Before You Buy Questions ...
Research! Do it!
Betty and I spent almost two years thinking about an RV purchase. We attended several ‘Boat & RV’ shows in our area and visited all the dealerships locally and a few within 100 miles of us. These trips allowed us to formulate a game plan on what we wanted in an RV, what class, what size, and what quality.
After looking at about a dozen units we quickly understood the various quality levels (translate to $$ levels) and product offerings by the manufacturers. Each manufacturer has several product lines. Get the brochures and write notes on the pages and floor plans of the models you look at. After a while, the floor plans and models start to run together.
Our local dealerships had good web sites with their current inventory, pictures, floor plans, technical data, and the prices – yes prices – from MSRP, to discounted price, to dealer special price, to Make An Offer. These vary widely, so do your homework.
Probably the first question is how much do I want to spend? Since RVs range from under $20K to over $500K (and up) this is a good starting point. The dollar factor may guide you toward the next question – what type of RV fits your needs?
Betty and I spent almost two years thinking about an RV purchase. We attended several ‘Boat & RV’ shows in our area and visited all the dealerships locally and a few within 100 miles of us. These trips allowed us to formulate a game plan on what we wanted in an RV, what class, what size, and what quality.
After looking at about a dozen units we quickly understood the various quality levels (translate to $$ levels) and product offerings by the manufacturers. Each manufacturer has several product lines. Get the brochures and write notes on the pages and floor plans of the models you look at. After a while, the floor plans and models start to run together.
Our local dealerships had good web sites with their current inventory, pictures, floor plans, technical data, and the prices – yes prices – from MSRP, to discounted price, to dealer special price, to Make An Offer. These vary widely, so do your homework.
Probably the first question is how much do I want to spend? Since RVs range from under $20K to over $500K (and up) this is a good starting point. The dollar factor may guide you toward the next question – what type of RV fits your needs?
What type of RV?
There are a couple of options here – motorized or towable. Another aspect of this question is whether or not you already have a truck capable of towing. A few things to consider is moving around after you get to the campground or RV park. With a motorhome (class A or class C) you might need a ‘towed’ vehicle to pull behind the RV. With a travel trailer, you already have the vehicle to go site seeing.
Towable vehicles are another big consideration that may factor into what type is right for you. Betty and I first considered a Class C and getting a small car to tow behind. After more research on this, we decided a travel trailer fit our needs, and price range the best.
Newer model travel trailers, Class C, and Class A units have ‘slides’ (1 -5) that increase the interior functional space while camping. There are also models that are ‘toy haulers’, have outside kitchens, and bunk house models for the kids and grandkids. This leads us to the next question – what size?
There are a couple of options here – motorized or towable. Another aspect of this question is whether or not you already have a truck capable of towing. A few things to consider is moving around after you get to the campground or RV park. With a motorhome (class A or class C) you might need a ‘towed’ vehicle to pull behind the RV. With a travel trailer, you already have the vehicle to go site seeing.
Towable vehicles are another big consideration that may factor into what type is right for you. Betty and I first considered a Class C and getting a small car to tow behind. After more research on this, we decided a travel trailer fit our needs, and price range the best.
Newer model travel trailers, Class C, and Class A units have ‘slides’ (1 -5) that increase the interior functional space while camping. There are also models that are ‘toy haulers’, have outside kitchens, and bunk house models for the kids and grandkids. This leads us to the next question – what size?
What size works for me?
This is a wide ranging question as there are ‘tiny’ travel trailers to those up to 30+ feet. There are Class C units over 35’ and Class A units over 40’. So, how much space to you want, what is the sleeping capacity, small kitchen, large kitchen, lots of storage, etc. Keep in mind that you also have to clean and do upkeep on what you buy. What are you comfortable driving or towing and how long?
A couple more things for consideration: operating costs, full time or part time in the RV, local or cross-country.
If you go with a towable unit then the tow vehicle is a big factor and the capacity it has to actually tow the RV. This is very important and the subject of a complete article on its own. Just know, not to exceed the gross vehicle weights of the truck and/or trailer. Do your research on this subject as well. Now on to the next question – where do I park this thing?
