What to Consider When Shopping for an RV

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Shopping for an RV
Reisemobil am Fluß

Even before the pandemic rewrote the way work and society functions, many people had traded in their office jobs for remote work. After the pandemic struck, some remote workers adopted the van life approach. While you might not crave a full-time van life situation, you might see a recreational vehicle as a way to wring a little more joy out of your time off. For the first-timer, though, there are a lot of factors to consider when you buy a recreational vehicle. Some of those factors mirror traditional vehicle purchases, but some don’t. If you’re thinking of shopping for an RV, keep reading for the key things you should keep in mind.

Table of Contents

New vs Used Recreational Vehicle- Shopping for an RV

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether or not you should go in for a new recreational vehicle or a used one. New vehicles offer several advantages.

The vehicles typically come with warranties and you can often get service contracts as well. That can make repairs simpler. You also get a vehicle with no wear and tear, which extends the working life of the vehicle.

With a used RV, you avoid the massive depreciation in value an RV experiences when you drive it off the lot. That can mean a substantial improvement in price, especially for well-maintained RVs.

Cost

An RV is almost always a luxury purchase unless you plan on making it your primary home. That means you must consider how much you can really invest in the purchase.

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Of course, there are some funding options. For example, you get financial help via financing for RVs and campers. If you’re not ready to pull the trigger on a long-term loan, you can also save up for the purchase over time.

Type

RVs come in several types of classes. There are Class A, Class B, and Class C RVs. Class A and Class C motorhomes typically come equipped with some luxuries, such as kitchen areas and bathrooms. Class B motorhomes are typically conversion vans that offer less space and amenities.

Other options include fifth wheels, travel trailers, and lightweight trailers for small vehicles. Class A RVs cost the most while lightweight trailers typically cost the least.

Wear and Tear

Used RVs are often the option of choice for RV newbies because they cost less. You should closely examine the RV for signs of rust, mold, and leaks.

Pay special attention to the seals around doors, windows, and any hatches in the RV. Those are prime spots for leaks.

A Recreational Vehicle and You

A recreational vehicle can make traveling a much more pleasant experience for you or even become a new home for a nomadic lifestyle. When you buy an RV, though, you must engage in a lot of due diligence.

If you get a used RV, you must look for common problems like rust and mold. With new RVs, you must decide if the warranties and service options offset the high cost and steep depreciation.

Looking for more vehicle tips? Check out the posts in our Automotive section.