We are planning to do some RVing next year. Full-time? Not sure yet.
My question is, which is more cost-effective to repair:
A truck or a camper?
We are planning to purchase something very inexpensive (think $5,000 total).
Should we go for an old pickup and a small trailer, or an all-in-one RV?
I know it probably depends on what the problem is, but I just have no clue how much repairs run on an RV (say your alternator goes out).
Any input to the beneifts, drawback, etc. would be appreciated.
netters said
06:59 PM Feb 12, 2009
Welcome to the forum. This is the right place to get all the info you need. We decided on a 5th wheel and truck because the 5th wheel just seems more home like to us. That is just our opinion. Also, our thoughts were that if we have to have maintenance we would only be servicing one vehicle instead of two, if you tow a small car or jeep behind a motorhome. Good luck in your adventures and maybe we will see you down the road somewhere...
thebearII said
10:43 AM Feb 13, 2009
Arkaidy,
If you are planning to fulltime, you want to get the biggest RV you can. You also need to keep in mind what you would be comfortable driving.
Based upon your budget of $5000, I would say you need to look at a motorhome (camper). If you can find a good motorhome that has been well cared for in the $5000 range, you would get the best bang for your bucks. However, you're going to see a lot of well worn or junk motorhomes at that price range....
To buy a truck and a trailer you would have to look at much older or harder used vehicles to be able to get both for $5000.
A truck and a cabover camper would be do able at that price. I see a lot of cabover campers advertised in the $700 to $1000 range. In my opinion, a cabover camper would not make a good choice for full timing, too small and confining. I know there are folks out there who live full time in them and enjoy it.
One thing about RV's people don't realize is, you can get financing for up to 15 years or more depending on the purchase price. This allows you to buy a newer bigger vehicle with reasonable payments over longer period of time. So if you can afford to make payments, you may want to look at financing a new or newer RV.
If you have up to $10,000 to spend, then other options should be considered:
Motorhome- All in one, fairly easy to drive, mechanicals can be expensive to repair or replace and would need to tow a car for running around once you arrive at a destination if you don't want to pack up stuff back into the motorhome to go sight seeing.
Travel Trailer & Car, SUV or Truck to pull it with- More flexibility since you have a vehicle to sight see with once you unhitch the trailer. Fairly easy to drive if setup properly, mechanicals cheaper to repair or replace, lower initial cost than a motorhome if you already have a vehicle that can tow a trailer.
5th Wheel Travel Trailer- Same as above except would need a truck to pull it with and a little more expensive to buy. A little easier to tow than a travel trailer.
When shopping for an RV look for one with low mileage and has been well cared for. Test all of the aplliances, water heater, A/C, toilet, shower and heater. Make sure the holding tanks are sound and the valves work well.
You may want to try the different type of RV's before you buy to see which would best fit your needs. You can rent both Motorhomes and travel trailers and take them out for a long weekend to get a feel them.
The choice is up to you, all we can do is share our experience. I like a truck and trailer or 5th wheel as my choice for an RV due to the flexibility and cost.
-- Edited by thebearII at 10:46, 2009-02-13
Speedhitch said
12:02 PM Feb 13, 2009
When you say an all in one you are refering to a Motorhome? I don't think you will find a MH for that price that would be very dependable. If you have an SUV or something now that could tow a trailer maybe that would be the way to go just to get your feet wet and try out this new life style. A P/U camper...one that slides in the back of a pickup would be OK but not much room. $5000.00 will limit you on what you can start off with. Not that it can't be done but I don't think you will get the feel of fulltiming with a rig in that price range. I guess it is all up to what you are looking to get out of this purchase. Maybe a little bit more information from you is in order here for all of us to help you out.
Joe and Sherri
Arkaidy said
04:23 PM Feb 13, 2009
Hey, thank you so much guys! That's great info, I appreciate it.
Yeah, 5k is not a lot, but it's what we can afford. Financing is not an option as a family member ruined my credit before I was even out of college.
