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bluegrassroad's avatar
bluegrassroad
Explorer
Mar 16, 2016

class A devaluation

Looking down the road to (Retirement)I have been thinking about an RV and doing some traveling across the US of A. I have been watching Utube vid's of full timers and all the many RV information on line and I was hoping to hear from folks who bought an RV , weather it be new or used ( a whole discussion in of it self), hit the road for a time and at the end of there journey, for what ever reason, had to sell there RV and return to the stick built hut. My question: With the devaluation of your RV (and I know it's different for everyone) was it worth it when all was said and done? I understand RV's loose value as almost any recreational equipment does, but was it worth it? Should there be anything I need to know or consider before I try to talk my wife into this? Thanks.
Class A

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  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Mar 16, 2016
    We full-timed for 16 years and traveled constantly. We bought two RVs new during that time. We sold at what we considered a good price taking into account of all the places we visited and living in them daily. Now you could retire and just stay at home and save some money. We'd rather enjoy our retirement. We saw too many that either got seriously ill or died soon after retirement.

    Yes, it was totally worth it!!!
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2016
    RV is a generic term, so trailers are also RVs. Depreciation and maintenance on trailers and tow vehicles are considerably less than on a MH.
    The trade off is yours to judge.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Mar 16, 2016
    I recently figured my depreciation has been $90/day based on 115 days/year use over the last 11 years and I bought slightly used. The good news is the next 11 years should get it down to $40/day. Click on "How I spend the winter" below. How much is that worth over spending the winter in NH? Sure you could buy a condo, but it's kind of hard to move it out West.

    How many National Parks have you visited? How many more do you want to see up close? This is not a cheap sport and you need to be handy to own a MH. Good Luck as there are way too many variables to really answer your concerns.
  • GGoodsell's avatar
    GGoodsell
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2016
    ANY RV does NOT make financial sense! Obviously no one wants to take a major financial loss, but it really has to be about your choice of travel, adventure, and how you want to see the country. Your best choice, money-wise is to find a clean, used RV in good condition, enjoy it, and then sell for a minimal loss.

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