Going "cheap" - a new "rant" - just wondering "why?"

OK, here's my "rant" for the day! I just don't understand it, and every time I read a post it makes me cringe and sends spikes up my spine. Call it a "rant" if you want, but here goes.

We (all) spend a huge whopping amount of money for a decent RV, MH, TC, and tow vehicle for those with trailers of any kind.

But, when it comes to some thing, there's this on-going gnawing pain in my side when folks look for the cheapest way out. What do I mean?

"Cheap" weight distribution systems.
"Cheap" camping spots.
"Cheap" camping gear.
"Cheap" tires, but still want quality.
"Cheap" RV's but still want quality.
"Cheap" and easy meals.

You get the idea.

I just read a post where someone was wanting a "Cheap" weight distribution hitch system. And this got my feathers ruffled.

That word "Cheap" drives me crazy. "Cheap" (in my opinion) means lacking in quality or durability. It can also refer to the price of an item.

Face it... the RV lifestyle is not "Cheap" and it's definitely not "economical" either. From a financial perspective, RVing simply makes no sense at all. But neither does the cost of some other hobbies.

If someone is going to spend $70,000 for a really hefty tow vehicle and trailer, why "cheap" out with Weight Distribution.

If you are going on that 2 week annual vacation, why cheap-out at WallMart parking lots to avoid camping fees. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination?

I think you get my point. I think it's the choice of the word, "cheap" that irritates me. There REALLY is nothing "cheap" about the RV lifestyle. There may be better "economical" ways of getting the job done, but "cheap" is not the way to do it.

If you're going to RV, invest thousands of dollars in an RV and the machines to move them, and carry your family with you inside them, I would think everyone would want the absolute best, not something "cheap".

Everything from safety, to food, to entertainment, to location, to experiences, to the blankets and dishes you use in your RV, "cheap" is a word that should not be an option!

OK so much for my daily rant.

Just wait till I get on my soap box about that word, "upgrade!"

;)

Seeking Advice

Oasisbob
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016
Poine well taken. Never gave it much thought. I also see posts where folks say "what is the best....." I want the best at a, I'll say it "cheap price.
newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2016
Wait till you are a rv tech and a guy in as 400 k Moho here's well it has to go to the shop then he does not want to pay!!!!!!!!!
csamayfield55x
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016
For some people you can either spend 8K on a trailer and 400 on a hitch OR spend 3K on a hitch and look at it

You can either save the money on a camp spot on the trip and have money to play with AT the destination OR have great camping on the way and sit and look at your neighbors

You can either buy cheaper gear or sit on a log

I can go on and on but the point is, every one's situation is different!!

When we started we had a second hand Jayco that was too small and we had no good stuff! We did TONS of camping!! As we got a little older we were able to afford better stuff and stepped into a better trailer. Now we hae our dream 5th wheel and get very nice gear as we go BUT I still use a 15.00 grill from Wal-Mart

Chris
aguablanco
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016
I suspect that most people are really looking for the most economical alternative and use the word cheap as a synonym for economical. I highly doubt that most RVers are looking for the cheapest anything. I agree that cheap is synonymous, at least with me, to low quality, yet I frequently look for the "cheapest" price. Take a breath and realize that people will usually get what they pay for. Pay for quality once or pay for lack of quality many times over.
RichH
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016
I make my decisions on "value" not by price. I don't want the most expensive or least expensive, I want what fits my needs.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016
Just because a lot of money is spent on an RV does not obligate the person to spend more money than necessary for services and accessories.

You have a definition for cheap which differs from mine. For me, cheap means an item that meets my needs for the minimum expenditure, it does not necessarily mean poor quality.
downtheroad
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016
I agree DutchmenSport
All I can say is that they will learn....hopefully. Lots of folks never stick with the "RV'ing" thing and many leave their rigs parked most of the time unused.

There are some cost cuttings that can be made, but RVing is not inexpensive and it's not a way to save money.
pitch
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2016
I have a "CHEAP" wdh. I don't need a better one. I have no problem with the performance from the cheap one.
I have an HTT, I have had people suggest to me that when I can "AFFORD" it I will move "UP" to a "Better" Rv.

I like my HTT I chose it with my eyes wide open and I can afford a much more expensive rv.I don't want one.

I moved "up" to an HTT from a Class C.

I stay in parking lots at times. money does not enter in to the equation. I'm guessing while traveling that I stay in one parking lot for every five campgrounds. Convenience makes the decision not money.
my440
Explorer III
Jun 06, 2016
When you find a cheap rv site and discover your the only rig not covered by a tattered old tarp.
is_it_friday_ye
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016
I'll shop around the get the "cheapest price" on the item that I want.

I didn't cheap out on my hitch.

I didn't cheap out on my 5th wheel.

I didn't cheap out on my disc brake conversion.

However, I guess I'm cheap because I'll overnight in a Walmart on our way to a destination. To me, it doesn't make sense to reserve or drive several miles off the freeway when I don't know where we'll be stopping for the night. It all depends on traffic, weather, etc. Some of us don't have the luxury to go for weeks at a time and want to make it the destination in a timely manner. I'll just start my "cheap" Onan generator in the parking lot. :)