Evaluation of Rig for Full-Time

[donnandon]

A lot of the Fed, State, and Local parks now list relatively accurate descriptions of RV sites including length. They also show pictures of the site. That along with the Satellite View to show us the site and the road going to it is great We have had our 40' 5th wheel in parks we would not have considered without this info since they were local parks.

 

[Dutch & Di]

It will be interesting to see what you eventually decide. Do keep us posted.
Keeping a rig for a long time isn't for everyone but for us, it works and it is home. I just can't believe we bought it 20 years and 9 months ago. We both are pretty diligent about taking care of the inside & outside with maintenance, cleaning, etc. We still update/redo things as we wish or find something we just "can't live without" and it's fun to make little & big changes. Some people feel it's not worth putting aftermarket money into their RV but we didn't buy ours with that intent.
Hugs, Di

 

[Terry Jay]

We got some discussion going on an older motorhome in which to full-time. It became apparent that there are many things to consider. I have begin work on listing out considerations. I think there is a long, long way to go, but the attached should give an idea of where I am heading. I am sure we will have lots of discussion when it comes to evaluating these criteria.

It is pretty clear that a truck and trailer are initial cost winners. In terms of cost, I want to consider all likely costs over a ten-year period. So, initial costs is only part of the story.

OK, I have suggested looking at brokers/dealers who specialize in older MH. so here is another one. Country Coach is in the top tier of MH ever manufactured. http://www.premierrvservices.com/inventory/ is in Junction City OR, near Eugene. They have recent units and older ones. Also look in IRV2.com for comments and for their Classified listings.

Dutch and Di had some good comments, you can do remodel in quality older units. I am concerned that age is going to restrict or impede reaching over the dually fender to operate the 5th wheel hitch, so we are not only looking at MH, we bought one, a 2006 CC Intigue 42'. The maintenance costs will be higher than a truck and 5th, and you will need or want a towed. If you want quality, stick to the upper tier brands. They can be modified over time to suit your needs, either 5th or MH. The depreciation looks pretty steep for most of the life, so a decision on slides dictates the age range and the cost.

The nearest broker I see to you is Holland, MI. If you go south in the winter, Try Parliament in FL. Oregon had a lot of upper tier RV so it is a good place to look.

On trailers, keep New Horizons Teton and Cameo and Carriage in mind. There are others in the quality space but they escape the mind for now. Space Craft? Others may want to add to the list.