Buying An RV: How To Buy The RV or Campervan You’ll Love For Years To Come

December 17, 2021

RV Camper Vans Camping. Two Motorhomes

Many people all over the world have thought about buying an RV at some point in their lives.

The outdoor lifestyle, becoming one with nature, traveling to wherever you want to go without worrying about finding a place to stay, it all seems like the dream life.

There are countless RV parks and camps everywhere to accommodate your lifestyle. Even if there isn’t a park near your location, your motorhome is the perfect place to rest. Your RV can quickly become your home.

If you have already decided that the RV lifestyle is the perfect fit for you, you need to start thinking about the options you have. With the growing popularity of campers these days, there are many types of RVs to choose from, making your choice even more difficult.

Choosing the perfect RV for you can be a daunting challenge. How do you know which RV will be the one for you? There are numerous things you have to think about and keep in mind when buying the RV you’ll love for years to come. Here are some considerations to take into account before making your decision.

Check Out The RV Community

What better way to find out about all the various RVs available than through the experts themselves? There are so many people all over the internet who have had years of experience with campers and know which type of RV will suit someone.

You can search online for RV forums, clubs, websites, YouTube channels, Facebook groups, and much more. You can also find RV enthusiasts near your location as they will know better about which motorhome suits you best based on where you live. Talking to someone who owns an RV is the best thing you can do before you buy one for yourself.

There are also RV shows which you can visit. These events allow you to view campervans up close. You can look at all the details and features of various models and make your decision based on which RV meets your needs the most. Another positive side of going to an RV show instead of an RV dealership is that there is no pressure on you to purchase anything from anyone. It is purely for your own research purposes.

Take Your Time With The Decision

One thing you need to realize while buying an RV is that there is no deadline or time limit. It is a massive decision, and you should never make it in a hurry. You need to take your time to explore the numerous types of recreational vehicles before you choose one.

There is a wide variety of RVs available these days. Travel trailers, motorhomes, teardrop trailers, pop-up campers, and fifth wheels are only some of the options you have. You can narrow down your options based on what you will be using the RV for and the budget you have.

You should choose the size of your RV based on the number of people in your family. If you don’t plan on going on RV trips with family or friends, you can find an RV that is spacious enough for one person. It is always a good idea to thoroughly research all of the options you have and take all the time you need to make the right decision.

Go Through All The Options

As we have mentioned before, there are various options to choose from when it comes to buying RVs. You should always go through all of them and decide which recreational vehicle will suit your lifestyle the most. Let’s look at some of the options you have:

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are not motorized, and these recreational vehicles need to be towed by another vehicle. Travel trailers are also more affordable compared to other recreational vehicles.

Lightweight Trailers

Lightweight trailers include teardrop trailers and pop-up campers. These trailers are light in weight, as the name suggests, and can house two to four people. They can also be easily towed by smaller vehicles.

5th Wheel Trailers

Fifth wheels are more stable than any other trailers that can be towed. It makes your journey more smooth compared to other options. Fifth wheels also come with an over the cab living space.

Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are the most expensive recreational vehicles. These motorhomes look like semi-trucks or buses. The length of class A motorhomes varies from between 21′ and 45′. These motorhomes are considered luxurious RVs.

Class B Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes are converted campervans. They have a bubble roof to allow more space to stand up in the living area of the RV. They are usually 15′ to 26′ in length and also come with luxury models.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes have the same layout as class A motorhomes but at a smaller scale. They have a maximum length of 36′ and are more affordable than class A motorhomes.

Redhawk SE Class C Motorhome
Redhawk SE

It is crucial that you research all the available options and choose wisely. You should keep your budget in mind and never rush to make a decision without finding out more about all the types of RVs available for you.

Look at Both New And Used Motorhomes

Vintage RVs for sale

People looking to buy an RV for themselves have to first decide the type of vehicle they want and then figure out whether they want to buy a brand new RV or a used one. It can be a challenging decision to make, but you have to consider the pros and cons of both of these choices.

With a brand new RV, you will get all the features and amenities you want without any mileage or repairs that have to be made. You can also choose a used RV that has all the features you are looking for, but it will have the mileage done by the previous owner. A used RV will also come at a lower cost, and you have to look for the most well-maintained vehicle you can find.

RV prices are known for fluctuating regularly. Before you make your decision, you should find out whether you are being offered a fair deal for the used RV. You can check with the online RV community and websites that have RV prices to ensure you are not paying extra for your used motorhome.

Prepare Yourself For Repairs And Maintenance

When buying an RV, or any other vehicle for that matter, you have to understand that you will need to spend money on repairs and maintenance. RVs are structurally more complicated and have many moving parts that you have to look after to ensure your trips are safe and secure.

There are not a lot of RV repair shops readily available everywhere, and you need to keep your recreational vehicle in the best condition at all times to avoid any trouble. If you are buying a used RV, you have to keep in mind that you will not be getting any service from a dealership, and you have to get all the repairs done yourself.

General maintenance of your RV can cost you a couple of thousand dollars a year. You need to set aside a budget each year for the bearings, brakes, bushing, sealants, general wear and tear repairs, and propane gas tests. It is essential that you keep your RV in excellent condition for it to last you a lifetime and end up being a good investment.

Final Takeaway

Buying RVs is not an easy decision to make for anyone. There are numerous things you have to take into consideration before making your choice. You must think about all the use you will get out of your recreational vehicle and how many people you want it to accommodate.

And don’t forget to go over all the options you have and take your time before making your decision.