Putting more into my travel trailer than it's worth!

I just sunk more money into my rig than it is worth. Replaced all of the wood that made up the roofing system, including rafters. decking, and roof membrane. I rewired the whole rig, 12 and 120 volts. Put in new lighting, too. Why would I do this? Because at the end of the day I have a paid for fifth-wheel trailer will all new systems, set up the way I want it. I did not have to go through the pain of dealing with a RV dealer who would try to take me for every dime in my pocket. What the rig is worth to ME is more important than what it might be worth in a resale.

A trailer is a flat-out money-loser and the best investment I ever made. We did not start RVing till we were in our 50s, and I wish we had started sooner, but we did not know what we were missing.

There is one way in which an RV is not a money-loser, by the way -- if there were a way to quantify "fun per dollar," it's a winner. I get a lot more value from the trailer than I ever did from hotel travel, skiing, or any other vacation activity.

My Dad always said that the time to replace a vehicle is when the monthly cost of repairs exceeds the monthly cost of purchasing a replacement vehicle.

That almost never happens.

Yeah, even my minivan, which is s SUPER-cheap alternative to an RV, if I think about how many nights in a hotel, or a shortterm apartment, I could have bought, it seems a bit silly. But I am happy with it. And happiness is not irrelevant :)

Naio I believe you are correct, there is no way to cost justify a TT unless it is work related. But you cannot dismiss the fun factor.

LaunchnRetrieve wrote:
Your answers as usual are right on target.
I will not think of these repairs and maintenance in terms of the trailers resell value.
I've read all your posts. Thank you.

I think of stuff like that as my entertainment budget. It makes me feel better about spending money.

Your answers as usual are right on target.
I will not think of these repairs and maintenance in terms of the trailers resell value.
I've read all your posts. Thank you.

If you buy a new TT by day 2 it won't be worth what you put into it.

My old 2003 Prowler 722F has been paid off for about 8 years... I've had folks walk up to my door and ask if I'd be willing to sell it.. I've never asked what they are offering, because I don't want to sell it! :)

I've got it fixed up the way I like it and it's still tight as a frogs A** :)

Sure, the new trailers out there are very nice and the floor plans are great, but parting with 20+ grand at this time is just not gonna happen!

I'll drop $$ for new appliances before I buy another trailer..

I've got a 3000 Honda and it ain't going with the trailer if I sell it.. I use it for my house when the power goes out..

Good luck!

Mitch

LaunchnRetrieve wrote:
Thanks Guys, as always great feedback. Keeping the trailer until retirement. Good thought on the genny being separate from the trailer value. The awning, gotta have it. Maintenance costs, they apply whether the trailer is worth 20K or 2K, so will ignore that.
I feel better already!

My Dad and Mom actually traveled even more after Dad retired (he was 58 at retirement).. Dad sold his slide in camper and bought a 38ft 5ver for his retirement years.. They traveled to Vermont down to Florida basically covering most of the East Coast.. They spent quite a few winters in Florida..

Dad finally hung up towing in his mid 70's, traffic was getting a bit much to him..