Answered: How Much Does a Class A DP Cost?

[Lurker1]

I often see the question "how much does a motorhome cost" posted on these and other forums, and the provided answers are always lacking. Responses range from "it depends" to "impossible to answer," but rarely is an actual question answered with solid data, which leaves prospective motorhomers unsure.

I'm ready to answer the question. I just lived through two years of owernship, most of which was tremendous, but in the end, the cost drove me away. It really is simply amazing how much money I lost.

Obviously, my experiences are mine, and other experiences will be different. Probably a big part of it is luck of the draw with the motorhome you own (but some expense will happen REGARDLESS of type of motorhome!). Please understand that this post is provided without emotion, simply to let others know how much my motorhome cost me.

Background:
Coach: 2007 Itasca Horizon 40TD with Cummins ISL
Usage: Exercised twice per month religiously. Camped in it ~8 times per year / ~30 days per year / 15,000 miles in total. I meticulously maintained the coach, always performing preventative maintenance and fixing issues promptly at big/legitimate dealers.
Purchase: I bought it following an eight month exhaustive search. I thought I knew what I was doing, and thought I was buying a great quality unit. In hind sight, I think I bought a coach which had been neglected for a long period of time. This undoubtedly contributed to some of maintenance issues.

Depreciation:
Purchased Aug 2014 for $130,000
Sold Aug 2016 for $90,000 (took nearly a year of me trying to get more money, reducing price throughout until it finally sold as a consignment on a CampingWorld lot)
LOSS THROUGH DEPRECIATION: $40,000

Preventive Maintenance:
Tires $5300
Oil ~$800 (genny and engine)
Filters (Air Intake, Water, Air Dryer, Fuel) ~$500
Tranny ~$600
Coolant $0 (not needed in the two years, but that was coming!)
LOSS THROUGH PREVENTATIVE MAINT: $7200

Unscheduled Maintenance (i.e., it broke!):
Rebuild slide mechanism ~$1200
Leaking roof ~$400
New mirror glass ~$400
Transmission wiring issue ~$1100
HGH leveling computer issue $200 (most covered through service contract)
Recliner motor ~$200
I'm sure there's more, but I gave away all my receipts when I sold the coach
LOSS THROUGH UNSCHEDULED MAINTENANCE $3500

Storage Fees:
$100 x 24 months = $2400

Insurance:
$100 x 24 months = $2400

Interest on loan:
Financed $110,000 @ 4.9%
$300 x 24 months = $7200

Hitch install on Jeep Wrangler:
$2200

I'm not counting fuel and camping costs since I don't really consider them part of the loss, but if you do, add them in!

So the totals are:
$40,000 depreciation
$10,700 maintenance
$14,200 misc

Total lost money out of my pocket to own my class A motorhome over the two year period: $64,900

It pains me to look at that. With my coach depreciating at almost $1000 a month, and stuff breaking every time we took it out (it was nine years old, afterall), I made the decision the experience was unaffordable. That's too bad, because we loved using it (when it didn't break). We camped in the Grand Canyon, Fort Wilderness Disney, the Rockies, Key West, and Pt Reyes National Seashore, among many other tremendous places.

Good luck to anyone considering a DP! I hope my experiences help some of you figure out if you can afford the lifestyle.

[Jrork]

lonewolf80 wrote:
Well back to the subject at hand, I am surprised more gas owners have not chimed in. Since that is the group I belong to, I find the numbers alarming, whether the OP's or others. Like many gas owners I too aspire to one day move up to a DP. But not until I and my DW are retired. One of the pointed out stats I find interesting is using a DP at least 100 days per year to justify the cost. Using our Georgetown 40-50 nights per year on average since we purchased it in 2012 hasn't broken the bank. Average insurance per year- $700 (now $790) Purchased in 2012 exactly one year old to the day for $72000. High NADA today $62000. If I were to sell it today I'd be happy with $50-$52000. Yearly oil change at the end of the season @ 6 quarts oil and filter changed by me- $30. Chassis lube at yearly inspection $40. Genny oil and filter changed yearly by me- $24. Repair/replace, new Kwikee electric steps installed by me, bought through Forest River with tax and shipping- $404. New tires two weeks ago replacing my cracked Michelins with Sumitomo's- $2200.88 incl. tax and install. Paid for repairs or maintenance- $500 insurance deductible for awning repair do to me cutting a corner to close backing into a site.

