Are Trailers built to last? how many years have you owned yours?

[fasthauler]

Some fancier RV parks will not let you in with a trailer over ten years old. This is the only disadvantage in having a trailer over ten years old. Trailers will only last as long as the maintenance is kept up. We have a 1988 vacationeer 30ft 5th wheel and have been looking at newer rigs for years, but everything we look at is crap compared to our old rig. I have always maintained it meticulously and people are always surprised when the come inside. They find it hard to believe that it is such an older rig. The interior walls and cabinetry is all natural wood and not the paper covered junk that is in the newer rigs. The roof is one single sheet of aluminum and not the ten-year life rubber membrane that is on the newer rigs. The exterior is fiberglass and is starting to loose its gel coat so I have to wax it twice a year, but I might just repaint it if we can’t find a new rig with the closet space that we have in this one. Wash it regularly, wax it, pack the wheel bearings as needed, recaulk the roof seams yearly, fix any leaks as soon as they happen and a good rig will last a lifetime.

[Paulie1138]

Yes, in most cases you can deduct the interest from taxes as you would with a 2nd home. However, let's assume you pay 1,000 in interest for the year. You MIGHT get as much as 333.00 of it back. That still means you paid 666.00 to the bank! To me, that 666.00 buys some neat goodies!

......and, yes, I owe the bank, too. but, should be paid off sometime within the year. Will have the rig paid for in one year from purchase date. It is just me. I hate to pay more than I have to for anything, let alone money for interest! I actually got a rate 3.5 points lower from the dealer than my own credit union as part of my deal! (Despite my well over 820 credit score and being with the same CU for over 30 years!)

[Loraura]

Covered storage is an investment in the value of the RV over time. It drastically reduces the amount of UV exposure reducing damage, cracks, and leaks. It saves the vinyl graphics from UV damage as well.

I pay 100.00 a month for covered storage and think it is worth every penny. I never have to worry about a leak developing and doing damage between trips. I never worry about hail.

I can leave vents open to reduce heat buildup inside in the summer.

I'd say it is the #1 thing I do to protect my investment.

[NoviBill]

My take is an RV will last as long as it's well maintained (not cheap, but much cheaper than a new RV). I had a 1998 Trail-Lite Bantam and it was in much better shape than many 5 year old hybrid. I just purchased a 2006 and for the most part it looks new (some sun fading of decals).

I don't want to stay in any RV park that cares about how new my rig is, my guess is I will not enjoy the people who stay there.

[mike.t]

Define built to last.

[Iwritecode]

We are parked permanent and we just had a younger couple pull into the site behind us with 5th wheel that was built in 1986.

[jpforsyth]

I just bought a new Crusader 5th wheel for just my wife and I. It replaced a family 1993 Dutchman 26 foot TT. That unit was bought new, it still has lots of life in it. The dealer sold it for over $5000.00 in less than a week. That was a half of what I paid for it. The key is watch for water intrusion and keep it clean and waxed.

[bikendan]

We're going on 9 years with our Rockwood Roo HTT.

[Loraura]

If I were you, I would start paying double/triple payments to pay it off in 5 years or less. Pay as much as you can afford to. Any time you get additional funds apply it to the RV note.

[Brother Les]

Salesmanship 101.... (Question)" What monthly payments can you afford"? xxx (you say)... "We will just add on a few years more to 'make it happen". (and they do, by signing you up to a longer term + interest.)

RVs should be treated as 'cars/trucks' and seen as 'planned obsolescent' and 'turned over' every 5-7 years as innovation increases. If you have financed this for less than 2%, it may be a not so bad deal, anything over and the banks are making a killing. etc.... etc.


imo..... very bad deal as to many factors are against you. You should have bought a used unit and paid on it for two years. imo

[vanreever]

Short of a hurricane or tornado carrying your rv away, why wouldn't it last 10 years? You seem to stay on top of the upkeep end of it and it only sees 200 miles a year. Sounds like it could last longer than 10.

[Kungfu01]

Like people have said water and sunlight are your enemy but unless you have a problem water isn't getting into your rig. So sunlight is your number one threat. Remember that Mother Nature ultimately takes everything back. I would invest in a cheap cover of you don't want to spend much money. I was lucky and the stock market helped me pay cash for my rig and also allowed me to buy a metal carport. I would recommend a carport but they aren't really cheap.


2015.5 salem 30QBSS


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[mike.t]

Kungfu.Yep that's the answer If ya have the $ to buy one have it installed or rent scaffolding to put it up and then have the property to put it on.
Just say'n