Christine,
First, I understand your excitement completely. We're just entering out 2nd year full timing, but still love it.
However, some provisos . . .
GypsyNurseChristine wrote:
We worked it out that if we bought a used RV (taking into consideration payments on the RV + hookup fees + gas + satellite internet) it would come out to be about the same as short term rentals with our pets. Even if it came out to be alittle
more . . .
It could be a lot more. Did you include RV maintenance? In older RVs things are going to break or need fixing -- engine, chassis, fridge, air conditioners, water heater, etc, etc.
We planned for over 2 years before we went full timing, but we still couldn't plan for everything. For example, during our first year, we were traveling on a south Chicago freeway when a piece of something fell off a truck in front of us and knocked out our rear air suspension. Who woulda thunk? (BTW, we were able to fix our RV for only about $110 because we had a Coach-Net service plan. I encourage you to get a service/towing plan.)
You're also need insurance for your RV. Plus, since it looks like you don't own a house, you'll need a full timer umbrella liability policy (without this you could be sued into the next century if something bad happens.) Try these guys: Miller Insurance Agency.
GypsyNurseChristine wrote:
Our budget is around $15,000 for the RV itself. We have found a couple nice ones that are $9000 and $10,000, so we are going to check them out soon.
Since you admit you don't know anything about RVs, how would you know they were "nice"? Nice looking, maybe, but that's about it, right?
Also, you just seem to be looking locally -- St. Louis, MO area.
While your daytime temps are ok, it looks like it freezes every night so there's probably no way you can test the water system or water heater. Plus, you're probably relying on a salesman's word that the RV was winterized. If it wasn't winterized, you could have a nasty surprise in Spring.
You sound like you have Motorhome Fever and a need to buy RIGHT NOW.
I'd encourage you to pause and take a breath. You have until April. Consider a trip (or two) outside the St. Louis, MO area to a warmer climate where you can test everything. It may cost $$$ to get there, but you'll have more choices and increase your chances of getting a good RV.
Bottom Line: Buy for about $10K and leave the $5K for maintenance (probably a new set of tires + engine "tune up"). Even if the tires "look" new, check the Tire Date Code.
GypsyNurseChristine wrote:
My biggest concern is that the RVs that are in our budget are older than 15 years. The ones we are interested appear to be in really good shape, so I'm not worried about that, but I've heard that there can be restrictions in parks on the age of the RVs. How prevalent is this and if we are full-timing (we are going to AZ next, then making our way up the west coast, then doubling back to Colorado), is it going to be a huge problem for us? There seem to be hundreds of RV parks out west, so I want to believe that we would find something that suits our needs, but I don't want to be naive.
RV age could be an issue if you don't shop wisely. The older the RV, the more likely thing(s) will need fixing.
As someone else said restrictions in parks on the age of the RVs are not much of a concern.
GypsyNurseChristine wrote:
I've read things online regarding how much it *really* costs to live in an RV full time, but I'd appreciate your perspective on that, too.
Hope for the best, plan for the worst.
GypsyNurseChristine wrote:
One of the rigs I'm looking at has been winterized, soI would hope it would keep the cool or heat in even if things went out!
My pets are pretty laid-back and resilient. I think they'll be okay!
If the AC failed in your RV, your pets could die if left for an extended time. Just like leaving pets in a car in the heat -- especially if you're in AZ as you plan.
To help prevent that, get a Surge Guard and a Voltage Regulator (autoformer). The former protects your RV from bad campground electrical pedestals and the latter from low park voltage.
Also, how do you plan to get your mail on the road?
Finally, you're asking all the right questions & seem ahead of the game. Good luck!
