Planning, homework and a good pair of shoes make shopping for an RV easy and fun
By Ken Freund
Once you've been bitten by the bug to buy an RV, the excitement can tempt you to make quick decisions, which can lead to expensive mistakes, potentially reducing the enjoyment you get from your new purchase. Therefore, it's well worth a little extra time spent in research, planning and shopping to get the right RV for your needs and budget.
First-time buyers face the most-daunting task in selecting the best RV for their needs, because everything from brand names, to types, terminology and even the buying process are new to them. So it's important to understand the various styles of RVs available, and to learn some of the basic "lingo" that you'll encounter as you shop. Much of this is included in the pages of this buyer's guide and is worthwhile reading.
Next, talk to other RVers, especially those in the same general age group and income category, as they will be likely to have similar preferences. Ask them how they use their RVs, what they like about them, and perhaps even more importantly, what they dislike about them. RVers tend to be a friendly bunch and love to talk about their avocation, so don't be afraid to strike up a conversation.
Early in the planning stage, you'll need to determine how many people your RV will be called upon to house. Consider the next few years, and the changes time will bring. For example, what is your current family size? Are there any children on the way? Are your children getting to that age where they'll be going out on their own? Will you be entertaining grandchildren?
Young families on limited budgets just starting out in the RV lifestyle often choose a lightweight folding tent trailer, which can be towed with the family car. Later, as they have more funds available, and perhaps a larger family, they may move up to a more-substantial, hard-sided trailer. Larger trailers are, of course, heavier, and require a tow vehicle that's capable of the load. The largest and heaviest trailers are fifth-wheel designs, which are the most stable to tow, but require trucks with an open back to accommodate the hitch. People with limited agility may find hitching and unhitching trailers difficult, and may choose a motorhome instead.
Lifestyle is another important selection factor. For instance, if you want to tow a boat trailer on your camping trips, you'll have to consider a van conversion, motorhome or truck camper.
For those who camp in cold climates, or want to enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling, etc., it's important to choose an RV that's designed to handle sub-freezing temperatures, with insulated and heated holding tanks and other frost-proofing measures.
Next, estimate how often you can get away, and for how long. Naturally, retirees can usually go away more often and for longer periods than those with a busy employment schedule. Generally, the longer you stay in an RV, the more room and storage space you'll want, and the more it will cost.
Some RVs are more capable of being used for extended periods without campground hookups, such as water, electricity and sewage. These units have larger holding tanks, more LP-gas, and perhaps an onboard generator or solar panels and larger batteries. If you prefer boondocking (dry camping) to full-service campgrounds, keep in mind that some of the primitive camping areas have rugged access roads and may not have the room to accommodate larger rigs.
Whether you choose a motorhome or a trailer, you'll need to consider motor power. Generally, diesel engines are an optional extra on pickup trucks and some motorhomes, or come standard on the pricier coaches. If you intend to cover long distances often with your RV, a diesel may prove more economical due to its lower fuel consumption and longer life. However, occasional users and those who stay near home or operate without electrical hookups in below-freezing weather may prefer gasoline power.
Once you have a general idea of what you need and want, it's time to do some comparison shopping. One of the best places to do this is at a large RV show that displays a wide selection of brands, models and types. Bring along a notebook and take careful notes, because after a while the details of individual models will begin to blur.
After you narrow your shopping to a certain type of RV, you should familiarize yourself with the various floorplans available and decide which you like best. There are also many different available options and accessories, which can customize the coach to your needs.
Typical RV construction uses wooden framing, aluminum siding and roof, lauan interior paneling and wood-composition cabinets. Upgrades may include a rubberized roof, fiberglass siding, aluminum framing and solid-wood cabinetry. Of course, interior upgrades are limitless in scope, and include finer fabrics and carpeting, leather upholstery, Corian countertops, etc.
If possible, try out the various features. Renting an RV that is similar to the one you are interested in buying is an excellent way to tell if this is really the one for you. Sometimes, especially if you have unusual needs and requirements, the best solution is a custom-built RV, although this is best done when you already have some experience.
Take your time and look over the coach from top to bottom, including the roof, inside cabinets, under sinks and in outside storage compartments. Look for fit and finish, orderly routing of wiring and plumbing, doors that fit well and a lack of rough edges.
Weight ratings and limitations are areas that are overlooked by many RVers. This oversight can lead to costly and dangerous durability and safety problems. Many RVs are advertised with a claimed dry weight, which is far less than the actual unit will weigh when ready to use, and far lighter than a fully loaded rig.
To help calculate actual wet weights, it's essential to multiply the freshwater, LP-gas and fuel capacities in gallons by the weight of the liquids. Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon, LP-gas weighs 4.25 pounds per gallon, gasoline weighs 6.3 pounds per gallon and diesel fuel weighs 7.1 pounds per gallon. Batteries are very heavy and their weight must be included. Water heaters hold about six gallons, which adds about another 50 pounds that nobody usually thinks about. Subtract the calculated wet weight from the gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) to estimate the payload (cargo) capacity. Motorhomes must also include the weight of all passengers.
After you get a general idea of what is available and what the price ranges are, it's time to look at what you can realistically afford. If you don't have enough money saved, you'll need a loan. Generally, the lower the downpayment and the longer the loan term, the higher the interest rate. Your credit rating is also an important factor. Finance costs vary greatly between lenders, and most dealers get a substantial bonus from arranging a loan. In some cases, you may be able to list your RV as a second home, which offers some savings; consult your tax advisor for specific details.
Beside the cost of the RV, there are other important considerations. Can you park it on your property or do your city's laws not allow on-street parking? If so, you may have to pay for off-site parking, which increases your monthly cost. Additionally, take into consideration how much state sales tax will cost initially, and what annual registration will cost. Many dealers offer extended-service contracts and warranties at the time of sale.
Before you sign on the bottom line, talk with several dealerships and shop the deal, but be sure to take into consideration the dealer's reputation, service facilities and how far the facility is from your home. After all, a good deal is not only about the cheapest price.
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