Lifestyle is the first thing people should consider when buying an RV, but it’s usually the last. Often, couples fail to communicate when considering buying an RV. Joe may be thinking of his RV tucked into the trees at a fishing hole while Jane dreams of being parked in a plush RV resort. Neither talks about any of this until it’s too late.
If you intend to stay at forest service/state parks that typically have small sites, you don’t want a 40′ RV. If there are two of you who will spend 6 months at a destination park, you probably don’t want a 20′ travel trailer.
The first thing to do, then, is figure out what type of RV will best suit your RV lifestyle. At this point, don’t consider cost, brand or anything else, just the type. Now you can shop seriously, and further narrow down your list without being overwhelmed by variety.
Trailer or motor home? If you plan to spend time in your home town half the year and a destination/snowbird park the other half, you might want a trailer. If your plans include time on the road touring you may want to consider a motor home.
Once you’ve decided on the type of RV, refine your shopping list by learning about quality. Cost is an important measure, but don’t rely on it totally. The best built RVs are going to cost more, but just because an RV is expensive, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s built well. Same goes for brand names. Some of the most popular brands are not very good RVs. Don’t be impressed by cosmetics and decor. Manufacturers know that RVs, like cars, are sold because of appearance, flashy interiors and accessories. An RV that looks like a doll house isn’t going to do you one bit of good if it’s flimsily built.
Concentrate on things that must be right: frame, floors, walls, insulation, roof are things you can’t upgrade easily. Most appliances (stove, reefer) will be the same in the cheap and expensive RVs. Don’t be swayed by extras like TV, microwave, trash masher or ice machine that you can buy better, cheaper, elsewhere.
Your goal is to identify the well-built RVs. From there you can factor in your budget and floor plan, to narrow your choice.
There is no such thing as the perfect RV, so don’t bother looking for it. Any RV you buy will be a compromise based mostly on your RV lifestyle and budget, along with the floor plan.
You may want to read these articles from YourFirstRV.com
Advice for First-Time RV Buyers
Helpful Tips to Consider When Buying a Motorhome
Motorhome or Travel Trailer?
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