Squeezing a Tight Budget: Used RVs For Sale By Owner Aren’t the Answer

[Susan Crown]

A lot of potential RVers have a tight budget. Some view full-time RVing as a potential solution. Others view their limited funds as a solid reason inhibiting them from exploring the possibilities of the RVing lifestyle. It’s a funny combination of conclusions but has an easy explanation. Regardless of the scenario a potential RVer leans towards, Used RVs for sale in Tucson by owner aren’t the answer for maximizing limited funds when purchasing a recreational vehicle in preparation for life on the road. Consider the scenario and its potential solutions carefully.

Those who view full-time RVing as a potential solution to a tight budget have a little bit of experience or at least knowledge regarding the potential for “cutting back” on day-to-day expenses. Those who see their tight budget as a setback in their goal of RV ownership haven’t looked into the “thrifty” potential of today’s RVs and the RVing lifestyle. Sadly, both RV buyer types tend to lean toward used RVs for sale by owner transactions to save more money. In doing so, they cheat themselves of potential wholesale pricing only available through larger dealers as well as warranties and additional benefits like roadside assistance that are often included when working with professionals. Those who are still unsure of the used RV’s thrift potential should consider the various costs that would be eradicated from their budget if they were to dedicate themselves to the RVing lifestyle.

Costs the Typical Family Cuts When Adopting a Full-Time RV Lifestyle:

1. Mortgage/Rent: Most families have some type of housing costs each month. While the recreational vehicle is most likely going to come with its payment, in most cases, it will be substantially less.
2. Utilities/Water: Most single family homes average somewhere between $100-$300/month (depending on region, usage, etc.). In comparison, the costs of keeping the typical RV in water and power means substantial savings.
3. Income: A surprising number of industries are embracing the telecommuting phenomenon due to the fact that they can get the same or more quality work from employees with no overhead. Many potentially full time RVers are finding that approaching the subject with their employers doesn’t result in a decrease in pay and in some instances, pay actually increases as tax benefits could increase the employee’s take home pay.
4. Bigger, Better Costs: In many households, the “bigger, better” phenomenon rules. This is the state in which an individual or family continues to make purchases of items they already own simply because there is something bigger or better now on the market. This constitutes a large portion of expenditures for many families. It’s a very difficult habit to break, but knowing that there is an extremely limited space in which to bring home “bigger better” items is one way to do it. The RV is just such a space, and avoiding the bigger better costs will save many families a lot of money every month.

Continuing to evaluate costs and the comparative costs of an RV lifestyle will lead most potential full-time RVers to make the plunge, if only for the financial benefits. Considering used RVs for sale is one more positive step toward financial security. Considering used RVs for sale by owner isn’t necessarily a bad step, but it’s not where frugal RVers and RV buyers should be focusing their attention when trying to maximize a tight budget.