Hey everyone, I'm new here and I'm soon to be new to the Full time RV lifestyle as well, and I was hoping to get some advice from some experienced Full timers. First for a little background, I'm 21 years old, and I'm in that phase where I'm looking to move out of the parents home and stand on my own two feet. I currently have a job that pays decent, but isn't portable at the moment. I've been decently smart with my money and I have 25,000 dollars in the bank to start my life. I'm looking into Class B/C motor-homes, and my "Dream" motor-home would be a Leasure Travel Unity Murphy Bed, however I know my first RV might not be my dream one and I'm content with that. One more bit of background information before my question, and that is I am VERY anti-debt. I hate oweing money to anyone. I don't even own a credit card because I can't stress how much I despise the idea of debt. This is actually one of the hugest contributors to why I want to live in an RV. Even the smallest houses I can find are just way to big for me, and I don't feel like slaving away for the banks for 30 years with a mortgage.Ok so onto my big question, for my very first RV should I look for used or new? Obviously if I'm looking for a new RV, I'm going to have to take on some debt which again is something I just loathe, and at first I was dead set on buying a used one. However, while I've read several books, follow many bloggers/youtubers on the subject of RV's, I don't have the actual experience of owning an RV, and I'm afraid if I buy used I might overlook some issues that can end up costing big in the long run. I'm going to be shopping by myself as I don't have an experienced RV friend to shop with, so I know dealerships are going to see that and try and exploit my inexperience. Some of the used RV's I think are good for me are in the 20,000 range, which means I could flat out pay my RV down in cash, and not have to worry about that huge debt, but I fear that for RV's to be that cheap they must have problems that I'm probably not going to recognize until its too late. Buying new would be more towards the 100,000 price tag, and even if I put down every dollar I own as a down payment, debt is still going to be a real factor. However buying new seems like its a safer bet for a new RVer since I know from day 1 everything is going to work fine, and I can learn how to tackle problems as they appear. I know I've done everything I can to educate myself on the lifestyle, but no amount of reading can really compete with real experiences. As for the job situation, I plan to not do much moving for a while, until I find a way to make money on the road. But once I do, I do plan to travel as often as budget will allow. That seems like a factor that favors buying New over Used. So what do you guys think? Should a new Full Timer who has a decent financial start, and really wants to stay out of debt buy used or new?

Welcome! And good luck with whatever you choose! Know that you are bound to make some mistakes with choices, everyone does. Let it roll. My first big thing would be the depreciation from the purchase of a new RV. That, if nothing else would lead my to advise a used one, nicely maintained. It would be good if you could find something owned by someone you know. As you said, your first one will probably not be the dream home. Look for any signs of water infiltration, anywhere in the rig. The roof seems to show first, around the A/C, around vents, and corners are usually the first places to leak. If you can get on the roof safely, look closely at all the seams. Cracks are inevitable, but they should show evidence of being sealed. Test all systems, fresh water, waste water (black & grey), 12V, 120V, heat, refrigerator, A/C, and outlets. Look closely inside around doors and windows for cracks, unsealed air leakage, or water entry. Check under sinks for signs of current or past leaks, and behind the shower (if available) and commode. As I said, good luck and happy camping!

If you aren't going to do much moving, you first need to find a place to park it. Is that going to cost more monthly than a cheap apartment? If not, you can start looking for a rig.Honestly, since you don't plan on moving it, the most cost effective path is to buy a small travel trailer and a vehicle to pull it. Being 21, the insurance on motor vehicles is going to be high; having two to pay for will be very expensive (your daily driver and your rig). The insurance on a trailer is a lot cheaper as it doesn't have an engine. The maintenance on a trailer will also be a lot less. You can buy new trailers for as low as $12K; you can buy used ones for as low as $500.With the money you save over the year on insurance, maintenance, and the initial purchase, you would be able to buy something better. Or, you may discover the life isn't for you. Or you may figure out that your needs and wants are different from what you expected and you won't have sunk all your funds into something you no longer want.

Start out slow buy used after educating yourself about used prices. you should be able to save serious money if you take your time. I and some friends have bought late model campers for half the cost of new by biding our time. Also you might not even like what you buy the first time. Most folks trade for something they like better after a short time and depreciation is a real bear on new units.

