How to Buy a new Rv
Step 1: Decide if an RV is right for you.
An RV is an expensive investment that will not appreciate in value. In other words, no matter how you slice it an RV is going to cost you money. Make certain that this is where you want to spend your hard earned income.
Many suggest that one way to learn about RVs is to rent one at least for a weekend. This experience will likely hook you on RVing or send you packing, but that is the purpose. A week would be even better. It will also help you determine what size is right for you. The experience of hooking, unhooking and dumping will bring home the realities of RV life.
Step 2: Know what you can afford.
The first decision is whether to purchase an RV, but after that comes what you want and what you can afford. The absolute best advice is to know what you can afford first. Think about how much you can put down and what monthly payments you can comfortably make including insurance and parking fees, leaving room for traveling money. Also put something aside to stock your RV the way you want it. This might include silverware, dishes, towels, extra toiletries, and assorted items to keep your RV clean as well as a variety of tools.
Step 3: What type RV is best for your needs, Trailer or Motor home?
One of your earliest decisions is whether to buy a trailer or a motorized unit. This is quite easy for those who own a subcompact and really cannot pull a trailer. Also, consider whether you want to be able to pull over and have amenities readily available. Of course if you already own a vehicle with the power to pull a trailer (and you can put some of them behind a minivan or SUV) you might want to consider the benefits of a trailer. One of the benefits is that they cost a great deal less than a motorized unit.
Step 4: Do Internet research.
Spend some time on the Internet prior to visiting RV showrooms. This will make it easier for you to use some RV lingo, and provide an idea of pricing. There are thousands of sites that will provide you with the type of information you need. Jump in with a few search terms about RVs and start the adventure.
Step 5: Determine what size is best for you.
Whether a motorized unit (motor home) or a trailer is right for you the next decision relates to the size you need and/or want. The best way to begin making this decision is to hit the RV Dealers on weekends or whenever you can. If you live in a large metropolitan area you should have a great deal to see. Finding a large RV Show is also a plus. It is worth your time and effort even if you have to travel to one, but make certain there will be plenty for you to see and evaluate.
Comparing a Class A (usually the largest) and a Class B (usually the smallest) and a Class C (you will note the overhang over the cab) is a lot like the old saying about apples and oranges. One thing you will quickly learn is that, like life, there are trade-offs. If you want all the comforts of home be prepared to get 8 miles per gallon or less. If you are willing to make do in a smaller unit (they have most of the same amenities only in much less space) then you can improve your gas mileage to as high as 18 to 20 mpg. Before you decide, spend some time in one. By that I mean sit and walk around and think about how you would cook, use the shower, or watch TV. Where would you store dishes and clothes or whatever you would be taking along.
Step 6: Use the Internet to improve your overall knowledge about RVing.
There are literally thousands of sites with RV related information. Many of these sites provide valuable information whether you are a beginner or an old hand. One site titled simplyRV Linksis very good and provides information on a wide range of RV issues.
Step 7: Determine how much you should pay for your dream RV.
A question often asked and seldom answered is how much should you pay for an RV or to put it another way what type of discount can you expect to get off the MSRP? When buying a car it is relatively easy to determine the dealer cost, but such is not the case for RVs. After weeding your choices down to one or two you can again hit the internet. You will find some dealers advertising a discounted price on line. Check dealers all over the country, because you are only interested in getting an idea about price.
If you are able to find forums on the Internet that relate to the particular unit you want to purchase it is a good place to ask. Spending a few weeks on such a site will provide you with a great deal of information from those who have already purchased the RV you have in mind.
Buying a used RV can save you a lot of money. Many web sites provide good pricing information about used units. If you are able to take a little risk there are bargains galore. There are also a number of companies that will sell you an extended warranty, though that is a subject unto itself.
Step 8: Compare financing costs.
Then of course there is the question of financing. Once again the Internet is a good place to start. Bank of America and Bank West are two financial institutions that do a reat deal of RV financing. Check with your local bank and see what the dealer can do.
Step 9: Compare insurance products and costs.
Insurance is another matter to be considered. When you drive your brand new RV off the dealer's lot it will substantially depreciate. An accident could leave you financially upside down. Having replacement insurance provides more protection. When comparing rates be certain to check with companies that do a great deal of RV insurance. The company that provides your homeowners and auto insurance may do very little insuring of RVs and therefore not have a product that really protects you. GMAC and Progressive both do a lot of RV insurance.
Step 10: Check it out.
Prior to accepting your unit conduct a thorough walk through and also drive it. Buying a new unit gives you some comfort since the unit is under warranty. However, before leaving with your new RV it is essential that you run every system and move everything that cam be moved. Check out systems with and without shore power and in general put your new RV through its paces. You will likely have it for a long time. It will never be better than it is the day you drive it off the dealer's lot.
