Deciding that you want to buy an RV is exciting but also overwhelming. Which is the best RV to buy, and where should you make your purchase? If you don't routinely buy RV's, you likely don't know what you're doing. This means you need to take many steps to get to the RV purchase. Take your time, and choose carefully for the best results. Our RV shopping tips below will guide you through your research and your purchase.
Start At Your Budget
The best RV to buy is the one you can afford. It's probably you will finance your RV purchase. That's why you must think about your monthly payment and what downpayment is cost-effective for the RV. If you don't think about these details, you could buy an RV with payments you cannot sustain. It won't feel good if you buy an RV that's too costly.
Sit down and budget to learn what monthly payments you can afford comfortably. Now, use an RV payment calculator and get payment estimates for RVs. Use this information to help you choose a price range you can buy in. Spending time investigating loans will help you learn what price range you can shop in. When you know your prices, you'll be ready to start looking at your options. You can look at model years and sizes to see what is available at your desired price.
Consider Sleeping Requirements
Everyone wants to think about the size when they look at different RVs. The truth is that you should consider where everyone is going to sleep first. If you're by yourself, or it's just you and another person, most RVs will offer you sleeping accommodations that work. If you have children or plan to bring others along on trips, you'll need more than one queen bed.
Consider the number of people who will want to sleep in the RV. This tells you the number of beds or bunks your rolling cruiser needs. You could possibly use a cot or another temporary sleeping device inside the RV if there is space, but it's far more convenient to have enough built-in sleeping for everyone. Write down how many people the RV must sleep on your list of features that you want. The right sleep space is vital. Learn how much you need and make sure you get it.
Purchasing an RV with the Features You Care About
Spend time touring RVs. Watch RV videos, talk to people that own RVs, and make a list of the features you care most about. You'll quickly learn what you value from an RV and what you don't care about as you look through different RV models. You should also consider renting an RV for a weekend to get familiar with how they feel to sleep in. If you live in an RV for a short trip, you'll discover what you care most about. With each new experience you have during your RV search, you can add another want or need to your list and compile a checklist that leads you to the ideal RV purchase.
Test Different RV Sizes
Many RV purchases are made far from home. You can get excellent deals by traveling a few hours away in some instances. If you buy far from home, you need to understand what RV options you like before you start shopping remotely. To learn what RV size is right, you need to tour different RVs and get a feel for them.
Common RV Sizes
- Class B: 16-21 feet
- Class C: 30-35 feet
- Class A: 29-45 feet
You have three RV classes to buy from. Class A is the most luxurious and expensive, Class C is in the middle, and Class B is the smallest and cheapest. Try all the classes if you aren't sure about them, and decide which type gives you enough space and comfort.
Longer RV options are more difficult to drive and more expensive, but they are the most comfortable. A smaller Class B RV can be low-cost and easy to drive but may not offer enough space. Learn which size you prefer and use that information to help you get an RV that you and your family will be happy with.
Start by going to the closest RV dealer you can and exploring as many RV models as you can. Hopefully, you'll fall in love with a model at the dealer. This gives you an exact option to look for. Even if you don't, you'll learn what size and what features matter most. Use this data to guide your RV purchase.
Buying the Most Reliable RVs
RVs wear out and break down regularly. They are moving vehicles, after all. Some RVs fail much sooner than others, though, and that's because of build quality. Some products are made better than others. Usually, the well-made options are more expensive. Regular repairs suck, which is why buying something reliable is important. The most reliable RV options aren't hard to find if you know what to look for. Learn which brands are reliable and buy them if you can.
Brands like Winnebago, Newmar, or Heartland make quality products that are constructed to last longer. These products are more expensive than some low-cost RVs, but when you combine a quality brand with a vehicle history report check, you can get an RV that will hold up better and cost you less in repairs over time.
If you change your mind and opt for a travel trailer, spend hours researching them as well. You must spend the same time choosing your trailer to get the most durable travel trailer. There are travel trailer brands known for creating the most durable travel trailer options as well. Get to know these options and choose a product that's going to last.
Pick Out the Best RV to Suit Your Personal Needs
When buying an RV, don't rush. You have time, so get the RV features you want. Use your knowledge to sort through sizes and RV layouts to get the perfect setup. Knowing how to choose an RV based on sleeping space, price, and reliability will give you an option you are happy with.
