Preparing to Buy a New RV, Motorhome or Trailer
So, you're thinking about buying a new RV? It's can be complicated process, and the choices can seem endless. Where should you start?
Perhaps one of the most important things to keep in mind when looking to buy a new RV is that the best RV for you is the one the that best suits the needs and the budget of you and your family. If the prices are way over your spending limit, you will have to make some compromises.
For any given type and size of RV, the range of prices can be considerable, often several, or even tens of, thousands of dollars. While some folks will always opt for the RV model toward the low end of the price range, there are a number of other ways you can maxmize your choices while still keeping prices within your budget. First and foremost, you need to be a smart and educated buyer (more below). You might also choose to go with smaller unit, or to postpone adding on some of the more expensive options. Many of the options available for a new RV, motorhome or trailer, such as a roof air-conditioner, an AC generator or a microwave oven, can be added at a later time.
The best way to approach your new RV shopping is to have a clear-cut and well-informed objective, to learn as much as you can about the choices available to you and be prepared and patient while shopping.
Clear and Well-Informed Objective. You need in order to have a clear, and well-informed objective to select a type of RV. Start with the needs you and your family will have to help to select the type of RV for you. Remember, there two major types of RVs. First, there are motorized vehicles, also known as motorhomes or motorized RVs. These include Class A Motorhomes, Class B Motorhomes (Camping Van Conversions) and Class C Motorhomes (mini-motorhomes). Second, there are towable vehicles of different sorts, typcially referred to as trailers or campers. These include Folding Camping Trailers (also referred to as Pop-up or Tent Trailers), Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheel Trailers and Truck Campers. How many people in your family and what are their privacy needs? How much time will you be spending in the RV - comfort, privacy and storage will all be affected. Also, the style of camping you are interested in will have a bearing on RV size. If you're interested in backroads and out-of-the-way campsites, a large-size RV can be a hindrance. If your anticipated use time includes periods time beyond a couple of months at a stretch, it is effectively the same as full-time livingall. In general, this kind of use will call for the largest RV you can afford. If your RV must also serve as a second car, that will affect the type and size you select.
Learn as much as you can about the choices available to you. To help you gather this information, and to help you understand your budget and the needs of your family, there are several things you can do. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Navigate the RV Camping World website to obtain information.
- Talk with current RV owners that you know -- friends, relatives or neighbors. Find out what they like and don't like about the specific type of unit they have.
- Try to attend an RV show. Although RV shows can be large and intimidating, an RV show will give you a chance to look at a wide range of models and talk to a number of different knowledgable RV dealers and owners in a relatively short time. For a list of upcoming shows, check out our shows and events listings.
- Maybe you live near a RV park, campground or resort where you can stop and talk with some of the owners. Ask how they use their RVs.
- Watch and learn all about RVs on RVtoday -- Television for Today's RVers on the Outdoor Life Network. Consider subscriptions to such magazines as Trailer Life
- Think about renting an RV or to get a taste of RVing.
- To aid you with financial planning, if you need it, talk to an experienced RV lender to help determine you RV budget.
Be prepared and patient while shopping. IF you've follwed the steps outlined above, you have probalby come up with a few makes and models of interest. Collect all the literature on each model. Make notes and descriptive comments, and list everything you like and don't like. As you shop with a dealer, be sure to carry a note pad and a pen or pencil, and keep all of your notes in one place. Referring to this during your search can help keep you on the right track and eliminate nonproductive excursions into fantasy land.