TCO: why we deciced not to get a Sportsmobile (yet :-)

[2wheelbob]

I bought a used 2002 SMB back in 2009 from the original owners. It has the Quigley 4x4 system, Reunel bumpers with winch, penthouse top, V-10 gas engine, 17" custom wheels/tires, 46 gal fuel tank, etc. The van had about 97k on the chassis. We now have 160k on the van, which includes 4 cross country trips, a trip up the AlCan highway and back, countless trips to Utah (Moab), Colorado (all the passes around Ouray), the Beartooths, the west coast (Washignton/Oregon coast). If one was to rely solely on the 'numbers', I suppose one would never leave the couch. My wife and I were commenting just the other day that the van was one of the best purchases we have made and the memories it has given us and the times we have spent together are truly priceless. I realize that not everyone's situation is the same but I caution against worry too much about money and missing out on living your life. After all, this isn't a dress rehearsal and tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Best of luck to you! See you on the road....

[Explorer 1]

Unfortunately, The SMB product has been over priced for some time. Those owners who bit the bullet (myself included) and paid the top dollars in the past for a new one have suffered when it came to resale time. I still have mine for now but have been disappointed with the quality of workmanship on the items mfg. and/or installed by SMB.

As time goes on and other products come to light (competing with their off road version) they may have to really evaluate their quality control and pricing.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

[2wheelbob]

I agree with you Fred. As a current SMB owner, I can say I would never buy a new one. The initial buy in is way over priced, especially where SMB build quality is average at best. A nice new 1-ton pick-up and a four-wheel brand camper slide-in are a better value. As you have stated, the resale is a hit for those who bought new but also can be a plus for those looking for a bargain on the used market. We looked for a few months and found the right truck for us. We paid $45k less than the new price, which made our truck a deal. When we go to resell it, as long as everything works and it shows nice, we won't get hurt. It pays to do one's homework and really be honest with ones self about what you really need. It took me 40 years to figure out that lesson

peace, Bob

[billwilson]

Edit:
Sorry, i forget how thin skinned folks are
and the easy mis-interpretation of what is written

Disclaimer:
I am NOT advocating new, used, smb, ford, chev, slide in
trailers or what ever

The point i am trying to get across is
waiting to save a few bucks or keeping the comfort level lower
by having a older or more cost effective rig, may NOT be worth it in the long haul.....

I have a TON of clients that scrimped and saved
only to lose the spouse unexpectedly, or lose their health
so they could not travel or IMHO the worst: Leave it to thier
fully ungratefull kids that spend in a week what mom and dad saved over
40 years......

Story:

I am a Estate Planner by trade
I have to crunch numbers for solutions for my clients on a daily basis

The Math is The Math
... however it must be tempered with numbers that dont work......

example:
$50,000 kitchen remodel because the wife wants one
$20,000 cruise with kids and grandkids

NOT cost effective whatsoever

That said and done, i have a picture of the above wife
sitting in her kitchen with a Sxxt eating grin sipping a cuppa coffee
Given to me by her husband....after she died...
She only got 4 months outta the kitchen
He has NEVER regretted the cost.....

I have another picture of a fat, white, beached whale
in a cruise ship pool with his kids and grandkids and a umbrella drink
The same Sxxt eating grin on his face
...he didnt make it 4 months
The widow thanks me everytime we talk for getting them on the cruise

None of the above had any prior health problems
None of the above where that old.....

Another Case:
I just got around to sorting out my wifes and mine
digital pictures
(4 years worth, first wife, new marriage)

The first trip we took was to Sample Meadows meeting another
group of SMB'ers

First trip = Highest Cost of Ownership
... IMHO, the experiance and memories justify
the entire cost.

Add in two more years of once in a lifetime trips
and IMHO the cost of ownership is Zero

Ask yourself, what is a killer week or 10 days with wife worth
if it is the Last Trip you will make......

I know, i know, i hear this all the time as an Estate Planner
we are young
we are healthy
we cant afford it
we have kids in school
ALL these are a non issue if you cant make the trip

Just my Two Satang

bw

[2wheelbob]

Exactly, Bill!

[Edroid]

The key is balance.

"Live for today" has become the motto of the baby boomers, and we have saddled our offspring for generations to come with $16 TRILLION in debt. Shameful. . .

As we live for today, we are spending our kids livelihood.

Don't ever condemn someone for taking a financial choice that they consider prudent or risky - as long as they are not risky with someone else's dollars!

