Buying an RV is a big financial decision, so it is important to know what to consider before making your purchase. This is what you should know before buying.
RVs have been growing in popularity for some time. Since the pandemic, more people than ever are looking to escape from cities and go out on their own. Many of those people decide to spend time traveling in RVs.
That’s why it’s no surprise that you’re interested in buying an RV for yourself. When reports show that RV ownership has grown by 61% in 20 years, tons of new people are starting the RV lifestyle.
If you’re buying an RV in the future, you need to learn what makes a good RV and how to find one that best meets your needs. Keep reading to learn what to look for when you purchase an RV.
Pick an RV Size
Your RV size will greatly affect how much you enjoy your time in it. If you need a lot of space, you don’t want to buy a smaller RV. You’ll need something bigger that gives you room to spread out — even if you have the option to spend time outdoors.
The same is true if you have several people living in an RV. A small RV will make everyone feel cramped, so you’ll need to find a large RV to fit everyone.
However, a small RV will be a great choice if you’re only buying an RV for camping purposes and don’t plan to spend much time in one. You’ll be able to save money and still have a space to retreat to when you need it.
Examine the RV Features
Once you know what RV size you need, it’s time to start looking at RV features. Some RVs are completely bare bones and offer nothing more than a place to sleep. However, other larger RVs come with all the bells and whistles.
Here are a few features you can get inside an RV:
- Individual bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Solar panels
- Comfortable seating
- LED lighting
- Bathroom
There are also many other features available. Keep in mind, though, that these features are normally in premium RVs. You’ll need to pay much more and buy a larger RV to get everything.
Keep your budget in mind when looking at features to make sure you stick with your budget.
Decide on New vs. Used
The next choice you should consider when looking at your RV options is whether you want a used or new RV. A new RV will work great as soon as you get it — although new RVs have some maintenance requirements when you get them on the road.
A used RV won’t have those issues, but they may have more pressing hidden problems. You may also have trouble depending on where you want to park your RV.
Many RV parks don’t like older RVs because they want to maintain a more upscale appearance. If the used RV you plan to buy is older than 10 years old, you may have more limited options for RV parks.
Determine Your Costs
Once you understand what type of RV you need and if you want to buy one new or used, determining your cost is the next step. The first thing to do is set a maximum budget. You won’t go above this number, no matter what.
Once you have a maximum budget, start looking at your RV options. You can get a quick overview of what the type of RV you want will cost by looking at listing websites online.
Once you understand the average RV costs, you’ll need to determine how much you’ll pay in maintenance each year. This will help you determine the cost of owning an RV and if that cost is right for you.
Ask for an Inspection
An inspection probably won’t be necessary if you buy a new RV. However, things are different when you buy used ones. You never know what problems you’re buying, and some sellers may not disclose everything.
That’s why getting an inspection to learn about an RV’s problems makes sense. A seller should have no problem letting you do this since you’re a serious buyer.
The dealership may have already done this if you plan to buy used from a dealer. Ask to see if there is an inspection report and learn what fixes were made before the RV made its way to the lot.
Consider Your Driving Ability
One thing many people don’t think about when buying an RV is how they handle it on the road. You’re dealing with much larger vehicles than you’re used to. It will be tougher to maneuver them and get them to your destination in one piece.
The larger the RV is, the more obvious this problem becomes. If you plan to purchase a large vehicle, see if you can take it on a drive before you make your decision.
This will give you a feel for how an RV handles on the road and if you’re comfortable driving it.
Find a Great Dealer
Once you figure out your budget and the type of RV you want, it’s time to start shopping. The first step of this is to find a reputable dealer to buy from.
Look online for the RV dealers near you. The Google search results will show a list of your local dealers and reviews detailing what their customers think of the service. You can also look here to compare your options.
You can also purchase from private sellers if you want to buy used. Just be careful when you do this, and make sure to do the proper inspections.
Do Great Research When Buying an RV
Buying an RV is a big decision. Although some RVs don’t cost a small fortune, premium RV options can cost almost as much as a small house. If you plan to purchase an RV with many bells and whistles, you’ll spend a lot of money on those features.
That means you need to take your choice of a recreational vehicle seriously. Remember the buying tips above to find the best RV for your needs.
Are you planning to take an RV travel trip once you decide what you want and make the purchase? Check out the blog to learn more about planning your next adventure.