TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT…
How to start shopping for the RV of your dreams
So you’ve always wanted an RV. You have dreams about hitting the open road. The recent year-long COVID lockdown ordeal makes you want to get out of your house and still have a safe way to travel. I think it’s save to say that an RV might be in your future!
I know of nine different RV types…and there are probably more!
So which one do you want? (Here’s where your eyes glass over and being overwhelmed begins, right?) We might be able to help you sort it out a little before you go shopping…read on:
BusinessInsider.com breaks it down to this:
- do you want to DRIVE the RV, or
- do you want to TOW the RV
(https://www.businessinsider.com/buying-an-rv-tips-advice-what-to-look-out-for-2019-6#first-know-what-type-of-rv-youre-in-the-market-for-1)
Camping World, one of the largest RV retailers in the nation, can help you with your shopping process even further: they point out, if you want to DRIVE your unit, you’ll need to choose between a Class A, B, C or AD. If you want to TOW the RV you’ll choose from a pop-up, travel trailer or fifth wheel.
From there you can start to narrow it down by deciding how much space you will need to do the things you want to do and be comfortable while you do them!
There are also numerous options when it comes to floor plans and features; here’s where your opinion and needs will matter most and help guide you in your shopping adventure.
And know this: just like cars, you’ll need to decide what options you simply MUST have and which you’re not willing to pay for.
Now the question is “new or used.”
You may decide that buying a new RV…just like a new car…will depreciate quickly and might not make good financial sense for you. Jim Harmer of Camper Report says that a new camper or motorhome could lose 21% of the value when you drive it off the lot. If you’re keeping it for a long time (never say “forever!”), that might not bother you. If you’re new to RVing, you might want to consider a good used model.
And just like a car, insurance on a new model will be much more than a used model. Plus, you should know that on towable RVs, your liability insurance will extend from the tow vehicle’s policy. So you’ll want to make sure that you have enough coverage in case of an accident or lawsuit.
One more thing before you hit Craig’s List or the showroom, DO. YOUR. HOMEWORK. Research what units are currently selling for in your region. Also look at areas where RVs are in abundance and see if a trip to another state might make a big difference in what you’ll pay.
You might also want to think ahead to what type of RV storage needs you’ll have.
Check out facilities near you and do some pricing. Wildhorse Self Storage in Pueblo, Colorado offers this handy size guide to get you started: https://wildhorseselfstorage.com/rv-storage-pueblo-co/
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