When I add up my expenses to some of the numbers tossed around with DP ownership it confirms my reason for owning the rig I do based on my use and what I am looking to get from it with out breaking the bank.

I'm right there with you. We're currently camping at Polson Motorcoach Resort and surrounded by the most beautiful DP's I've ever seen and the jealousy and "wants" is pulling hard on my wallet as we camp in our old 2004 Rexhall gas rig. When I look at the initial investment of $12,500 plus $3000 for new Toyo load range H tires, and knowing we can only go so many times a year makes it really hard to justify any change from our current rig. Many thanks to the OP and the others for sharing their experiences as it's all very useful information

[Dale_Traveling]

Yes a coach, any coach be it my 10 year old entry level budget gas powered Hurricane to a top of the line Prevost, and every rig in between, losses value each and every day. We buy at retail but sell at whole sale. If you buy today and sell in two weeks, two months, two or twenty years you will take a cost differential hit. Do it with a new coach, new to you coach or when the regional economy is questionable and the sting will turn into a multiple root canal.

The OP should have stuck it out a bit longer. Stuff breaks but usually once fixed, correctly, it will be trouble free moving forward. He spent a lot the first two years on maintenance and such but by the third, fourth, fifth and so on those cost in all likelihood would start decreasing. Also some of his costs if averaged out to the expected life of the item would have reduced his two year paper cost.

I track pretty much every dollar associated with my coach. Fuel, CG fees, insurance, scheduled maintenance material, sat service,,,. Quicken makes it pretty easy to do. So far I've averaged $5.5K a year over the past five for my gas coach. I've also spent $4.2K on gasoline and CG costs while adding 36.5K miles, 251 total nights acquired on 125 trips away from home. If I were to add my labor costs (coach has yet to be in any repair center, house or chassis) I would probably catching to the OP's. Then again probably 50% or more of what I spent was updates, upgrades and just plain bling that the coach would have been fine without.

After all my work, time and material costs the coach is exactly how I want it to be and my yearly costs should drop significantly moving forward as his would, practically if he took on some of the scheduled maintenance items and low priority repairs himself or shopped around for a better price for the service provided.

My total numbers - borrowed $40,000 in April 2011 for the coach. Since then it has cost me $49,465 for EVERTHING. Insurance, taxes, sat TV, tires, CGs, fuel, interested on the loan, upgrades, repairs,,,,. Would buy again if I had a do-over? No hesitation, yes.

[usersmanual]

Bought in 2013 when Cdn $ was at par for same price as US$. Today our Cdn dollar is worth approx. 30% less

yes except that that's a Rare exception and means nothing to a US owner or seller
they sell in the us for around 85-90K or less.I see several at a ASK of 89K so assume they sold for 85 or less that's 112K CDN

[Ivylog]

Since I'm the 100+ days person... let me explain better. I've been RVing since the 70's in every type of RV except a TH. I'm a used cash buyer of my toys and I question what the OP was thinking spending that amount of money for 30 days/year use and then post this might be the norm when he bails out.
In the late 70's owned jointly a used Class C with my brother... probably 100 days of use over four years at a $1000 depreciation loss each.
For the 80's we owned a 1976 31' Airstream trailer with no repairs and after ten years of use... sold for $200 less than paid because of inflation. Probably only 260 total days of use with a 60 day see the West trip with our children when they were old enough to remember it.
Mid 90's to 2000 a used fifth wheel as I already had a big enough PU to pull it which my kids still use.

2000 and semi retirement... A used 36' DP because of posts on here that 36' was biggest for Public CGs. Did not take long to learn that's BS costing me a fair amount of $$$. Bought current rig slightly used and depreciation has been $14K/year for the first 10 years. Next 10 years it will be half that. Fortunately we have come closer to the 180 days/year number... still close to $80/day.
As I posted originally... add another $10/ day for fixed costs including fuel to just make it move down the road. The good news is my costs at 12 years are closer to $50/day at 180 days/year BUT I do all of my repairs and service.
14 years ago you could not buy a used DP with four slides, today you can. I think a 7 to 10 year old big DP is the best rig to own to decrease your cost to own.

