When Are You Going Camping?

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That was the question our salesman, Gator, asked at least a half a dozen times. Perhaps more. "When are you going camping?" Not, "When are you planning on buying a camper?" I am sure it is a question that is designed to appeal to one's emotional sense rather than their rational sense. Camping sounds much more appealing than actually going through the process, the money, and buying a camper. The process was interesting. It's not that one can necessarily just walk into an RV store and browse. You sit down with a "matchmaker," and they determine what you are looking for and what kind of vehicle you have so they can determine what's the right fit and what you can pull. And then they kind of show you what they have that fits best. The sales pitch is pressure intense. Even though Gator said that was "not how we do business." He really wanted us to walk away with something in tow. I made it clear we were there for an education, not to buy anything today. I am not sure that quite sunk in, but that's what sales is, right? Get the customer to change his mind on the spot and convince him there is no time like the present to just pull the trigger and get it done. "Picture yourself lounging outside, delicious meat searing on the grill, a cold beer in hand," and so the story goes. "Yeah, Gator. I've pictured that already. Many times. It's why I am here today trying to get a feel for what is available and what I want and what is practical." I did learn a lot though, and so I think the entire "process" was at least productive and valuable. For me it is not really a question of IF I will own an RV. It is a question of WHEN. But I wanted to know what I could get and what my options were for the floor plan and features I prefer. I figured out that I could get pretty much what I want for under $50k. That's a 39' pull behind with double slide outs. The motor homes were nice. But even at $100k they felt cramped and I don't think we would like them at all. Not unless we could spring for a bus. But that's not for today. Now I have to number crunch. How much would I spend on insurance, maintenance, storage and other things? Those are important considerations. How often do I plan to use it? That's also important. How much will I spend to park it on trips? In that way I can come up with an annual estimate on total cost out of pocket per year, which helps me to better determine whether it works and exactly how much I need to have to do it. As is always the case, I don't intend to pay for it directly. The stock market will. So, knowing exactly what I need will tell me exactly where to get the money from to do it. I have to say it was fun looking around. But I will admit that I wonder, because of the way they do it, how much I did NOT see that maybe I would have liked to? But they have my information, and I will keep in touch with Gator. I told him to let me know if anything shows up on his lot that fits what I described as my "wish list," and we will go from there. When am I going camping? I have no idea. But the ball is rolling, that I DO know.