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Purchasing an RV is something you should use care and diligence
with. It is important to think about what is going best suit your needs.
Below are some tips to help you make a more informed decision when buying your new
RV.
- If money is an issue, consider buying used.
This gives you a chance to save money while still getting everything you want out
of an RV. Many people choose to buy new, but then can’t afford to add the
features and options they prefer after the purchase. You would be surprised
at how many RV’s there are to choose from when buying used, whether it is from a
personal seller or dealer. There are many great deals out there!
- When buying used make sure to inspect and do your
research. First make sure to ask why the RV is being sold.
Did it not work well for the previous owner’s needs or did they just want something
different? Make sure to take it for a test drive, check under the hood, and
even take it to a mechanic that could tell you if the engine looks like it is in
good condition. Does the roof leak, A/C work, are the tires old? Are
there any bubbles on the outside wall? Does the refrigerator have an ammonia
smell (usually meaning its life span is almost at an end). These are all things
to think about. The last thing you want to do after making a large purchase
on an RV is to put a lot of unforeseen money into it.
- Take your time when choosing what is right for you.
You have to ask yourself what you will be primarily using this for. If you
are going to be traveling long distances for a long period of time, you may want
one that runs off diesel. If this is for your family, you have to think about
how many people it can sleep comfortably. The floorplan of your RV is a big
item to consider. It is important to think about how you would like the RV to be
laid out. Where is most of your traffic going to be and where would you prefer
the kitchen or living room to be. If you want a travel trailer or fifth wheel,
you need to make sure you have the correct vehicle to tow it with. Also, does
the RV provide enough inside and outside storage space?
- Find a Dealer you can trust. If you know
anyone who can refer you to a dealership where they have had a good experience,
approach it that way. Let the Dealer know that you were referred by a previous
buyer. This will usually encourage the Dealer to take extra special care of
you while you are purchasing your RV. If not, finding a reputable Dealer is
a must. You may want to consider finding someone who can help you find what
you need, not one that has a sole goal of just making a sale. Maybe a friend
who currently owns an RV. Ultimately, it is the Dealer’s responsibility to
help you find the RV that will best suit your needs. They should not hesitate
to take you on a tour of the Dealership if you ask. You may want to look at
the Service & Parts Departments. Do they appear to be adequate enough
to take care of you and your RV after the sale? Is their a warranty offered
on the vehicle you are buying and where do you bring the RV for warranty repairs?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how long they have been in business either
or if they personally own an RV. It is good to know that they are selling
something that they are happy enough to use themselves.
- Be clear about what you want. If the
Dealer wants to sell you an RV with the floorplan you want, but not all the options
and features you want, ask them if they can special order what you need. There
is no reason to settle for something you think is just OK because you are going
to be spending a lot of time in this RV while traveling or camping. If you are worried
about the cost of extra features and options, then sticking with the standard given
may be a good decision for you. You can always add extra options later.
It doesn’t hurt to ask about price comparisons of other makes. As a matter
of fact, it is good to let the Dealer know that you are looking at competitive products.
They will perceive you as a more educated buyer and certainly be on their toes.
Look at the décor and interior colors. Do they appeal to you? How many
slide outs does the RV come with? Do your research.
- Ask plenty of questions.
Think of the potential use of the RV, like how much fresh water it holds at one
time, and think if you are okay with the answer. You have to think about where
you will be going, what you will using it for, and how many people you will need
to provide accommodations for. Then ask yourself questions like, is the waste
tank capacity enough? Do you need a generator? Is there an internal
A/C unit? How big is the Hot Water heater? Is the TV in a good location
for the way the living room is set up? Is there enough space to walk around
when the slide-outs are not being used? Is the kitchen big enough to use for
cooking? Is the RV the right size for your needs?
- Consider your options. Know that there
are many RV’s out there to choose from. Think about what you want and find
someone who can help you get exactly that. Just remember to stick with a reputable
Dealer and buy a brand that is reputable as well. . A little knowledge
can take you a long way, so take your time and make the right decision of what is
going to work best for you and your needs. And most of all, trust your gut.
That little voice inside is usually right.
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