I am starting to think a trailer would be our best bet. I have looked at some motohomes and you are right, they look very cramped.
I can probably buy a decent pickup/SUV for $2k in my area, and then see if I can't shell out another 5k for a trailer. We'll see, the dream is still far off for now :)
You've definitely given me something to think about, thank you again!!
pierreandcolleen said
11:45 AM Feb 16, 2009
Welcome! You can probably get a good deal on an RV right now - lots of people looking for extra cash right now.
This isn't what you're looking for, but I came across this when I was doing a google search for your question. I haven't read it yet, but it sounds interesting - especially since my hubby and I will have to end our travels net fall to get J-O-B-S.
My question is, which is more cost-effective to repair:
A truck or a camper?
We are planning to purchase something very inexpensive (think $5,000 total).
Should we go for an old pickup and a small trailer, or an all-in-one RV?
I know it probably depends on what the problem is, but I just have no clue how much repairs run on an RV (say your alternator goes out).
Any input to the beneifts, drawback, etc. would be appreciated.
If you are planning to fulltime, you want to get the biggest RV you can. You also need to keep in mind what you would be comfortable driving.
Based upon your budget of $5000, I would say you need to look at a motorhome (camper). If you can find a good motorhome that has been well cared for in the $5000 range, you would get the best bang for your bucks. However, you're going to see a lot of well worn or junk motorhomes at that price range....
To buy a truck and a trailer you would have to look at much older or harder used vehicles to be able to get both for $5000.
A truck and a cabover camper would be do able at that price. I see a lot of cabover campers advertised in the $700 to $1000 range. In my opinion, a cabover camper would not make a good choice for full timing, too small and confining. I know there are folks out there who live full time in them and enjoy it.
One thing about RV's people don't realize is, you can get financing for up to 15 years or more depending on the purchase price. This allows you to buy a newer bigger vehicle with reasonable payments over longer period of time. So if you can afford to make payments, you may want to look at financing a new or newer RV.
If you have up to $10,000 to spend, then other options should be considered:
Motorhome- All in one, fairly easy to drive, mechanicals can be expensive to repair or replace and would need to tow a car for running around once you arrive at a destination if you don't want to pack up stuff back into the motorhome to go sight seeing.
Travel Trailer & Car, SUV or Truck to pull it with- More flexibility since you have a vehicle to sight see with once you unhitch the trailer. Fairly easy to drive if setup properly, mechanicals cheaper to repair or replace, lower initial cost than a motorhome if you already have a vehicle that can tow a trailer.
5th Wheel Travel Trailer- Same as above except would need a truck to pull it with and a little more expensive to buy. A little easier to tow than a travel trailer.
When shopping for an RV look for one with low mileage and has been well cared for. Test all of the aplliances, water heater, A/C, toilet, shower and heater. Make sure the holding tanks are sound and the valves work well.
You may want to try the different type of RV's before you buy to see which would best fit your needs. You can rent both Motorhomes and travel trailers and take them out for a long weekend to get a feel them.
The choice is up to you, all we can do is share our experience. I like a truck and trailer or 5th wheel as my choice for an RV due to the flexibility and cost.
-- Edited by thebearII at 10:46, 2009-02-13
Yeah, 5k is not a lot, but it's what we can afford. Financing is not an option as a family member ruined my credit before I was even out of college.
I am starting to think a trailer would be our best bet. I have looked at some motohomes and you are right, they look very cramped.
I can probably buy a decent pickup/SUV for $2k in my area, and then see if I can't shell out another 5k for a trailer. We'll see, the dream is still far off for now :)
You've definitely given me something to think about, thank you again!!
You can probably get a good deal on an RV right now - lots of people looking for extra cash right now.
This isn't what you're looking for, but I came across this when I was doing a google search for your question. I haven't read it yet, but it sounds interesting - especially since my hubby and I will have to end our travels net fall to get J-O-B-S.
http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Trailer-Homesteading-Under-5-000/dp/1559501324
Colleen