Jayco-noslide
Galesburg,Il., USA
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Joined: 11/24/2004
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An excellent but very difficult question. We bought a 1999 25 ft. 5th wheel in 2002. We only paid about $10,000(no slide-outs) and we continue to like it very much. Replacing it with another one comfortably towable by our half-ton is very difficult. At times we think we've spent way too much(thousands) to keep it decent and on the road; yet, we feel that if a major repair keeps us going for another year or 2 maybe it's OK. Trading is very costly because RV's depreciate a huge amount. But, kind of like a car, it might last as long as we are willing to keep paying big for repairs. But, no guarantee if we buy another used one either. The rubber roof might be our next concern but then that's replaceable too. Buying a new one just to get a warranty is a very expensive luxury.
Jayco-noslide
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cKarlGo
Alexandria, VA
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Joined: 04/21/2003
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Recreational Vehicle is Latin for "Get out your wallet. Supply your own kleenex when you cry."
That being said, I got a new Mountaineer 5er last July through Camping World and I bought their extended warranty for 7 years. It's supposed to cover appliances, electrical, plumbing and the like. We shall see if it's worth the paper it's written on.
This 5er is to get me half way through till I retire, then I'll trade again.
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k.
2012 Montana 3402
2011 Chevy 3500
2007 Black Lab/Pitt Bull mix named Harley
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Ford Man
Tennessee
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Joined: 04/30/2005
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It is your decision on how long you want to keep your RV. I have camped for 44 years however, I got into camping as an Adult in 1997. I have owned 5 RVs. 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, and a 2010. I kept buying a larger unit each time with more slide outs. I am looking at trading the 2010 now to buy a different floorplan and a larger 5th wheel. It is just money do what you want to. Lots of people on here tell me that I am wasting money but it is mine to waste I guess. I trade trucks to tow with about the same way.
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larry barnhart
wenatchee. wa usa
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Joined: 03/30/2001
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Ford Man wrote:It is your decision on how long you want to keep your RV. I have camped for 44 years however, I got into camping as an Adult in 1997. I have owned 5 RVs. 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, and a 2010. I kept buying a larger unit each time with more slide outs. I am looking at trading the 2010 now to buy a different floorplan and a larger 5th wheel. It is just money do what you want to. Lots of people on here tell me that I am wasting money but it is mine to waste I guess. I trade trucks to tow with about the same way.
I agree with your comments but folks ask how to spend their money. Something I can figure how we do it with out help but knowledge is good if you need help. It is tough to help sometimes.
chevman
chevman
2001 35 ft avalon alpenlite RK
2005 3500 2wd duramax CC dually
prodigy
easyrider/reese airhitch
trailair center point suspension
JT Strong Arm Stabilizers
KSH 55 inbed fuel tank
Garmin 2720
scanguage II
TD-EOC
Induction Overhaul Kit
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partsman01
Poco British Columbia
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Joined: 07/22/2005
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We started out in 2005 with an 1989 18.5 foot prowler lynx fifth wheel and it was still solid, could have gone a long time if the wife hadn't wanted bigger and newer.
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SeniorGNC
Houston
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Joined: 10/17/2008
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How long you keep your trailer, and therefore how much you spend has a lot to do with your fiscal style.
The DW and I bought our 5er as our first, and so far, only RV. It is a wood framed unit, corrugated aluminum siding, particle board cabinetry, and other “cost effective” construction items. We do spend money on it where we get a good return. We keep it in covered storage, do regular preventative maintenance, and have done many upgrades. I have installed disc brakes, changed to 16” rims and Michelin LT’s, added an accumulator tank, upgraded the charge controller to a Charge Wizard, improved waterproofing, and many other small upgrades. I’m sure some folks will say I have spent too much on a low cost unit in upgrades, but I have saved several dollars in deprecation by not trading. My truck is also 15 years old and has 215,000 miles.
It may not be the fanciest unit, but we spend about 30 nights a year in it, tow it several thousand miles a year, and have many wonderful family trips.
I expect to use both the trailer and truck for at least another 5 years each, it not 10 years. I can hardly wait for retirement and my 2nd RV and truck!
Kevin, DW, 2 DDs, a dog & a cat
1996 F-350, 7.3, manual, exhaust brake
2003 KZ Sportsman 5th, 30' bunkhouse
Disc brake upgrade (DIY)
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Dutch & Di
Livingston, TX
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Joined: 11/05/2005
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We bought our Carriage Conestoga 5th wheel brand new in 1996. We started fulltiming in it about 6 months later. We did our preventative maintenance on it and took care of our "Home". Ours never was a money pit. We bought a quality unit as we figured to keep it a minimum of 10 years.
About a year and a half ago, we had the exterior stripped down and repainted right down to the graphics.We had several coats of clear coat added to keep her shiny and less waxing for Dutch. We replaced the carpets and countertops and had our couch and kitchen chairs re upholstered. Really just for a freshened up look.
The ReDo turned our wonderfully well and didn't break the bank. We feel we have another 15 years in her yet. If you would like to see the pictures of our "redo" just pm me and I'll send you the link. Diana
pigbike wrote:I know some people keep the same 5th for many years, and some trade them every few years. Is there a time line for them before they become money pits, as far as problems.
1996 Dodge Dually, Max Brake Controller, Mor/Ryde Susp Rear Spgs, Air Bags, Tailgate Easylift,
1996/2010 Triple Slide Carriage, Mor/Ryde Susp, Kodiak Disc Brakes, Big Foot Auto Leveling System, TST TPMS
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colbee
Sherwood Park, AB
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Joined: 11/28/2003
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We bought our 1st rv in 1976. It was a 6 year old 17 1/2 ft. Travelaire. We had 3 childred under the age of 4 and we used the trailer 3-4 weeks a year for the first 5 years, then we used it about 5-6 weeks a year the next 10 years,then we were using it 7-8 weeks a year. In '84 we looked for a new trailer but couldn't find one we liked as well for floorplan and storage so we put new siding on, laid new flooring, installed new cushions, made new curtains & installed new counter tops in 1984. All the work was done by us so the cost wasn't too bad. Our kids decided they wanted their own space as they got older so they each had a tentfor about 6 years and we sold our memory filled trailer in 2003. We bought a 5 year old 26 1/2 foot Travelaire in 2002 but had no vehicle to pull it so we had to wait till 2003 to use it. We use it about 8 - 10 weeks a year and with some preventative maintenance, new tires, brake repair now & then, solar panel we hope to be able to enjoy it another 10 years. Again, the last couple of years we have looked at newer and a bit bigger but can't find a floorplan or basement we like as well as the one we have sooo--- I think the RV will last as long as it suits the folks using it.
Mel & Barb
'02 F350 PSD Crewcab SD Lariat Short Box
'97, 27.5' Travelaire
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