The dreaded .... How much did it cost ? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Talensnana · RV-Dreams Family Member

The dreaded .... How much did it cost ?

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

I usually say "Less than your house" and leave it at that. I have told someone to go Google it when they got pushy about it. Then when they came back hours later and commented about how much we spent -They thought we spent- I asked them if they were complimenting or jealous. We didn't buy new either, on the RV or the Volvo.

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

"Our first born plus little more"
"Just about every last nickel"
"What we could afford"

Or just a stare - just depends upon how the conversation is going.

Barb

soos · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am on the opposite side on this one. We've been asked many times what we paid for the trailer, the boat, the camper.....
I just answer. Not everyone who is asking is "poor", and will feel jealous or whatever, and many ask so they can do some mental calculations for their own situation, or to get a sense of what the lifestyle may cost. Many have asked so they can see how much negotiating can be done.
In any case, I've never thought it was sensitive or proprietary information, so I just answer.

Sue

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

You could go with the Austin Power's voice and rub your hands while saying '1 Million Dollars!' :)

We decided along time ago to be transparent about the cost of our bus conversion, and have a breakdown of all of the costs of acquisition, maintenance and home improvements on our blog. It was either that, or continually deflect the question - as folks are just naturally curious as to what our homes on wheels cost.

In the age of Zillow.com, where anyone can look up the purchase history of a fixed house, there's really no real estate secrets anyway. (Which would have been my first instinct, by answering with asking 'How much did you pay for your house?').

But go with what is comfortable for you.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

I always tell them a lot less than a new one but more than my first 2 homes.

-- Edited by Trabuco on Sunday 28th of June 2015 04:52:24 PM

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have the original invoice for mine from 1999 from the original owners. It was $240,000.00 U.S. before any taxes. I know I wouldn't have shelled out that much...........And bought for a lot less than that.

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

You could respond like J.P. Morgan did, "If you have to ask the price, you probably can't afford it."

Chip

PD CFK · RV-Dreams Family Member

Although we love our Cameo 5th wheel, we are like a lot of others who still love to look at the beautiful motorhomes going down the road or parked nearby. A couple of years ago DH was admiring a particularly drool-worthy Phaeton tag axle, and asked the owner seated outside if he knew what's the difference between a tag axle Phaeton and a tag axle Allegro Bus. The fellow said, "about a hundred thousand dollars". That kinda falls in the "if you have to ask... category"! We laughed to ourselves about that one for a while. I can't believe Charlie even asked, but also the answer was somehow amusing. Guess, it's one of those "you had to be there" kind of situations. Why do RVers do that? I mean, you wouldn't dream of asking a perfect stranger how much he paid for his sticks n bricks house! Pat K

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I just smile and tell them I forgot.......it was a real busy day that day shopping and I bought so much I would have to check the slips ........what were we talking about any ways!!!......... :)

I always by an older coach........ I dont need good looking.....Im out here for good living.......the price at the campground is the same no matter how much you paid for the rig!!

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Sunday 28th of June 2015 06:15:28 PM

Talensnana · RV-Dreams Family Member

I so agree it depends on the situation. We have had some people who really are interested in what we have. When that happens DH is more than happy to tell them about Powerhouse, Pro's, Cons, Prices and show them about the different features of the rig.

I personally love walking around and looking at other home on wheels. I am happy for anyone who can enjoy this life no matter how they do it. I just hate the people who try to make you feel guilty or self conscious because of what you have or where you live.

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't see what the big deal is. People often say what their homes costs and if someone wanted to know they could look their property values up online. I agree the question is often just information gathering to see if it would be possible for them. If it's idle curiosity ok. I tend not to get bent out of shapre about stuff like that. For the record my rig was $72K and the truck was $55.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

When I tell people our motorhome is a 2004, they remark it looks newer. But that also seems to stop them from asking how much it cost. We do sometimes get, "Are you thinking of replacing it?" I respond with "No, I don't have a quarter million burning a hole in my pocket".

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

My DW and I handle the question differently regarding what we paid for our MDT tow vehicle. She uses the asking price as what we paid for it. I tell them I was able to negotiate the price down by 40 percent off of the asking price so my C4500 ended up about the same cost as a C3500.

