WHERERURV
Tarpon Springs
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Joined: 05/07/2008
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Okay, Me and my wife have been doing some research since last year on rv's. We feel like we know what we want in an rv but are unsure on what the economic future holds. You know, everything just keeps escalating. So we are "sitting on the fence" with our purchase. In the mean time, we have even considered other ideas that originally we did not even consider. For example, instead of buying a travel trailer, maybe downsize to a pop-up or even buy a small more compact travel trailer. The three major benefits to pop-ups are lighter, more aerodynamic, and less expensive to buy and haul. Major Downsize is comfort/security. We even discussed if things got real bad and out of control then we would just pitch a tent and downside from truck to compact car. It also feels like the more we wait the less important it is to us or maybe we can just do without one altogether. Even though at some point it just might be cheaper to just stay in a hotel while traveling. So, we were just wondering if there are any other couples out there in the same position as we are. If so, we would invite your thoughts, ideas and experiences. We want to know if you are postponing buying to a later date or coming up with other creative ideas/solutions.
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rnr42005
melbourne, fl.
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Joined: 09/09/2007
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late last year we were in the same situation. i had a TT years ago so i knew what to expect. the DW and daughter had never camped before.
we looked and looked and finally a deal presented itself for a MH that the "young" couple just wanted to get out of. they started their price about $6k below market and we purchased for another $2500 below that.
yes, it needed some wear and tear items tended to, but still much cheaper in the long run.
pay cash? never! we use other people money (loan) low interest, such as a signature loan, and deduct the interest as a second home(irs allowable).
try renting a unit a few times similar to what you might consider purchasing.
then you will know for sure if it is what you want to do.
for the cost of ownership, it all becomes relative. what do your "hobbies" cost? that weekly trip to play a round of golf? the weekly trip to the hair salon? get the picture?
good luck with whatever you decide!!!
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StanleyandIris
Louisiana
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Joined: 06/17/2007
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Motels aren't nearly as fun as camping. Get a cozy little used trailer, fix it up and don't look back.
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4campnuts
Southern NH
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Joined: 05/23/2005
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Camping has such a wide variety of options that it's affordable for just about anybody if you put some thought into it. You can tent all the way up to using a motor home...just decide what you are most comfortable affording to do, and go that route. IMO I wouldn't "waste" precious time wondering about the economy...get out there and have some fun, no matter how you do it. Buy a small TT or pop up if that makes you feel better, then if finances and the economy take a turn for the positive and you feel more confident, buy something bigger at that point.
I think a lot of us have done it that way. We started camping in a tent then used an old '72 pop up that was given to us for 2 years before deciding to make the leap and purchase a TT. Good luck!
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hitchup
Fulltiming in Gainesville, VA
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Joined: 02/17/2005
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Have you checked on the prices of Motels lately? Their rates are going up along with everyone elses.
2009 DRV Mobile Suite 38TKSB3....our custom home
2008 Ford F450 Lariat CC 4x4......his office
Working Fulltimers since 3/2005
"Shoot for the Moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars."
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classCcuisine
All Over
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Joined: 01/09/2008
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now is a great time to buy an rv. we have seen so many great deals while travelling around this year.
most people that are selling now have the same thoughts as you about the "escalating economy" and that is why they are selling.
The economy will change, it will get better, the gas bubble will break (the demand and speculation just aren't there, the investors are reaping some profits and at some point everyone will catch on)
whatever you choose, research it well and think about it. I'd hate to hear you settled for something small, things got better then you are stuck with it or have to get something else.
we try not to worry about what tomorrow brings, because there is so much to see and do today, and no matter how much you can do, today always gives up to tomorrow at some point.
1992 Four Winds Class C 27'
2002 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
A couple of kayaks, bikes, and whatever else we can pile on
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RVing Al
California
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Joined: 06/25/2008
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Greetings Whererurv
If you were ever going to buy an RV, Now is the time to do it.
Due to the economic circumstances we are now experiencing in the US, there will unfortunately be an increase in the number of RVs for sale by their owners or for sale by the lending institutions that have repossessed them.
