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whywait's avatar
whywait
Explorer
Oct 11, 2014

I'm still convinced these people are crazy.

Years ago, pre-2008 in fact, I posted something that lighted a firestorm of indignation - I questioned the sanity of people who buy new RVs and amortize the purchase over 20-25 years. I had been to an RV show where I saw lots of people happily signing purchase contracts and wondered how these young families were able to pay $20-25K for a new trailer. Then I read the small print which stated that yes, it's only $120 per month but that's because it's amortized over 20 years! Lets do the math folks - $120 per month at 6% for 240 months means your actually paying nearly $15K in interest, or 75% of the original purchase price of the trailer. In 20 years I imagine most of these trailers would be worthless for consideration of resale or trade.

So it turned out that lots of these hard working young folks were borrowing against the equity in their homes. Some were outraged that I would suggest that it might not be a wise decision, suggesting that the time they spent and the memories created were worth far more than money. Then came 2008 and look what happened to so many hard working, honest people - they became upside-down on their mortgages, defaulted and lost everything.

I'm still convinced - young families with tight budgets should buy used, rent, borrow or maybe just save for that new(er) RV. It may be only $120 a month but in the long run, it's a heck of a lot of money!

I know my signature might be whywait? But we're older, have no kids, own a 1991 trailer and a 2004 truck and owe not a cent to ANYONE!

120 Replies

  • Yup, bought my new MH on a 20 year plan. However, Almost paid off in 2 years. Just because someone signs a 20 year loan doesn't mean it will take them 20 years to pay it off. I go for the best interest and best price. I think you are just guessing how RVers handle their finances.
  • Lantley wrote:
    I trust the banks to decide if someone is worthy of a loan.


    Aha! This is how tens of thousands got in over their heads, the banks said their houses were worth X amount and hey, why not borrow against the (tiny) equity? Where are those banks and lending institutions now?
  • Once again you have posted a topic that will, " lighted a firestorm of indignation."

    I say, To each his own...

    Ours path was a tent until we could afford a pop up, then a very small TT and so on.

    We had many adventures and made great memories in all of them. ALL DEBT FREE.
  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    I don't believe in being in debt. Just one of the reasons I could retire happily at 50 :B


    Did it at 49 :B and have been fulltiming going on 14 years. Could not agree more that being debt free is the answer. The thousands upon thousands I did not pay in interest over the years are still serving me well.
  • Are you suggesting everyone think like you!
    I hope everyone does not think like me.
    Each persons situation is different. Either they can afford it or they can't. I trust the banks to decide if someone is worthy of a loan.
    I'm not interested in planning their future for them.
    By the way there are no guarantees to any of it.
  • There's something to be said for "waiting until you can afford it", and that's certainly how one generation was raised (mine for one). But I can tell you that waiting for what you want doesn't always work out and I for one do not intend to be old and frail wishing I had done something that never came to pass. This is why I learned to fly at the age of 50 and why I bought an RV. I did not refi to buy it, nor did I take out a 20 year loan.

    Financial trends are generally up and with the exception of occasional corrections or depressions caused by greedy people on Wall St, most investments show a positive return. Leveraging your investments to work better for you is a good way to go out leaving nothing to your estate other than debt. Spend all your money and screw everyone except the 6 people you need to carry your casket.
  • Riven1950 - Yeah, I guess it's a bit transparent... told you so! ;) And yet what do you think? I guess it came to mind because we went to an RV show recently and I was amazed at the number of SOLD signs.
  • I have to agree.

    I had boats, rvs, motorcycles---street/dirt, sand rails and other toys

    Always paid cash.....never have I financed any 'play thing'

    Fact is I have only financed 2 vehicles in my life and both of those where paid off quickly .
    Have only financed 2 houses. Sold one few yeas later/paid other off

    I don't believe in being in debt. Just one of the reasons I could retire happily at 50 :B

    Being in debt up to your eyeballs is no fun.........just a commerical

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