That balance is a very personal choice.

Having said that, I just took delivery of a brand new Sportsmobile last week, and am thrilled as can be. (Paid in full, no borrowed funds).

Edit:
Sorry, i forget how thin skinned folks are
and the easy mis-interpretation of what is written

Disclaimer:
I am NOT advocating new, used, smb, ford, chev, slide in
trailers or what ever

The point i am trying to get across is
waiting to save a few bucks or keeping the comfort level lower
by having a older or more cost effective rig, may NOT be worth it in the long haul.....

I have a TON of clients that scrimped and saved
only to lose the spouse unexpectedly, or lose their health
so they could not travel or IMHO the worst: Leave it to thier
fully ungratefull kids that spend in a week what mom and dad saved over
40 years......

Story:

I am a Estate Planner by trade
I have to crunch numbers for solutions for my clients on a daily basis

The Math is The Math
... however it must be tempered with numbers that dont work......

example:
$50,000 kitchen remodel because the wife wants one
$20,000 cruise with kids and grandkids

NOT cost effective whatsoever

That said and done, i have a picture of the above wife
sitting in her kitchen with a Sxxt eating grin sipping a cuppa coffee
Given to me by her husband....after she died...
She only got 4 months outta the kitchen
He has NEVER regretted the cost.....

I have another picture of a fat, white, beached whale
in a cruise ship pool with his kids and grandkids and a umbrella drink
The same Sxxt eating grin on his face
...he didnt make it 4 months
The widow thanks me everytime we talk for getting them on the cruise

None of the above had any prior health problems
None of the above where that old.....

Another Case:
I just got around to sorting out my wifes and mine
digital pictures
(4 years worth, first wife, new marriage)

The first trip we took was to Sample Meadows meeting another
group of SMB'ers

First trip = Highest Cost of Ownership
... IMHO, the experiance and memories justify
the entire cost.

Add in two more years of once in a lifetime trips
and IMHO the cost of ownership is Zero

Ask yourself, what is a killer week or 10 days with wife worth
if it is the Last Trip you will make......

I know, i know, i hear this all the time as an Estate Planner
we are young
we are healthy
we cant afford it
we have kids in school
ALL these are a non issue if you cant make the trip

Just my Two Satang

bw

[billwilson]

The key is balance.

"Live for today" has become the motto of the baby boomers, and we have saddled our offspring for generations to come with $16 TRILLION in debt. Shameful. . .

As we live for today, we are spending our kids livelihood.

Don't ever condemn someone for taking a financial choice that they consider prudent or risky - as long as they are not risky with someone else's dollars!

That balance is a very personal choice.

Having said that, I just took delivery of a brand new Sportsmobile last week, and am thrilled as can be. (Paid in full, no borrowed funds).

For sure not condeming anyones choice
pointing out that i see alot of folks that can "afford it now"
but cant travel, much less to the places we go.......

ps
congrats on the new smb
now post "before" pics
and soon some "afters" pics with some mud, a few dings and
some Desert Pinstriping !!

[Edroid]

congrats on the new smb
now post "before" pics
and soon some "afters" pics with some mud, a few dings and
some Desert Pinstriping !!

Let the great depreciation begin!

[billwilson]

why oh why do folks lament
- hi price
- poor workmanship

when a couple of alternatives exist
for better value
killer craftsmanship

????

[cweight]

If it was a choice between buying a SMB and sitting on the couch (as some seem to imply) then halleluiah, sell your house, hock superfluous relatives, and pay whatever it takes to get out out there and enjoy life! But that is a false dichotomy (for us anyway). We are currently (since it is summer) camping most weekends, and have seen most of the world via backpack, train, car, Land Cruiser, boat, etc. And we plan to continue this - our next big trip will be taking a few years driving from Alaska to Argentina in our Troopy (Land Cruiser). For that trip, we plan to sell our house - the Sportsmobile would be where we live when back in the States for the inevitable home trips. So we thought about buying one a bit early, for extending our camping season, and for a base camp for spending the night when skiing. But for those marginal benefits, the costs just don't work out for us. Note that I am emphasizing _for us_ a lot. That is because of course some folks will find the benefits worth every penny, whereas others will not. The point of my original post was absolutely not to question anyone's choice, but to make information available for those that are considering such a big purchase. Everyone can and should make their own choices, but going in eyes wide open is always wise.