OutdoorPhotographer wrote:
Is it easier to get spots for 40 footers in NP's if you dry camp, say Yellowstone? I realize that is the only option in some NP's anyway.
Yes it's easier and less expensive. I have friends with similar size MH's that worry if they do not have 50 amps every night. The beauty of a big MH is how well you can dry camp for 5-7 days without cutting back on anything. In Ystone my 42' becomes a 40'... max for some CGs and I've never been measured.
We do three months out West without reservations and only a general idea of the areas we want to visit. 12 years ago it took a fair amount of pre-planning, but today with more web sites, smart phones and better coverage... it's fairly easy especially if you arrive late Sunday or early Monday when the local's have gone home. In those three months we will boondock the majority of the time BUT we camp at higher elevations and in the trees (we are not desert people) where you do not have to run the generator for AC. Most days we are in the car exploring/sightseeing.
Back to the OP's situation. Now that we know it 8 years to retirement and he already has a 5er... A large DP is the nicest and
most expensive way to see the USA, OK and Canada. I agree with the above posts to keep what you have, save a lot of money and then buy a slightly used DP when you retire. My criteria was until I could use a RV 100+ days/year I should keep the price below $60K... $75K in today's dollars. Even paying cash, this is not a cheap sport... For 11 years my depreciation has been $14K/year, insurance $1200/year, 1000 gallons fuel/year ($2-3000)... at 100 days/year that's $160/day for it to just move down the road... even at 180 days/year that's $90/day and well worth it. :B
* Not sure I really wanted to know this.:h If I divide it by 2 pewople that's only $45/day/person. Somewhat better.:B
