Camper Buying Guide 101: How to Choose an RV You’ll Love for Years to Come

how to choose an rv

Owning an RV is a way to experience freedom like never before. You get to pick up and take off at a moment’s notice and go wherever you want to.

Approximately 10 million households in the US own an RV, so why shouldn’t you? When you buy an RV, you get to make travel your lifestyle and you’ll never look back.

But how do you choose the right RV for you? They come in all sizes and price ranges so you need to make sure you make the right choice. Read on to learn how to choose an RV that suits you.

How to Choose an RV That Suits You

There are a lot of great benefits to living the RV lifestyle. But choosing an RV isn’t the same as buying a new car, there’s a lot more to consider.

What size do you need? Will you need a shower? Do you need modern appliances and decor?

It’s a personal choice that depends on each person. Here are a few ways to help you choose the right RV for you.

1. Start by Renting

If you’ve never owned an RV before, sample the RV life by renting one first. Don’t jump head-first into buying one if you’ve never experienced it before.

This way, you get to see which parts of the RV life appeal to you and which parts don’t. You get to see what you can live with and what amenities you need to have.

The only way to learn about having an RV is by trying it first. When you’ve tried renting, you can be sure whether the RV life is for you. Then you can start to look into buying.

2. Motorhome or Trailer?

The two different kinds of RV you need to choose between is a motorhome or a trailer. A trailer will attach to your vehicle and you pull it along, whereas you drive the motorhome as is.

A trailer can be more difficult to park and a little clunky. But they’re great for staying in one place for a while if you’re camping.

A motorhome is much easier to drive and park and it’s great for taking on short trips. They don’t offer as much space unless you splash out on an expensive one, though.

If you don’t plan on too many trips, a trailer could be perfect for you. But if you want to live the RV life, a motorhome may suit you better.

3. Focus on Features

Once you’ve sampled the RV life and decided which camper to go for, you need to decide on the features you need.

How many beds do you need? How long do you want it to be? Does it need a big water tank?

Does it need to be winter-ready or will you stick to RVing in warm climates?

Make a list of the features you need and put them in order of priority. Figure out which are most important and which you can do without. Then look for an RV which ticks those boxes.

4. The Price is Right

Buying an RV can be a very expensive venture, so you need to make a budget. Know how much you can afford to spend and stick to it.

If you buy newer models, you’ll save on repairs and maintenance for the first few years. But it’ll cost you a lot more.

If you go for an older, used model then you’ll save money but may have to pay for repairs sooner than you’d like.

If you’re RVing on a regular basis, you’ll have to get repairs at some stage. Companies like Quality RV Solutions provide repairs for RVs of all kinds. So, you can have peace of mind that your RV won’t leave you stranded.

5. Visit an RV Show

One of the best ways to choose an RV you love is to visit an RV show. This way, you get to see all kinds of makes and models and step inside to get a feel for them.

There are a lot of people at these events so it doesn’t feel like a hard sell at a dealership. Plus, you get to sample a huge range of different RVs in one place, on one day.

They’re also the perfect place to meet other RV owners and talk to them about it. Which leads us to the next point…

6. Get Some Advice

Meet with other RV owners and discuss what you’re looking for. Chances are, they’ve had experience with RVs for years and know how to help.

They can help you with the best brands to choose from as well as what to stay away from. They can give you a good idea of the cost of living in an RV as well as other things you haven’t thought about.

You can also make new friends on the road and it could be the best way to embark on your new RV lifestyle!

7. Buy the RV and Get on the Road!

You’ve done the research, sampled different vehicles, and talked to people. Now, you’re ready! When you feel prepared to make the leap and confident in your decision, go buy that RV!

The RV lifestyle will give you the freedom to travel and explore whenever you feel like it. No more buying plane or train tickets, no more spending on hotels.

You can travel for as long or as short amount of time as you want without limitations.

Hit the Road and Don’t Look Back

There’s no feeling that compares to the first time you set off on your first RV adventure. When you’ve made the right choice and bought the perfect RV for you, you’re going to be a very happy camper!

Now that you know how to choose an RV, you have no excuse not to hit the road. Get out there and start living the RV life in style!

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