Well I drove down the mtn to Marion, NC this morning and looked at 5th wheels at Tom Johnson's Camping. I was really impressed with a 2005 Cardinal 33 LX by Forest River. Terrific floor plan, seemed to be in great condition, and I could see myself living in it. There is a closet that is plumbed & wired for a W/D; for now that's not on my "must have" list, but I could get tired of feeding quarters into laundramats real quickly. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has (or had) a similar model - your likes & dislikes. The asking price is $31,900, and I'm sure it could be had for less.
The main trouble is that I have fallen in love with the Americana (LC is closer to my price range, but either LC or GS is just beautiful). I don't know how I could ever find anything I like better, but maybe the Cardinal could compete. The problem with Americana is that I would have to incur some debt, either for the RV or tow vehicle, but will I always wish I had gotten it? Thanks. gypsy
Doncat said
05:48 PM Aug 9, 2008
As a graduate of the Dave Ramsey "school of financial peace" the thought of incurring debt is a no-no. However, as a normal human being and some people question if that is me or not , I think sometimes it may be acceptable to incur a debt, with a well laid plan to eliminate that debt quickly and paying as little interest as possible. Dave is probably tearing up my diploma after that statement!
Let me redeem myself. Instant gratification has caused me a lot of problems in my lifetime and is probably the reason I am not on the road as a fulltimer today.
That being said, if I am debt free, have an adequate fixed income and do not have the cash to purchase a home on wheels, I would consider taking the smallest and lowest interest bearing loan I could get. Especially if it made the difference in my hitting the road at age 60 or waiting another 5 to 10 years. I know there is going to be differences in opinions out there. Am I wrong?
I think it may boil down to your ability to budget for the loan payment and the ability to pay off the loan quickly.
GBY ......... Don
gypsy97 said
07:09 PM Aug 9, 2008
I know what you mean about debt. I've been over my head and worked my way out of it several times in my life and I don't want any more debt after I sell my house and have no more mortgage. I looked at the Corps of Engineers volunteer job list though, and think that is a real possibility to have a free campsite from April through October, and use the money saved to pay off a small loan. It is so easy to rationalize, isn't it. I just know I will regret it if I settle for less RV than what I want, especially since I'm not looking at the high-end 5vers, but smaller mid-range. gypsy
Luvglass said
12:08 PM Aug 10, 2008
I don't think that debt is inherently bad.
If you have the income to support your lifestyle while paying off a loan, then it seems foolish to me to deprive yourself of an amazing lifestyle change, just to avoid "debt"at all costs.
JMHO,
Fred
gypsy97 said
12:27 PM Aug 10, 2008
One problem is that I won't really know what the full-time lifestyle will cost me until I do it for a while. I'll be solo, so my costs for groceries will be lower, plus I rarely eat out. But insurance, campgrounds, fuel, etc., will be the same as for a couple. I'm not normally a big spender but I'm retired and on a fixed income. This waiting is driving me crazy, and it's been just a little over a week since my house went into the listings. gypsy
The main trouble is that I have fallen in love with the Americana (LC is closer to my price range, but either LC or GS is just beautiful). I don't know how I could ever find anything I like better, but maybe the Cardinal could compete. The problem with Americana is that I would have to incur some debt, either for the RV or tow vehicle, but will I always wish I had gotten it? Thanks.
gypsy
As a graduate of the Dave Ramsey "school of financial peace" the thought of incurring debt is a no-no. However, as a normal human being and some people question if that is me or not
, I think sometimes it may be acceptable to incur a debt, with a well laid plan to eliminate that debt quickly and paying as little interest as possible. 
Dave is probably tearing up my diploma after that statement!
Let me redeem myself. Instant gratification has caused me a lot of problems in my lifetime and is probably the reason I am not on the road as a fulltimer today.
That being said, if I am debt free, have an adequate fixed income and do not have the cash to purchase a home on wheels, I would consider taking the smallest and lowest interest bearing loan I could get. Especially if it made the difference in my hitting the road at age 60 or waiting another 5 to 10 years. I know there is going to be differences in opinions out there. Am I wrong?
I think it may boil down to your ability to budget for the loan payment and the ability to pay off the loan quickly.
GBY ......... Don
gypsy
gypsy