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TT Use and Efficiancy

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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 10:36 AM
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TT Use and Efficiancy

So the time has come to start seriously looking into a TT purchase. My wife and I have been planning to purchase one for the last year or so. Now that the time is here she is starting to say that she doesn't think we will use it enough to get our money out of it.

I was hoping to get feedback from some people who have made good use of there TT even though they have hectic work schedules etc. What are some key things to do to make it easier to just get in and go, instead of having to spend time/effort packing etc to get on the road?

Thanks
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 12:02 PM
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I keep mine stocked with the except of clothes and refrig items.

We do a lot of weekend and we will even go stay close by for a few days and then I will commute to work.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 12:51 PM
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we bought ours in 1999 when I had to go out of state to work in an area without enough motels to stay in. Also wife decided she would like to go, so we purchased it new. Still have it and only use it about 1 a year for a couple weeks at time. Have friends that have trailers and go 'happy camping' all the time even when still working. Yes they are a PIA to store and keep up, but they do provide you with an opportunity to be able to go when you want. Family members have rv's and have had to evacuate due to fires etc, and that is where they lived. We plan the same way although we are not in an area subject to evacuations, But......

Anyhow we just purchased a class c rv, plan to use it for about 2 months this summer and then if we finally retire more often. My friend has sold his 5th wheel and bought a 40' rv and is gone all the time.

So yes they will cost, but if you purchase something that you are happy with and are willing to not utilize every weekend or month but do occasionally you may be happy. If the $$ and potential to sell are a big issue than probably not. Just my opinion and I am sure others will have theirs.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 03:40 PM
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This can really be a loaded issue and my first thought would be, unless your wife is on board don't do it. Typically the trailer gets used often the first year and things taper off after that.

The harsh reality is the average user would save considerable money renting rather than owning.

RVing is a great lifestyle, but it is not for everyone, so if this is something new for you, learn everything you can about it first online, from folks you know, etc.

My two cents worth,

Steve
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 08:09 PM
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We are on our 4th Rv. We have done this because of food and other allergies. This way we can travel without the constant worry of the allergy. We always keep during the summer a kitchen with canned items, and bed made and be ready to go in around an hour if need be, spur of the moment camping is the best. We went to disney world one time in about an hour after we made the decision and we live in Michigan. We had the best time with an unplanned vacation.
Sure the cost is higher but you will have a lot of fun at the campgrounds talking to folks and just having fun. Take some games etc to keep busy and have a bonfire at night with somores over the fire.
We wore out 2 sets of tires on our last travel trailer, if that is an indicator of use.
Enjoy
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 08:15 PM
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Actually I come out ahead on trips with the 5er most of the time. By the time you figure hotel and eating out costs that usually is a lot more than campground fees and fuel.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by senix
Actually I come out ahead on trips with the 5er most of the time. By the time you figure hotel and eating out costs that usually is a lot more than campground fees and fuel.
But you have to factor in purchase price, for a lot of folks interest on the loan, upkeep, maintenance, maybe storage fees, etc. I have been an owner forever, but never thought of it as economical. Sometimes fun just cost, but now adays, what doesn't!

Steve
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 08:41 PM
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Write the interest on the loan off on taxes. It has a bathroom. So its a house
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 08:44 PM
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I agree with a few people.

I don't think you save any money vs just driving or flying and staying in a hotel. But I have a daughter and we bring her friends or cousins. They run and play and have great time at every campground. That makes it worth it. But we don't take big trips to vegas, Hawaii or cruises. So we do a handful of trips each summer

We keep some clothes and food in camper. Stocked pantry. Just have to load up fridge and go.

This will be our second year with it. We used to borrow my friends pop up. Got our camper last year and bought it used for 10K. Got a good deal and it came fully stocked with gear from previous owner. But if you are not a camper yet, I would agree with renting a travel trailer a few times. It will cost the same as weekend getaways and will give you a pretty good idea.

My wife is a teacher and has the summers off. We do plan on doing some semi-local trips this summer that will be a week long. I will just commute to work from the camper and they will stay there all day and play.

Have fun and hope this wasn't too boring
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 08:55 PM
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Thanks for all the input. There are 5 of us and a dog, so any trip currently requires boarding the dog and a pretty big hotel expense. Eating out costs a bit too. We r looking at used trailersbin the 8-12k range and would just pay cash. We are planning on Disney this summer and flights/hotels/food really jumps the price up. Plus we do 2 to 4 weekend soccer tournaments a year.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 09:01 PM
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Disney world has an excellent campground on property and yes you can take the dog with no problem. We have been there at last count over 30 times. That is the best camping in the orlando area.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 09:07 PM
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Sounds like the ideal set up to use a camper. Get a cap for the truck and store extra cooler, bikes and stuff in there. Dog too if you want, our beagle just chills in his bed back there.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by senix
Write the interest on the loan off on taxes. It has a bathroom. So its a house
True, I still doubt it is wash in terms of owning, but whose counting?

Steve
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by dramirez163
Sounds like the ideal set up to use a camper. Get a cap for the truck and store extra cooler, bikes and stuff in there. Dog too if you want, our beagle just chills in his bed back there.
One real plus for us was having a simple way to take out dog along, when he was alive.

Steve
 
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Old Feb 28, 2014 | 09:25 PM
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oh yeah, if going used, I suggest going with a reputable brand. Someone who works on them a lot could probably give you a handful of manufacturers to go with or to stay away from. I got an 05 Fleetwood Wilderness last year for 10K. It also had a Hensley Arrow hitch on it. The best weight distro/anti sway hitch out there.

We absolutely love it. Campfires. Halloween weekends. etc
 
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