Buying a home with a 5th wheel garage worth it?

[DrtEmaxChvy]

So we are in the market for a house. Something a little closer to work and the kids activities. With that we want to take a look at something where we can keep the RV next to our home (if at all possible). Most places require to have it either not on the property, or completely covered.

We came across one of those large builders who has a plot and their build "custom homes" well within our budget. We pick a number of things etc etc and they place it in the home for us (countertops, design etc)

Anyway the builder said they could build an RV garage as apart of our total build if we select a large enough plot (as we are looking at going into town).

My question is, is it worth it?

My argument!!! YES IT IS, because I want them to install a lift so I can work on my car and truck. Anyway, let me know. I am looking at an additional 20-30,000 to add this.
We are not close as of yet as we just put our current home on the market and we are willing to stay in the RV until the right home comes around.

What are you're thoughts?

[BigJohnD]

Yes, worth it by all means. Only thing, make sure you account for the longest rig possible. I've seen too many "just big enough" garages with regrets. Just enough will leave you in a bind later. My present shop on our property (no house) is 6000 sq ft, but the RV bays can only accommodate a rig 44' max in length. So, with the new full time rigs we're looking at, I'm kind of ticked off at myself for a few decisions I made back then. Best size in my opinion, is like the one we built at our previous home, 20' x 50' minimum. On height, MINIMUM 12' wide x 14' tall door. Present shop is 18' at the eves, one at previous house was 16' at the eves. Always figure a height of 13' 6" for your rig.

[fielro]

Yes, it's worth it

[Tunce the traveler]

Don't forget to add full hookup service and if you don't just remember I said so.

[DrtEmaxChvy]

Great points. If we do this then I will ensure

20x50
50amp service
Utility hook up

and a lift

[Skaling]

I would say yes.. How much do you pay per month to store your rv away from home? That $ you will save and the added convenience of having your trailer at your house is worth it in itself...

[DrtEmaxChvy]

So here is my thought on it.
1200 a year to store my RV in town
6000 after 5 years
Essentially I would have to store my garage RV there for 25 years

Granted this is simple math but the convince and what my time is worth means a lot more.

Not to mention not having to unload and load and control the environment (rodents) etc etc. if we go this route I will pull for one absolutely.

[BigJohnD]

To me, you can't put math to it. You can't put a price on convenience. I can back mine in there, flush tanks, wash it, all while it's raining, snowing, or whatever outside. I wouldn't have it any other way. I could never financially justify what I have in that garage / shop really.


Another fun feature, if you have full hookups inside like we do, it's an extension of your home, for guests, or whatever you might chose. Too many pros, no cons that I can think of to having it next to your home.

[clubhouse]

Originally Posted by DrtEmaxChvy

So here is my thought on it.
1200 a year to store my RV in town
6000 after 5 years
Essentially I would have to store my garage RV there for 25 years

Granted this is simple math but the convince and what my time is worth means a lot more.

Not to mention not having to unload and load and control the environment (rodents) etc etc. if we go this route I will pull for one absolutely.

You already know your math is "Simple" -- but remember the money you spend in storage fee is gone, the money you spend on constructing a garage will have residual value even once you stop using it to store a RV.

If your budget can support the $30k I would build it.

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by DrtEmaxChvy

Great points. If we do this then I will ensure

20x50
50amp service
Utility hook up

and a lift

Make sure you put doors at each end. Drive in, unhook and drive out.

[Edd505]

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

Make sure you put doors at each end. Drive in, unhook and drive out.

Takes a really big lot, I have a drive through, but not enough room to pull the 5W through. Still end up backing in or out. Wish I had the dump and rack in my setup.

[norty1]

If you can swing it, go for it. I bought my current home with 2 acres of land. We built a 3 car detached garage, later we added a 16 x 36' and a 12 x 20' pole shed, both on poured slabs. The rig and truck are parked and powered when we are at home.

The best way to go for us.

[Jagiven]

If you can afford it, do it, as big as possible. It would be nice to open the slides and awning to dry. Plenty of room to walk around it and do maintenence. If you like working on cars, it be nice to store items in there so the main shop is clean, clear and uncluttered.

[Jack 56]

Out of the suns saves the paint. I talked to a local RV repair facility about my front cap paint (in another thread) and he said he just charged a guy $25,000 to sand, prime, and repaint a 35 foot motor home.

[DrtEmaxChvy]

Originally Posted by Jack 56

Out of the suns saves the paint. I talked to a local RV repair facility about my front cap paint (in another thread) and he said he just charged a guy $25,000 to sand, prime, and repaint a 35 foot motor home.

Ouch. Why not just trade it in and use that $25k to buy a new one or w down payment. *****

[StormPOD]

Awesome. Good luck.