New RV Owner

[BobbyBueno]

I'm a new RV owner and I wanted to ask some simple questions about being an RV owner that experienced RV owners may be able to answer:

1) What is the one(or two) things that as a new RV owner, you know now, but wish you knew before you bought.

2) What is the most expensive part of owning an RV?

3) What is the best way to save money owning an RV?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

-Bobby

 

[danemayer]

Hi BobbyBueno,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum.

1. When we started out, I wish I had had a better understanding of how to thoroughly dump the black tank.

2. The most expensive part of ownership for us is Diesel fuel. But of course that is dependent on how far we travel.

3. You aren't going to save money owning an RV - you're going to spend it. But timely maintenance can reduce your expenses by preventing problems, and when there is a problem, by repairing it before it becomes a big, expensive repair.

 

[Jim-Lynn]

I'm a new RV owner and I wanted to ask some simple questions about being an RV owner that experienced RV owners may be able to answer:

1) What is the one(or two) things that as a new RV owner, you know now, but wish you knew before you bought.

2) What is the most expensive part of owning an RV?

3) What is the best way to save money owning an RV?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

-Bobby

Bobby; There is always something you wish you new before - OH well, live and learn. Dan is 100% correct, fuel is a big expense. BUT you can save a lot of money if you want??? Get your RV, park it at a campground and don't pull it, don't go site seeing etc. That is not what we do.... every one who has an RV wants to see the country - go see it and enjoy.
There are hundreds of very experienced people on this site that have a lot of travel, maintenance and general information experts, use them they are great.

Jim

 

[BobbyBueno]

Danemayer,

Thanks for the advice. Is there anything you would add to this article about the black tank?

I would expect diesel fuel to be the main expense....but thankfully as you alluded to, I can plan around that.

Where do you see the best bang for your buck when it comes to preventative maintenance? Any pointers there?

Jim-Lynn,

Thanks, ya, its tough to just let the camper sit there. Fortunately ours is a fifth wheel so we can just drop it off...but I don't like letting something that valuable just set there. Is that advisable? Or totally ill advised?

What's the best way that you know to keep a fifth wheel secure when taking the truck on mini excursions?

Thanks,

 

[danemayer]

Danemayer,

Thanks for the advice. Is there anything you would add to this article about the black tank?

I would expect diesel fuel to be the main expense....but thankfully as you alluded to, I can plan around that.

Where do you see the best bang for your buck when it comes to preventative maintenance? Any pointers there?

Jim-Lynn,

Thanks, ya, its tough to just let the camper sit there. Fortunately ours is a fifth wheel so we can just drop it off...but I don't like letting something that valuable just set there. Is that advisable? Or totally ill advised?

What's the best way that you know to keep a fifth wheel secure when taking the truck on mini excursions?

Thanks,

You might take a look at our owner-written Water Systems Guide (and other user guides). Pages 17-21 deal with holding tanks and suggest a couple of accessories that you'll come to appreciate.

On preventative maintenance, the 2 items I'd pay particular attention to are bearing inspection and lubrication (per the schedule in your manual), and caulking/sealants. A problem due to poor maintenance in either area can be very disconcerting and expensive.

 

[eddylives]

Danemayer,

Thanks for the advice. Is there anything you would add to this article about the black tank?

I would expect diesel fuel to be the main expense....but thankfully as you alluded to, I can plan around that.

Where do you see the best bang for your buck when it comes to preventative maintenance? Any pointers there?

Jim-Lynn,

Thanks, ya, its tough to just let the camper sit there. Fortunately ours is a fifth wheel so we can just drop it off...but I don't like letting something that valuable just set there. Is that advisable? Or totally ill advised?

What's the best way that you know to keep a fifth wheel secure when taking the truck on mini excursions?


