The most money that we have ever spent on any coach is for the various items to personalize the coach to our own tastes and enjoyment. We add the things necessary for the DW to enjoy cooking and the electronics necessary for us both to enjoy the evenings. We also usually yank out the standard furniture and either make custom or buy custom furniture that is actually comfortable.
Normal maintenance costs are not that expensive since I do all work myself.
Since we travel quite a bit, fuel costs are our largest expense. The rest of the costs are off set by what we would be spending if we stayed at home.
We don't even think twice about what we spend on a trip. The enjoyment is top priority and we plan to travel as much as possible while we are still able to travel.
My new-to-me 3 yr old Jayco C class has been really trouble free. It's a low mileage unit but still nothing has gone wrong including slides, roof, etc. My question is, how can anyone own an RV without being able to do lots of little repairs on your own. I have had to replace drawer slides, and a few minor things but if you're not handy with a drill, etc it can be a real pain.
Of course this doesn't count all the upgrades I've done, such as large inverter, wiring changes, adding CB, satellite wiring, additional 6v battery bank, another tank flusher,etc. The upgrade process is really half the fun of owning one, though.
I agree with dicnic. Upgrades are my expenses. I do like to tinker with it and we remodeled it because we wanted to make it look like we wanted and function like we wanted even though the old was very functional and in good condition. I added bilsteins which improved the ride but not critical to do it. I then added rear air bags and love them and really improved the ride. I am thinking of adding a steer safe for safety as much as handling and again not because I must but maybe a good idea. It is fun to travel in the moho and I love meeting folks along the way. I could fly or drive and stay in nice hotels but we like this best. It is not an investment like a lake house. It is more like a boat or special auto or ATV's etc and it provides recreation you can't get any other way. No grief for me other than when I can't figure things out and then I have the world of RV.Net and all of you along the way to teach me.
It seemed that at 10 model years old, things electrical started happening. Hot water heater circuit board, furnace sail switches, Dometic refer circuit board, in motion antenna circuit board, water fill circuit board, generator voltage regulator, ICC switch circuit board, generator remote start, alternator, generator battery isolator, etc.
Those were time consuming because I had to learn about each appliance to do the work myself in most cases. So far, knock on wood, no major appliance/component has failed so as to have to be replaced even though 15 yrs old.
They were also time consuming, because I typically have to do things twice to get them right.
Now I have to deal with Clear Coat that is spent and peeling off the exterior.
There is always something to do as the rig ages unless you keep the rig garaged and off the road.
Because I have an older rig and need to learn something new every day, it has become a time consuming hobby for me.
I think the perspective changes for everyone. In my case it is a matter of where I want to throw the money around at and what I feel the biggest bang is. I do not have unlimited income so I have given up other habits and wants to dedicate more to our RV lifestyle.
My boat used to cost me tons of $$ and it used to get about 1.5 MPG I loved to chase the big fish on the great lakes. When fuel started getting over $2 per gallon and my average trip was about 50 miles round trip, the pocket started to hurt and lessened the fun.
Those that spend big $$ on meals, sporting events etc.. think that is the bang that they want for their dollars spent,. Then you have some that can afford to do it all at no big burden on their pocket.
For me I don't think the expense is huge on the RV but then I don't spend much elsewhere anymore. Like I said it boils down to perspective.
93 Airstream 35' Dp
5.9 230 uprated to 300 HP
Allison MD 3060
Dutchess and Shadow (fur Bearing Children)
Remember Lacy what Lucy would say to Charlie Brown? "Good Grief, Charlie Brown"! I hope your coach's name "Lacy Lucy" isn't a Charlie Brown omen, and if it is, I hope it is all "Good Grief".
I don't know, been awhile since I drove my stick built down the road at 60 miles per hour. Pulling it with my every day car. Wondering if that could be part of the equation. Bill
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