Choosing the Right Size RV

Buying a Recreational Vehicle - Eight Tips For Choosing the Right Size RV
By Darlene Durham

No one RV size or floorplan is the perfect size for everyone. After deciding on the type of RV to purchase (travel trailer, 5th wheel or motorhome), the search will narrow down to certain manufacturers, floor plans and size of RVs. Consider these eight tips when shopping for an RV to help you find that perfect size RV.

1. What size RV are you and other family drivers comfortable with pulling or driving? Whether your new RV is a towable that you will pull with your tow vehicle or a motorhome pulling your automobile, truck or SUV, you have to be comfortable driving the total length of your RV and vehicle. I have heard of people who purchase a large RV for the room inside only to be scared to death of the size and not use it and, in a short time, trade it in for a smaller RV. When you are considering an RV purchase, ask the sales person at the dealership or the individual you are purchasing it from to let you test drive it. Ask for an experienced RV driver at the dealership to go with you as they can give you some driving tips which could make you feel more comfortable.

2. How many people and pets will be traveling in the RV? When shopping for an RV or at the very least when you have narrowed your search down to a few, take the kids or other traveling passengers with you. Everyone should be in the RV at the same time to determine maneuverability with everyone on board. Do you feel like you are tripping over each other? If you have pets that will travel with you in a crate, bring a measuring tape with you and measure out the area required for the size crate or tape together sheets of paper in the size of the footprint of the crate or find a cardboard box the approximate size of the crate that you can break down and set up in the RV you are considering. This will give you a good visual of how much floor space the crate will take.

3. Does the RV have enough storage? Obviously, there is a big difference in the amount of clothing, food, shoes, toiletries, food and supplies required for two people using an RV for weekend getaways and a family of four with two dogs who want to travel across country for an extended vacation. Make sure the RV has enough storage but never exceed the weight limitations established by the manufacturer.

4. Will the kitchen table adequately and comfortably seat all family members? Though the goal may be to have all meals outside on a picnic table, weather and other factors can force meal times inside the RV. The two common type of kitchen configurations found in RVs are the bench style or traditional table and chairs. Many times the bench style seating will have storage underneath and can be converted to an extra bed. Do you need those features or will your family more comfortable with the table and chairs configuration even though it means losing storage and/or a bed. Look at RV floor plans with both configurations to help you decide.

5. How comfortable are the bed(s) both in size and comfort? If you are used to sleeping on a king size mattress at home because you are over 6' tall, a full size bed may not be a comfortable size for you in an RV. If the mattress is too soft or too hard, it can be changed to a mattress you prefer. If the bed for children is a pull out couch in the RV, pull it out and make sure the kids will be comfortable.

6. How does the size and layout of the bathroom suit your family? Is the shower stall large enough for the size of all family members, even those who are tall or on the larger size? One configuration that many RVers like in the bathroom is the toilet and sink in a separate room. Make sure every member of the family tries out this configuration as the small room can seem claustrophobic to some and the area for the sink may not have a comfortable amount of elbow room for some to perform their daily routines such as brushing teeth, shaving, etc.

7. Do you want slide-outs in your RV to extend your inside room? Slide-outs are a great way to increase your indoor living space. Tour some RV floor plans with slide-outs if you are looking for more room.

8. Where do you and your family like to go and stay? The larger the RV, the less choices for RV parks and campgrounds. Many state parks, national parks and older RV parks have smaller RV sites that may not accommodate the larger RVs usual ly over the 32-36 foot length range. Purchase a campground directory that will not only give you many choices of RV parks at your destinations but it will tell you the average size of the RV sites.

Traveling in an RV is, in our opinion, the best way to travel. You take the conveniences of your home with you. But to get the maximum enjoyment out of your travel adventures, you need to choose an RV that is just the right size for you, your family and other guests. There are a number of considerations to finding the perfect size RV for you. But you will find it!

As long time RVers with tens of thousands of miles traveling in our RV, we like to think we have learned a thing or two about RVs and the RV lifestyle. We hope you will join us on the road and enjoy this wonderful way of traveling. Get more tips about RVs and RVing at our website http://www.love-to-rv.com.

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