Over 10 million US households proudly own an RV. Those owners spend an average of four weeks each year enjoying the great outdoors in their motor home. What are the key features to look for when buying an RV? Before you jump into a purchase, make sure you are prepared with this guide.
Are you and your family wanting to join the RV lifestyle? Since so many other families already enjoy their RV, it may seem like an easy hobby to get into. But, if you’re not familiar with RV specifics, you’ll need to do a little research first.
Before you jump into buying an RV, make sure you are prepared with this guide.
Guide to Buying an RV
1. Know the RV Types
The first thing to consider when choosing an RV is what type you need.
RVs are first categorized as a motorhome or fifth-wheel RV. Fifth-wheel RVs are towed behind a truck or large SUV, while motor homes are their own drivable vehicle. If you want to learn more about fifth-wheel RV’s, make sure to look for a fifth wheel for sale and see what it offers!
There are also different categories of motor homes depending on how big of a vehicle you need. Classifications include Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Class A is the biggest-sized motor homes that can be up to 50-feet long while Class Bs are the smallest-sized RVs at around 25 feet.
Deciding on the right size will depend on how many people you travel with and how frequently. To get a more in-depth look at RV types, check out this RV guide.
2. Decide New or Used
Once you’ve figured out which RV type is right for you, you need to decide on buying a new or used RV. Check Seattle RV Sales for used RV options. When comparing new and used RVs, the differences are similar to deciding between a new and used car.
While a new RV comes with a higher price tag, you have the peace of mind that everything in your RV is in working order. You know the whole history of the vehicle and can customize it to fit your family’s needs.
If you’re wanting to save a little money, a used RV is a good route to go as well. While you won’t know exactly how the previous owners handled the RV, you can find an RV that has more to offer within your budget than buying a brand new unit. Remember that you can redecorate and even rebuild used RVs to your specifics.
3. Consider Amenities
RVs offer a variety of amenities designed to compliment your traveling style. So before choosing your RV amenities, take a moment to think about what kind of traveling you want to do.
For example, if you want to travel to national parks and other locations that may not have hookups, you’ll need different amenities than for an RV that stays at a park with lot hookups. For boondocking, you’ll need a decent-sized generator and water holding tank.
Other amenity options include:
- Storage areas
- Full kitchen
- Indoor and outdoor entertainment systems
- Retractable awning
Also, consider the layout design of your potential RVs. If you plan on traveling with a large family, you’ll want an RV with bunk beds in favor of one with a larger living room.
Deciding on all of these things will help you narrow down your search for the perfect RV.
4. Get an Inspection
If you are purchasing a used motor home, you need an inspection to guarantee its condition. While the seller may be telling you the truth when they say they believe the RV is in good condition, there could be unknown underlying problems.
A qualified inspector will test all the RV’s features and look for any leaks or signs of mold. They’ll be able to confirm that the RV’s mechanics are in working order and that your family can safely travel long distances.
If a seller tries to talk you out of receiving an inspection, this should be a red flag.
5. Take a Test Drive
Even if your inspection turns out okay, you’ll still want to take a test drive before purchasing an RV.
Each RV will travel differently depending on its length and weight. You’ll want to get a feel for how it handles, especially if you plan on driving it long distances. Take the motor home on a drive to check how comfortable you are switching lanes, pulling up to a fueling station, and even parking.
Then, do a test run of all the RV’s controls. Make sure you know how to turn on all the features before you buy it. See if the features are user-friendly enough for your family to run when you go camping.
6. Be Aware of Additional Expenses
And the last thing to think about before buying an RV is the additional expenses. While the most costly expense will be the purchase price of the RV, that’s not the only cost you’ll have.
Some additional costs include:
- Insurance costs
- Lot rent while camping
- Hook-up fees for utilities
- Maintenance and repair costs
- Storage fee during the off-season
- Static caravan insurance
As you can see, the costs can easily add up. You’ll want to make sure you can afford all of these expenses before purchasing an RV. You don’t want your new hobby to turn into a financial nightmare down the road.
Buying an RV Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
Buying an RV doesn’t have to be hard if you follow the tips in this guide.
Once you’ve bought your RV, you and your family are ready to explore the world. If you’re new to the RV world, try camping out in your driveway first to work out all the kinks before you hit the road.
When you feel comfortable with your RV, head back to this site to discover the best destinations to explore.
Now that you know all about buying an RV learn about the top things you should know before going on a road trip on board of your RV.
