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rvhd1825's avatar
rvhd1825
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014

Owning CLass A or C vs buying a vacation home

We are looking into buying another class A or C which we have been out of the RV world for three years. We had a 33' class A for 6 years and kind of now what it takes to up keep one. We are retired in our 50's and can go at will at any time. The cost of a mountain home, ocean view home or just vacation home what we have been looking at can run around the range of well over 100k or better depending on location. I nice new class A rv gasser can run under 100 k and payments can be half the price of home mortage. We like the fact we have the room and setup to park rv in our driveway and a great home base. We like the fact we can go at will on the highway and see new things. Vacation home, same place same view. up keep , not sure. We even tried to factor in the hotel route. We just read the question and response in Sept and Dec Motorhome magazine and that made sense too. Any advice out there.

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  • rvhd1825's avatar
    rvhd1825
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2014
    I have had homes, lost value, made some, broke even, you never know on the economy. Had one RV. The only thing I lost was 6 years of payments, sold it more than its value, got lucky. Not worried about loosing value on RV. I know that going in. I guess I am the wondering type. Hate seeing the same thing all the time. I like having control of some things. I can always have my RV in my driveway or with me. Vacation home on the other hand its always away from me and have to make sure its ok when I am not there. Its good to chat like this, it helps me work out my thoughts.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Nov 02, 2014
    Travel while you can... Buy a vacation home when getting around becomes an issue. I would not buy new as having owned one for six years you should be able to find a good used one
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2014
    Two different animals. Do you like to travel or stay in the same old place?
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2014
    Welcome to the forum.
    In a perfect world you would drive your Class A to your beach house.
    However, for most of us, that isn't going to happen.

    A vacation home can be an investment, the RV will lose value.
    But, you can't take the beach home across the country. :)

    There are many things to consider for each option.

    My advice is, travel while you can. You don't know what life will hand you tomorrow.

    It all comes down to what Dick B said, it's a personal choice.

    Let us know what you decide.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Nov 02, 2014
    Two things. If you like where your planned vacation home is and you want to spend your free time there, the home makes a lot of sense. Financially, the home make much more sense than an RV as you will be buying an appreciating asset versus one that does the opposite.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2014
    From the post it appears you have already made your decision.
    My Parents had a vacation home for about 50 years and every year went there for vacations.
    My Wife and I, however, like the idea of moving around and seeing new sights AND, at 76 years of age, can still do all those physical things required when RVing.
    We had friends who camped for years and finally got tired of it and bought a condo in Florida.
    Purely personal choice.

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