Five Things you Need to Know Before you Buy an RV

RVing is one of the most enjoyable lifestyles you can have. To make it more fulfilling you need to take a few minutes and do an inventory of your needs, lifestyle and how you plan on using your unit. Ask yourself these following questions:

Terry Cooper - America's RV Expert

1. What do you and your family enjoy doing? What activities are fun for you?

• Do you look forward to taking a long family vacation and visit all the popular tourist sites?
• Do you like to take mini vacations over the weekends?
• Do you enjoy the sports part of life… fishing, hunting, motor sports or even antiquing?
• Maybe you plan to live “Full Time” in your RV.

Bottom line is what do you do to relax and enjoy your family time?

2. What features and options do want your RV to have? Some features and amenities are a must while others fit into that, “That would nice category”.

• You may desire to have a microwave to pop your popcorn and a big screen TV with surround sound so you can sit and relax.
• Do you need bunk beds for the kids and a King size bed to stretch out on.
• If you are into motor sports you might need the auxiliary fuel station and work shop so you can service your toys.
• If you are going full time you may be more concerned about Satellite cable and internet hook – up and want heated marble floors and a washer/dryer.

Features and options will determine the unit for you

3.  You need to know the different types of RV units that are available in today’s market. Each type is made for the various lifestyles and recreational needs.

• RVs come either motorized or where you tow them with another vehicle.
• You may enjoy going to the mountains and dry camping. Roughing it is your way of seeing the sites. You might want to look at a Pop Up Camper that you can pull behind your smaller vehicle.
• One of your family vehicles might be a Pickup or SUV and you may want to take it with you on your trips. You can tow a trailer with your vehicle.

• You may want to travel down the road with everyone sitting together in the Living Room with access to the kitchen and bathroom.  If so, then you would need to look at a motorized Class A, Class B or Class C.
• If you are going to be full timing it, you may need to look at a bigger unit that has slide out walls and more home – like amenities.

Look for the type or model that supports your lifestyle

4. What is your Budget? Many folks need to watch their dollars and still want to enjoy the RVing lifestyle. While others have the financial ability to purchase whatever type of RV they want with lots of flash and glitter.

• You may be Daddy Big Bucks and can afford to own one of the biggest and nicest Motor Homes priced at $1 + million dollars. Your unit will have all the latest gadgets and options available.
• Or, you may be just starting out and you have graduated up from a tent and a Pop Up tent trailer is your big step.
• Sometimes buying a late model used unit will give you the options and features you want. (many times dropping back 1-4 years will give you the RV with the features and options you want and need.)
• You can pay cash for a used unit if your reserve is available or you can finance your unit over a period of time through the dealership, your bank, or credit union.
• Educate yourself – Know what you are buying. I recommend doing an in depth inspection before your purchase.  The RV Inspector Class is a 4 hour class on DVD or you can take the live class in October 11 and 16, 2010. There are checklists and how to instructions on what to look for and what to look out for. RV Inspector Class can be purchased in the MRVA bookstore.

There is a  unit available whether you finance or pay cash for it. But just know what you purchased.

5. You need to learn how to operate the RV you choose.

• I am constantly surprised by the number of folks that purchase an RV because of the color or how the unit looks not giving any thought as to how to operate it.
• Take time before you leave the dealership to have one of their staff walk you through your RV and explain how the options and amenities work. What if you purchased from and individual? Get that individual to walk you through it.
• Go to the Mobile RV Academy Bookstore and purchase the DVD “Know Your RV- A Guided Tour” to learn how things work on your RV.

• Take your unit on a “maiden voyage” or “shack down trip” to a location close to home so you can get a feel how things work and where everything is located.
• Once you purchase your unit, learn how to maintain it yourself. The RV Appliances Maintenance DVDS will walk you through how to service and maintain the appliances on your RV.

You bought your RV to enjoy …learn how it works and how to maintain it.

“80% of the problems we have with our RVs are things we can fix ourselves if someone will just show us how” Terry Cooper – America’s RV Expert

It’s our job to help keep your wheels rolling….we’ll see you on down the highway!  “Roady the RV Dog”