Don’t you dream about a cross-country trip around America? Or perhaps even navigating your way around Europe?
The best way to do this is to join the van life and buy an RV. Buying an RV brings you a whole new life of freedom. Whether you want to travel more or experience a new way of living, these recreational vehicles are the best route.
But how exactly do you go about buying an RV?
We’re glad you asked! Here are our top tips for buying an RV this year:
1. Buy a New Model
When looking at an RV for sale, many newcomers try to find a used RV as these are much cheaper. While there are benefits to buying used RVs and many are in great condition, we don’t suggest it this year.
As RVs have become more popular, prices have become more balanced. You can find new camper vans for a fraction of the price compared to previous years.
Now’s the time to get a brand-new RV that’ll work perfectly and won’t need constant maintenance or repairs.
2. Understand the Different Models
Which RV do you want, the brown one or the black one?
Well, before you start choosing colors you must understand the different types of vans available. This lets you decide what you’ll be most comfortable with and how it’ll affect your vacation.
For this guide, we’ll focus on the three main types of motor homes. Let’s delve into detail on how each works and their features:
Type A Motor Home
This is the longest motor home with two wheels at the front and four in the back. This is perfect for large groups. If you wish to travel with your family or a large group of friends then this is perfect.
You’ll need to maintain this type of RV more. It’ll take several hours to clean it and repairs can often take several days. But this is a great option for cross-country trips and for long weekends at campgrounds.
Type B Motor Home
This is a more compact motor home with two wheels at the front and two wheels at the back. It’s great for small families or groups. These are also easier to maintain and are great for camping as well.
Type C Motor Home
This is a combination of Type A and Type B. It’s great for larger families with 6-7 people being ideal. It’s easier to maintain and is perfect for long trips and camping.
Make sure you test out the different types of vans until you determine which one works best. This brings us to our next tip:
3. Learn How to Drive an RV
Regardless of what type of RV you choose, you’ll soon find that it’s challenging to drive them. But the training will be worth it as you’ll eventually be seeing the incredible nature of the world through your RV’s window.
You can hire a professional to help you drive the RV of your choice. You’ll learn how to drive an RV and can figure out which one is more suited to your preferences.
4. Look At Your Budget
One of the major benefits of traveling with an RV is that it’s often cheaper than a traditional vacation. However, if you’re not careful you can still put a strain on your wallet.
It might be difficult to buy an RV upfront as it can cost at least $30,000. You might have to take out a loan or opt for a payment plan. This might add extra fees such as a principal or interest to the overall cost.
There are also extra costs associated with owning an RV. This includes gas fees, extra amenities, and maintenance and repair costs. Make sure you plan ahead before buying an RV.
5. Research the Title
This is especially crucial if you’re buying an RV from a dealership rather than the manufacturer.
The title will give you the history of the RV. Sometimes, you’ll learn that the RV had issues or malfunctions. You want to ensure that the RV is in perfect condition.
While this is normally the case with new RVs, there can still be issues. Make sure you thoroughly research the title before buying an RV. Take your time and avoid buying any RV that has even minor issues.
6. Get an Inspection
This continues with the previous section. If you want to buy an RV, you want to get it inspected first.
Once again, don’t simply assume that because an RV is new that it won’t have any malfunctions. First, you must inspect the RV until it’s to your satisfaction.
Afterward, you must hire a professional to conduct an inspection of the RV. They’ll be able to spot any issues or potential issues with the RV. They’ll be able to warn you if you should be concerned about the purchase.
Often, the seller might request an inspection before selling the RV to you. This ensures that you know if there are any issues with the RV you must resolve them before finalizing the sale.
After buying the RV, you’ll be held responsible for any issues with the RV. You won’t be able to claim, in most cases, that the seller withheld information.
That’s why it’s crucial to have an inspection and make sure you request repairs before you buy a faulty RV. To save yourself the hassle, it’s better to look for another RV altogether.
Buying an RV can be a time-consuming process but you need to take as much time as possible to find the right one. Once you start traveling with your RV, you’ll be glad you took your time!
Buying an RV Is a Great Investment
Now you know the benefits of buying an RV and why you should consider it for your next vacation.
Make sure you follow our tips to buy an RV. Always buy a new one but make sure to get it inspected and analyze the titles.
Hire a professional to teach you how to drive an RV. This will also help you decide which model of RV works best for your needs. Once you get behind the wheel, you’re ready to begin your journey. Check out our blog for tips on where to visit next!