[Mr_Mark1]

dezolen wrote:

Mr.Mark wrote:

usersmanual wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:

Mr.Mark wrote:

dezolen wrote:
Wow.
My newly purchased in 2013 gas powered coach cost me up front 130,000$ CDN tax in
maintenance for 3 years only 100$ total for annual oil changes. $4500 in insurance
50 nights per yr camping
Todays value with CDN $ 130,000.
total cost $4600.
Mine might ride a little rougher, stop a little slower some say a bit noisier but I will take it any day.

Mr. Dezolen,

You purchased a new gas coach 3 yrs. ago and it still has the same value? A very rare situation.

What is happening in Canada causing this value?

Just curious.
MM.

He is calculating in US dollars, when he paid in Canadians. . When your base currency loose its value by 30 percent, the numbers on RV value stay the same. 😄

better rethink this post because he paid 130K CDN
If he had paid 130US then yes it would still be worth around 130CDN
but he said CDN

Yep, he did say CDN.... As Judge Judy would say, If it doesn't make sense, then it's not true. She never seems to be wrong.

MM.

Bought in 2013 when Cdn $ was at par for same price as US$. Today our Cdn dollar is worth approx. 30% less. I am seeing used 36LA's in Canada going upwards over 130,000 in Canadian $ so yes mine and many more units have not lost any value. Numerous car dealers are selling used Canadian cars to US dealers due to the currency fluctuation.

Thank you for explaining.

Safe travels,
MM.

[dezolen]

Mr.Mark wrote:

usersmanual wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:

Mr.Mark wrote:

dezolen wrote:
Wow.
My newly purchased in 2013 gas powered coach cost me up front 130,000$ CDN tax in
maintenance for 3 years only 100$ total for annual oil changes. $4500 in insurance
50 nights per yr camping
Todays value with CDN $ 130,000.
total cost $4600.
Mine might ride a little rougher, stop a little slower some say a bit noisier but I will take it any day.

Mr. Dezolen,

You purchased a new gas coach 3 yrs. ago and it still has the same value? A very rare situation.

What is happening in Canada causing this value?

Just curious.
MM.

He is calculating in US dollars, when he paid in Canadians. . When your base currency loose its value by 30 percent, the numbers on RV value stay the same. 😄

better rethink this post because he paid 130K CDN
If he had paid 130US then yes it would still be worth around 130CDN
but he said CDN

Yep, he did say CDN.... As Judge Judy would say, If it doesn't make sense, then it's not true. She never seems to be wrong.

MM.

Bought in 2013 when Cdn $ was at par for same price as US$. Today our Cdn dollar is worth approx. 30% less. I am seeing used 36LA's in Canada going upwards over 130,000 in Canadian $ so yes mine and many more units have not lost any value. Numerous car dealers are selling used Canadian cars to US dealers due to the currency fluctuation.

[lonewolf80]

Well back to the subject at hand, I am surprised more gas owners have not chimed in. Since that is the group I belong to, I find the numbers alarming, whether the OP's or others. Like many gas owners I too aspire to one day move up to a DP. But not until I and my DW are retired. One of the pointed out stats I find interesting is using a DP at least 100 days per year to justify the cost. Using our Georgetown 40-50 nights per year on average since we purchased it in 2012 hasn't broken the bank. Average insurance per year- $700 (now $790) Purchased in 2012 exactly one year old to the day for $72000. High NADA today $62000. If I were to sell it today I'd be happy with $50-$52000. Yearly oil change at the end of the season @ 6 quarts oil and filter changed by me- $30. Chassis lube at yearly inspection $40. Genny oil and filter changed yearly by me- $24. Repair/replace, new Kwikee electric steps installed by me, bought through Forest River with tax and shipping- $404. New tires two weeks ago replacing my cracked Michelins with Sumitomo's- $2200.88 incl. tax and install. Paid for repairs or maintenance- $500 insurance deductible for awning repair do to me cutting a corner to close backing into a site.

