It has become a common that, when seniors retire, they invest their money from decades of working in a recreational vehicle (RV). When people retire, they want adventure. They imagine that an RV will take them across the country where they can camp in the woods, hike mountain trails, swim in rivers and lakes, and sleep under the stars. An RV will also encourage family trips and outings, especially as their kids have kids of their own. Moreover, when they visit, an RV is both a vehicle and a place to sleep; no more disrupting the daily routines of their children’s families.
In short, people use an RV to expand their lifestyle options.
An RV is a great investment for many retirees. However, it is also one of the most expensive investments you might make in your retirement years. Before you buy an RV for retirement, there are a few things you should consider. These include:
The actual cost of an RV — Can you afford it?
Many people buy RVs without thinking through the actual costs of buying and owning one. It can be a huge mistake, especially if you make a purchase that is more expensive than the money you have available to pay for it.
RVs are an expensive investment. The price tag on a new one is likely to be over $100,000. Used models can still set you back more than $50,000 which will take up most of the retirement nest egg of many retirees. If you do buy an RV without having all the money available to pay for it, you may find yourself in a worse financial situation than before you made the purchase.
There are loans available to people who want to acquire their own RV. The process of application is similar to buying a home. The lender will perform a background check to determine your financial situation, and decide from there if they will grant you the money you requested.
What type of RV will work for you?
There are many different types of RVs, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some are wider than others; some can drive faster once they hit the road; others have more amenities inside them. Depending on your lifestyle preferences, one type might make more sense than another.
Many people think that spending a lot of time in an RV is uncomfortable and inconvenient. There’s not a lot of space inside to move around or to carry a lot of stuff. However, there are different types of RVs that can accommodate different lifestyles. Those who have the money can buy a luxury motorcoach RV complete with amenities typically present in a home. It’s also spacious and, most importantly, a pleasant space to spend time in.
Can You Deal with Maintenance?
RVs are cars and homes in one. When you love yours, you want to take good care of it. But both require regular maintenance and care. Just one thing can break down – the refrigerator, for instance — and this could be a serious problem if you’re away from home. If electricity went out, your furnace would fail as well because that’s also powered by electricity. And if water or sewer hookups are not available, you could be in big trouble.
Feeling comfortable with this level of uncertainty is one thing; actually dealing with it is another matter entirely. If you think that it would be too stressful to deal with potential problems on the road, then an RV may not be for you — especially if your retirement plans include a lot of time on the road.
How will you use an RV?
It’s important to understand how you plan to use your RV before you buy, because this has a significant impact on which model is best for you. For example, if you’re going to spend most of your time visiting family and friends, a smaller RV might work better for you. You can find models that are less than 18 feet long and still have enough space inside to stay overnight when visiting nearby locations.
However, if you’re going to spend a lot of time traveling the country — or even the world — a big motorhome is a must-have item on your wish list. These are larger, allowing you to spend the night anywhere you want to stop. More than one person can stay comfortably inside one of these vehicles, which gives them an advantage over smaller RVs.
Buying an RV is a big decision — but one that can provide many years of fun and adventure! Be sure to consider these things before making the purchase.
