You desire to buying your first camper with no experience. Then worry not. Here is a detailed RV newbie tips that would provide you with RV hacks, and camping tips all-inclusive that you require to buy an RV. In fact, you will get to know how to camp with kids and if you have a pet dog, then get tips on camping with dogs.
In order to get value for money, buying an RV needs you to be knowledgeable on various tips such as what to look for, various types of RVs, your budget, taxes, and know what to expect such as RV maintenance among other key factors.
Generally, buying an RV is a huge investment that sometimes one may end up using a loan to be able to own one of the travel trailers. Thus, there is a lot to know before you place your order.
In fact, you need to learn to drive or tow the camper, know common RV maintenance, and be ready to absorb some shocks such as varying gas prices.
A lot comes about with buying an RV and actually it is not right for everyone. So, check this guide to have a vivid picture of what it takes to own an RV.
In this camper buying guide, be ready to learn more about
- Considerations to Take Before Buying an RV
- Types of RVs (Towable RVs, Motorized RVs, Speciality RVs)
- Things to inspect before buying an RV
- Expenses associated with buying RVs
- Buying an RV
- RV newbie tips for buying RV (Video)
Considerations to Take Before Buying an RV
Buying an RV is not like buying a candy. You need to have sufficient knowledge on what you are getting yourself into. In fact, one of the key principle in getting an RV is to purchase one that meets most if not all your needs rather than wants even if you go for small campers.
So, when you are deciding that it’s now time to own an RV, there are things to know before buying a camper. Here are some questions to ask when buying camper to help you in making an informed decision and minimize chances of regret buying camper:
- Why are you buying an RV?
- Who are you buying the camper for?
- What features do you need?
- What features do you want?
- Will you do fulltime RVing?
- In your travels, will you be camping with kids?
- Do you intend to camp with dogs or pets?
Types of RVs
Depending with your needs, you have to decide on which RV suits you the most before choosing a camper to live in. In general, RVs types includes towable RVs, Mororized RVs, and Speciality RVs. You need to know more about the best and worst RV brands.
a)Towable RVs
A towing vehicle or a motorized vehicle must be used to tow the RV from one location to another. Common towing vehicle include family car, pickup truck, and SUV among others.
Conventional Travel Trailer
Conventional travel trailer have wide range of sizes, convenience, and floor plans.
- size: 12-35ft
- Cost range: $8,000-$95,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: Up to 10
Travel Trailers/5th Wheels
Travel trailers and 5th wheels are almost similar although a fifth-wheel travel trailer has a protruding raised front floor plan to offer more spaces. Both travel trailers and 5th wheels travel trailer have been designed to be towed and you therefore need a towing vehicle.
- size: 21-40ft
- Cost range: $18,000-$160,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: Up to 6
Expandable Travel Trailers
Expandable travel trailers can be viewed as a much in between folding camping trailer and a hard sided travel trailer. The expandable travel trailer ends pulls out in a manner that offers more spaces mostly for sleeping. Expandable trailer units tend to be much affordable compared to conventional travel trailers.
- size: 19-30ft
- Cost range: $10,000-$30,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: Up to 8
Towable and Motorized Sport Utility RV
Sport Utility RV (SURV) is most suitable for people who wants to take dirt bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and other motorized toys on the road. Can be good for camping with kids as you can have access to toys and ca be safely moved about.
- size: 19-39ft
- Cost range: $10,300-$170,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: Up to 8
Folding Camping Trailer
Commonly referred to as tent trailers and pop-up trailers. Great for people who enjoy sleeping in a tent while on a camper. The trailer is easy to tow since its light weight.
- size: 8-24ft
- Cost range: $6,000-$22,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: Up to 8
Truck Camper
Truck camper can be described as a portable unit that is loaded on to a chassis of a pickup truck.
- size: 8-20ft
- Cost range: $6,000-$55,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: Up to 6
Also, a teardrop camper can be categorized as a towable RV.
Features of Towable Trailers
Amenities
They have amenities convenient of home such as dining, cooking, sleeping, storage, bathroom, and entertainment places among many other facilities. However, luxurious travel trailers tend to be more spacious and have elegant décor and finishing.
Slide Outs
Slide outs offer additional space for living areas and thus increase occupancy or comfort. The slide out can extend up to 3 feet outward. They can be operated manually or automatically.
Towing
Travel trailers require a towing vehicle. It is worth noting that not all vehicles can tow a trailer. The towing vehicle is often chosen to suit the weight of the trailer being towed and best advised by the manufacturer. Besides, its easy to detach and attach the trailer to a towing vehicle.
Smaller trucks can tow a light weight RV while heavy trailers must be towed by specific towing vehicles. Thus towing vehicles must be matched to the weight of the trailer.
b) Motorized RVs
Motorized RVs are RV that offer temporary living quarters for travel, recreational camping, or seasonal camping. However, they are also used for camping in an RV full time. Motorized RVs have a motorized chassis hence their name.
