Top Tips For Buying An RV

Considering buying an RV? Feeling overwhelmed by the idea? You are not alone. There is a lot to consider when it comes to buying a motorhome or travel trailer, and if you’re new to the world of RVing, you might not even know what kinds of considerations you should be making.

That’s why we’re here today. Below, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips for buying an RV. Using these tips will help ensure you get an RV that you will love and can use for years to come, without breaking the bank.

Let’s get started!

Should I Buy an RV?

The first question to ask yourself is, “Should I buy an RV?” Yes, you might feel like you want an RV, but unless you’re going to get a good amount of use out of the purchase, it might not be a good idea. RVs are not cheap, and in many cases it’s better to rent an RV when you need it and avoid the monthly payments, insurance payments, maintenance costs, and storage fees.

 

Of course, if you’ll use your RV a good number of times each camping season, it might make sense to buy a rig of your own. To figure this out, you will need to ask yourself, “How much is an RV rental that I’d like to use?” and then compare that cost (multiplied by the number of nights you’ll spend camping) to the many costs of owning and maintaining an RV.

Head to an RV Show

If you decide that an RV is the best option for you, the next step is to figure out what kind of RV you want. There are a huge variety of RVs on the market, from itty bitty pop-ups to vans to truck campers, all the way up to those gigantic fifth wheels and class A motorhomes that many call home full-time. On top of that, each of these types of RVs comes in a number of different floor plans, meaning you have a lot of decisions to make.

Our advice for starting the decision-making process? Head to an RV show. Try to go to a big one with a large variety of rigs to check out. Walk through as many as you can and imagine yourself using each one on a day-to-day basis:

• Where would everyone sleep?
• What would be required to set up and tear down sleeping spaces each evening and morning?
• How would you cook?
• Would using the bathroom be comfortable?

As you imagine your life in each rig, take notes on what you like and what you don’t like.

Create a Wish list

After the RV show, you will have a pretty decent idea of what you’re looking for in an RV. Use the notes you took to create an RV wish list. This will help keep you on track and ensure you don’t forget any of your preferences in the shopping process, something that is surprisingly easy to do when there is so much to think about.

Your wish list should include:

• The type and size of RV you prefer. Towable or driveable? With slides or without? How long? Keep your camping preferences in mind. If you’ll spend all your time in RV parks, anything you choose is probably okay size-wise, but those who want to fit into national park campgrounds and make their way to the best boondocking spots will need something more nimble.
• How many sleeping spaces you require. Do these need to be permanent, or are you willing to set up a bed each night? Will you ever have guests that need a place to sleep? Any chance that your family will grow before you get a new rig? Do beds need to be a certain size?
• Floorplan wishes. If you noticed a particular floor plan that you loved, make a note of it. Many families adore the loft and mid-bunk fifth wheels. Meanwhile, there are those who want a van with a back bench seat. Whatever it is you loved most, make sure to write it on your list!
• Bathroom requirements. If you’re getting a small rig, is a bathroom actually necessary for you? If it is, is a wet bath okay? If you’re getting a big rig, do you need two full bathrooms? Do you require a bathtub, or is a shower alone okay?
• Kitchen requirements. Do you need a lot of counter space? Is an oven important to you? What about a microwave? Would a convection oven do the trick? Do you need a large sink or stove? What about an outdoor kitchen?
• Other details. Did you notice something you really loved about certain rigs? No matter how small, add every detail to your wishlist. This might include the locations of outlets, luxury features such as massage chairs, the type of front steps installed, an automatic versus manual awning, etc.

Rent an RV (or a Few)

With your wish list all written up, the next best step is to rent an RV that meets all of your requirements so you can experience actually using it. Choose one that is as similar as possible to one you would actually buy. Use it for a couple of nights and make sure you do all of the things you’d usually do on a camping trip so you can pick out any problems you might have with the setup.

You might have to rent a few different RVs until you find one that really suits your fancy. That’s okay! It’s better to spend a small amount of money finding exactly what you want than to spend a ton of money only to find out you don’t love the rig you thought you would.

Set a Budget

At this point, you know exactly what you’re looking for. That said, you do still have to consider your wallet. Sit down and look at rigs that are similar to those you loved most. How much is an RV that meets your requirements? Is this a price you are able to pay? If not, you might have to be flexible and make a compromise or two.