Now with my weight, since I'm a big guy, I always say I weigh less than a Volkswagen.

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

I say:and "If I had a Million $$$$'s I'd be rich!" or "What I was willing to Pay!" The truth of the matter is what one is willing to pay the other may not. When I do buy from an individual or dealer I do try and negotiate. I sometimes even ask the retailers on larger on purchases if there is a discount! I can't believe how much I have saved doing this!

Hdrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

Heck, I just give them a close round about number. I don't care if they know.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

We bought both the 5th wheel and truck used, RV was 2 years old, truck had only been driven for 7 months. I usually just say the RV was about 1/2 the MSRP and with the truck, it was still relatively new but someone else got to take the big depreciation hit of driving it off the lot. Most people are surprised that we bought the DRV used that was only 2 years old, so that usually takes the conversation in a different direction.

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lucky Mike wrote:
the price at the campground is the same no matter how much you paid for the rig!!

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Sunday 28th of June 2015 06:15:28 PM

I heard that, Lucky Mike.

Wouldn't it be sweet though if a guy with a big new Prevost pulled into a RV park and asked the rate, "It's $200 for your Prevost sir" Why you only charged that guy with his old travel trailer $10!

Well things have changed sir since the ACA. The ACA, you mean Obamacare? No, sir. I mean the Affordable Camping Act.

Sorry, not trying to get political it was just a joke, not political commentary. No offense to anyone living or dead, OK? Are we still friends? wink

Chip

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

If someone is really interested in my rig I'll tell them anything they want to know including the price.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

bjoyce wrote:
When I tell people our motorhome is a 2004, they remark it looks newer. But that also seems to stop them from asking how much it cost. We do sometimes get, "Are you thinking of replacing it?" I respond with "No, I don't have a quarter million burning a hole in my pocket".

... a testament to a good maintenance routine, and a compliment.

I generally do not discuss what I paid for things, as that type of information is generally available elsewhere. Like Barb, I play it by ear.

...quarter million burning holes in pockets... good one. biggrin

-- Edited by biggaRView on Wednesday 8th of July 2015 09:25:37 AM

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

I always get questions about my rig. Rather than telling them how much mine cost I tell them how much they might spend to do something similar. I bought my truck in a buyers market so what I paid is irrelevant. Giving some general ideas is much better for anyone actually interested. As far as the 5er goes I always tell them never to pay close to MSRP.

folivier · RV-Dreams Family Member

Had quite a few people look at my Newell and say they wish they could afford one. Looking at what their rig was I'd always say I probably paid way less than you did. Very few people would believe me. If you want true quality that is built to last and unsurpassed factory support, and want a 45' coach, look at an older Newell. You might be pleasantly surprised.

RonandBee · RV-Dreams Family Member

For me it's not that big of a deal. If they ask, I'll just tell them. If people think I'm rich, poor, educated, dumb as a rock, tall, short, young or old, it doesn't really matter in the scheme of things. Maybe they're curious because they are looking at the same rig, or maybe they're just being nosey. For me life is too short to worry about those kinds of things. So, if you want to know, ask me and I shall tell.
__________________

Ron and Marybeth

melvonnar · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't know what the big secret is; Must be a reason you don't want to tell how much your rig costs; I've never been that up tee up that I won't tell what my rig costs. gee loosen up folks people are just curious.

soos · RV-Dreams Family Member

Along a similar, but more sensitive line of questioning,
my sister in law recently asked me questions in a roundabout way, but directly enough that I knew she wanted to know how much money we had saved, that we were able to retire so young.
If anyone else had asked, I wouldn't have answered, but she is my brother's wife and I knew she is aware of our lifestyle and how we spend money and was wondering how much they (being younger) should shoot for. So I told her.

Sue

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

soos wrote:
............................... So I told her.

Sue

So tell us......... biggrin

soos · RV-Dreams Family Member

TRAILERKING wrote:
soos wrote:
............................... So I told her.

