Maintenance costs

[LoveToCamp]

Be careful when comparing "maintenance" costs to costs like Padgett's, which were also "modification" costs. We can spend lots on modifications to make it more comfortable/useful, but much of what we spend on mods is not necessary.

Repairs can me very minor, or not minor. Fridge could be an expensive repair. Blowout that rips off the gray/black drain could be expensive. Many other repairs are very cheap. It depends on how handy you are.

Certainly can't say you won't spend much on repairs, but we have not.

[Padgett]

a ) In the first post I said most of the upgrades were one time costs & were to achieve a specific goal - dry camping in a hot climate.
b ) To try the concept with less you might look into an A-liner.
c ) Mine also serves as a comfortable & independent guest cottage when someone stays over.

[tentcamper]

I would think our average it is $200 to 450 per year.

Fixed cost each year:
- plates $45
- insurance 65
- bearing seals 15

Cost I expect every few years
- tires every 4 years $330
- battery every 6-8 years 110
- brakes every 4 - 8 years 125
- other 50 to 150 every year

[momto4girls]

Originally Posted by tentcamper

I would think our average it is $200 to 450 per year.

Fixed cost each year:
- plates $45
- insurance 65
- bearing seals 15

Cost I expect every few years
- tires every 4 years $330
- battery every 6-8 years 110
- brakes every 4 - 8 years 125
- other 50 to 150 every year

What are bearing seals?

[Shane826]

Originally Posted by momto4girls

What are bearing seals?

Seals for the bearings...

I kid. Any time you remove the brake drums (which also act as the hubs & bearing carriers) you should replace the dust/grease seal behind the bearings. They are cheap and easy to install, not worth saving a few dollars and have them leak after they are disturbed.

[tentcamper]

+2 to shane826. I adjust brakes and hand pack my wheel bearings each year. I consider normal yearly maintenance replacing the wheel bearing dust seals when re-packing the bearings.

PS: RV/trailer insurance cost is all over the place. It seems to depend where you live. Check with you insurance agent. My insurance is low, but I have hear it being as high as 400 per year.

[momto4girls]

Originally Posted by tentcamper

+2 to shane826. I adjust brakes and hand pack my wheel bearings each year. I consider normal yearly maintenance replacing the wheel bearing dust seals when re-packing the bearings.

PS: RV/trailer insurance cost is all over the place. It seems to depend where you live. Check with you insurance agent. My insurance is low, but I have hear it being as high as 400 per year.

I got quotes from 2 different companies. One was $500 a year. The other--$300.

[Craigrrr]

My insurance for the TM is 258.00 per year. I like the 65 buck plan that tentcamper has. Who do you have it with Tentcamper? and is it full coverage with replacement cost? That is what I have

[ShrimpBurrito]

Originally Posted by momto4girls

I got quotes from 2 different companies. One was $500 a year. The other--$300.

Of course, as stated earlier, premiums are all over the map depending on where you live, your desired coverage, and the value of your TM. However, in my experience, with all those being equal, the least expensive way to get coverage is simply as an add-on to your existing auto policy. Our premium is about $100/year that way, and always has been around that since we bought our TM when it was 7 years old.

Dave

[gonzo628]

I just looked and am paying 142/yr for my TM...