WOW!!!!! get it out of your head that things are going to work well IF you get a new RV.

Find an RV mentor. Get a Cash rewards credit card and pay the balance off every month. You'll need it (CC) somewhere. I'm getting ready to cash in my $400.00 in rewards this year only. Debt free as well.

First RV for full timing: Used or New? | Good Sam Community

noplace2
Explorer
Jan 04, 2015
Anyone who buys a new vehicle of any description either has a lot of disposable $$ or they're just nuts. Let someone else take the depreciation hit. I recently spoke with a gentleman who paid 240K for a new class A 7 years ago. It is now generously worth about 70K and was worth about 200K the moment he drove it off the lot.

You sound a lot like me when I was 21. I have always been adventurous and have gone my own way in life, 3 times around the world and back. At 63 and fulltiming for nearly 14 years, I can still say the same. Your experience will always be yours alone. No one else matters unless it's someone you love. Listen to your heart and pay no attention to anyone else, including me. All the best to you.
arnko37
Explorer
Jan 04, 2015
Here is my idea. A used medium or higher quality travel trailer would suit your situation. I would first locate a RV park that you like and is reasonably priced. Make sure they will have a spot for you. Then find the right travel trailer and as part of the deal have the seller deliver it the park and set it up. Then move into it while keeping your present car. When you see the day coming when you want to move trade your car in on a 3/4 ton PU truck. Forget the tiny houses you see on TV. I have watched those programs and the units look way too expensive compared to a used travel trailer and they look not roadworthy. You sound like you have your head on straight. Good luck.
4X4Dodger
Explorer II
Dec 29, 2014
Well I for one admire your plan and your drive to do something different.

However keep in mind while there has been some good advice given here a lot of it is just prejudicial claptrap from folks who have made terrible decisions and have become cynical.

I would say this: Whatever you get, learn to fix all of it's systems yourself, electrical, mechanical and plumbing. get this book from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Boatowners-Mechanical-Electrical-Manual-Essential/dp/0071432388/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419862813&sr=1-1&keywords=nigel+calder+boatowner%27s+mechanical+and+electrical+manual

I know it's about boats but the systems are the same EXCEPT the ones in boats are generally better executed, more reliable and of better quality.

Try to avoid something with a motor unless YOU can fix it. And what was said about insurance is true....pick out something you think you might want to buy and go on line and get a quote and see who will insure you (under 25 may be a big problem)and how much it will cost. A travel trailer I think is the best answer all around and it opens up other possibilities for you by having a separate vehicle for other uses.

Dont be afraid to massage or re-define your dream with the input of new information...but dont give up on it.

Remember this: you have tons of time in your life to buy houses and all the******that goes with them in the future. You really have several lifetimes ahead of you in terms of changing your mind, your direction in life and starting over at something new.

Don't listen to the Naysayers. Generally they are the timid ones who cherish the thought of convincing one and all NOT to do something because SOMETHING might happen...well it will and you will learn and grow from it and your $25k in the bank likely wont be your last. You will come out the end of this much wiser a little poorer financially but richer in many ways.

Good luck and I wish you all the success in the world.
LG61820
Explorer
Dec 28, 2014
Traveling, working & moving on when I felt like it was a dream of mine at your age. Instead I married and lived rooted in one spot. Hope to travel once I retire if I don't die first!

Check out http://www.interstellarorchard.com/ This younger single woman is traveling and working and having a grand time in a small travel trailer.

