96 Itasca Suncruiser decision point
Still thinking about it. It's very well maintained and the owner took good care of it. Right now we're stuck on the balance point of 5th wheel versus motor home. Advantages to each, but after getting real close to pulling the trigger on buying it we had that sudden moment of "Now we really have to get serious and think about this!" I imagine most folks know how that works. The closer you get, the more focused and serious it all becomes, no matter how much legwork you've done up until that point and no matter how much you think you've gotten a good perspective on it.
Motor home, especially this one which is basically good to go for 10,000 mi or better in all departments. Banks system, very little sway or swerve, solid coach, good tires, tight tranny, etc. Only thing is 30% front brakes and I'd have front and rear done and the caliper adjustment before leaving. Start up cost is about half of a 5th wheel. Cons are that two motor vehicles (we'd pull a 2001 Toyota Highlander as a toad) involve more maintenance and insurance costs, and the 460 only gets about 8mpg. Reduced floor area vs. a 29-32' fifth wheel, and heating is more due to cab window area.
Leaning toward the fifth wheel because of those points. But dog-gone it, the low initial investment is still attractive, about $12,000 less for our budget, and we're on a tight one. Need to figure out how long it would be before the added monthly costs for a motor home w/ toad would eat that $12,000.
More thinking being done today. If anybody's done the math on MH vs 5th, let me know. Thanks for all the info, it's helped a lot. Take care,
Bob
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