RV or Timeshare; that is the question.

Good morning boys and girls.  Today’s topic is about a dream I have – to live full time in an RV.  After a discussion with my father last year, he “suggested” that since I like timeshares too, that I might want to compare fulltime RV’ing with fulltime Timesharing (TS’ing).  Since then I have put a lot of thought into this, and I have concluded the following: Fulltime timesharing just might be the ticket I’ve been looking for. 

My dream is to live on the road, to have a change of environment and see new things.  I have concluded that on average, for a nice 2BR timeshare, it would cost in the area of: $35,000 a year to live in a 2BR timeshare.  That is the all inclusive cost for fuel and groceries too.  My calculations are:  Last call 2BR ($300/wk), Gas ($150/wk) and food ($200/wk). The average ranged from 32K to 35K for the entire year.

Now, compared to an RV: it would average a cost of: $35,000 to live in an RV 80% of the year.  My calculations are: Nice, moderately equipped Class A or high end C ($80,000 amortized over 10 years), Gas (.40/mile) with 20 moves a year at roughly 300 miles per move. Lot rent ($50/night for 300 nights-full hookups). Food ($200/wk).  The average ranged from 27K using minimal hookups to 35.8K using full hookups.

What did this little exercise prove to me, beyond the fact that you never argue with your father?  For ME (and I can only speak about myself) timeshares seem to be the better benefit, and here’s why:

1. Generally speaking, a timeshare is more comfortable than an RV, and there is privacy if someone wants it.
2. Location, location, location.  A timeshare is, generally speaking, closer to the “action” than an RV park, unless a national park is your thing (it isn’t really mine).
3. Fees and costs are (and this can be disputed) lower.  There are no various costs, there is only the maintenance fee.  I currently pay $600/yr for two timeshare properties.  This allows me into the RCI and II system, and from there I can utilize their last call/ getaway packages.  An RV needs fuel, lots of fuel and maintenance.
4. The downside is – I’ll have to move every week. I may have to equip my car with a trailer hitch to tow a small trailer, and in that trailer I could carry the items I’d need throughout the year; how much does a person really need?
5. There is no “Return on Investment” deadline (10 years + for an RV).  If I don’t TS all year, so be it; it’s not like I’m making a RV payment.

What say you about this little plan of mine?  Think the boss will bite off on it?  I love vacationing; and the beautiful part is my job is flexible enough to support it!  I just might be able to have my cake and eat it too!