RVing message boards > Fulltiming
RV Maintenance and Repair - Expected Tasks and Costs over 10 to 15 years
taoshum:
Over the next 15 years, RV maintenance costs could be a small part of the economic turmoil that's predicted as inflation surges in delayed response to the Fed printing presses, congressional debt levels go berserk, SS/medicare spending exceeds projections, climate change accelerates and energy costs are way higher. Just sayin' the uncertainty of the economy is likely to have a much larger impact on RV life than anything else. Go now and adapt later...?
tonyandkaren:
One more rather minor thing but since it's specific to RVs and can be expensive -
Day/night shades require restringing occasionally. They're hard to clean and the day part may get limp after awhile. We replaced ours once. Many people don't like them and replace them with mini blinds ,curtains or other types of window coverings.
Mr_Toad:
Thanks everyone for your feedback! I do want to make an informed decision on all this.
--- Quote from: taoshum on May 24, 2012, 11:32:13 PM ---Over the next 15 years, RV maintenance costs could be a small part of the economic turmoil that's predicted...
--- End quote ---
Hi, Mr. Taoshum...indeed, part of my thinking on the whole RV thing, is to provide myself at least SOMEPLACE to live, should I lose my job for a year (again).
Thanks!
Robt.
Jammer:
Robt.,
In my experience you will spend more on maintenance on the tow vehicle during that 15 year period and may end up replacing it outright at least once.
Over 15 years if you are full-timing (even if that only ends up meaning 6-8 months on the road each year) there will be a good deal of wear and tear. Moreso if you are moving around and doing some boondocking, maybe less if you end up parking seasonally and taking just the occasional trip.
With constant use over that period of time you would end up replacing all the upholstery and floor coverings at least once. You will have to do things like replace mattresses, and maybe replace frames on chairs or sofas. You will end up replacing any awnings you have at least once. It is likely that you will replace some shades and most of the appliances.
It is possible that you will have to replace the roof. It is likely that you will have to replace or at least reseal most of the plastic roof penetrations, plumbing vents, skylights, and so on.
With 15 years of daily use the cabinetry will probably be fairly deteriorated. Whether to do anything about this is a matter of taste vs available time and money.
On the mechanical side it is likely that the slide motors and seals will be a source of trouble at some point. You will probably have to replace the electrical connector to the truck at least once. Tires probably twice. Shocks. There will be some electrical and plumbing failures to fix.
If you use the batteries and the water pump, they will both require replacement every few years.
Mr_Toad:
Thanks, Everybody!
I am very grateful to all of you for providing these insights.
It sounds like some of these are expenses that I can resolve myself, since I'm not bad with tools and do-it-yourself projects (e.g., repairing cabinet hinges, basic re-staining, caulking, replacing faucets and commodes, buying a replacement sofa/ chair/ table/ mattress, etc.).
My thoughts on this whole endeavor are that, compared with two-bedroom apartment rent of $1500 a month (i.e., $18,000 a year), even if a reasonable quality fifth wheel were to have absolutely no resale value, I will realize a payback in five to seven years (depending on variable costs and maintenance).
Plus, as I grow older, I expect that my income will begin to decline. So, after selling my house and making an up-front RV purchase, from then on my monthly income requirements will be significantly decreased, relative to other rental or purchase options.
Robt.
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