Is a motorhome "Only For The RIch"?
There is an article in the December issue of Motorhome Magazine on page 6 relating to a question they asked in the September issue asking the question. “Is it important to measure the cost versus b...
Forum Discussion
Not only for the "rich" - people of moderate means can afford it, but it certainly isn't cheap enough for everyone.
After 3 years with a clapped-out Class C, we took a breather for a couple of seasons, then bought a fairly decent 2002 32' Class A. 2014 was our fourth season of ownership, but we never used it. In 2013, we did a couple of trips and realised that the cost of running the rig was just too much for our financial well-being. When a 10-day, 1200 mile trip costs $1000 just for gas and CG fees, that's beyond what our finances can stand on a frequent basis. Needing a new fridge that season ($1800) didn't help!
Our motor-home is at a nearby consignment dealer, whose estimated selling price was considerably higher than we anticipated. There are a few minor repairs needed for body dings and the generator won't start. We also have no idea what state the rubber roof is in. The dealer will give us a run-down and cost estimate of what's needed to get the rig to "excellent" (he said the interior already is). They can do the work, then deduct the cost from the selling price. Since the commission is a flat fee of $595.00. this looks like a workable solution.
One thing in our favor is that the S&B is in one of the nicest small seaside towns on the west coast. Being ex-pat Brits we can live with the wet & soggy winter weather and being able to walk to a salt-water beach in 10 minutes is priceless.
After 3 years with a clapped-out Class C, we took a breather for a couple of seasons, then bought a fairly decent 2002 32' Class A. 2014 was our fourth season of ownership, but we never used it. In 2013, we did a couple of trips and realised that the cost of running the rig was just too much for our financial well-being. When a 10-day, 1200 mile trip costs $1000 just for gas and CG fees, that's beyond what our finances can stand on a frequent basis. Needing a new fridge that season ($1800) didn't help!
Our motor-home is at a nearby consignment dealer, whose estimated selling price was considerably higher than we anticipated. There are a few minor repairs needed for body dings and the generator won't start. We also have no idea what state the rubber roof is in. The dealer will give us a run-down and cost estimate of what's needed to get the rig to "excellent" (he said the interior already is). They can do the work, then deduct the cost from the selling price. Since the commission is a flat fee of $595.00. this looks like a workable solution.
One thing in our favor is that the S&B is in one of the nicest small seaside towns on the west coast. Being ex-pat Brits we can live with the wet & soggy winter weather and being able to walk to a salt-water beach in 10 minutes is priceless.
