This area might be too personal to get too much discussion but, as I pass by and camp next to all those RVs costing in excess of $20,000, I just wonder how many of those folks can really afford them or do they just have a lot more than we do. I wonder how many have gotten into really long term financing and find themselves with an RV worth a lot less than the loan balance? They all depreciate so much and can cost the user hundreds of dollars per nights stay if the unit isn't used very much. We sure enjoy our small 5th wheel that we bought used for about $10,000 4 1/2 years ago. And we did use a home equity loan for awhile to finance it but paid it off and I won't take out another loan to buy one.
Not to disrespect you question, but it is of no concern to me what others can or can't afford or how they choose to spend their hard earned money. I think it's actually none of my business.
When I see others camping in whatever, I'm happy for them.
Like you said..you "enjoy the rig you bought" and that's what really matters.
downtheroad wrote: Not to disrespect you question, but it is of no concern to me what others can or can't afford or how they choose to spend their hard earned money. I think it's actually none of my business.
When I see others camping in whatever, I'm happy for them.
Like you said..you "enjoy the rig you bought" and that's what really matters.
very well said, totally agree with you.
Our rule is to pay cash for toys, our TT is a toy.
We paid for our new TT on a zero-interest credit card good for 18 months. Before we incurred interest, we paid it off.
Why not use someone elses money for a year and a half.
Oh, we also got points on the credit card and have enjoyed free Marriott nights a few times.
Where people run into trouble is by buying an RV and stretching payments out over 10 years or more. With a loan like this, the RV will never be worth what one owes.
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
2001 Dodge Van w/Wheelchair Ramp
1991 Palomino Mustang PUP
Eureka Timberline Tent
Yamaha IF2400isc
Yamaha EF3000iSEBC "Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It"
downtheroad wrote: Not to disrespect you question, but it is of no concern to me what others can or can't afford or how they choose to spend their hard earned money. I think it's actually none of my business.
When I see others camping in whatever, I'm happy for them.
Like you said..you "enjoy the rig you bought" and that's what really matters.
I would much rather pay for today's stuff with tomorrow's money. Today's stuff cost less than tomorrow's stuff. Tomorrow's money is not going to be worth as much as today's money. Buy today, pay tomorrow, that my motto!
People make their own decisions and I don't see any problems with that. If they want to finance them for 10+ years who cares - it is their money and they can do with it as they wish.
Like many things in life RVing is expensive (whether you pay cash or finance them). But if you compare them to other forms of vacationing they don't look too bad. We spent over $6,000 on two cruises last year for less than 2 weeks of enjoyment. By comparison we get to use the camper all Spring, Summer and Fall. Not a bad return on investment when looking at it that way.
John, the lovely wife, plus the 3 kids. 2007 Jayco Jay Flight 31BHS - Parked at the Seasonal Site Previous setups...
2002 Ford Explorer V6 pulling 2000 Trail-Lite Bantam B19
1997 Chevy Blazer pulling small Coleman popup
jtwisconsin wrote: Like many things in life RVing is expensive (whether you pay cash or finance them). But if you compare them to other forms of vacationing they don't look too bad. We spent over $6,000 on two cruises last year for less than 2 weeks of enjoyment.
I own my TT and my TV free and clear--paid cash for both. However, I don't condemn anyone for financing one (or both).
Both my wife and I have experienced life-threatening health issues over the last few years. It has given us a little different perspective on life. There are no guarantees that we'll be around long enough to save the $$ to buy what we can enjoy today.
We are in really good shape financially, and are looking forward to RVing all over the US, Canada, and Alaska when we retire. But we have to make it there first.
RVing is part of our lives. We've been going places since 1999, and always look forward to our next scheduled trip.
I wouldn't want to get into a position that I couldn't buy food because I had to make an RV payment. But on the other hand, I wouldn't want to leave this life without having been to a lot more places than I already have.
MFinCA
2004 Homestead Settler 255RS
1999 Chevrolet Suburban 2500
I'm sure we're some of the one's your talking about.
We are in our mid 40's.
What you may not realize is that we've been married over 23 years. 1st and only time either of us has been married. I make over 6 figures, DW is a homemaker, 1 son 17 years old.
No vehicle notes even though we have 4, 3 of which have over 100k miles, house almost paid for and 5er is not far behind. The RV in my sig was a left over model on the lot. It's really nice and looks very expensive.
We have a lot of toys that are paid for and we save money for retirement.
I do all of my own maintenance around the house and all vehicle repairs.
Just because someone may look like their in debt up to their eye balls don't make it so. We went many years not enjoying camping and about 5 years ago we made a choice to enjoy our son while we could and found out we love camping. The costs isn't going to stop us.
As far as everyone else, I don't care what they have as long as they don't ask me to pay for it.
In all fairness to the original poster, it's pretty normal for folks to be a little curious how other folks can afford what they do. And there's no harm in doing so if one is not judgmental or critical.
There's no easy answer to the question, because financial situations vary so greatly, and it's also a matter of priorities. Some folks have the money to pay cash....whether it be for a pup or a diesel pusher. Others finance the purchase but consider the money well spent. And, some folks get themselves over extended, or in the position of being in trouble if there is any change in their income. Others spend conservatively and/or move up to bigger/better rigs as their budgets allow.
More importantly, we should all count our blessings and make the number one priority to use the rv experience as a means for enjoying our family, friends and new acquaintances.
It all boils down to "different jokes for different folks"!
2001 Dodge 3500 DRW V10 Magnum
2002 Sunline T280SR
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