Forum Discussion

Mondooker's avatar
Mondooker
Explorer
Jan 17, 2016

True cost to operate a DP

I’ve learned a lot here on the forum and will admit, as some things have been made clear others not so much.

Here’s what I know.
I’m going to buy a 40’ to 45’ DP with a bath and a half.
* I’m going to pay $100,000.00 or less for my first motorhome.
* I will have a professional motorhome checker-outer check the vehicle.
* I will ask you folks here on the forum for your reaction to the vehicle I have in mind. To find it the diesel engine has known issue with that year and other known problems.
* I will use the motorhome four to five months a year for summer travel.
* I will try to find someone who will purchase and then give the motorhome to me. Ok, so I've mentioned one thing I may not know?

Based on the above I will know;
What I’m paying for the motorhome.
What the insurance will cost.
What the fuel cost will be based on where I’m going.
I will reasonable know the price of oil, fluids, tires etc.
Can reasonably know my expenses for RV parks.

My question is “how much should I put aside to pay for what I don’t know about? A $$$ amount for the year for the unexpected costs!

I’ve read; all kinds of posts on this issue. Some say if you don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars in a Swiss bank account don’t do it. And all the way to, don’t worry about anything-just jump in the motorhome and go!

So I figure that the answer is somewhere in-between. My question is where in-between?

Is anyone out there who can give me guidance on a dollar ($$$$) amount I should estimate as an annual budget for the unknown?

Thanks to all

52 Replies

  • Mondooker wrote:
    * I will try to find someone who will purchase and then give the motorhome to me.

    Good luck with that, I've been looking for the same type person for years. :B
  • My rule of thumb is to plan on spending 10% of the purchase price for "stuff".

    This includes essential surprise maintenance items that will pop up in the first 6 months of ownership. Elective items such as updating appliances, TV's, sound system and etc. Other items you just want to have such as chairs, water softer, surge protector, and the such.

    This "10%" rule of mine has served me well for boats, RV's, and even houses.