If you have decided to purchase an RV this guide is for you. RVing is a fun way to seek adventure and explore the world. RVing is also growing in popularity. There are many different types of RVs to choose from including travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, hybrid trailer, tent trailers, motorhomes, truck campers, park campers, and more. Choosing an RV is a big decision with a lot of different factors to consider including price, size, type, maintenance required and more. It is important to take your time and do your research to get the RV of your dreams. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right RV for your needs and wants.
Go in with an Open Mind
When you first start looking at getting an RV you shouldn’t be fixated on certain models or manufacturers- you should be focused on what you want out of your RV. Forget what you might have heard from other people who own RVs because they are partial to tell you only about RVs that they have tried or owned (which is a very small sample of the RV market). You should instead focus on what you want out of your RV. A few questions (of the many) that you should ask yourself to dive into the idea of purchasing an RV include:
- What is your general budget?
- What size of RV would best suit your needs?
- How many passengers would you be bringing?
- What type of RV are you comfortable driving?
- Do you need a full kitchen and bath?
- Where can you store your RV when not in use?
- Do you plan on towing a trailer?
- What features do you need?
- Will you be traveling throughout the year?
- Do you have specific storage requirements?
- What type of sleeping quarters do you need?
Rent an RV
If you are new to the possibility of owning an RV, renting one is a great option that will allow you to figure out what you like (and dislike) about the RV. Renting an RV can also allow you to figure out what you want and need in your own RV. Try to rent out an RV longer than a weekend so that you can get a good picture of what works and doesn’t work for you. Keep a list of the pros and cons of the RV you are renting, what you wished you had, and what you didn’t require. Renting an RV can give you a good handle on a variety of aspects including:
- Driving the RV
- The bathroom
- The kitchen
- Entertainment area
- Sleeping quarters
- Comfort
- Space available
- Layout
- Gas consumption
Budget Effectively
You should have a low-end budget and a high-end budget, but both need to be realistic. You will need to make sure that you can afford all the extra expenses that may go along with owning an RV including maintenance, park fees, gas, upgrades, storage, insurance and more. Your budget can also easily help you to determine if you should be looking at new or used RVs or at specific models.
Be Specific
Now that you have tried an RV and have gone over your budget it is time to become more specific and detailed in your list of what you want and don’t want in an RV. There are many different features that can be built into or left out of RVs including tankless water heaters, solar panels, various tank sizes, winter-ready heating and more. You should rank your must-have list in terms of importance so that you will be able to determine what you are willing to trade-off on and what you are not. Although your list may seem in-depth by the time you are done, there are bound to be things that you have forgotten or that you come across that you will need to consider.
Get Shopping
Once you have reached this point, you can finally really start shopping for your dream RV. You can look online to get an idea of price ranges, available models and reputable dealerships to shop at. Go shopping armed with your list of specifics in hand and budget in mind. Take your time looking at models and ask any questions you may have to the salesperson. You should make sure to ask about warranties, financing, and resale options. An RV is a big purchase and you want to make sure that you are as confident as you can be when buying.
