Owning The First Rv

You head to your local RV dealer because you are ready to take the plunge and become an RV owner. You want the lifestyle, the freedom to go where you choose, when you choose. You want the convenience of bringing whatever you want wherever you want, and you want to be part of the exclusive RV owners club. You get to the dealership and there are so many choices. You aren't sure what exactly you need or want. You ask a few questions, then leave. Before you head back, think about the following to help narrow down which RV, travel trailer or camper is best suited for you.

The first question to answer is whether or not you want a new or used vehicle. If you prefer new, you pay more than with a used vehicle, but you get that new vehicle smell. You get warranties and the opportunity to choose amenities. You have security knowing this vehicle is going to run well for years to come.

Used RVs cost a lot less which is a big appeal to many people. Depending on where you buy your RV, there should be a warranty with good coverage. The only guesswork comes with how the previous owner drove the vehicle and whether or not they kept up on maintenance. Used RVs and trailers can be great vehicles that last for years. However, to protect yourself, always buy from a trusted source and be sure your mechanic looks the vehicle over thoroughly.

How big? And yes, we're talking about RVs. Couples don't necessarily need a Class A RV that sleeps 8. A Class B RV might be a better fit for them. Consider how many people you'll be traveling with on a regular basis and what's going to be comfortable for all of you. The other question is how fancy do you want? Do you want a Jacuzzi tub and marble countertops or would you prefer a pop-up camper that has just the basic amenities?

Even if you have your heart set on one specific RV, test-drive a few different brands and sizes. You might be surprised and find something more than you expected. Just like a car each RV drives a little differently, so take the time and don't rush yourself when you look.

What extras do you want? Do you want a LCD TV, side awnings, solar panels, a washing machine? Figure out what is a priority for you and how much it will cost as well as how much energy it might use. Are you going to camp places that have hook-ups or will you be off the grid and need solar panels to help keep things running?

If you are doing a lot of self-contained camping, then solar panels may be a great addition to you purchase, as they will help keep things running. Awnings offer shade, so this is great if you do a lot of camping beach-side or in warmer climates where there aren't a lot of trees to provide shade.

The decision is yours, so be sure you get what you want, the size you want, the amenities you want and the price you want. Shop around, spend a little time getting to know what your options are before you make a final decision.