If you have decided to buy a recreational vehicle, you have probably discovered they cost a pretty penny. Buying used may be your only option at this point, or you may feel more comfortable spending less if you are not fully sure you will enjoy owning an RV. Like any major purchase, you need to do your homework. Buying used opens the door to many considerations that wouldn’t come into play if you were going to buy a new one. Here are just a few points to keep in mind that will help you buy a quality vehicle that meets your needs.
Do Your Homework
It is easy to get carried away with the fantasies of the RV life, and get impulsive on the buying front. You are just so excited, you want to get in one already. This will work against you, particularly if you are buying used.
There are lots of different recreational vehicles, a variety of features and what have you. It is important you give some thought to what you want and need in a vehicle. You have to figure out what you are able to spend.
There is a plethora of information available on the internet, from forums where you can connect with experienced RV owners, to videos showcasing different motor homes to give you a real feel for them, such as these found at Forest River Forester Motorhomes. You can find RV clubs where you can learn more about specific models.
If you are new to the whole RV lifestyle, it might be a good idea to rent one for a week or two to get a taste of what it is really like. Like any lifestyle, hobby or what have you, it is easy to romanticize something and not be aware of the ‘downsides.’ RV’s aren’t for everyone.
Really Get Clear on What You Want
One of the reasons there are so many used recreational vehicles on the market is because people didn’t give enough thought to what they wanted. They bought vehicles that were too small, or without features they discovered they really wanted, etc…
What do you want in a vehicle? How do you plan on using it? An RV that might be a bad fit for someone else may be great for you. For example, if you are not planning on driving it very much, and just planting it in parks and other areas near you, the vehicle one person is trying to get rid of because it guzzles gas like no tomorrow may be the perfect fit for you.
Search the Web and the Street
There are lots of great websites that list RV’s for sale all over the country, from both dealers and individual owners, such as RVZen.com and CampingWorld.com. You can search by a variety of criteria such as price and model. If you have any RV parks in the area, it can be worthwhile to head on down and see if any have a ‘for sale’ sign attached to them. Same goes for a drive around local neighborhoods.