Hello,First of all I am very new to the RV world. I am planning to live in a RV for a few years as I am moving from Boston to L.A.I am very much between a TT and Motorhome.I currently own a car.My budget: ~40K loan (will finance everything)Option 1:Sell my car and pay off my car load (I will probably be even on it), buy a truck and a TT (both used)I have found decent TT for around 20K and also either a newer 1/2 truck (2012, 2013) for around 20K or a 3/4 truck (2009, 2010) for about 20K alsoOn this option 1 I am looking to get at least 33 foot Trailer and, I was wondering if any 1/2 ton will be able to tow it or I need a 3/4 ton truck after all? I would definitely prefer a 1/2 ton truck because once I get to my destination, I will be using that same truck to drive around, go to work, etc. I think the MPG difference and price difference is quite big between 1/2 and 3/4 truck.Option 2:Buy a used Motor Home class A and tow my current car.On this option 2, I would preferred a diesel engine 35-37 footer (like a bus) kind of motor home. I have found one or two 2001, 2002 for 30K.I believe option 2 is a easier transaction because I only need to buy one thing and a relatively simple hitch to pull my car and I am good to go. However, is it a good option if I am planning to live in it and perhaps not drive the motor home at all for 1-2 years ?Too many question to ask but that is pretty much what in my mind at the moment.I hope I made it clear.Thanks for the help in advance and please I want to hear what you think!

Seems to me if you're going to finance the entire thing, you're better off spending those monthly payments on rent for an apartment.

Before you decide on option 2, make sure you can tow your car. Some vehicles can only be towed on a dolly or trailer. Also, be sure to research the expense associated with towing your vehicle. It can be expensive.

I am concerned that you will lock yourself into a lifestyle you have never experienced....all financed.

If your car is flat towable, I'd go with the motorhome.If you decide to go with the trailer option, a 1/2 ton truck is not going to happily handle a 33' trailer. You're better off going with the 3/4 ton.

masdrobeda wrote:Hello,First of all I am very new to the RV world. I am planning to live in a RV for a few years as I am moving from Boston to L.A.I am very much between a TT and Motorhome.I currently own a car.My budget: ~40K loan (will finance everything)Option 1:Sell my car and pay off my car load (I will probably be even on it), buy a truck and a TT (both used)I have found decent TT for around 20K and also either a newer 1/2 truck (2012, 2013) for around 20K or a 3/4 truck (2009, 2010) for about 20K also33' trailer will need at least a 3/4 ton diesel truck but ideally a 1 ton truck. The difference in ride comfort is minimal.On this option 1 I am looking to get at least 33 foot Trailer and, I was wondering if any 1/2 ton will be able to tow it or I need a 3/4 ton truck after all? I would definitely prefer a 1/2 ton truck because once I get to my destination, I will be using that same truck to drive around, go to work, etc. I think the MPG difference and price difference is quite big between 1/2 and 3/4 truck.Milage is about the same.Option 2:Buy a used Motor Home class A and tow my current car.On this option 2, I would preferred a diesel engine 35-37 footer (like a bus) kind of motor home. I have found one or two 2001, 2002 for 30K.Any RV over 10 yrs. could end up being a "$$$ hole" to keep it maintained. Do not buy a 10 yr. old RV without taking it to your mechanic to check everything out. $200 well spent so you know how much you have to spend to get it on the road i.e. Tires along can be as much as $300 or more.I believe option 2 is a easier transaction because I only need to buy one thing and a relatively simple hitch to pull my car and I am good to go. However, is it a good option if I am planning to live in it and perhaps not drive the motor home at all for 1-2 years ?Leaving a Motor Home sitting for 1 to 2 yrs. not the best way to keep up good maintenance.Too many question to ask but that is pretty much what in my mind at the moment.I hope I made it clear.Thanks for the help in advance and please I want to hear what you think!

New to RV world, I have a few questions | Good Sam Community

cmcdar
Explorer
Feb 21, 2017
masdrobeda wrote:
toedtoes wrote:
Seems to me if you're going to finance the entire thing, you're better off spending those monthly payments on rent for an apartment.

You have a good point. However, first of all, I am not sure where I am going to be landing a job so If I am mobile I am in a little better shape.

Second, I have been looking and its hard to find anything under $1500 a month not including that I have to find a place to accept 3 cats.

Third, rent is just money flushing away every month. With a RV, I am actually paying "rent" on something that I ended up owning in a few years (5-10 years). Also, I dont plan to live in the RV for longer than maybe 2-3 years.

Thanks for the feedback

The whole buying vs renting is valid IF you were not flushing an astronomical amount of money away paying INTEREST!

You may also want to consider the cost of insurance on each option. As well as the cost of licencing each option. How about upkeep? The cost of motorhome repair vs truck repair.
krobbe
Explorer
Feb 21, 2017
Another expense to consider, The registration and insurance may be higher on the motorhome and car verses a pickup and trailer combo. At least in Michigan it would be. Trailer registration here is a one time purchase.
yillb
Explorer
Feb 18, 2017
I would suggest you get the class A, and pull behind the car,or, sell the car all together and just get a class A. you can purchase a clunker when you get to where you're going.