When I add up my expenses to some of the numbers tossed around with DP ownership it confirms my reason for owning the rig I do based on my use and what I am looking to get from it with out breaking the bank.

[Chowan]

Mr.Mark wrote:

Bruce Brown wrote:

Mr.Mark wrote:

Bruce Brown wrote:
That one is easy - Obama economy!

Remember the Bush leadership that lead to the 2008 crash? $5.00 fuel prices?.... I'll take our current economy any day! Stocks are up, real estate values are up, the economy us humming, fuel costs are down! What's not to love?

Safe travels,
MM.
'I'm with Her'

You must be retired. :B Without getting more off track than this thread already is I can tell you industry is SLOW and the economy is being propped up - again. See Kaytegs post above - as much as you'd like things should be better the reality is it's not all that great. How much have your healthcare costs gone up since Obamacare? My aunt, who has never paid a healthcare insurance bill in her life, thinks things are great too.

Mr. Brown, I certainly realize nothing is perfect. We have a manufacturing company selling product around the world (76 yr. old company).... we have been busier than a cat covering up you know what.

I won't say anymore, this is not a political site. The religious right has strangled the Republican Party. I believe in total separation of Church and State.

I expect that this post will be deleted.

MM.
I'm with HER.

As it should be since you wont get political and then go right into disparaging remarks about a large portion of people who live in the US. Its so true though since Trump is surely being strangled.

[Mr_Mark1]

Bruce Brown wrote:

Mr.Mark wrote:

Bruce Brown wrote:
That one is easy - Obama economy!

Remember the Bush leadership that lead to the 2008 crash? $5.00 fuel prices?.... I'll take our current economy any day! Stocks are up, real estate values are up, the economy us humming, fuel costs are down! What's not to love?

Safe travels,
MM.
'I'm with Her'

You must be retired. :B Without getting more off track than this thread already is I can tell you industry is SLOW and the economy is being propped up - again. See Kaytegs post above - as much as you'd like things should be better the reality is it's not all that great. How much have your healthcare costs gone up since Obamacare? My aunt, who has never paid a healthcare insurance bill in her life, thinks things are great too.

Mr. Brown, I certainly realize nothing is perfect. We have a manufacturing company selling product around the world (76 yr. old company).... we have been busier than a cat covering up you know what.

I won't say anymore, this is not a political site. The religious right has strangled the Republican Party. I believe in total separation of Church and State.

I expect that this post will be deleted.

MM.
I'm with HER.

[Bruce_Brown]

Mr.Mark wrote:

Bruce Brown wrote:
That one is easy - Obama economy!

Remember the Bush leadership that lead to the 2008 crash? $5.00 fuel prices?.... I'll take our current economy any day! Stocks are up, real estate values are up, the economy us humming, fuel costs are down! What's not to love?

Safe travels,
MM.
'I'm with Her'

You must be retired. :B Without getting more off track than this thread already is I can tell you industry is SLOW and the economy is being propped up - again. See Kaytegs post above - as much as you'd like things should be better the reality is it's not all that great. How much have your healthcare costs gone up since Obamacare? My aunt, who has never paid a healthcare insurance bill in her life, thinks things are great too.

[Mr_Mark1]

Bruce Brown wrote:
That one is easy - Obama economy!

Remember the Bush leadership that lead to the 2008 crash? $5.00 fuel prices?.... I'll take our current economy any day! Stocks are up, real estate values are up, the economy us humming, fuel costs are down! What's not to love?

Safe travels,
MM.
'I'm with Her'

[Bruce_Brown]

That one is easy - Obama economy!

[Kayteg1]

It always amaze me how this forum can convert side joke into multi-page debate.
If you really want to debate economics -answer how-come I am making double what I did 7 years ago, yet can buy less for the money?

[accsys]

On 7/1/2013 130,000 CDN was worth about 124,000 US. Today 130,000 CDN is worth about 100,000 US so the coach has lost about 20 percent of its value US wise.