Recreational Vehicles

Lesson 2: Lesson Two: Let's Find a Dealer, Buy That RV And Get On The Road

Buying That RV

Buying an RV is a lot like buying a car except that most of us don’t have a clue as to which RV we want. With cars, we have been around them as long as we can remember and can see most all the different makes and models either driving around, or through TV or in newspaper ads. RVs, on the other hand, we have to search for information and pictures but even when we see the pictures they may seem foreign to us because we don’t have a lot of exposure to RVs. RV buying should be a challenge not to be taken lightly.

You need to have some idea of which type of RV we need. This may take some real soul searching. You don’t want to buy a pop-up if you plan on in-depth camping nor do you want to buy a class A when your only intent is weekend camping. These units can cost a lot of money just to be sitting around because you bought the wrong one.

Some things to consider: Where are you going when you RV? How long are you going to be there? What are you going to do when you get there? One of the first RVs that I purchased was with intent of weekend camping and to take to football games for tailgating and a once per year away football game in another state. As there were just two of us we didn’t need a whole lot of space, but my philosophy was to buy the biggest thing we could get for our money. My wife on the other hand thought a smaller Class C would be the better choice. What do you think?

As it turns out we purchased a 30’ motorhome. This was a mistake and here are some reasons why. Number one, it was too big for good maneuverability at such crowded places as football games. Number two, it takes a lot of time to get everything you need into a unit this size, you don’t just jump in and go. Number three, it was too big to fit in my drive way at home so we had to store it at a local campground. Every time we wanted to use it we had to go get it then return it after use. At first we used it often then the pain of getting ready was too much and we tended to leave it home. After that it led a lonely life at the storage lot.

Go to your local RV lots frequently; ask lots of questions, look at all types and sizes of units. Find RV shows that might be in your area. These are a great source for seeing all types, brands, shapes and sizes in one place. Take pictures and notes, this will avoid the confusion from looking at so many different RV’s. Start a collection of brochures.

Here are some tips once your decisions are made and you are ready to buy:

Take a friend with you as a disinterested party. They hear and see things that you don’t. Do a walk through - make notes of all defects or additions that you might want to make.

Remember the sales person is not your friend. They are sales people that are friendly.

Don’t buy on the first visit. They will try to convince you that there is another buyer in the wings just waiting to get their hands on this unit if you don’t buy it right now. Walk away even if it is just to eat lunch; it will give you time to think about the deal and what was said. Talk to your disinterested friend: did they see or hear anything you didn’t?

Take charge of the situation. Don’t let the sales person lead you in a direction that you don’t want to go. Don’t be afraid to say NO! There is more than one RV, and more than one dealer. Remember it’s YOUR MONEY.

Make a list of repairs, (don’t forget wash and WAX, and have the rubber roof cleaned), modifications and add-ons that you want done and be sure it's part of the deal. Before you take possession of your unit do a walk through to make sure they did what they said they would.

If you’re buying a used unit I highly recommend purchasing an extended warranty for those repairs down the road. We have one and have had to use it only twice but those two times it paid for itself.

Don’t sign anything until it’s the way you want it.

Once you decide to purchase an RV there is the thing about finance and insurance. A lot of RVs can be financed for long periods much like homes. Search for companies that specialize in RVs. Look online. Your RV dealer should be a good source but be aware of what they are doing or you can wind up paying more than you think. There are RV clubs that as part of their benefits offer financing and insurance.

If you are going to provide your own financing start researching that when you are still in the looking mode so that when you make your choice of RV you have a method of finance in place.

Insurance can be provided by your auto insurance provider. This seems to be OK as long as you’re not living in it. Once you start to live in your RV you need to get full timers' insurance. Again there are companies that specialize in RV insurance. Get an RV magazine and there are both finance and insurance ads. Again go online and search RV insurance and RV financing and see what happens.

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