I just gotta ask. Am I nuts?

[Rustyone]

Am I nuts?

The DW thinks I am but hasn't said so out loud yet.  Let me tell you what I've done and am starting to do again.  For about eight or nine months in 01/02 we had plans to get a new Niagara.  We were so sure that I started buying accessories that I read about here before we actually bought the PUP.  Nothing model or year specific but the general stuff.  My attic's full of PUP stuff, the bedding, convoluted foam, (they hadn't introduced memory foam yet) most of the fresh water connections like hoses and such, all electrical connections, extra table and chairs, storage containers, tableware, Prodigy brake controller, tongue and wheel locks and a couple of boxes of miscellaneous PUP goodies.  

Then we had to put a hold on our plans and the stuff just sat up there.  Now we're back planning again and I'm back buying stuff.  I Just got a Paha Que Teepee and a Thetford toilet plus a lifetimes' supply of TP and chemicals figuring that camping with four grandaughters, I'm gonna need an extra potty.  Next couple of months I'll get the BAL leveler and chock.  Pretty soon I'll have everything a PUP needs except the PUP!

My reasoning is this.  I get this stuff when it comes on sale, I can take my time to make a purchase,  I can spread out the expense over the course of several years and not miss it, and when I do spend the big ones its' nice to know I don't have to spend anymore if I don't want to.  The risks are obvious.  Like if we don't get a PUP at all then you will see some great deals on the classifieds, or since I have no first hand knowledge of owning a PUP, I buy the wrong size/color/thing, and by the time these items are put to use the warranties are gone.

So tell me please, am I nuts'?  Have any of you done this?   DW just wants to say "I told you so"

Russ

[tlhdoc]

No you are not nuts, but how soon are you planning on buying a PU?  I would camp in an older PU before waiting and waiting to camp in my dream PU.  Buying stuff when it is on sale is great.  In the long run you have saved a lot of money, and you can sell the stuff if you had to.

[Rustyone]

Hi Doc:

We are planning to purchase at the local RV show here in St. Louis in February 2006 at the earliest or no later than September the same year.  I just have a problem buying used and try to avoid it if at all possible.  Thanks for the input.

Russ

[Camping Coxes]

Russ --

Well, I asked DH and he said of course not, that it made perfect sense to him.  But then again, he's owned a rally pack (set of guages for the non-car goons) for a Shelby Mustang the whole time I've known him (23 years), though he's never, ever owned a Shelby.
 
Your reasoning of not having a huge expense when you finally buy is a good one.  But remember, when you buy new some of the hoses and stuff are included.  As far as stocking up on TP now, that might be a little over the top.:yikes:

[The Tree Top Inn II]

I'm not giving you legal nor tax advice:  Go ahead and buy a pop up camper now using an RV loan to purchase it.  The interest rates are near all time lows and the interest may be tax deductible for you (consult your tax advisor and the RV dealer).  You're not getting any younger and the grandkids will be missing a great summer of camping.

[sandykayak]

nuts, of course not!!   It takes another pack rat compulsive shopper to know.  I'm with tree tops (or was it mountain tops? ...shop around...

you can probably find a used one (and get a loan) for a really good price...and then you will really know what you like/want when you upgrade.

[beacher]

Hello Rustyone,

I too was debating what to do in the RV world.  I have two somewhat new kids,  (4 and 6).  My dilemma was should I get the really cool sailboat that I wanted, and take my non-swimming kids on the open ocean, (DW didn't like that option).  Get a big ClassA like all my friends and park it at football game and moto cross tailgates, (They still demand that I mooch off them, so unnecessary).  Or, introduce my kids to camping NOW, while they are impressionable and everything is exciting to them, (DW and I liked this compromise very much).

So we jumped on our GTE Niagara purchase last June 2004.  It has been a blast!  We are really glad that we did not wait.

I want to mention that Fleetwood did not make the GT Niagara floorplan that you remember from 2001-2002 this year, 2005.  However, it will return next year as the 2006 Fleetwood Americana Williamsburg.

Also, that floorplan has an inside potty and shower.  I'm not sure why you would need the Paha Que Teepee and a Thetford toilet.

[Rustyone]

OK camping coxes I almost sprayed Coke all over my screen, LOL on the over the top on my TP supply.  Hey!  If it all falls through I won't have to buy any Charmin for three months (or a week if the grandkids come over).  DW never says a word, doesn't have to, we've been together so long when she eats chili I get heartburn, I know what she's thinking, and sandykayak now that you mention it I guess I am something of a pack rat.  I've had brand new stuff in the  basement for years, still in the original packing I've never used, but what the heck, some of the PUP stuff could be used in other ways.  DW has already swiped the foam for the beds at home, and when we re-do our bath we got the Thetford.  Now, if I could just find a use for that brand new ten year old wheelbarrow!

Russ

[rccs]

Rustyone  you could always plant flowers in that 10 year old wheelbarrow and park it in the front yard.