Buying an RV is exciting and more fun than using your car for camping, but remember that it is a large investment that will depreciate in value quickly, and comes with a big list of things that can go wrong. From where and when to buy, to factors that you might not have considered yet, to what to avoid, you need some tips and tricks to get the RV of your dreams and no buyer’s remorse.
Start With Research
The process of buying an RV must start with thorough research. A lot of that research can be done from home online. There are lots of RV forums online, packed with information and users that are happy to share their opinions and experiences. If you’re buying used, you can use a site like Edmunds to read reviews on dealers to make sure you’re choosing somewhere you can trust.
Do Hands-On Research
Do some practical research too. Rent an RV and do a weekend or a longer trip in it to make sure you actually like the RV life. There are lots of different sizes and kinds of RV, including classes A, B, and C, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and more. Your ideal RV will depend on the size of your family, how often and where you will travel, and how comfortable you are driving a large vehicle. The big class As are fantastic for families, but beginners may find them scary to drive.
Another useful way to get hands-on rental experience would to be stay in an RV park, and ask politely if you can have a look at other people’s set-ups and ask them for their critiques and experiences on different options. RVers are often friendly and happy to chat. Approach politely and explain why you’re asking.
Consider Private Sellers
You can go to RV Trader and RVT to find private sellers. Some people also find good options on Craigslist, eBay, and even Facebook Marketplace. During your search, join some social media groups and pages with information on RVs and tips to find potential sellers. Facebook groups and RV forums are other good resources for buying an RV, especially if you want to buy a used one.
The Benefits Of Buying Used
If you are buying an RV from a private seller, it’s likely that you won’t the first owner of the RV you buy. This can actually be a good thing. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of people who bought new RVs, only to find that the RV had issue after issue, and spent months in the repair shop, instead of out on the road. When you buy a used RV, the previous owner will usually have worked out any kinks from the factory. Owners will also have sometimes paid for upgrades to their RV after buying it new and will have made changes based on their experience. This means that new models are often better equipped than brand new ones.