For security you can purchase a kingpin lock that will slow people down from hitching up and taking it.
Also the storage door keys are pretty generic with only half a dozen or so used by suppliers so what I have done is removed the original locks and taken them to a lock specialist and had them re-keyed to a unique one off key so no one could have a key to get access. I also removed the thumb latches and replaced them with the same style locks to stop someone from being able to pry them open easily since the doors are so flimsy.
Of course these steps will only work for opportunist type thieves as the hardcore ones will overcome most any security if they really want it lol.

 

[JohnD]

I'm a new RV owner and I wanted to ask some simple questions about being an RV owner that experienced RV owners may be able to answer:

1) What is the one(or two) things that as a new RV owner, you know now, but wish you knew before you bought.

2) What is the most expensive part of owning an RV?

3) What is the best way to save money owning an RV?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

-Bobby

What trailer do you have?

 

[BobbyBueno]

What trailer do you have?

JohnD

I bought a used 2014 Silverado 37QB.

 

[Silverado23]

Use your RV at least a few times before you start buying things that you think you need but later end up not using at all.


Buy a good power ems like the Progessive industries hw50-c so that you don't burn out your electrical system hooking up to bad electric in an RV park someplace. Saved my RV at least 4 times from potential damage or other electrical problems. Yes, they cost a bunch but your insurance deductible, if it even covers an electrical issue would cost more not to mention all the time lost due to repairs.
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/hardwired-surge-protectors



Know that RV warranties and dealer service are not at all like car warranties and dealer service.

Learn to deal with most repairs yourself. You may still need to have a dealer do certain repairs but you won't be wasting time and money on a dealer to complete simple issues.

 

[BobbyBueno]

Use your RV at least a few times before you start buying things that you think you need but later end up not using at all.


Buy a good power ems like the Progessive industries hw50-c so that you don't burn out your electrical system hooking up to bad electric in an RV park someplace. Saved my RV at least 4 times from potential damage or other electrical problems. Yes, they cost a bunch but your insurance deductible, if it even covers an electrical issue would cost more not to mention all the time lost due to repairs.
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/hardwired-surge-protectors



Know that RV warranties and dealer service are not at all like car warranties and dealer service.

Learn to deal with most repairs yourself. You may still need to have a dealer do certain repairs but you won't be wasting time and money on a dealer to complete simple issues.

Silverado,

Thanks, that is good advice. I never really thought about electric being bad at one of these parks.

I'm not a very handy dude, but I do like saving money so I think I probably will start becoming more handy!

Silverado and anyone else who might know. I was wondering if anyone knows how much an RV depreciates in a year. Obviously it depends on amount of use...but since I bought my RV used, I'm hoping it doesn't depreciate too much. I found this calculator online and I want to plug my numbers in but want to make sure they are accurate. Is there a rate of depreciation that serves as a good rule of thumb?

 

[JohnD]

I was wondering if anyone knows how much an RV depreciates in a year.

Obviously it depends on amount of use...but since I bought my RV used, I'm hoping it doesn't depreciate too much.

I found this calculator online and I want to plug my numbers in but want to make sure they are accurate.

Is there a rate of depreciation that serves as a good rule of thumb?

There really is no magic number . . .

It is only worth what a dealership might be willing to give you in trade, or if selling outright, whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

 

[wino2]

I recommend changing the locks. I changed all of the compartments, and main door to help deter theft when storing, or site seeing. Plus, a good 5th wheel hitch lock.

To save mileage and fuel, rent a cheap car from enterprise, etc.
You will find the rental is cheaper than diesel fuel, and is easier to park.

Good luck, safe travels, and most of all...have fun!

 

[avvidclif]

First thing to know when buying an RV, it's not an investment, it's an expense. Use it, maintain it, and enjoy it. When you are ready to sell/trade it's worth whatever you can get. Write off the difference to a good time and great memories.

 

[JohnD]

First thing to know when buying an RV, it's not an investment, it's an expense. Use it, maintain it, and enjoy it. When you are ready to sell/trade it's worth whatever you can get. Write off the difference to a good time and great memories.

+ 100!