Buying an RV is no small decision. It is an expensive purchase, and for many, the most money they will spend on something besides their home. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all, picturing all the fun adventures you will have, and all the memories made. And in doing so, you can lose sight of important considerations and end up making a purchase you may come to regret for one reason or another. Here are just a few things on which to chew when deciding on which RV to purchase:
How Do You Plan on Using It?
Are you just hoping to take some weekend trips here and there? Are you hoping to eventually adopt the lifestyle full-time once you retire? Do you want to take extended trips where you will be gone for months at a time?
This is a core consideration that can set the stage for a successful search.
Do Your Homework
Think about what you want and need in an RV, and once you have that criteria compiled, you can begin doing your due diligence. You will come to find there are many different types of recreational vehicles, all with their own benefits and drawbacks, depending on your needs and preferences.
Do you want a live-in vehicle or a camper that you will tow with your car? If you are thinking about the latter, did you know there are many different kinds? According to Colorado Springs-based car and RV dealer The Car Show Inc, there is a new type of travel trailer that expands and collapses like a pop-up tent, combining the best features of each.
Talk to people who own RVs—if you can’t find any in person, you can find lots of forums online where people there would be more than happy to share their experience. Their insights can be extremely valuable because they will without question, raise points you probably have not even considered.
Go to RV shows to see what is available.
Don’t rush this decision. You are very excited to get your RV and it’s cool, but taking your time in educating yourself about them will be well worth it.
Consider renting a few different kinds of RV’s to get the full experience and a real idea of what it would be like to own that particular type.
Buying New or Used?
There is no one best answer here, and it really depends on so many individual factors.
If money is no object, than going right for a new shiny one is probably your best bet. If you are not really sure about whether you will like it or not, you might consider the used route. Financials may make used your only option in some cases.
If you are thinking about buying a new one, many people advise against purchasing them at RV shows. Your inexperience, combined with the excitement and high pressure sales tactics, may make for a regretful purchase.
You can find lots of great used RVs—many people selling them are those who either didn’t really like owning one or didn’t use it as much as they thought, and are often in great condition.
Be sure to educate yourself about what questions you should ask, and to look for, when inspecting it. If you can, bring someone who is knowledgeable about recreational vehicles.