Five RV Buying Tips

Buying a Recreational Vehicle - Five Tips Before Making the Decision to Buy an RV
By Darlene Durham

Once you have decided the RV lifestyle is for you and the type of RV that fits your needs, it is time to find that perfect RV. Since an RV is both a "vehicle" and a "house", you need to inspect every RV from both perspectives. You probably already know the areas to check from the perspective of buying a house or a vehicle. Here are five tips you may not have thought of to consider before buying an RV to enhance the safety and enjoyment of your RV experience.

1. When considering a towable (trailer or 5th wheel), the most important tip is to ensure your tow vehicle has the power to handle the fully loaded weight of your RV. I have heard many people be concerned about being able to climb a steep grade on a mountain pulling the weight of an RV but it is more important that the vehicle get you down the other side safely without burning the breaks or otherwise damaging the tow vehicle. Don't depend on an RV or tow vehicle sales person's word. Sometimes they may not know. I have heard horror stories of sales people telling a buyer a tow vehicle will handle the weight only for the new owner of a towable or newly purchased tow vehicle to find out after the purchase that the tow vehicle is undersized to safely tow a fully loaded trailer or 5th wheel. Read the vehicle owner's manual and do your research.

2. When considering an RV to purchase, try to have some time alone in the RV without a sales person. Tell him/her you would like to look around on your own and discuss the features of the RV in private. While alone in the RV, mimic some of your every day routines. Lie on the bed, stand in the shower, "brush your teeth", mimic cooking movements in the kitchen, etc. to see if the space available for your daily routines is sufficient. For example, some RVs will place the toilet in a separate room. Many people like this configuration but depending on your body size, this may not work for you so sit on the toilet with the lid down to see if the room is comfortable. Some RVs will also have the sink in that same separate room. Is there enough elbow room to perform your daily tasks such as brushing your teeth, shaving, drying your hair in a small enclosed area?

3. Especially if this is your first RV purchase, have the dealer or previous owner explain how everything works in the RV to ensure you are comfortable with the different operations of the RV. Once you have made the decision to purchase a particular RV, have the dealer or previous owner then fully demonstrate the workings of all components of the RV. Bring questions you may have had from previous tours. Take notes as there will be copious amounts of information that can become confusing later if you are new to RVing. If possible, take a video of the demonstration to refer to later.

4. Tires on many RVs don't get the road use as your personal vehicle; therefore, the age of the tires on RVs will usually be more important that the miles on the tires unless you are a full time RVer putting many miles on the tires. Most tires will need to be replaced due to age and UV exposure vs. wear. Tires on an RV should be replaced every six years but no more than seven years. Make sure of the date of the tires, especially on a used RV. The date code will be on the tire. You may want to negotiate on the price of the RV if the tires are due to be replaced soon. Even "new never used" RVs that have been on a dealer lot for a year or two could have tires that are two to three years old.

5. As I write this, our country is still in a recession which has not left the RV industry unscathed. There have been some RV manufacturers who have filed for bankruptcy or reorganization, a few who have been bought by other companies and some who are discontinuing particular product lines. Though I have heard of some incredible deals folks are getting on RVs, you want to ensure the financial soundness of the RV manufacturer and dealer. You also want to a written guarantee that any warranties/guarantees will be honored for the length of time offered.

As long time RVers with tens of thousands of miles traveling in an 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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