RV Fantasy

[legion]

Where would you suggest the crossover is between owning and renting?

[mikeferg75]

Good Question... I think one big trip a year for a few years with a bunch of long weekends throughout and it's worth it.

Rentals are not cheap, I would guess in the 5k neighborhood for a two week span is about right.

If it's something you know the whole family will enjoy then go for it. We did a 15 day trip starting in Tahoe up to Portland OR hitting all the spots. My kids are 10 and 12 and it was in their words better than Hawaii. From a family perspective it is a wonderful way to spend time.

[Bill Douglas]

An idea about renting one... Here in New Zealand there are some very good deals for returning RVs to their home base. You could call around and see if any companies want that done and tack on a bit of extra time that is part paid for.

[strupgolf]

I'm in the same boat. Wife retire's June 1. Lots of time and I would like to get out and travel. Wife is a homebody. A friend said way back," I could get the best room in best hotel anywhere I want" for alot less than owning a RV. Hmmmm. I love cars so much and the thrill of driving them long distances gets me going. Good luck, look for the best one to buy, and have fun.

[Hugh R]

Where would you suggest the crossover is between owning and renting?

Obviously depends on price and use and needed maintenance, and other uses of the money if you buy.

I spent $80K or so on mine new four years ago. I could realistically sell mine for $50-60K today with 10,000 miles on it. Yes they depreciate a lot. But its most certainly not an investment. When I sell it someday, it will be worth next to nothing. A friend had one he owned for ten years (Class C) and traded it in for a new $150K one and got like $10K, I think he paid about $60K for the old one ten years ago.

The "note" on mine with a ten year loan is around $400/month, which is very OK with me since I use it every 4-6 weeks. I use mine about 40-50 days/year so it costs me around $100/day of actual use, plus gas, insurance, maintenance.

One plus, is that I keep tools, clothes, etc. in it so when I want to take it out, I only stock the food and I'm ready to go. Having a 5K generator and 80 gallons of gas is a nice backup for earthquakes/brush fires in Southern California.

A few problems I've heard about a Class C,

1. The overhead view sucks if you're in a scenic area.

2. The driver and passenger seats are lower than the cabin floor space and unusable when parked except to throw suitcases and such,

3. A class A you can see more of the road.

Class A's don't have air bags for the most part, some class C's do.

Class C diesels are not common, but are around.

By the time you buy a Class C and put in things like auto-levelers, which are really nice, you start approaching the cost of a Class A.

[SweetWaterSurprise]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

A few problems I've heard about a Class C,

1. The overhead view sucks if you're in a scenic area.

2. The driver and passenger seats are lower than the cabin floor space and unusable when parked except to throw suitcases and such,

3. A class A you can see more of the road.

Class A's don't have air bags for the most part, some class C's do.

Class C diesels are not common, but are around.

By the time you buy a Class C and put in things like auto-levelers, which are really nice, you start approaching the cost of a Class A.

Being that I am a Class C owner, you are wrong about many of the things you listed.

I have no issues with my view. No overhang on my rig at all.

My front seats rotate so they are very much usable.

I have a custom full air ride suspension on my rig, but that's by choice because I take it off road and it does ride smoother.

AutoLevelers are very much factory install on most new RV's.

Class C costs can be high(i.e. Mine) but they are on average significantly less costs then most class A pushers.

[Hugh R]

Sweet, you may well be correct on many accounts, I've never owned a C, I'm basing my thoughts on one friends older C. Mine is a gas front engine, not a diesel pusher, which are a totally different animal.

I'm giving Legion things to think about when looking around, like 19.5" tires versus 22.5" tires which either way should be replaced every five years. BIG $ difference.

[RSBob]

My wife and I looked into this. Since she has an accounting background she ran the numbers for purchase, licensing, insurance, gas, fees at parks (which are not always cheap), maintenance, etc came to the conclusion we could fly to the areas we want to see, rent a nice car, stay in 5 star hotels and eat out more cheaply. The math doesn't add up unless buying a well used unit and using it frequently or for prolonged periods of time.

[Jay Auskin]

I know a guy who buys a slightly used one every year, drives the family from Chicago to California for 3 weeks, and then sells it. He says he always comes ahead, or breaks-even.

[VincentVega]

Originally Posted by RSBob

My wife and I looked into this. Since she has an accounting background she ran the numbers for purchase, licensing, insurance, gas, fees at parks (which are not always cheap), maintenance, etc came to the conclusion we could fly to the areas we want to see, rent a nice car, stay in 5 star hotels and eat out more cheaply. The math doesn't add up unless buying a well used unit and using it frequently or for prolonged periods of time.

x2

The missing piece is the experience. Different strokes. The $$ doesnt make sense unless you specifically want to wake up in your rig and be at the camp ground. I've been through this too and my solution was a cabin rental at a park. Not always available but if they are it was good solution to me. I drove a class C once so I have very limited experience but I much prefer a car, rented SUV.. wind scared me and it wasnt really that windy.

