Forum Discussion

DutchmenSport's avatar
Jun 06, 2016

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!"

;)

96 Replies

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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!!!!!!!!!
  • 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.