Motor home?

[zoom45]

Do any of you have a motor home? My neighbor has a 33' Class A for a great deal with only 21,000 miles on it for $9500. I drove it (it's like driving a house down the road) and it's great shape and easy to handle. I'm considering buying it but don't really know if I can justify having one. I have never been anywhere in a motor home or travel trailer. Looks like fun but don't know if it's something I need. Things I could use it for is towing the race car to races that are 2 nights. Towing the Nomad so I would have a way to get around if I go to a camp site. I know gas is rediculous and it gets about 10 mpg but I could stick close to the house or get riders to chip in. Any comments?

Bobby

[chucks1911]

I bought a new 28 ft travel trailer in 08. It hasn't moved since ::) I have lived in the thing a couple of times when we had power outages due to storms.

I would guess that it depends on what you want it for. When I bought mine, I had planned on moving down to the Ft Benning area and I was going to stay in it for a while. Didn't work out.

[Hacksaw]

I had a 40 foot diesel pusher Monaco Dynasty, gorgeous but so expensive to operate, and when you need repairs, and you will, that doesn't come cheap. Unless you plan on heavy use it's dead money.

[zoom45]

I know a couple of races we would tow my sons car to but other than that I'm afraid it would sit around too much. I haven't camped in years except in a tent.

[nomadtom69]

How many Motel rooms can you rent for $9500 plus paying to park it and the bad fuel mileage I thought about it and unless you plan on doing alot of camping and staying away from home months in a year I do not think in my opinion its worth it.

[Loafer]

I've always thought that it would be great fun to take off every weekend to new places.
But I don't have a lifestyle that would make that possible.
Maybe you should rent an RV a couple of times before you purchase one.
There is the looking at it in the driveway, when it's not in use. Low gas mileage,
registration, title, inspection and insurance fees to consider. The maintainance
is rather expensive. Two of my customers were RV sales and service, if you think the
dealers for MC's are expensive then you aren't going to like RV guys.
This is one company.
http://www.cruiseamerica.com/rent/?g...FUOo4AodyFFP4A

[paul]

Before we got the toy hauler, I had given a lot of thought to all the different ways to travel and have the bike there when I got there. Motor home was one option with trailer, but then I am stuck driving the motor home if weather is bad or can't ride bike for some reason. I did not like the idea of maybe having to use a motor home to go into town, or run errands, etc. Plus the cost of insurance and storage is better on a trailer. For us the toy hauler was the best option. I have my truck if needed. I have the bike always. And we have our own shower, bed, etc.
Gas mileage still sucks, but only when I am towing. Unhook, and any usage of the truck is as normal. We have done it both ways. Traveling on the bike only and staying in Hotels vs. pulling the trailer.. cost-wise there is practicly no difference when all factors such as food, parking fees, etc are all considered. So it really comes down to if you want your own accomidations or like Hotels. Some times I like it one way, sometimes the other. Hotels and state parks can both be great or too damn noisy, depending on where you are and what time of year.
There is one big advantage we have discovered in traveling on the bike. We don't have to return back to some campground each evening, so our range is greater, and we can spend more time enjoying something special that we might happen upon. Either way, trailer or motor home, it will cost you to sit there, and there will be maintenance. For a Motorhome, I think a little more.
Good luck, and enjoy.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Bobby, I would say if it is something you really want and are going to use, go for it. Like the others said it has more disadvantages than advantages. If I had one it would be like a friend of mine up the street. He bought one a couple of years ago and I have never seen it out of his yard. That is the way it would be with me. By using it a few times a year it isn't worth the cost to me. Your decision though.

[zoom45]

I appreciate all your thoughts. It's bringing me back to reality. I think the toy hauler would be great but it's still expensive plus I would need to buy a better truck to pull it with. Riding the Nomad and then pull a trailer with it seems a whole lot better for what we will be doing.
Thanks,
Bobby

My neighbor probably won't thank you though, LOL.

[ringadingh]

I used to rent one from a freind of mine, we had the best vacations ever in that RV. It worked for us because the kids were still small and they could go to the bathroom, sleep, eat and play without me having to stop all the time. I could get some good miles done in a day when needed.
They are expensive on fuel, and are basically another vehicle thats needs plates and insurance. Thats gets real expensive for a vehicle that sits around a lot. If I was to do it again Id probably get a nice trailer to pull behind the truck.

[glwilson]

It is pretty simple...

Figure out how many times (be generous) you plan on actually using it.

Would that be 6 times? 4 times over the next 2-years?

Divide 9,500 by 6 = $1,583 per trip if you buy it -- not including repairs to the unit, maintenance, insurance, storage, extra upkeep and cleaning, and on and on...

Now, check to see if you can rent somewhat close to that price. If it is even somewhat close... rent... don't buy.

I know of no one that made-out with these things. It is money down the drain.

Again... rent... don't buy.

[cactusjack]

The 2 greatest days of a boat owners life: the day they bought it and the day they sold it. I can't imagine a motor home is much different.