Type A motorhome
Conventional motorhomes or type A motorhome are designed on a special motorvehicle chassis. Home amenities are present including kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning, and living areas among other key home essential.
- size: 21-40ft
- Cost range: $60,000-$500,000+
- Sleeping Occupancy: Up to 6
Type B Motorhome
Type B motorhomes are commonly referred to as Van campers. They are built on a manufactured van. Suitable as a family car. Type B motorhome offers home experience on the road.
- size: 16-22ft
- Cost range: $60,000-$130,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: Up to 4
Type C Motorhome
Type C motorhome are been manufactured on a van frame and has its wider section attached on the original cab.
- size: 21-35ft
- Cost range: $43,000-$200,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: Up to 8
Features of Motorized RVs
- Spacious and have a room to offer a home like experience
- Luxurious models offer more elegance
- Presence of slide outs add more living space
- Home like experience with key home facilities on board
c) Specialty RVs
Specialty RVs are mainly used to meet a special need based on the features it possess.
Horse trailers
Horse trailers offers and economical, convenient, and comforting travel. A ride on a horse changes the whole experience in an RV since you have both horses and people on board. More fun and stress free since all your horse are safe and you can travel with them.
- size: up to 51ft
- Cost range: $20,000-$200,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: 2-4 people/2-8 horses
Ice fish houses
Ice fish houses are great RVs to use in the cold especially in wither. Fish house offes shelter from cold and you still have plenty of time to spend with loved ones even in winter.
It has wheelchairs or ramps, wide entrance and pathways, roll-in shower and roll-under sinks, operation controls and lower kitchen cabinets.
- size: 6-30ft
- Cost range: $3,000-$20,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: 2-6
RVs for disabled
Thanks to technology, RV manufacturers have also designed RVs suitable for physically challenged people to travel around. Offers a thrilling experience knowing all members of family or friends can go camping despite their limitations.
- size: varies
- Cost range: check with dealer
- Sleeping Occupancy: varies
d) Park models RVs
Park models RVs offers temporary accommodation for camping, recreational, and other seasonal activities. The design of park model RV is like a home but needs it to be hooked to water, sewer, and electricity.
- size: under 400 sq ft
- Cost range: $20,000-$80,000
- Sleeping Occupancy: Up to 10
Things To Inspect Before Buying An RV
When going to a dealer store and you have settled on a particular RV, be sure that you do thorough inspection on the RV before paying and taking it home. Do not be overwhelmed with excitement, know what to look for when buying camper.
Otherwise, failure to follow tips for buying camper can easily make you go home with an already damaged RV that may cost you dearly. Avoid new bie mistakes especially when buying a camper for the first time.
You have to inspect the camper. If you are not sure of how to get started, here are tips on how to inspect a camper before buying. Besides, these are what to check when buying a used camper.
Buy Used RV: Be sure to look out for:
Odors
Check appliances and water sources. Check all the tanks, drains, and undercarriage storage for odors.
Mold
Inspect the corners and joints. Check the cabinets as well
Leaks
Move about and inspect the corners of bathrooms and carpeting near appliance. Leaks can come from windows, doors, roofs, and any other place
Awnings
If the RV has an awning whether manual or automatic taste it works properly. Observe if it retracts as expected.
Roof
Inspect the roof thoroughly for bubbles, cracks, and paint splitting. Replacing the rood is very costly.
If you come across any of the problems do not pay for it. Have it fixed first. Besides, you can enquire for a service documentation. Reputable sellers will have a ready document for service. Caution should be exercised when the seller has no documentation or tries not to avail details of any servicing done.
Documentation
Ensure the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the service documentation since you can be tricked and given a different vehicle service documents. Once the RV is clear and you are satisfied it has no issues you can go ahead and buy it.
Expenses Associated With Buying RVs
- RV financing
- Insurance and GAP coverage
- Registration and Insurance
- Repair and Maintenance Costs
- Propane, Gas, and Fuel
- Access to internet, and cables
- Where you will be parking the RV during trips
- Making Meals
Buying an RV
You can be an RV owner buy buying a new or a used camper. You are likely to get more discount when you know how to negotiate camper . Find more about paying taxes on a used RV. Besides, if you are settling for a used RV you may wish to know about mileage especially when buying a second hand camper trailer.
Also, it is worth noting that there exist pros and cons of buying a camper trailer before settling for any. Here are what to know before buying a used camper.
Pros of Buying Used RV
- Less expensive
- You can redesign, redecorate, and restore
- Cheaper insurance
Cons of Buying Used RV
- Expensive maintenance can be necessary
- Upgrades can be costly
- No warranty
Pros of Buying New RV
- Latest technology
- Minimal risk of damage and need for repair
- Get what you want
- Enjoy warranty
Cons of Buying New RV
- Buying cost is expensive
- Higher insurance premiums
- You may need to invest in a towing vehicle
Once you buy your RV, have an must have RV items RV checklist in handy. The RV checklist will help you not forget what you need for a thrilling RV camping experience.
RV Newbie Tips For Buying RV (Video)
Watch this video for further information based on experience RVers.