Re: Cost of avoiding business...

On Fri, 7 Oct 2005 22:20:24 -0400, "Bob Hatch" <bobhatch@xxxxxx>
wrote:

>"Bob Giddings" <bobg@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>news:de1ek1ha63ar50qac47lk4ldlhap33fp3p@xxxxxxx
>
>> Well, here's some more.
>>
>> I read all your calculations, and there's a lot of wishful
>> thinking there, Bob. And it only works, if at all, when gas
>> prices are as high or higher than they are now. Of course that's
>> the assumption that started this discussion, and it was mine, so
>> I can hardly quibble about it now.
>
>Yup, it was your numbers I worked with. I don't believe gas will remain this
>high for long, but I could be wrong.
>>
>> But even if it came out like you say, there's another calculation
>> you haven't made that knocks all that into a cocked hat.
>>
>> That's the amortized cost of the rig itself.
>>
>> A truck and a trailer gives you the same room for much less money
>> up front. My truck and 27 ft trailer cost me right at $42K brand
>> new, and I challenge you to find new MH with 27 feet of room for
>> anywhere near that. Even back in 2001.
>>
>> You may be able to find a used one. But I can find a used
>> trailer and truck, too, that will bring it back into the cheaper
>> column. In fact, I own them. :o)
>
>And that was always an option. Keep what you have and accept the fact that
>costs will change. Buy a diesel truck so you'll get better mileage. Don't
>buy a toad when you buy a Class C. Don't travel as much. Lots of options.
>>
>> I was just talking to a Canadian couple here in the fairgrounds
>> with a 5 year old 24 foot Minnie Class C with a V10. Looks brand
>> new, and just the sort of unit I might be looking for. New in
>> 2000, it cost $90K Canadian, which today is about $73K US. Hate
>> to throw in another weird variable, but it's the only example at
>> hand. My combo rig at the same time was $40K.
>
>They got screwed. Did they get kissed in the process. My 37 foot Adventure
>was less than that, new, fresh off the lot. True, it's a '99, but it was
>less than their 24 foot, and it's still got a lot of miles left in it.
>>
>> And inside, theirs has the only the room and much the same layout
>> as a 19 foot trailer. No slide. On the up side, they claim 13
>> mpg. I find that claim a little dubious, since I have the same
>> engine and get 8, but can't say it's impossible. Dunno what
>> their rear end ratio is.
>
>They "really" got screwed. And I doubt they get 13 mpg.
>>
>> I believe I'd get at least that mileage out of a standard v6
>> truck and a 19 foot trailer. Even 4WD.
>>
>> The Canucks don't use a toad. And at 24 feet, The Minnie does
>> look like a modest and nimble little critter. Smaller footprint,
>> of course, than the equivalent truck/trailer combo. And the bed
>> looks short. One of those weird mattresses, with the edge cut
>> off of it.
>
>I'll say it again. They got screwed.
>>
>> You can buy a MH for many reasons, but I don't believe saving
>> money over a truck and trailer is one of them. I suspect that is
>> true even if you never move it out of your driveway. The Toad
>> just multiplies that cost.
>
>It really depends on a lot of things, but the operating cost is "not" than
>different. I've had both.
>>
>> Bottom line for me is, I don't want to commit that amount of
>> money to this hobby. But that's just me. I'm always looking,
>> and if I should find one cheap enough, I might change my mind.
>
>It's a good idea to keep options open. We think of buying a fiver every
>month or 6, then we come to our senses.
>
>> Always good to consider, and reconsider, all the possibilities.
>> Lots of us are going to be doing that in the coming years.
>>
>Some of my reconsiderations have been done already. This is our last year on
>the road for winter. Staying on our lot in AZ will save us about $500.00 per
>month, and they keep appreciating. Accept for Alaska, this will be our last
>big trip, and not East again. Little changes to our big plan.
Here's an example of the sort of MH I might be interested in.
Winnebago View. 17 mpg, Mercedes Benz turbo diesel.

http://www.winnebagoind.com/html/products/recVehicles/winnebago/view.html

And a base price of ONLY $79K. Hell, I'll take two, and keep one
for parts.

Bob

www.arcatapet.net/bobgiddings
.

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