What advice would you give for renting or purchasing an RV to help with a PCS move?

2020-05-04T12:44:54-04:00

Wife and I are thinking about renting or purchasing an RV to help as a temporary living situation with our upcoming PCS to Bragg. Considering this as it would give us immediate (Although temporary) housing and a chance to learn the area and get settled before getting into a house up there. It’s just me her and our 2 year old daughter. Any advice or anything we should consider as well? Any advice helps.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2020 12:49 PM

2020-05-04T12:49:23-04:00

Check the off limits establishments policy letter to ensure you dont rent a spot in an unauthorized location.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2020 12:53 PM

2020-05-04T12:53:51-04:00

Renting an RV is more expensive then buying if you're looking at a month or more. Get a solid used RV and at the end of the move, you still have an RV!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2020 12:54 PM

2020-05-04T12:54:05-04:00

I have an RV a 5th wheel but really don’t need it note that we are moving to Tulsa. I used it a lot during the summers because I input a lot of travel ball in Myrtle Beach. I love 5 min from one of the RV parks here off 301. It’s very nice and easy access to Bragg.

Response by SGT Adam Boyle made May 4 at 2020 12:54 PM

2020-05-04T12:54:22-04:00

I bought a used 30 ft travel trailer for $11.5k after I got out of the army and lived in it while traveling for a year. It is very possible to live in one, and I like having it as option to travel with in the future. You can find RV parks with monthly rates around $500, which is very affordable. Do not stay weekly, and especially not daily if you can avoid it. Way more expensive compared to monthly. I never checked out the MWR site at Bragg, but I’ll bet they have an RV park you might be able to get into for cheap.

Response by SGT Adam Boyle made May 4 at 2020 12:55 PM

2020-05-04T12:55:32-04:00

And I highly recommend not renting an RV. They are very expensive to rent. An investment you can use in the future is way more worthwhile.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2020 12:55 PM

2020-05-04T12:55:36-04:00

As MSG Luke said check the off limit establishments. Fort Bragg has Camp Grounds that offer full hookups. Check the Fort Bragg MWR page for more details. I don’t think they are taking any reservations right now because of the whole COVID19 stuff. Good luck! The wife and I are going to do it full time when we PCS!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2020 1:03 PM

2020-05-04T13:03:34-04:00

There are a couple military people that live at the RV Park here off 301. There was a COL when I left he had just got there from OKLAHOMA. I’m former Artillery also and he was too so you know us Red Legs clicked. I know the lady personally that own the place.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2020 2:34 PM

2020-05-04T14:34:04-04:00

I have been in the RV business for 30 plus years.
Dont rent. Fees, deposits and rent is prohibitive.
For first time buyers, buy the smallest you can.
Most people buy the biggest they can find. If you start out small, and it doesn't work out, you are not in that deep and it is way easier to resale.
If buying new, shop around and ask what is coming up on its birthday. Last years models that have been floored for a year can be bought at a big discount and still have manufactures warrantee
If you buy used, check out the roof. That is first to go bad and a replacement roof can run 10 to 15000 to replace. Avoid any that have had sealer painted on whole roof, doesn't work or last well.
Also watch the age, parks are setting age limits on what is allowed in the parks.
I can give you a lot more if you want.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 4 at 2020 3:24 PM

2020-05-04T15:24:42-04:00

We used our 21' travel trailer as the PCS Jmp TOC. It was a bitch to find spots every night. Setup, tear down, hookup, drive everyday on the road. It was like going to the field. My wife had to drive one rig. I had to drive the other. We split kids between cars. This created comms problems.

By the time we got a house and everything settled, sometimes moving camp every few days, NONE of my family wanted to get in it to "recreate". So we ended up storing it, only taking it out to maintain it, PCS, rinse lather repeat.

If your RV breaks down you are stuck. Tough on a schedule. You'll also be towing a vehicle. Watch the GVW as you'll have to get a Class A license.

I would not buy a RV for this. Buy one because you like camping. You have to make reservations in advance and rule a schedule with an iron fist. PCS season is also RV season. You will not find spots "wherever you end up" each day. I've done the Walmart parking lot and it gets scary.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made May 4 at 2020 5:58 PM

2020-05-04T17:58:28-04:00

Great idea. I am not positive but I think Bragg has RV sites onboard. If so they will provide electric, water and sewer hookups for a nominal price.

Response by SFC Carlos Cruz made May 5 at 2020 8:44 AM

2020-05-05T08:44:37-04:00

SPC ANDREW LOW, be a smart person & don’t rent a RV because common sense will tell you that you are paying to much.
See VA allow you to Buy a house, no down Payment therefore used common sense ok. Airborne!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 6 at 2020 9:21 AM

2020-05-06T09:21:22-04:00

Buying an RV is a big decision and can be a major investment. If you haven't traveled and lived in an RV previously, I strongly recommend you rent one and try it out before you buy. We have friends who are full-time RV-ers and love it. They travel around the country with their 5th wheel RV posting pictures on Face Book of all the places they visit. They have a mail forwarding service that collects their non-junk mail and sends them a package at designated RV parks every few weeks. On the other hand, I know some people who bought an RV and sold it again within a year or two because the RV life style just wasn't for them. Also, consider a 5th wheel style RV. You'll need a sturdy pickup truck to pull it. The good thing is the pickup detaches from the RV, so you have a vehicle to use after you park the trailer. A self contained (bus style) RV requires you have a second vehicle traveling with you so you have a way to get around at each destination.

Response by CPT Jennifer Hardin made May 6 at 2020 8:48 PM

2020-05-06T20:48:02-04:00

There is an RV campground in Wade NC, clise to Ft Brqgg with cabins which would be cheaper to rent per week or month, than renting rv.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2020 7:36 AM

2020-05-18T07:36:34-04:00

Did that all my career, but with 5 kids instead of one. Super way to go. And you've got an RV for vacation to boot. Just make sure you've got the right tow vehicle. We never stay in hotels. Though I retired here at Bragg, and I will say that campground choices are limited, so I'd check the Smith Lake MWR campground on post first. sAs

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Mar 3 at 2021 8:33 AM

2021-03-03T08:33:58-05:00

I rented a Class C for a few weeks back in the day, key tip, film or take pictures of the inside and out so you don't get nailed for damage when returning unit, as far as owning use a reputable repair service thats willing to educate you, my mobile RV service has taught me to make a number of minor repairs myself

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 3 at 2021 2:29 PM

2021-03-03T14:29:18-05:00

That can be a huge chunk of change, I have no idea if you get BAH for that (I assume you would).

Response by CSM Tim Bebus made Mar 3 at 2021 5:16 PM

2021-03-03T17:16:45-05:00

We have a 5th wheel, absolutely love it and use it all the time. In my opinion can't go wrong with purchasing one as long as you can AFFORD it. Just be prepared for maintenance which is constant. I enjoy tinkering on it but that's me