[yetidog]

I just returned from pulling a small travel trailer with ½ ton truck with an estimated combined value of maybe 22-23K. I am just an occasional camper and maybe had never noticed before, but most of my fellow RV park residents had new or relatively new rigs consisting of 35-40 ft. 5th wheels towed by high dollar diesel trucks that had to run well over 70k or so each.. Most were retirees, seemingly middle class with career backgrounds in public service, sales, trades etc. in their late 50’s to late 70’s. I have to believe there is a considerable incidence of inherited wealth, folks writing off high dollar trucks as a business expense or whatever. I was not curious or envious to the point of asking anyone “how can you afford this?” but I truly don’t get it. Hope it isn’t all financed. Thoughts?

[huldah1776]

They made good decisions, eh?

[crz]

I hauled a few of the big uns for people when I had time and my dually.

I also owned a couple. The 30 toot fifth wheel was a joy to haul but couldnt get the SOB above 50 if I used it in the winter. Went through a 100 pound tank of LP in 5 days.

The last one, a 20 foot towable, I used for work in Laramie WY. And if any of you know how GD cold and windy it is in Laramie WY in the winter you know what I am talking about.I heated that thing with a 20 dollar electric heater and the gas furnace. Kept it at 70 degrees all through that stay up there.

The big ones? Screw them, they are a bastard to tow, and impossible to heat if you use them in cold weather-never mind to cool in the hot summer.

Just try towing one of those things down the windy freeways.

The self contained motor homes? I wouldnt give a penny for any of them. Pure JUNK. Oh they are really fancy inside, until you get to experience the constant problems with them.
They are cold/hot, and always something wrong with the things.

[Cobra64]

Ah yes, class envy. Well, some of us worked our way through college, got a degree, and pursued a career that pays well. This ain’t complicated.

[TigersEye]

I live in a summer season tourist town in CO.
$500k rigs rolling through here are a dime a dozen.

OK, that probably wasn’t the best metaphor for the circumstance.

[Hot Tabasco]

I have to believe there is a considerable incidence of inherited wealth, folks writing off high dollar trucks as a business expense or whatever. I

Then you would be wrong on every count........

I know several retirees with a fifth wheel who were nothing but hourly workers in the auto industry who are now touring the country with their own hard saved dollars, not inherited wealth.

[Rebelbase]

Sold their California house they’ve owned for 40 years that was purchased for a song.

[Tijeras_Slim]

No idea, but the last thing I’d want is a “home” that can break down in a bad part of town.

[BBB333]

I live in a smallish town- 35,000...our county is the size of Delaware and has 65,000 residents.

Just popped by our airport - two G650’s, a Citation X, a BBJ, several Pilatus PC-12’s, a load of King Airs, 200’s and 350’s, all manner of small and medium jets and a bunch of high-end single’s. Mind you, these were the active aircraft NOT held in hangars. Loads more inside.

I’m happy these folk have their aircraft and share their wealth with my community.

[Roman_War_Criminal]

RV’s and Boats are the biggest fools gold out there for folks.

I know people who own both and regret buying both.

[trisham]

Some of them rent their homes while they vacation in their RVs.

[Sam Gamgee]

IMHO a huge waste of money. RVs require constant upkeep, and when you factor in the high costs of sites these days, one is better off just staying in a hotel.

Maybe a boat could be a bigger waste of money, but at least boating is enjoyable.

[gtwizard]

If it has a toilet and a sink it qualifies as a second home and you can get a low interest home loan for it.

[RegulatorCountry]

The RV’s and travel trailers depreciate pretty quickly, maybe they’re not as new as you think. As far as the trucks pulling 5th wheel camper trailers, I’d assume they’re being written off/expensed as a business vehicle.

Then again a fair number of people are selling their houses and hitting the road, you’re looking at their primary residences. That’s how they paid for it.

[right way right]

Some people make good financial decisions.
Others, not so much.
I would count myself as a not so much but, I don't resent anyone having done better. Congrats are in order.
I have basically spent the last ten years falling out of the middle class, much of it my own fault but it has had much to do with the Obamanation economy too.

My #1 advice is avoid debt, things can happen. Don't make any assumptions.

Debt is poison.

[IamConservative]

Camping is a lifestyle choice for certain.

The depreciation alone for driving a new GMC Duramax and a big fifth wheel off the parking would pay for a year (or more) worth of nights in a $100/night motel.

When we faced this choice, we bought a lake house. It appreciates in value and allowed us to also get a boat and a Gator UTV to bop around in.

[Intolerant in NJ]

Niece retired from her job about seven years ago - sold her home and about three acres of wooded land - not “rich” but probably got more than enough from the sale to buy the nice RV she now lives in permanently with her husband - Florida and parts south during the winter, brief trips up north to visit friends and relatives during the summer - living comfortably on their pensions and I’m guessing residuals from the sale......

[sergeantdave]

If your FICO credit score is average and your DTI (debt to income) ratio is less than 30%, you can easily afford a $70k RV. Go ask any RV salesman. They will shower you and your checkbook with love.

[onona]

We just bought a 25 foot Forest River Forester Class C. Ford V10.

Nice little rig. 10% down and 20 year loan to finance. $400 bucks a month.

Selling the house next year and going full time.

Woot Woot !

[Nailbiter]

bflr

[DungeonMaster]

My coworker's parents sold their house and bought one and headed to Florida.

Meanwhile my wife and I enjoy going to dirt track IMCA races every weekend and my wife is really jonesing for some kind of "camper".