Thinking of buying an RV, looking for advice/wisdom

[jtaby]

Hey folks.

I find myself in the peculiar position of being young, and with money and time. I'm planning on taking an extended (1-1.5 months) trip around the national parks of the western US, spending up to ~5 days per national park and using this time to reflect, plan, and get some personal work done on my own time (internet connection, power for my laptop).

I'm considering buying a Class C motorhome, and I wanted to know from you guys whether or not what I'm about to do is a terrible idea or a reasonable idea considering the following parameters:

- I'm budgeting ~$15,000 for a used early-mid 2000s Class C motorhome.
- My current plan is to try to keep the motorhome in my possession after the trip for a few months to see if I'd use it. If not, my hope is to be able to sell it for about a $5-10,000 loss.
- I plan on having some friends join me for parts of the trip here and there, but I'll likely be alone for much of the trip.
- This would not be a place for me to live, it'd be a vehicle for me to travel in, camp, hike, fish, etc.

So, considering I've never been in an RV, and considering how I plan to use it, do you have any advice for me? I currently drive an Audi Q5 and based on my research, that SUV can't tow a meaningful trailer behind it and I'm concerned the depreciation cost of the car after that kind of trip would be more expensive than buying a cheap RV.

[the_bear_II]

I agree with renting an RV first to get a feel for it.

Your Q5 is rated to tow a 1600lb travel trailer. You can find lots of trailers in that weight range for at or way under your budget.

Advantage to having a trailer you will have the Q5 to tour in once you setup camp. No need to break camp or ride a bus/bicycle to get around.

Here's a starting point foe trailer manufacturers and weights
http://www.johnweeks.com/tour/campers/#COMP

[kzspree320]

donn0128 wrote:
Instead of a MH a decent TT and tow vehicle might fit your budget better.

X2. That way you can disconnect the tow vehicle and be able to explore and fish. You could always tow a vehicle with the C, but that's just more expense. Obviously, how much you spend and what % of it you get back depends to a large degree on your buying and selling prowess, as well as how well you take care of it while in your possession. Good luck. Have fun.

[donn0128]

Instead of a MH a decent TT and tow vehicle might fit your budget better.

[jtaby]

How easily do used RVs sell? I'm not looking for specifics, I'm just wondering what the market is like (especially in a place like Northern California). If I buy a $20-25,000 RV, is it (relatively) easily sellable? If so, I can budget more and expect to get more if/when I sell it.

(Sorry for the hard-to-answer question, I'm just trying to get a feel for the market and the cost)

[Bobbo]

I think you need to budget more, or get an older RV. Other than that, I think it is a wonderful idea.

[HappyKayakers]

Since you'll be alone for much of the trip, I'm going to suggest you look at a small towable like a teardrop or scamp. I'm not sure what the towing limits are on your SUV but if you stay within the limits your depreciation value shouldn't change at all.

As far as friends joining you - let them bring a tent. You can cook on your burners for them or provide a dry place to sit for awhile during a storm but why buy a bigger rig just for a few days of visits?

[ScottG]

Maybe you could rent one for a weekend before buying. This way you'll find out if the hobby is really something you want to stick with and it will also give you a better idea of what conveniences to look for in a unit if you decide to buy.

Just a thought - good luck,
Scott