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csmith17's avatar
csmith17
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014

Buying an RV to live in

We are new to the rv world and we are wanting to buy a fifth wheel or toy hauler to live in full time to save for house. Want brands should we either lean towards or stay away from? I am reading mixed reviews on a lot of brands.

Any tips or things we should watch out for?

Any thoughts on registering it as a full timer / recreational use; like cheaper interest rate, insurance, tax benefits, ect.

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Newbies

8 Replies

  • For fifth wheels I would start with Arctic Fox as they are four season insulated. However, if you do not plan to keep it after the home is built then probably any good used RV would work depending, of course, on how long it will take to build the house. You could probably find a good used Keystone Montana as many have chosen that brand to live in full time while on the road. If you plan to sell it, then purchase 'pre owned' to avoid some of the huge depreciation associated with a new unit.
  • For fifth wheels I would start with Arctic Fox as they are four season insulated. However, if you do not plan to keep it after the home is built then probably any good used RV would work depending, of course, on how long it will take to build the house. You could probably find a good used Keystone Montana as many have chosen that brand to live in full time while on the road. If you plan to sell it, then purchase 'pre owned' to avoid some of the huge depreciation associated with a new unit.
  • Can't really help with brands. Suggest you go to several dealers and find one that meets your space needs - and that you like the layout of. If you are not planning to move it,might be cheaper in the long run to find a used mobile home.
  • We have the land it'll be free, just pay electric and part of the water. I'm looking more for advice on brands and types of rvs. Rent in our area starts at $1,000 a month and goes up steadily from there. We are thinking that buying an rv at least can have the option to resell.

    So, what are some good brands hold value have space?
  • I have a lot in a residential area in a very small town without any ordinances against RV's that I use as a home base. It belongs to a relative and I pay $75.00/month on a 12 month basis so I have some place to go if I'm not off somewhere. This is much better for me than monthly costs at a park somewhere.

    Even if you don't have a relative with a lot in a small town, look around. I'm sure you could find a lot owner somewhere that would want a few extra bucks.
  • We are retiring at the end of July and will be full-timing. After projecting our costs, it looks to us like the monthly "housing" expenses are going to be close to the same. We'll save a little on insurance and taxes from our current home - but not much. You might be able to rent a house or apartment for less, get more square footage and still save some money.
  • if it is just being parked, just get a standard TT to live in.
    bumpy
  • I'm not sure that living in an RV will be cheaper than renting an apartment. Where will you park it? Have you priced the lot rent? If you live in it full time, you should have full timers insurance for the liability. It's just like homeowners or renters insurance. Good to ask lots of questions and estimate the cost: the monthy payment for the RV, lot rent and some parks where you stay monthly you pay extra for metered electric, propane for heat, registration, tags, insurance, repairs.