This is a wide ranging question as there are ‘tiny’ travel trailers to those up to 30+ feet. There are Class C units over 35’ and Class A units over 40’. So, how much space to you want, what is the sleeping capacity, small kitchen, large kitchen, lots of storage, etc. Keep in mind that you also have to clean and do upkeep on what you buy. What are you comfortable driving or towing and how long?
A couple more things for consideration: operating costs, full time or part time in the RV, local or cross-country.
If you go with a towable unit then the tow vehicle is a big factor and the capacity it has to actually tow the RV. This is very important and the subject of a complete article on its own. Just know, not to exceed the gross vehicle weights of the truck and/or trailer. Do your research on this subject as well. Now on to the next question – where do I park this thing?
Where to store when not in use?
Unless you are fortunate enough to have a storage area or pad at home, then you will need to park the unit somewhere while not in use. If you have space at home, consider the terrain. If you have flat ground and maneuvering area you may be good to go. If not, consider slopes when hitching and unhitching. Will the neighbors complain or do zoning ordances prohibit you from storing on your property. You also need an area at home to prepare for trips, loading the RV, making repairs, cleaning, etc. You will probably need a power supply to run to the unit to start cooling the frige and power up an a/c unit.
If you need to store the RV there is probably a storage location near you that will have secure gated areas and possibly both covered and outdoor storage. Storage rates (rent) vary so call around to see what fits in your budget. Our local outdoor storage area is $45 per month. Covered and indoor rents go into the hundreds of $$.
Unless you are fortunate enough to have a storage area or pad at home, then you will need to park the unit somewhere while not in use. If you have space at home, consider the terrain. If you have flat ground and maneuvering area you may be good to go. If not, consider slopes when hitching and unhitching. Will the neighbors complain or do zoning ordances prohibit you from storing on your property. You also need an area at home to prepare for trips, loading the RV, making repairs, cleaning, etc. You will probably need a power supply to run to the unit to start cooling the frige and power up an a/c unit.
If you need to store the RV there is probably a storage location near you that will have secure gated areas and possibly both covered and outdoor storage. Storage rates (rent) vary so call around to see what fits in your budget. Our local outdoor storage area is $45 per month. Covered and indoor rents go into the hundreds of $$.
New or Used? This may not apply to most people as they are looking for new units. Used units can often be found at good prices and in good condition. This question might require even more research on your part if thinking used. Buying from an individual or a dealership, how old is the unit, what condition is it in? If you are the type person that likes (and can) make repairs to plumbing and electrical, or want to do some minor interior mods, then used may be for you.
Will you be buying someone else’s problems? During our foot work at the dealer lots we found some units that needed repairs just from the trip from the manufacturer to the dealer lot. We also found very good quality units.
Will you be buying someone else’s problems? During our foot work at the dealer lots we found some units that needed repairs just from the trip from the manufacturer to the dealer lot. We also found very good quality units.
Rent before Buying?
Yes and Yes. If you have never been camping in a motor home or travel trailer, by all means, rent one and see what it is all about. This is what we did and very glad we did it. We learned a lot from our rental/camping experience from towing a unit a little bigger than we wanted to site set up and site take down. You can also get an idea of what you like about a unit and what you don’t like. We had a ‘bunkhouse’ model and decided that was not for us, since it would be just two of us the majority of the time. If you have kids, then a bunkhouse may be for you. Set up and leveling is important, as well as when it is time to leave and then you have to deal with the tanks.
Yes and Yes. If you have never been camping in a motor home or travel trailer, by all means, rent one and see what it is all about. This is what we did and very glad we did it. We learned a lot from our rental/camping experience from towing a unit a little bigger than we wanted to site set up and site take down. You can also get an idea of what you like about a unit and what you don’t like. We had a ‘bunkhouse’ model and decided that was not for us, since it would be just two of us the majority of the time. If you have kids, then a bunkhouse may be for you. Set up and leveling is important, as well as when it is time to leave and then you have to deal with the tanks.