A home can be a good investment if you plan to stay in it until it's paid for. If, instead, you want out of it before it's paid for it can be an albatross around your neck! LG
FireGuard
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2014
I say go for it. I understand exactly where you're coming from.
I have the same wanderlust desire you do and as I get older, the more I realize the "stuff" I've aquired over the years is just an anchor and most of it's not needed.
I've bought the houses like you're supposed to and fortunately have done well because of the So Cal market. However, I've always thought buying a house is good if you have a family and need it, but it's expensive.
The best living arrangement I had was renting a room from a friend (400 mo) incuding utilities. No bills, maint, taxes, ins, etc. I was gone much of the time with the Fire Dept and Military but talk about easy with nothing to worry about when I was gone.
Obviously, this wouldn't have worked with a wife/girlfriend or kids. Sounds like this will be your situation at least for awile.
In the past 6 mo, I've lost my dog (his sister will be gone soon as well) 2 co-workers in their 40's, an 8 y/o boy of close friends and a good friends girlfriend giving birth to their daughter. She was only 38. My attitude has changed 180 deg. I've cut back on working (no OT) and decided to do what I want as tomorrow may never come. Life is short, don't regret not doing what you want.
As for the RV, keep it simple and cheap yet quality and reliable.
I would find a nice used newer 1/2 ton pickup with a tow rating around 8-10k lbs and get a newer TT in the 21'-26' range. For you this will be plenty of room.
Ins will be less, you will have a nice veh to drive and haul things in the bed and a TT is easy to maintain. As you use it you will find things you will like to change or what floorpan will work better. Selling a less expensive TT will be easy and you can keep the truck.
Worst case, you're 21 if things don't work out its a great life experience and you move on with life.
Go for it and don't look back.
Good luck and have fun.
Jim-Linda
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2014
jmackin93 wrote:
I'm for sure leaning much more towards used now. As for renting before buying, as I said earlier, I have done it a few times, and plan to do it one more time hopefully for a full month to really get the experience. Maybe do it in April and go see the California RV show, I hear thats a really good one.

I'll definitely look into a consultant as well, thats something I didn't even think about until posting this thread, but it would be a big help since I dont have any Full time RV friends.

Forget the Dodge, you are going to need a 3/4 ton truck or SUV to move a TT around.

Jim
jmackin93
Explorer
Dec 24, 2014
I'm for sure leaning much more towards used now. As for renting before buying, as I said earlier, I have done it a few times, and plan to do it one more time hopefully for a full month to really get the experience. Maybe do it in April and go see the California RV show, I hear thats a really good one.

I'll definitely look into a consultant as well, thats something I didn't even think about until posting this thread, but it would be a big help since I dont have any Full time RV friends.
ncrowley
Explorer II
Dec 23, 2014
Since you have not RVed before, purchase a used unit. You will learn a lot about what you like and do not like in the first RV you have. Then you can get a different one if you want to without losing so much money.

If you are not going to move it much, I would get a fifth wheel or a trailer. The engine on motorhomes likes to be exercised. We go out about once a month or so. You can get a used trailer or fifth wheel for good prices. Since you are going to live in it, you want a better quality unit. You will also want to look at double paned windows.

As far as the truck you need to pull it - it depends on the weight of the trailer of fifth wheel. And do not listen to what the salesperson tells you is adequate to pull it. Do the math yourself. You need to take the empty weight and then add in all your belongings and water if you carry water with you. There have been a lot of threads about how to determine what you can pull. Look in the fifth wheel forum and the trailer forums.

If you are determined to get something with an engine, there are independent consultants that will inspect the motor home for you. I recommend that for anyone purchasing a used motor home.

Be aware that there will be start up costs no matter what RV you purchase. For example, I recommend you get a power conditioner. You will need a water pressure regulator, tire covers, linens, pots and pans, maybe a TV, etc. So keep aside a few thousand.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Dec 23, 2014
With your added explanations I can see that a house is not for you. You're not doing this to save money. You're doing it for the lifestyle experience. You're on the way to success. You have a good mind and a great idea. Hope it works for you.

There are some good bloggers out there working while traveling in their RV. It can be done! Nowadays everything is so mobile if you're in the right profession.

Here's one site: Technomadia Blog
pianotuna
Nomad III
Dec 23, 2014
Hi John,

Find out the lot rental. Find out the power cost. Find out the heating costs (water heating and space heating). Find out costs for telecommunications and perhaps cable TV. Don't "low ball" the figures. In theory, those costs should be no more than 1/3 of your gross income. Make the decision to proceed based on being able to sustain those numbers while saving 10% of your gross income.

Decide what the essentials are as far as floor plans go. Be prepared to look for six months, until the perfect used unit comes your way. Buy in the fall or winter rather than in the spring or summer.

At the price point you are looking in, used is a much better bet than new. Put away 10% of the purchase price for repairs. A new RV depreciates at a furious rate. Finding a great new RV is possible--but probably not in the sub 25,000 market. My ex brother in law bought new and the roof leaked.

Have a great time looking and kicking the tires!

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