Consider a Buying A Used RV

One way to get the rig you really want, but still stay within a reasonable budget amount, is to buy a used RV. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say we recommend buying an RV used over buying a new rig the vast majority of the time.

 

How much is an RV when bought used? Well, that depends on the age, size, and features of the rig. However, if you buy a three-year-old rig, you can expect to pay about half of what you’d pay for a used model of the same size and quality. That’s an enormous savings!

…But Know What to Watch Out For

Yep, buying a used RV is often the way to go. That said, you will want to know what to watch out for when you buy a used rig. You don’t want to end up with somebody else’s problem, and knowing the warning signs might just save you a whole lot of trouble down the line.

 

Below are some of the major red flags to watch out for.

Water Damage

Water is pretty much the worst enemy of an RV owner. Water damage can happen quickly and could result in thousands of dollars in damage.

 

Before buying an RV, inspect it closely for any and all signs of water damage. Look for things like…

 

• Brown or yellow spots on the ceiling, walls, or floor.
• Mold anywhere.
• A bowed ceiling.
• Bubbling of the siding.
• Rust on exterior screws.
• Squishy walls, floor, or roof.

 

To find any of these factors, be especially sure to look in corners, near the toilet, under the sink, near the shower, in the cabinets, in the storage bays, and on top of the roof.

If you see signs of problems with water, walk away.

 

Non-Functioning Systems and Appliances

Check the plumbing, electrical, heating, and air in any RV before buying. Turn on all lights, appliances, and faucets, and check each mode to ensure they are functioning. Ensure the outlets are working by plugging something in, and take a look at the batteries to check for signs of corrosion.

 

When checking the A/C and water heater, be sure to leave them running for a half hour or so to ensure they are actually doing their jobs. Ask to have the fridge turned on the day before you arrive so you can see it is working properly.

 

Systems and Appliances to check include:

 

• Electrical (with and without shore power)
• Generator
• Air conditioner
• Furnace
• Water heater
• Refrigerator
• Oven
• Stove
• Microwave
• Sink faucets
• Showers (indoor and outdoor)
• Toilet
• Water pump
• Holding tanks (check for leaks)

Signs of an Accident

Traffic accidents can cause serious damage to an RV. Carefully inspect the outside of any RV you plan to buy and look for signs of a wreck. Watch out for large dents and broken parts, as these indicate that there could be issues with suspension, problems with the axles, or any number of other problems due to an accident.

Issues Under the Hood

If you’re going to buy a motorhome, it’s important that you have your mechanic take a peek under the hood and take the rig out for a test drive. This will help you rule out major issues under the hood that could cost you thousands of dollars to address.

Know The Best Time For Buying An RV

Another way to save when buying an RV? Buying at the right time! When is the best time to buy an RV? Fall and early winter.

This season is the best time to buy because most people put their rigs in storage for winter, and many would rather sell than deal with winterization and storage if they don’t plan to use their RV in the spring. Additionally, dealers know that fall is the end of the camping season, and early winter is their last chance to get rid of that year’s models before the new ones start coming in, so they are more likely to give deals during this time of year.

By starting the shopping process in late-September and making sure you buy before the end of December, you should be able to find an excellent deal.

Final Thoughts On Buying An RV

By now you know what kind of RV you’re looking for, what to look for in used rigs, and even when to do your RV shopping. What we haven’t discussed yet is how to buy an RV.

Wondering where to start when buying an RV? We recommend heading over to RV Trader. Make an account and start browsing what’s available in your area. You could also head to some local dealerships to see what they have to offer. Some people even have luck shopping on Facebook Marketplace.

With your RV wish list and a strict budget, you know exactly what you’re looking for. Though it may take time to find that gem, we’re certain you will find it eventually.

Once you do find it, you will need to think about financing. If you need a loan, head to your bank—or better yet, a credit union (if there is one you can access). These places can give you a loan even if you’re buying from an individual, and will give you a better interest rate than most dealerships out there.

After that, it’s just a matter of getting damage protection and getting your rig registered so you can hit the road and have an awesome RV adventure!

Remember that if you are unsure on which model to buy, visit RVnGO, where you have a variety of RV options with RV-sharing to try. Try before you buy and make sure you get the one that will deliver the most years on the road and campsite.