Should I buy new or keep what we have?

A couple of years ago, we had nearly this identical conversation. Our fifth wheel was in good shape, because we kept it that way, and no major problems with it. However we wanted level up, double pane windows and more room. We went for it and have not regretted it at all. Was the new rig trouble free. No, but it was not a disaster either. I think we now have the bugs worked out and we look forward to how ever many more years of travel we get. Our arthritic knees definitely appreciate the level up. So we are in the go for it group.

I think as Ed and I get older, less nimble, less strong, less willing to crawl around messing with an RV, that we will buy something that's clever enough to do all those things for us. Because we LOVE to RV/sightsee/drive to new places. We will do that until some compelling reason makes us stop.

I agree with most people on here, you earned it, you want it, now reward yourself and GET IT!

Sounds to me like you have a good grip on your finances and are level headed. Why not splurge? The newer units are amazing, they're always coming up with new innovative features, some good, some not so good. Look around at what trips your trigger and decide.

You mentioned one thing, auto leveling, what a nice feature! We "upgraded" almost two years ago to a MS with auto leveling, I have to tell ya I don't miss leveling the fiver the "old fashion" way!

Spring is coming and so are the RV shows, roam around a couple of those and gather info. Lots of neat choices and lots of price points too.

Just my two cents, good luck BO. Happy retirement

Dan

I would say go for the new one. You have clearly thought this through and have your finances in order to afford it. Life is short and I am a firm believer that one should do what they want to do when they can. We have lost way too many friends and family at young ages that didn't get the chance to do things like this.

We had a 2005 30' high end fifth wheel that we bought new and kept it absolutely immaculate. In the meantime we had a baby almost 6 years ago and started to take longer trips in the trailer so it all of a sudden was getting small. We made the difficult decision to sell it after we found a 2008 35' triple slide unit from the same manufacturer in good condition. Now that we have used the larger unit for all of this year, we absolutely love it and wonder why we didn't do it sooner! We really don't miss our old beloved unit at all. Having a better layout, storage, features, etc. has brought a whole new world to us for camping. I think you will find the same once you get a unit with the features you want. You worked all of your life for it and deserve it :B

Get what you want and enjoy

Be Happy!

By your own admission the trailer you presently have is working well for you. My first thought is keep it and use it. You have gotten all the bugs worked out and seem happy. On the other hand "you only live once" so with that thought go ahead and get a new one just like you want. But! Be prepared to deal with sales people who are less than forth coming who will tell you exactly what you want to hear, A product full of bugs, loose screws, leaky pipes, rattles, ill fitting windows, cheaply made cabinets, poor quality furnishings, everything stapled rather than built with proper joints and screws. A walk thru probably conducted by the night watchman, poor after sale service, and a staff who no longer knows you as they have all your money and are on to the next mark. Buying new is embarking on possibly a hard journey to get all the bugs worked out and get the RV to perform for you properly. If you are up to it, Go for it.

If you can afford it and want it, go for it. You seem to have the finances (from your post) that you can buy what you WANT instead of just what you NEED.

I don't see any purpose to going without what I want just to leave more when I die.

That said, only you and your SO can decide what will make you happier.

From reading your OP, I would say that you should do whatever turns your crank.

FlatBroke wrote:
Keep your old one.Save your money for your kids and grandkids so they can buy some frivolous krap they don't need.

I completely disagree. My father is 75 and spent most of his life saving and investing. A couple years ago I sat down and talked with him and told him to enjoy his money.

My sisters and I have houses and live local. God forbid something happened to my father, any/all of us would be ready, willing and able to take my mother in. He has invested his money well and will likely have money left over when he is done spending it. He has done so much to help my sisters and I growing up. We didn't have a lot of stuff, but we never NEEDED anything. I told him that HE worked and saved that money... HE and my mom should spend it. I told him that he doesn't owe me a dime. Obviously if we get money when they have passed on, we will be grateful... but I would prefer he enjoy the fruits of all his labor.

If you have the money and the desire for a new trailer, I don't see why you shouldn't get one. Good for you that at 70 years old you are still out traveling and enjoying life. Do what you want to do with your money.

Good luck in your decision.

Keep your old one.Save your money for your kids and grandkids so they can buy some frivolous krap they don't need.