No right/wrong answer, check it out and see if it works for you.

[LakeCleElum]

If looking to buy, a co-worker had a friend that made good money flipping RV's. His technique:

In the spring, find a snowbird widow in Fla or the desert SW whose husband died over the winter. The widow would be looking to unload an RV cheap as she didn't know how to drive it north in the spring.

This guy would buy a few a year, bring them north and sell for a profit.

[tevake]

Seems like it's time to try out your fantasy. Maybe rent one for a long weekend near by. This will give you a shot of the reality. Plus there is a lot of opportunity to talk with other RVers to get their take on it all. Truck and trailer vs Moho. Big azz rig vs smaller more lightweight unit.

I have been impressed at how busy the desirable places are especially in the summer months. Calls for a lot of long range planing and reservations made well ahead of time.
Also driving long miles at well less of than 10 mpg does add up as well as $45 per night, it's not a cheep way to go.

On the other hand I have found that touring in my coach is good fun. Great views from the cab with wraparound windows. Being able to stop when ever you like to have a bite while you enjoy a neat spot, use the facilities and be on your way. Explore back roads and see another side of the country at your own pace. Wing it a bit and see where you end up for the night ( not recomended for west coast in the summer)

Flying and renting wheels works great if you are interested in cities or big towns. But there is a lot to experence out in the countryside too.

If you do end up looking for a class C. I'd look into Lazydaze coaches. They seem well built and have a strong following.
Water intrusion and damage is a big issue to be on the lookout for, as well as insuring that all of the appliances and systems are working well.
For those occasional big family trips a tent can round out the sleeping accommodations.
And still let you use a smaller less costly rig.

Strupgolf. Let me offer another angle on your situation. R Ving is a good way to be able to enjoy traveling while enjoying the comforts of home. Your own bed, head and shower, the decore you chose. Familure foods in the pantry and fridge. And you can bring along some toys to add to the fun once there.

Have you taken your bride to RV shows? If you can find a rig she likes, and can see herself in, you are half way there. Be selective in what you show her, there is a lot of cheap poorly built product in the RV world. But some nice quality very homey units too.

All the best with your quandary.

Cheers Richard

[cstreit]

I know you might not want to hear this, but at 1-3 trips a year, unless they are big ones, its probably not worth it. You can have some pretty lavish hotel rooms when you amortize the cost.

Whatever you do, don't buy new.

Start with a small cheaper class C - see if you like it. Buy it 5-6 years old where it's > 75% depreciated.

Costs? Like used cars, it depends. Normal stuff like insurance and general auto maintenence. After than it all boils down to what breaks, that's a roll of the dice.

[tevake]

Yes, just a few trips will not justify the cost especially if you have to pay storage while it sits.
Having it at or very near home lets you continue to enjoy and take care of it while not traveling with it. Makes a nice guest room.if all hooked up.

Lots of folks that like RVing end up making it a big part of their yearly routine.

Just got to check it out to see if it's a fit.

Cheers Richard

[R K T]

RV ownership can be a lot like owning a boat....happiest day is when you buy it and second happiest day is when you sell it.

I had a pretty unique rig a few years ago that I bought from a friend. 1974 Dodge 4WD PowerWagon chassis mounted motorhome. The thing was a beast that would literally go anywhere. We had a blast in it for a few years and then sold it to a retired movie stunt man, Chuck Connor's double. He drove it to Honduras!
I drove it to a few Grateful Dead shows and once picked a young couple thumbing their way to the show. When we arrived they offered to fill the tank for us. Couldn't keep from laughing when I told them "sure, that would be really cool. It has a 100 gallon tank"! I think they had about ten bucks between them. Told them not to worry, just sharing the ride!

[mikeferg75]

That is way cool. My Tiger is sorta the modern version.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by R K T

You may have the best taste in cars and other modes of transportation on this or any other planet.

[R K T]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

You may have the best taste in cars and other modes of transportation on this or any other planet.

Thank you....I've been pretty lucky to have had the opportunity to be the owner of some nice rides. I regret selling almost everyone of them!

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by mikeferg75

My Tiger is sorta the modern version.

I think you posted about this when you bought it...I was envious then, still am. It was the first time I had seen the Tiger/ I also lust over the Earth Roamer.

I think we'll go the slide in camper route since we have a farm and will always need at least a 1/2 ton (much more with a slide in) and I have barn space.

RKT you are just a shade more than lucky

[mikeferg75]

Earth Roamer is about 10 miles from me. I know one of the guys, he is a regular at coffee n cars... They sure are nice, but man do you pay for it!

Tigers were built here as well up until 2003-4 now they are in SC.