First RV for full timing: Used or New?

[jmackin93]

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?

[noplace2]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[jmackin93]

arhayes wrote:
Plus, you have a much better chance of surrounding yourself with folks your own age in. An apartment vs an RV. My .02.......

Truthfully, I don't care about surrounding myself with anyone. I like peace and quite alone time.

[jmackin93]

Thank you everyone for the imput, I really do appreacite all this feedback. I'm gonna reply to all the points made. But before I do I want to go into why I want to full time RV since that issue seems to be a reoccuring theme with the responses.


I'm not looking to full time because of costs. I know there are many boondockers and such out there who live the lifestyle because of the money, but that isn't my intention. My reason for wanting to full time is because I don't want a big space that I'm not going to use. I'm 21 years old, single, and plan to stay that way for a good while, and I simply don't need a big house When realistically I'm going to use a small amount of it. As for an apartment, Apartments in decent areas here are pretty expensive, probably around 800 a month which Is affordable to me, but then I'm essentially throwing my money away each month. I don't want to borrow my home, I want to own it, and be free to do whatever I want with it. I have given much consideration into Tiny Homes, but as you have to build them on wheels to legally live in them anyway, I feel an RV would be better.

Another reason I want to live this lifestyle is for the mobility. While I do have to limit travel while I work my current job, once I get a mobile job, I will be traveling much more often. Even if I didn't get a mobile job, the ability to relocate for a job is something I also strongly desire.

So while money is obviously a factor in any aspect of life, I'm not looking to live full time in an RV because I think it will be cheaper. I just want a modest living space that an RV provides, I want to own my living space, not rent it, and I want the freedom to wake up one day and should I feel like it, move somewhere else. These things I just can't have with a traditional house.

dahkota wrote:

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.

I do plan on moving it, but probably not within the first year except for weekend trips and such. The only thing holding me back is the fact that my job isn't mobile, but I know there are plenty of job opportunities from the road. Eventually I'm sure I'll find a mobile job, and then be moving frequently. If I were to go the travel trailer route, I do currently own a 2012 Dodge Caliber in great shape, but from my days as a pizza delivery guy, it has alot of miles on it. Would such a car be capable of towing a small trailer?

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

Why? I mean I know im not an expert but I couldn't imagine buying a new RV that had any major issues. I'm not saying everything will be smooth sailing, but I figure with new at least theres the peace of mind knowing there isn't some sort of hidden major problem that a used RV would have. Or am I wrong about that?

DownTheAvenue wrote:
Here is my advice that will pay off handsomely years from now and you will regret not following it:

Now is a great time (probably the best ever) to purchase a single family home. Even with a 15 year mortgage, you can find quite affordable homes that will be in nice areas. As you grow in your career and your income increases, make extra principle payments on your mortgage, and in less than those 15 years, even 5 to 10 years, you will have a paid for house that certainly has increased in value.

THAT IS HOW YOU GROW YOUR NET WORTH.

Even if I somehow decide that RV full timing isn't for me, buying a house is definitley not an option for me. I'm single, looking to live by myself with maybe a cat or dog or something if I decide I want a pet. Even the smallest houses I've looked at are just way to above my means. I'm not exactly a minimalist, but I don't want to buy a house and only use 25% of it. Another reason why I refuse to buy a house is because buying a house is too big of a commitment for me. Again I'm 21, I want the freedom to be able to go with the wind so to say. If I buy a house, and all of the sudden I get offered a job that I have to relocate for, or if the water situation in Las Vegas (where I live currently) gets too out of hand, I can't relocate easily. At least with an apartment, I could relocate, but a traditional house is just not going to work for me. Even if it was alot cheaper, it just doesn't fit my lifestyle.

WyoTraveler wrote:
If I were 21 and had $25K burning a hole in my pocket I would invest in a house, pup tent & sleeping bag. Enjoy the real camping world while young. Plenty of time to get into an RV and camp in RV parks with the old people later. JMHO

I don't have "Money burning a hole in my pocket" And I'm not looking for "Real camping" I'm looking to move out on my own, and traditional means of living don't cut it for me. There are plenty of young people living full time in an RV.

rockhillmanor wrote:


Don't know where you live but just in the town of LasVegas itself there are 55 homes and condo's galore listed, many way under 60,000.
Do a search in the town you are in! https://www.homepath.com/listing/search?q=Las+Vegas%2C+NVπ=&pa=100000&bdi=&bhi=&x=42&y=10

Las vegas is also on the brink of a huge water problem. Even if I didn't want to live in an RV, I definitely don't plan to stay around vegas for long. And for reasons stated earlier, I'm definitley not buying a traditional home or condo.



I think thats all the major points, sorry if I missed anyone. From reading all these, I am starting to lean more towards used. As for renting an RV to test the waters, I have done so multiple times. Twice for 1 week trips, and once for 2 weeks. Before I buy used or new, I do plan to rent one last time for a whole month just to really finalize if this lifestyle is for me, but I strongly feel my answer will remain a yes.

[arhayes]

I'd recommend an apartment. An RV is great to full-time in if you plan to be mobile and move. But the expenses can wind up being higher than if you get an apartment or rent/lease a house. Plus, you have a much better chance of surrounding yourself with folks your own age in. An apartment vs an RV. My .02.......

[2gypsies1]

First of all, I admire you for the good saving habits and being out of debt. That's very unusual these days. However, it would be wise to build a credit rating - just in case. As another poster stated, get a credit card that will give you cash back. Use that card for all your monthly purchases and pay it off completely every month. You'll still be out of debt, you won't be paying interest but instead, will be earning some money by using the card, and you will be building up your credit record.

Secondly, a new RV won't guarantee no repairs. There are many horror stories out there especially if you get a low-end RV. Think used. A Class B would be ideal if you were to use it as your to and from vehicle, also. Then it would be used instead of the motor and tires just sitting there which isn't good. Find one that seems good to you and then have an independent check out done by someone who knows RVs. Or...if you have a reliable vehicle already, consider getting a travel trailer. At least a motor won't be sitting unused. By the time you're ready to move it after years of sitting, you would be wise to replace the tires. You'll be using the rest of the trailer so sitting won't harm it.

If you think you'll have a job in the same area for five to ten years, then perhaps buying a house would be a good investment for your money especially if housing prices are down right now in your area. If only living there for a few years then it wouldn't be worthwhile.

You sound very mature and have some serious thinking to do. Best of luck to you.