fixing up the old rig to get what I want. There would be no financing, I would pay cash for either option. What do you think? I'd appreciate it if you would share your thoughts and what would you do. I'd also like to hear if there are options I am not thinking of. Thanks.

mrrving · 03-20-2017, 11:59 AM

Some campgrounds do not allow older RV. Most have a 10 year rule. I have seen most over look the age as long as the unit appears well maintained. So depends on where you will be camping as far as age. My 2008 had only 13,450 miles on it and needed new tires. How old are your tires? The toilet would be a major factor for me since it is already too small. I traded in my 2008 Class C in October so I would not have to deal with all the fixing up and maintenance that was scheduled to be done. Good luck with your decision.

OlYeller · 03-20-2017, 12:10 PM

Part of the expense of fixing the old one would be cosmetic repairs, IE. minor peeling clearcoat and minor body damage. My 2008 has a 2008 E450 chassis so it could pass for a much newer rig. I have never run into a campground in my 13 years of RVing that had a 10 year old rule. I must be staying in low rent places, Ha! All 7 of my tires are only 2 years old. Just to clarify, my rig still looks nice and is well maintained. It just needs some love now that it approaches its 10th birthday and 50K miles. It is head and shoulders above most of the Class Cs for sale around here even without spending a penny. I am kind of fussy that way. Yeah, the toilet thing is an issue for me too, especially if I am fulltiming it.

garbonz · 03-20-2017, 12:17 PM

It is worth 30 k, money part is a wash if you try for a 3 or so year old one at 80 K which puts that at even. Keep it or buy a 3 -5 year old low mileage replacement. Your current one may we'll be better quality than the replacement.

Mr_D · 03-20-2017, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlYeller

Part of the expense of fixing the old one would be cosmetic repairs, IE. minor peeling clearcoat and minor body damage. My 2008 has a 2008 E450 chassis so it could pass for a much newer rig. I have never run into a campground in my 13 years of RVing that had a 10 year old rule. I must be staying in low rent places, Ha! All 7 of my tires are only 2 years old. Just to clarify, my rig still looks nice and is well maintained. It just needs some love now that it approaches its 10th birthday and 50K miles. It is head and shoulders above most of the Class Cs for sale around here even without spending a penny. I am kind of fussy that way. Yeah, the toilet thing is an issue for me too, especially if I am fulltiming it.

Kind of sounds like you really like the present rig and with a few changes would work for you except maybe the toilet issue.
Seems like you've pretty much made up your mind too.

MSHappyCampers · 03-20-2017, 12:30 PM

Just do what feels right to YOU and don't worry about what other people think. As for the toilet, I think the question would be how much time do you plan to spend in the toilet? For me that would not be a deal-breaker!

OlYeller · 03-20-2017, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Kind of sounds like you really like the present rig and with a few changes would work for you except maybe the toilet issue.
Seems like you've pretty much made up your mind too.

Not yet! I am vacillating. It would be nice to have everything new and equipped the way I want it along with a warranty. On the other hand the old one is comfortable and I can make the improvements. I just want to be sure I am considering everything before I decide.

OlYeller · 03-20-2017, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Just do what feels right to YOU and don't worry about what other people think. As for the toilet, I think the question would be how much time do you plan to spend in the toilet? For me that would not be a deal-breaker!

Not worrying about what others think, just looking to make sure I have considered everything before I decide. Lots of experienced smart people here.

biggcrisp · 03-20-2017, 01:07 PM

I don't think that a new rv coach house warranty is worth the cost of the paper it is written on.

The Ford warranty is probably ok.

You have the disposable income...why not just go ahead and buy new -- with everything you need?

Let someone else enjoy your old rv, it will be new to them. You will also be providing employment opportunities. Everyone wins.

You can't take the money with you when your ride is over.

okcnewbie · 03-20-2017, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlYeller

.....So, if my math is correct the difference is about $40K to $50K to get what I want in a new rig verses fixing up the old rig to get what I want. There would be no financing, .....

I'm curious why you went from 30k to brand new without considering all the Class C's that must be used and somewhere in between the 30k and 100k. It sounds like you have the money and this could give you bargaining rights with the right seller. In my quest to buy a used rig I find the diamond in the rough every so often. Since you already have something usable I would search used and new to come up with what best suits you.

OlYeller · 03-20-2017, 01:31 PM

I'm not considering used because it would be hard to find one that has all the stuff I want to have in my next home. Keep in mind that this is going to be my fulltime home so I want it the way I want it. If I buy used and then have to spend more money to make it the way I want, I'd rather either keep mine and do what it needs or buy a new one ordered and outfitted the way I want. I hope that explains it. Also often used brings issues that need to be fixed as well on top of the modifications.

twogypsies · 03-20-2017, 02:04 PM

If spending your money on a new one is doable for you then do it! Agreed that for full-timing you'd want one that you can comfortably live in. The toilet issue would be the problem for you and it's not correctable.

I'd say buy the new one exactly as you want it. However, you're concerned with buying a used one thinking you can't get everything you want in it. Would that be the case if you bought the same model you're looking at but a couple years old? I would think they'd be outfitted nearly the same and the floorplan would be the same. You could save some money that way. But... if that wouldn't be an option for you then definitely buy the new one. Best of luck in your new full-timing lifestyle. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did for 16 years!

UFO Pilot · 03-20-2017, 11:49 PM

I would also factor in how many years you plan to live in it and how many miles you will probably add. In 10 years you will have a 19 year old RV with more miles. At some point the "normal" RV breakdowns will catch up with you. A/C, refrigerator, water heater, heaters, etc.

If I were you I would opt for a new one with all the bells and whistles that I want or try to find a 2 or 3 year old one equipped the way I want..

Just my way of looking at things.

Crazeee1 · 03-21-2017, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlYeller

Not yet! I am vacillating. It would be nice to have everything new and equipped the way I want it along with a warranty. On the other hand the old one is comfortable and I can make the improvements. I just want to be sure I am considering everything before I decide.

new rigs break down too, hence the warranty, however 50K will cover a boatload of breakdowns, should they happen.