Have you considered just renting when you want to travel? We still tent camp but I am really getting tired of cooking in the wind and also having to store all of our food in a bear locker. I definitely had some RV envy a few weeks ago. There are the typical companies (CruiseAmerica, El Monte rentals) but also Outdoorsy and RV Share. We even saw a company, local to the Mammoth area, that would deliver and set up a trailer in the campground
https://www.adventureincamping.com/book-a-trailer/. I figured that even at +$150-$200/night rental cost, it would take a long, long time before I came close to breakeven with purchasing, even used. It also eliminates the storage and maintenance issues of owning.
Hi there! Thanks for the feedback/response.
Oh my, yes! I have been all over the place for at least 2-3 years on buying or renting an RV or campervan. The only big negative about renting is that they are pretty expensive when you get done with the rental + CDW fees, etc. And booking a rental needs to be done somewhat in advance, which if I want to take an impromptu trip (after all I am retired now, LOL) it just might not work out so well.
While we were able to do a timeshare for RV barter in Alaska (4 X's with the same family 2010-2020), I fear RV Share type rentals can be very unreliable. Working for YPSS (the official wrecker & auto service) in Yellowstone back in 2022, I became aware of several rental arrangements that went sideways, and really felt for the owners (in come cases) and the renters (in others). I just don't think I'd want that risk/headache.
Renting a campervan here in Milwaukee, would mean driving down to Chicago for pick-up/drop-off . . . and a waste of time and mileage (which racks up quickly) . . . and the one RV company I've considered renting from near Appleton, doesn't allow their vehicles into Canada, which is something I want to do . . . more than once.
The storage issue is something my hubby keeps bringing up . . . and yet we have plenty of driveway space.
My personal reality check is that I probably only have 5-10 good years of campervan or RV camping in me . . . so buying new makes no sense. Buying something older (like this one I'm looking at) for "just" $10-$15k seems reasonable to at least consider. And if the vehicle holds up with minimal repairs and maintenance/upkeep . . . I think I'd still be ahead vs. renting over time especially since I'm pretty sure I would be away and camping at least 30-45 days/year.
