Convenience. Flexibility. Affordability. Freedom. For these reasons and more, RVing has been an attractive way to travel for millions of Americans. Some people choose to live in RVs full-time or seasonally, varying their location by the calendar or by knocking trips off their Bucket List.
Yes, RVs offer a lot. And RV manufacturers design and build an RV model for just about anyone. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to sift through the inventory to find the ideal RV for you, your family, and your intended use. This is particularly important when you are buying an RV for the first time, or when you’re changing classes and upgrading to an RV that is more complex than your last. Follow these eight tips to ensure you have a better, more complete buying experience – and end up with an RV that is perfectly suited for your lifestyle and budget.
1. Rent first.
Once you’ve got “the bug” or decided you want to embark on RV ownership, take a moment and don’t go running to the nearest dealership or classified ads. Rent an RV for a long weekend to try things out, especially if you’ve never been RVing or only tried a certain RV type that is different from what you’re considering. See if traveling and camping via an RV is something you’d enjoy before making a big commitment and (probably) taking on a loan. You may find it meets your expectations, or you may end up being not so dazzled. Now, renting doesn’t take into account long-term RV ownership with all its maintenance and care; however, renting does enable you to get a taste of what millions of people find enjoyable about RVing.
2. Speak with a human being during the buying process.
We love to communicate via emails and text messages. There is low risk, low commitment, and relative anonymity. These methods of communication may work well early on in the process, when you’re researching. When things start to get serious, however, it’s time to talk with the owner (if you’re buying from a private individual) or a knowledgeable salesperson (if you’re buying from a dealership). You are about to hand over a large amount of money to make your RV ownership dreams a reality, and you want to ensure that you know who you’re buying from. Conversations, whether through the phone or (even better) face to face, tend to flesh out a lot of additional details and answer important questions, such as, will my tow vehicle work for this RV? Plus, you get a clue as to the personality and nature of the individual who is trying to sell it.
3. Buy used.
It may be tempting to go buy a shiny new RV fresh off the lot, and that does have its benefits. For one, you’re the first and only owner. A newer model, if cared for, should last you for many, many years and have less likelihood of something breaking or giving out. If you are just entering the market, it may behoove you to purchase a used RV to start your journey. Here’s why: Used RVs are generally easier on the wallet because they have already gone through depreciation and cost less. You maintain this depreciation for longer as well. As soon as you drive a new RV away, it loses value. A used RV can also be easier to swap out if it’s not the “right” RV because the commitment was lower than buying a new RV. Many dealerships offer both new and used units.
4. Regardless of what you buy, plan to pay some money up front if you’re financing.
Taxes and accessories add up quite a bit. If that’s all rolled into the loan, then you’re paying interest on those things. Try to cover one or both during the sale. An additional benefit to doing this is that a lender may see you as less of a risk and may offer you a softer interest rate.
5. Ask what the sales price includes.
People make assumptions about what is rolled into the price of the RV and then end up surprised when those items aren’t included. Batteries, awnings, hoses, tanks, and other accessories may need to be purchased in addition to the RV unit. Make the seller be clear about what comes along with the unit versus what other items you may be responsible for. Get this all in writing if possible.
6. Get the RV inspected.
If you’re a first-time buyer or changing classes, then it’s a good idea to hire an unbiased RV inspector to take a look through the unit you’re considering purchasing. You don’t know what you don’t know. It doesn’t matter if the unit is new or used. Having a professional inspector look things over is a small price to pay for (hopefully) peace of mind that a particular RV is a solid purchase and a solid investment. Or, the inspector could end up finding something amiss, which helps you from making a poor decision – in which case, the inspector’s fee is completely worth it.
7. Record your walk-through.
Once you have settled on an RV unit and it’s yours to take home, go on a comprehensive walk-through with the seller or salesperson. There’s a lot of information that gets thrown at you in a short amount of time, and it’s impossible to remember everything. So, pay attention, but bring your phone and record the whole thing. When something specific is called out or explained, get a close-up view of it. A recorded walk-through will give you peace of mind as well as a reference for the future if you have any problems or questions. Watching the video will also help you better learn and know your RV.
8. Finally, throughout this process, ask questions.
A lot of questions. You want to be as informed as you can be before you commit to the sale. In fact, sneak in one or two you already know the answer to and see the response. Something that is reasonable and legitimate. If you don’t get the answer you were expecting, you may have uncovered something and may not be able to trust the seller. Even though most people are not like that, as the buyer who is about to make a big investment, you deserve honest answers and an RV that will function well for you so that you can partake in all the benefits RVing provides.