Utilization measure for class a use
When I used to work, I was on the lookout for measures that would compare how well my portion of the business compared with other companies. Purpose was to id topics where we were not in the first qua...
Forum Discussion
This same subject comes up in many quarters and about many things. Here is my experience and a few thoughts.
I have owned a number of boats, a 12, 18, 21, 28, 37 & 47, all sail. They get little use compared to my motorhome usage. Here in NJ we had limited season and within that we had a significant number of no go days. I did spend a total of ten years on the last two as I was a full timer. That means I still didn't get to go as often as I would have liked. When I sold the last one it was for a pretty good hit on the initial investment. Yes I had quite a number of very very fun times.
On to motor home ownership. I use mine about 8-9 months of the year. average two weekends a month and an additional 4-5 weeks, far more usage than the boat. Yes when I sell it some day I will likely take a hit, but the memories of traveling with my wife and daughter will last for ever.
Now on to the hard numbers, the ones everyone hates.
I have an excel spreadsheet, actually two. One is a vehicle log, all the Chassis Expenses are recorded here, Fuel, Oil Changes, DEF, Tires, Brakes, Etc. The immediate benefit is that I have current tank, 4 tank, 10 tank and life time MPG If I notice any unexpected changes I know it NOW.
The second Spreadsheet is a mode of travel comparative. I input the trip distance, the fuel costs per gallon, expected Hotel rates, airfare, car rentals food costs and number of people. This gives me a comparison of each, so far the RV has with very rare exception been the least expensive way to travel, NOT INCLUDING THE COST OF THE MH OR ITS MAINTENANCE. Benefits? Too many to list, but you all know them already. I sleep in my own bed, I eat better and far cheaper than I can in a hotel. I can do things in an RV park that you can't do even in the Ritz-Carlton. Try building a fire out side your room and making Smores with you daughter there!
I don't worry about the cost of the unit. I could have bought a home that is twice as big and twice as costly to run as where I live instead of a MH, it would likely appreciate and when I die there would be a bigger slice of pie for my Daughter, but we would not have had the times together that we have had.
That's my story and I am sticking to it!
I have owned a number of boats, a 12, 18, 21, 28, 37 & 47, all sail. They get little use compared to my motorhome usage. Here in NJ we had limited season and within that we had a significant number of no go days. I did spend a total of ten years on the last two as I was a full timer. That means I still didn't get to go as often as I would have liked. When I sold the last one it was for a pretty good hit on the initial investment. Yes I had quite a number of very very fun times.
On to motor home ownership. I use mine about 8-9 months of the year. average two weekends a month and an additional 4-5 weeks, far more usage than the boat. Yes when I sell it some day I will likely take a hit, but the memories of traveling with my wife and daughter will last for ever.
Now on to the hard numbers, the ones everyone hates.
I have an excel spreadsheet, actually two. One is a vehicle log, all the Chassis Expenses are recorded here, Fuel, Oil Changes, DEF, Tires, Brakes, Etc. The immediate benefit is that I have current tank, 4 tank, 10 tank and life time MPG If I notice any unexpected changes I know it NOW.
The second Spreadsheet is a mode of travel comparative. I input the trip distance, the fuel costs per gallon, expected Hotel rates, airfare, car rentals food costs and number of people. This gives me a comparison of each, so far the RV has with very rare exception been the least expensive way to travel, NOT INCLUDING THE COST OF THE MH OR ITS MAINTENANCE. Benefits? Too many to list, but you all know them already. I sleep in my own bed, I eat better and far cheaper than I can in a hotel. I can do things in an RV park that you can't do even in the Ritz-Carlton. Try building a fire out side your room and making Smores with you daughter there!
I don't worry about the cost of the unit. I could have bought a home that is twice as big and twice as costly to run as where I live instead of a MH, it would likely appreciate and when I die there would be a bigger slice of pie for my Daughter, but we would not have had the times together that we have had.
That's my story and I am sticking to it!