The falling value of homes and the skyrocketing fuel prices have impacted both RV owners and the RV Industry. Quite a few people who bought new RVs at the highest monthly payments that they could qualify for are now upside down in them and regretting their decision to get the RV of their dreams. In other words they over bought their RV and they are now paying the price for it.
Is this all doom and gloom for you and other potential RVers? The answer is a resounding NO! If you were ever thinking about buying an RV or upgrading to a different class of RV, now is the time to do it. There are a ton of new and used RVs on the market right now. The prices on these RVs are a lot lower because the fuel prices are high and the economy is shaky.
It is a buyer’s market for RVs right now. You will be able to get a lot more for your money. Of course you are going to have to still negotiate the best price you can for what you want, but now more than ever you are in the driver’s seat during these negotiations.
RVs do not have to sit idle; it is the owners that have concerns or let things get in their way of using them regularly. These types of owners are not RVers and probably made an impulse decision when they purchased their RV. You need to plan out in advance whether you will be able to use and afford the RV prior to buying one, not after.
Now, let’s address the concerns of the cost of going camping in your RV. The biggest cost, depending on the type of RV you have will be fuel. This would be a major concern if you are planning a 3500-mile cross-country trip. Now, even for the most avid RVer is not the time to spend the summer seeing the whole US (unless you have deep pockets).
Getting away from it all and camping does not require traveling 100s or 1000s of miles. Look around within a 50-, 60- or 70-mile radius of where you live and you will be surprised at all of the places there are to camp that you have never been to. Remember, the whole point of RVing and camping is to relax and enjoy your surroundings. I guarantee you there is no mileage limit on relaxation. Whether you are 25 miles from home or 2500 miles from home, you can and should relax: after all, that is what the RVing Lifestyle is all about.
Another advantage of our country’s current fiscal difficulties is that the campgrounds you go to may be a lot less crowded than normal.
Our family has been RVing for 35 years, and we have been all over the US and Canada and have enjoyed every minute of it. Have we changed our RVing habits as a result of the economic crunch? YES, we are not planning to travel 1000s of miles right now. Have we given up RVing? NO, we just go camping closer to home at places we have not been to before. This change in our habits has not diminished our zeal for and enjoyment of RVing.
You won’t regret your decision about buying an RV. Just plan ahead and don’t put a financial strain on yourself as this will diminish your enjoyment.
Any RV is better than the best motel we have ever stayed at
Take Care and Happy RVing (that is when you finally get your RV)
RVing Al
RVing Al
"Your knowledge is an asset that should be shared with others, so pay it forward"
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rnr42005
melbourne, fl.
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Joined: 09/09/2007
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RVingAl,
how well could it have put? you said it all in a concise manner.
buy what you can afford and adjust when needed. what a concept, huh!
if only those that are now finding themselves in a nightmare had your wisdom and insight when they "over bought" and ran the purse strings way to tight.
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RVing Al
California
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Joined: 06/25/2008
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Greetings rnr42005,
Thanks for the Kudos, I just wish I knew this the first time I bought an RV from a dealer and maxed out our credit. This is what these forums are all about. Help the new RVers learn from the old RVer's mistakes.
I have heard it said, "that the more mistakes you make, the smarter you become". If that were true, I would be a genius by now and a member of MENSA. :-)
Take Care and Happy RVing
RVing Al
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AlbertaCampin'
Alberta
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Joined: 06/23/2008
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I just bought my first TT this week, and I had some doubts about it. I just made sure I wasn't pushing my monthly expenses too high, and bought a nice clean couple year old trailer. Like Al said, its a great time to be a buyer right now. Calm down, grab a good deal on whatever you feel is right for you, and go enjoy it. Remember, one of the things that'll help the economy is us consumers spending our cash.... intelligently.
TV 2004 Super Duty
Chipped, Intake, Exhaust, 6.5" Lift, 37" Tires
TT 2005 Jayco Jayflight 27BH
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