WHY ARE MANY OF OUR BUYERS EX MOTORHOME/BUS OWNERS & EX HEAVY AMERICAN
5TH WHEELER OWNERS??
It is important to note that Hodge RV Coastal & Outback 5th Wheelers are
designed & built to be towed behind Navara's, Colorado's, BT-50's etc.
FINANCIAL
Less capital is tied up in a brand new Japanese Ute & 5th Wheeler combo
($125,000-$165,000) compared to a new “popular brand” motorhomes at over
$200,000 (would be shorter), and a new American pick-up truck and fifth wheel
Why for similar money purchase some high mileage, ex-Rental cast off
motorhome, or a second hand Heavy 5th wheeler that requires an F-250 or
similar. They may seem cheap for what they are, but try adding up the
cost of maintenance and the cost of fuel?
Fuel economy of a diesel Japanese Ute is good even when towing a Hodge
RV 5th Wheeler. Compared to an F250 that will drink almost twice as much
fuel or a bus that drinks over twice as much.
Why have a motorhome/bus parked idle for much of the year? Most people
use their double cab Japanese Ute as their primary drive vehicle as they
are economical, safe, comfortable, and are like a car to drive.
Generally Utes are far cheaper to work on than buses/motorhomes. ‘Charge
out rates' are cheaper for Japanese Utes, as truck mechanics are often
needed for bus/motorhome & pick-up truck repairs.
When your Ute gets old/high mileage or you just want a change of
‘wheels', you can update your Ute, and keep your favourite holiday home.
It is usually the mileage and mechanical repair costs that depreciate a
motorhome/bus so rapidly. Note, caravans historically have trended up in
value, and utes hold their value better than other cars and SUV's.
SAFETY
With a double cab Japanese Ute you have five forward facing belted
seats.
Most new Japanese Utes have airbags.
Modern Japanese Utes have very effective crumple zones, whereas forward
control motorhomes/buses have less protection.
One of the major causes of injury in Motorhomes & Buses is being hit by
debris during a crash. Everything behind you in a bus/motorhome is a
potential missile aimed at you (shoes, toasters, camping equip, plates,
cups, passengers).
4WD Utes enable you to park on grass campsites and softer substrates. To
exit slippery, dewy campsites just put your Ute into 4WD.
A Ute with a 5 th Wheel is very stable and drives like a single vehicle,
but conveniently bends in the middle for manoeuvring. There is no ‘fish
tailing' like a caravan. Your overall length is usually reduced by
8-10ft as you have no A frame and your mounted over the rear axle.
CONVENIENCE
Quick 3 minute separation of Ute and 5 th Wheel – much easier and
quicker than having to pack everything away to take a trip to the shops.
Most motorhomes/buses cannot fit in a typical parking space whereas a
Japanese Ute will fit anywhere a car can.
Spacious bedroom compared to a cramped cab-over.
Guys you don't have to leave your wife on a deckchair in an empty
campsite when you go fishing or catch up with your mates at the watering
hole.
Wives, you can take the Ute and have a leisurely shop while leaving your
hubby at the 5th Wheeler for a snooze.
