Perspective on parts costs

[BG6]

Having just read a topic about someone buying Walmart valve core and having them fail, I wonder how many times we look for a bargain when we really don't need to.

Valve cores from Wally World . . ?  You use between 6 and 10 of these, depending on what you're driving.  Let's say you use 10 and get them for $1 each at the truck tire place that mounts your rubber, or a 10-pack at WM for that same dollar.

Wow, that's NINE DOLLARS difference in price!   Divide that by the 5 years you're going to have those tires, and you've saved a whole, whopping FIFTEEN CENTS PER MONTH!!!

Some things just aren't worth saving money on. 

Before jumping on a bargain, take a step back and see how much benefit you will get from the deal, and put it in perspective with all of the other money you're spending on your project.

The real difference between fulltimers and part-timers is amortization.  If a part-timer uses his coach three weeks and five weekends each year for 5 years, that's only 120 nights TOTAL USAGE.  If you put $12,000 into the whole conversion, that's $100 per night, not counting time, effort, and maintenance costs such as storage, insurance and registration, oil changes, etc.  It may still be worth it, if you go where rooms are scarce (special events) , uncomfortable or distant from where you really want to be.   And it's DEFINITELY worth it if you see the project itself as recreation, a 25,000-lb jigsaw puzzle!

And who knows, maybe when it's time to sell, there will be someone willing to pay as much as half of what you spend on it!

Given those numbers, it makes sense for part-timers to cut a few corners.  Put in the cheap toaster ("honey, do we really NEED a toaster in July . . ?") put on the white slush coat ("I'll paint any car any color for only . . .no, wait, that's not a CAR . . !") put in small water tanks ("okay, so you're recycling, I still don't think a tank with OUNCES marked on the side will be big enough!"). 

Fulltimers may cut the same corners, but expect to have to go around the track again in a year or two and do it right.  In my case, I've decided to do it right the first time, and have been collecting the parts I need before doing any major work, but this has cost me time (and the money that I will save each month once I'm in the coach).

Full or part timing, DO NOT pinch pennies on tires, oil, or anything else directly involved with keeping the coach going safely down the highway.  This is "saving the wrong dollar."

If you're really trying to save money, get a cheap used motorhome.  There are good ones ready to drive away for under $1000.  Check Craiglist and call the "big-rig" tow companies in your area. 

Otherwise, just assume it's going to cost more, spend it, and you won't drive down the road worrying about what's going to break next.

[NJT 5573]

Staying at the Daytona Inn = convienent. Staying at the track in your Silver Eagle bus = priceless!

[BG6]

Staying at the Daytona Inn = convienent. Staying at the track in your Silver Eagle bus = priceless!

There's that "goal" thing I mentioned.



"They're making a left turn!  They're making another left turn!  They're making ANOTHER left turn!  What's gonna happen next???"

[belfert]

I bought new valves cores for my little trailer at Walmart on my last bus trip because they were convenient and open 24 hours.  Now that I know they are only good for 30 PSI I will go to my local tire guy at home and get new ones.  Even my little 4.80x12 tires take up to 90 PSI.  I never planned to use them for the bus.

[BG6]

I bought new valves cores for my little trailer at Walmart on my last bus trip because they were convenient and open 24 hours.  Now that I know they are only good for 30 PSI I will go to my local tire guy at home and get new ones.  Even my little 4.80x12 tires take up to 90 PSI.  I never planned to use them for the bus.

I wasn't being critical, I was pointing out that sometimes we get to used to looking for a bargain that we forget what we're actually trying to do.

[akroyaleagle]

Well said BG6!

I would add that the same applies to maintenance. Adopt yourself a good preventive maintenance program and you will have few surprises. Ask any successful company with lots of equipment.

I have always maintained my coach on a time/mileage basis. I perform the maintenance when it is time or when I reach the mileage.

We full timed for 8 years. The coach has numerous trips to Mexico including 2 to Acapulco and about 18 trips to Alaska. We never spent 1 minute on the side of the road except for a blown heater hose once in Idaho due to tossing the belts and my sleeping through the warning signs.

Buy good parts. We have the internet now. Search for them and save the money that way, not by buying inferior parts.

[chargePlus]

Staying at the Daytona Inn = convienent. Staying at the track in your Silver Eagle bus = priceless!

There's that "goal" thing I mentioned.



"They're making a left turn!  They're making another left turn!  They're making ANOTHER left turn!  What's gonna happen next???"

Well, from what I remember, left turn coming through NASCAR-4, left turn (sorta) on the front straight(?), then a hard left onto the infield, then they'll be turning right in the horseshoe hairpin on the infield.

- John

[Charles in SC]

Years ago an old truck driver told me, "if you leave home in good shape you will most likely get back in good shape" I have subscribed to that theory with good results. Another one he said was to "take it slow and easy and everything will be ok".