Re: repairs
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 116304
I could guesstimate our costs averaged over the years. But, in reality they really don't matter. As we do with our coach what we want. Including maintenance, fixes of items and or component so systems as needed, and probable the most on modification's to refresh and make the coach 'our coach' for a 10+ years life cycle.
We knew it would be expensive going in. And we do not mind paying the price for enjoying our coach, and having it as safe and 'ready to go' as reasonably possible.
If I wanted to save the money I'd worked for - I'd be sitting in my backyard - instead of yearly seeing such a great country:)!
And no question, that the more complex a coach is - the higher the costs to maintain, and when things go wrong, to repair... I suspect, why some owner's of CC's see different yearly maintenance cycles. Toss in, that some owner's use their coaches for vacation or week end get away's and travels. While other's, live and use them year round, and or, many months a year. Also, some owner's really put the miles on 10, 12.5, 15+ K per year. And other's, even full timer's, due under 10, or even 5K per year. So usage wear can vary between owner's. And make a difference on how much they spend per year.
Could we do it for a lot less money per year? Heck yes! Our T28 1998 F53 with V10, non slide, Bounder - with proper maintenance - would have gotten us out and about. But not as safe, as comfortable, as happy - as we are in our CC. (Joke about wishing I'd kept it to be our Toad. So I'd have a Man Cave.)
RV'ing is not an inexpensive decision. As an owner, you can make decision's to put off some maintenance for sometime. Not make an update, or repair and item that is broken. Gamble on older tires. Zero modifications and interior refresh. Older electronics. Etc., etc.
But, sooner or later, the piper will be paid. A catastrophic breakdown. Or if lucky, a sell at a later date at much lower value due to lack of maintenance and normal (LED vs Tube TV, as an example.) upgrades/refreshes. Or worse case, an accident while on the road due to neglected maintenance.
Pay me now, or pay me later. Possibly hurt yourself, or other's - due to poor maintenance practices.
If you want to save money. Gasser Class A's can be more economical per year to maintain properly. But, then you'll not be in the glory of a Country Coach - and one of the gang of cool owner's that appreciate and enjoy them.
Me? Well, I look at all upgrades an improvements as amortized over a 10 year usage ahead. (That's a 'moving' ten years, as I've been saying this for 5+ years now:)!).
I look at normal maintenance, as just the costs of enjoyment.
Everyone must make their own decisions on what they're willing to spend.
And no question, several thousand dollars a year of our spending, is discretionary... Not maintenance and or safety related... That's our choice.
Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Topic: repairs (Read 651 times)
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