However, and i'll be nice as possible. the way you're thinking, the way you're going to be getting these loans, you sound younger(ish), and again, sorry, but your mindset shows you're really not all that educated, meaning you probably don't have a job where you should be able to even afford these things. Again, don't take this as rude, that's not my intention. A motorhome / travel trailer, those are luxury items, getting loans for these are a bit harder, you should never ever for any reason purchase something like this on credit.

If you have the cash on hand, take it to a credit union, then turn around and borrow against it. I have over 540k being financed right now, I own it all, i even own the money i'm using to finance the toys ( boat, bike, TT, buggy, etc ). This, in a perfect world is the best way to finance something that's not a primary item. By primary, I mean, home, and transportation. Just because you decide to live out of your TT, does not make it a primary item, at least, not to a bank.

Good luck, I hope you find a job that pays well, and I hope you find a job you enjoy. As of what you've stated though, good luck. You've already told us you plan to break the law, which means you're already starting off on the wrong foot.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2017
masdrobeda wrote:
You have a good point. However, first of all, I am not sure where I am going to be landing a job so If I am mobile I am in a little better shape.

Second, I have been looking and its hard to find anything under $1500 a month not including that I have to find a place to accept 3 cats.

Third, rent is just money flushing away every month. With a RV, I am actually paying "rent" on something that I ended up owning in a few years (5-10 years). Also, I dont plan to live in the RV for longer than maybe 2-3 years.

Thanks for the feedback

So, how are you going to find a place in 2-3 years that is affordable and will allow your 3 cats if you can't find it now?
toedtoes
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2017
So, rent in L.A. will run you about $1500 per month (for an apartment).

$40,000 for a truck & trailer OR motorhome fully financed for 5 years will run you about $700 per month*. Then add in the lot rent of say $400 (inbetween your examples). That's already $1100 per month.

So for $400 less, what do you gain?

You have to pay for all maintenance work yourself - no landlord responsible when something/anything goes wrong.
Your "home" will be less insulated so you will feel the cold/heat more.
You will be living in less than 190sq ft (which would be slightly bigger than the just bedroom in an apartment).
You'll be paying more in fuel costs to commute to and from work in the large truck you bought to move the trailer around (in a city notorious for its ridiculously slow commute).
If something goes wrong in the trailer and you have to take it in to a shop for repairs, you will not have a home for that time.

*That's assuming your loans will have an interest rate of 5 percent or less. And that you will be able to qualify for two loans fully financed at the same time.
rbpru
Explorer II
Feb 18, 2017
I certainly cannot recommend a TT for continuous winter time use. Folks use them but it takes a lot of set up. Most are not designed for it.

As recommended, renting makes more sense.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Feb 18, 2017
To the OP ...

Whether one buys new or used everyone one of us is potentially in for a world of hurt if we assume that just because the trailer may have a "warranty" or "guarantee" of one sort or another that all will be taken care of. Reality is, it just doesn't work that way and your first line of defense against unexpected issues with your trailer is your own personal effort in understanding as much as you can about how the various systems work and the willingness to do as much of the maintenance / repair yourself. You're kidding yourself if you believe otherwise so as a self declared newbie I'd agree with others who say your plan to fully finance this little adventure is a really BAD idea. RVs are called recreational vehicles for a reason and generally aren't intended as a year round substitute for sticks 'n bricks accommodation, be it a house, or apartment, or whatever. Obviously you can do what you want but your plan isn't something I would recommend to anybody I know. :(
Slowmover
Explorer
Feb 18, 2017
If all you're going to do is live in it at a park, find a super single slide under 30' less than 10 years old. Buy a comfortable car. Hire an RV transporter to move TT.
westend
Explorer
Feb 18, 2017
I would get a half ton with a smaller trailer, one you can safely tow.
Here's my reasoning: One guy doesn't need 30' of trailer. A 24' model has a bath with shower and a queen sized bed. About the most difficult aspect will be storage. Depends on how much stuff you will be bringing along.

The 1/2 ton will be easier on gas and although not much, gas prices in the Inland Empire are high. A young working guy needs all the pennies he can save. A smaller trailer may also net you a parking spot that is cheaper (friend's driveway) where a bigger one won't fit. A smaller trailer is less in price.

I would definitely crunch the numbers on this and see if your loan payments on the vehicle and trailer/motorhome will be so high that driving your car out there and finding shelter is a better proposition. Calculate in repair/maintenance cost and the possible lot rents to see how the equations come out. Also, if you get the motorhome, will you have available funds for a new set of tires or other large repair bill?

Often, buying an RV for permanent lodging while working is not an efficient proposition. It works for those that need to be mobile but those that are working and permanently situated may do better by renting a place.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Feb 18, 2017
"I will get it a month prior to quit my current. I am also looking for a job in the LA area as right now so I could be going there with a job in place"

Apply for a loan while planning to quit your job? Will you tell the loan company of your plan? Or is that their tuff luck?
You can find a job in LA but you won't find an RV space.