Sue
So tell us.........

haha, you'd have to marry into the family first😀

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

melvonnar wrote:
I don't know what the big secret is; Must be a reason you don't want to tell how much your rig costs; I've never been that up tee up that I won't tell what my rig costs. gee loosen up folks people are just curious.

You discuss your finances with complete strangers? If a person wants to really know, a simple Google will give them asking price.

Barb

melvonnar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Why not--I have nothing to hide. In my nearly 50 years of riving the most questions I've been asked is how long I've been retired; how much my rig costs and how old it is. I consider this just small talk; just about like talking about the weather.
Does anyone really care how much money I have; or not; I have boondocked beside couples making it in a box truck; and those parked in a 1/2 million dollar prevost; both are just as friendly. ten minutes after you leave a park' unless you act "snoody", most people will have forgotten about your conversation.

Just my 2 cents worth
have a nice day

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

There is a difference between talking about - as in volunteering information in the course of normal conversation with friends, and being rude and asking strangers personal information. I would never ask complete stranger how much they paid for a pair of pants, much less what their rig/car/etc. costs, nor would I inquire about their bathroom habits or sex life. Now with friends, conversations are different.

Barb

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with Barb that conversations with friends are different than with strangers. Now about the sex life thing, since we are all friends... I hope someone can help. My memory ain't what it once was and its been a while... The question is, Who ties who up?

CJSX2fromCT · RV-Dreams Family Member

The question is, Who ties who up? lol
Anyone care to know what I paid for it???

I married her 6yrs ago and still paying dearly

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm in total agreement with Barb on this one. Asking me how much I paid for our rig is the height of rudeness in my opinion. I guess the next question that is considered "OK to ask" will be "How much money do I have in the bank".

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

One could always be mysterious in response... "oh about 16 di-lithium cyrstals at the current exchange rate" biggrin or even cryptic as in "well lemme see, I started working at age X and I got it when I turned Y... so it cost me Y minus X years... you do the math." To my mind this is the real cost of everything you buy anyway... how much time it took you to earn it.

I'm with Barb and Jack... asking is just plain rude... not to mention thoughtless and self-centered. It's also a good way to get on one's bad side. Google it, if you're curious. Apparently technology isn't fast enough any more so people feel the need to just bluntly ask rather than take a few moments to whip out the smart phone and ask SIRI what is really, a simple-to-find-out request.

If one doesn't mind giving out such details... well, that is ultimately their prerogative, but so it is mine to not do so if that is what I wish. Hiding "something" has absolutely nothing to do with it.

JMHO, Brian

melvonnar · RV-Dreams Family Member

O me O my;----------- ask a simple question and the it's none of your business folk jump up and make a big deal out of it.

Talensnana · RV-Dreams Family Member

The reason I started the post is that it is not a simple question. If we are talking to someone who is seriously interested or we have been visiting with that is one thing. When we are asked by people who pulls up next to us in a car and doesn't have any conversation but "How much did that cost?" then that is a totally different situation.

This is my home and I would not drive up to someones S & B house and ask them what they paid. If I see something that interest me I would google it myself. So I was just looking for suggestions on how not to be come off rude when I choose not to answer their initial question.

-- Edited by Talensnana on Thursday 3rd of September 2015 06:29:12 PM

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

Talensnasa, were you at Tom Sawyers Campground in West Memphis about a month ago?

Talensnana · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes we were. We loved it (even when our awning got destroyed). Where you there?

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

I always answer with, "It's all relative! Just depends on what all is included in the build. Prices will vary." Not even our closest friends know, exactly. I was just raised that to ask how much something cost is rude. And it does depend... just like a cruise. Prices vary. Just my 2 cents worth!

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

At some point I don't worry about being rude to people who are being rude to me. My daughter says (and my students used to say) I have a "Mom" stare that curdles milk from a distance and I do find that using that look seems to end the questions.

Barb

travlingman · RV-Dreams Family Member

I just say that "I don't know yet, as I haven't finished paying for it."

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't mind braggin' a bit.
First of all, from the condition mine is in, a lot of people (most people) comment that they think it is way newer than a 1999 when I tell them the year.
Then "if" they ask how much......I don't mind saying how "Little" I payed for a coach that was $240,000.00 before any taxes and fees back in '99.