If you talk to any serious campers, they will likely have a similar story:
“We started tent camping, then we went to a a pop-up. Then we went to a travel trailer. Then we went to a 5th-wheel…or a Class A…or a something bigger and better.”
We skipped the pop-up, but went through a couple of small campers. You can read about our camping evolution here.
If you are ready to purchase an RV, our best advice to you is to purchase the style of RV that will get you on the road now for the lowest cost! There will never be a perfect RV. Don’t waste precious time not traveling, while you’re trying to figure out the best option.
Purchase something, preferably used, that you can tow with your current vehicle. That way, you can make sure you are using it and enjoying it, without investing a considerable amount. Campers depreciate at an unbelievable rate. You will never recoup your investment if you buy new, and realize after a few trips that you prefer a hotel. You want to be the person getting a great deal on the barely-used RV from said person who realizes they prefer a hotel.
That being said, campers depreciate at an unbelievable rate. Do have some idea of where you want to go and what is important to you. We purchased our 17-foot R-Pod used. In it, we quickly learned that we were using it almost every weekend, but making up the dinette daily for the girls to sleep was not ideal. Fortunately, we sold it after a year for close to what we paid for it. A used pop-up may have been a better solution for us had we considered the logistics.
You will probably go through a similar evolution, but you should never put yourself in a position where you find yourself upside down on a vehicle or camper loan because you 1. paid too much or 2. didn’t get something that met your needs at the onset.
5 Tips When Purchasing an RV
Know how much you can tow.
Before you purchase, know the towing capacity of your vehicle. Many have optional exhaust systems that can be installed to increase towing capacity. If you can’t find it in your user manual, call the manufacturer to ask. Don’t trust the RV salesperson (no offense). We put money down on an RV the salesperson assured us our Ford F150 could tow. After some further research, we learned the advertised weight was the dry weight. We’ve seen too many mid-sized SUVs towing “light” travel trailers that are an accident waiting to happen.
Know your camping style.
Many State Parks have limits of under 40 feet on the length of an RV. If you prefer an RV Resort, the length may be a non-issue. Knowing your camping style and your destination preference can save you money in the long-run.
Know where you can compromise.
Do you need space to haul your toys? Have teenagers in need of some private space? Need a dedicated workspace? I already mentioned there is no perfect RV. Because we work and do school on the road, I love the idea of a Class A with ample workspace. But bunkhouses in Class As are like coffins, so they aren’t an option for us right now. You need to determine what is essential for you and know on factors you can compromise.
Know your storage options.
Do you have room to keep your RV at your home? Are you in an HOA with restrictions? Can you find a local storage facility with available space? What is the cost? How long does it take to get to the storage space? It is super-convenient to be able to turn on the refrigerator the night before a trip (lessening cooler space needed).
Visit an RV Show.
You can often get amazing deals at an RV show. That is, you can get an amazing deal if you know which RV is right for you. RV shows give you an opportunity to tour every variety of RVs. If you attend a show, knowing the towing capacity of your vehicle, the essentials of your next rig, and where you’re going to keep it, you can get a fantastic deal.
What is the right RV for you, and why?
