Summer Trip - Rent or Buy?

[jth442]

I am a planner and a saver. And I'm about to do neither of those by going on an RV trip in July with no destination chosen or RV yet.

Some family circumstances have prompted me and my wife to do this now. It will be an important time together for our family - daughters 14 and 12. And I have been given clearance to take 3 weeks off work.

We have camped in tents and owned a pop-up for a while.

I really want to do a long trip in a Class C. I've been spending the last 3 days researching used C's and rental options. Renting is expensive for that long of a trip. That is why I've considered by a used motorhome, then deciding to keep or sell later. I've bought and sold many vehicles, so I'm aware of the trouble and expense. But I've actually been researching RV's off and on for almost 15 years. Though I do not own one, I've got a decent idea of what to expect.

But my main dilemma is deciding whether to rent or buy. More risk with buying. I would have to finance. But we can take our time and also decide if we want to keep it.

Rentals seem to be in the $5000-6000 or more range.

Seeing some units at PPL for sale in the $17-25K range.

If anyone feels like responding, I might be interested in knowing which way you would lean - rent or buy?

[Cobra21]

I like buying used. But you need to use it locally 5 or 6 times and take care
of issues that arise. I alway figure it takes about a year to know what you really have.
Brian

[tjfogelberg]

Part of the fun is personalizing the RV and tailoring it to your own needs. Consider broadening the proposed 3 weeks of use to include other trips ...perhaps over a period of a year or two. Then sell the RV and recoup a significant percentage of your investment. We have bought 3 used RVs...fixed and tinkered and camped extensively (taking breaks inbetween) then sold. Never used a dealer until recently buying new as we are "in" fir the long haul.

[Yeti_plus]

A few folks on here have bought ex rental Class C's. Maybe a little more money, but usually all mechanicals are taken care of and may even come with a one year mechanical warranty.
My truck camper came from a rental fleet and has had a few issues, but then the trailer we bought new has also had some issues.
I would be more inclined to buy , use, then keep or sell.
Good luck with your decision.

[theoldwizard1]

If you are going to buy, try to buy one that is <5-6 years old. Mileage is less of a concern than exposure to sun and rain.

[jth442]

So appreciative of the replies. All good things to consider. The thought of buying is more inviting. But having to buy a used unit always comes with risks, including financial ones.
But I see older class C's on the road all the time. So they have to be somewhat reliable.
Being in TX, I have easy access to PPL and they have a lot of units. Craigslist scares me a little, but I have bought and sold vehicles off there.
I'm just praying that someone I know knows someone who is wanting to sell their well maintained unit for a big discount. We can all dream, right?

[Sprink-Fitter]

Snowman9000 wrote:
Given the parameters, me personally, I would probably buy. Maybe I'd kick myself later, but I would have a hard time renting for 5 or 6 grand.

What would you lose if you buy for one trip then sell because you can't use anymore?

Maybe not 5 or 6 thousand, but who knows?

[Snowman9000]

Given the parameters, me personally, I would probably buy. Maybe I'd kick myself later, but I would have a hard time renting for 5 or 6 grand.

[midnightsadie]

go find a great used rv ,there sitting in yards garages all over the world just waiting for some one to ask if its for sale. see one in your are ,,it don,t move?stop and ask.

[coolmom42]

fourthclassC wrote:
Here is my perspective. You got about a year before your kids don't want to do stuff with you . More or less. Buy a camper. go on some trips before your kids grow up.....

Yep.

Or they get so tied down with extracurricular stuff that they can't get away. (Which in my opinion is just nuts, but it happens.)

[PartyOf_Five]

But it cuz you want to, not to save money or because it makes sense. I agree with everything said, have owned mine about a year, and it sits in the driveway a lot. But we have a blast with it, and is a while new set of experiences. Ultimately, that's what you remember!

[jth442]

Updated above with rental prices I have seen at major rental companies.
I did run across some individuals renting cheaper, but typically older units. And then what happens if it breaks down? Besides not being financially liable, they are probably no more reliable than buying my own used unit.

[Lwiddis]

I believe the bear 2 to be correct - "There are some new websites where RV owners list their RVs for rent. The prices seem to be cheaper than the nationwide rental companies." And so is fourthclassC.....GO now with your kids.

[fourthclassC]

Here is my perspective. You got about a year before your kids don't want to do stuff with you . More or less. Buy a camper. go on some trips before your kids grow up.....

[the_bear_II]

There are some new websites where RV owners list their RVs for rent. The prices seem to be cheaper than the nationwide rental companies. Do a Google search and you'll see the new websites...one is outdoorsy.com.

If you already had the RV and it is dependable it would be the least expensive way to travel. Buying an RV or renting will drive your costs up to the same as a plane or car trip and stay in hotels.

Another thing to consider is many of the RV parks, campgrounds and even some state and national parks offer onsite RVs or cabins (small mobile homes/ tiny houses) to rent. So you would travel from destination to destination in a car and spend the night in one of these accommodations.

There are also companies and private owners that will park an RV at a site for you to rent.

Good luck in your decision and have a great trip.

[Trackrig]

Though you didn't give an estimate of the rental costs, I'd be inclined to buy.

Bill