EXTRA Beginners in RVing! Help!

My two cents is to buy the TT and a truck or something that can tow it. This will allow you to spend a lot less than $75 and therefore preventing a lot more debt. And don't buy a new trailer! If you decided you don't like living in one or get orders overseas and have to sell it, you don't want to take a bath on the depreciation.

You didn't say what part of the country you'll be setting it up in - if it's up north, you could run into lots of cold problems during the winter. If down south, bet a big enough trailer so that it has two air conditioners so you're comfortable in it.

Bill

If you are stationed in the northern USA the TT and/or class A will not keep you warm. How will your husband be affected by the base realignments?
If he is army and he gets Fort Drum NY there is no TT or motorhome going to keep you warm. You will also be hard pressed to find RV parks in the north open after Oct 1, or before April 1,

You're putting your money into things that go down in value. If it is more expensive than rent..... do you want to do it?

(Don't buy a home either if you're going to be transferring around. You need to be in a home more than 3+ years to have a chance to break even. Often military people transfer and leave houses trailing behind them that they are trying to rent out because they can't sell them.)

kohai wrote:
You're putting your money into things that go down in value.

This.

NYCgrrl wrote:

kohai wrote:
You're putting your money into things that go down in value.

This.

Indeed. Besides which, you'll also presumably be putting money into rent for a campsite or other place to put the RV, which may be approaching what a small apartment or whatever would cost to rent.

Although not glamorous, it might be financially more prudent and practically speaking more comfortable to buy a mobile home in good shape to live in. With a little bit of reasonable maintenance, the depreciation should be comparatively modest, and the living often rather more comfortable than an RV—more space, better insulation, etc.

You're going to get lots of opinions. Whatever you get, get at least one slide on it or you'll get pretty cramped. If you go with a class A, exercise the engine, transmission and generator if you sit without moving for several months. A diesel pickup and a 5th wheel are a good alternative and then you'd each have transportation. Check up on the monthly cost of sites and utilities before getting too serious. Do the military bases have parking facilities for RV's on a full time basis? There's bunches of full-timers so why not?

kohai wrote:
You're putting your money into things that go down in value. If it is more expensive than rent..... do you want to do it?

I don't think this is a good plan AT ALL.

Is there a guarantee that the two of you won't get separated by assignments in different places ? I doubt it.

And how did you arrive at your "budget" figure ?
If this is how much you can afford in loan payments, at the end of 3 years you will likely be WAY upside down on the loan and will have to sell it at a loss; maybe a BIG loss.

NOW is not a good time in your life to get into financial trouble.

Put your money in the bank and rent for now. Way to many variables. Do not get trapped into any payments this early in life. Pay yourself first. Stay debt free.

Buy the book. The Millionaire Next Door and read it twice. You could bury yourself into years of debt with emotional purchases at this time.

I was in the military when we were first married. We now live in a beautiful RV and are full timers.

Please be patient and read the book.

You have too many variables in your life. DH and I are both retired AF, so we have some experience in this area.

You haven't enlisted yet and you're spending the money. First you have to make it through basic training and then tech school. How long is tech school...depends on your AFSC. Assignments to couples are not guaranteed.

I hate to sound discouraging, but you should have other priorities that need to be addressed. You can't even agree that you need a new car. It takes years to adjust to military life. It's a whole different world. Divorce is a high possibility. Get used to the mantra "service before self".

An RV is a big commitment. What will you do with if you get deployed? It's a probability. I guarantee you cannot live full time in an RV in a northern tier base. You cannot full time in a fam camp. You are limited in space. Two people with 12-15 uniforms that need to stay pristine...voila closet is full. Too bad no room for civilian clothes.



Off my soap box.

If you're enlisting for the money...you're going in the wrong business. Unless things have changed in the last few years, airman do not make $80+ even x 2.