Rental as long term strategy?
I posted a while back about going to an RV show and loving all the options. I'm a current PUP owner looking for more room but want to downsize F-150 to a jeep, not lock in the need for another truck,...
Forum Discussion
My intent in starting the thread was twofold.
1. Generate discussion on when it makes sense to rent vs. own for more than a "casual" RV'er who is going to rent once or twice.
2. Look for others' viewpoints as I make my own decision.
There have been good points on all sides including possible metrics for breakeven point. I think if I was anywhere close to breakeven, I could move over to the buy side.
My situation has three added considerations, one which many will face, the others some but not as many.
1. I will not have onsite storage for an RV for at least 3 years. The popup can go in a garage.
- I expect many face the same issue. No storage adds approximately $1200/yr to the cost of ownership and more if you are trying to get covered storage. It also diminishes, but does not remove all conveniences of owning over renting.
2. As military, I will move every few years. Sometimes RVing will be easier. I had RV parking at my last duty station. Sometimes it will be harder - say orders to SOCAL or overseas where I would have to sell.
3. I know I will have to work many weekends for the next few years so camping is reduced to vacations. For the odd weekend I can get away, the popup does fine considering. Sure the RV is better and I wouldn't buy the popup otherwise but as long as I can park it in a garage, my cost of ownership is minimal so I can use it to augment an RV rental strategy.
The reasons above are why I like metrics to aid a financial decision but lifestyle and job circumstances are subjective elements of the ultimate decision.
1. Generate discussion on when it makes sense to rent vs. own for more than a "casual" RV'er who is going to rent once or twice.
2. Look for others' viewpoints as I make my own decision.
There have been good points on all sides including possible metrics for breakeven point. I think if I was anywhere close to breakeven, I could move over to the buy side.
My situation has three added considerations, one which many will face, the others some but not as many.
1. I will not have onsite storage for an RV for at least 3 years. The popup can go in a garage.
- I expect many face the same issue. No storage adds approximately $1200/yr to the cost of ownership and more if you are trying to get covered storage. It also diminishes, but does not remove all conveniences of owning over renting.
2. As military, I will move every few years. Sometimes RVing will be easier. I had RV parking at my last duty station. Sometimes it will be harder - say orders to SOCAL or overseas where I would have to sell.
3. I know I will have to work many weekends for the next few years so camping is reduced to vacations. For the odd weekend I can get away, the popup does fine considering. Sure the RV is better and I wouldn't buy the popup otherwise but as long as I can park it in a garage, my cost of ownership is minimal so I can use it to augment an RV rental strategy.
The reasons above are why I like metrics to aid a financial decision but lifestyle and job circumstances are subjective elements of the ultimate decision.
