Buy RV or Convert?

[sully]

What are you guys talking about?

I converted my Sprinter. The entire operation cost $17K, including the price of the Sprinter itself! How is it possible to buy a used Sprinter platform RV for less than that? I see them all the time driving by RV dealers and they are always $20K, $30K, $40k. Also... you don't get all new systems that way! You have to contend with flaky old systems that may or may not have been maintained.

For $17K, I have...

05 T1N Sprinter
*440AH Trojan Batteries
*Norcold N641 full height refrigerator/freezer
*Magic Chef 3 burner stove/oven
*Dickinson Propane heater (marine/boat type)
*Coleman Mach / Polar Cub Air Conditioner
*3KW Gasoline Generator
*Plumbing and fresh water
*Thetford Portapotty
*Inverter
*Iota battery charger and hookup to starting battery
*5 gallon propane tank (ok, I already had that, so it wasn't part of the cost)
*Microwave
*Toaster Oven

All for $17K +/-

AND... all my systems were brand new 3 years ago. Still not a single thing to fix since I built it.

Much MUCH less expensive than buying used and FAR higher quality components. It took me a month to do, full time. The interior is nice, but not all varnished and stuff. Simple surfaces, white, insulated walls, a couple urethaned wood panels/bulkheads and lots of indoor paint on other wood.

PS: Composting toilets work exceptionally well. You just need a stack (like a chimney) to keep the air moving up and out of the toilet.

Wow, I agreed with nothing on this thread... :) Sorry guys.

[icarus]

Originally Posted by jms

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Icarus, here's the composting toilet I am considering: http://www.airheadtoilet.com/. It avoids the holding tank and plumbing, and draws 80 mA, 12volt DC.

Jerry

Not to be skeptical, but I would love to hear from al world users of this system. My experience with composers is that if they are not given added heat, they don't get to good composting temps,, and then they turn in to a soggy, mess.

Icarus

[AGP]

My opinion for what itis worth. I recently purchased a 2010 ERA and with 7500 miles under 60k. I see similar deals on trader. Turn key and a beautiful rig. Excellent chance for resale as well.. Think about it..