5 Points to Consider When Buying an RV

A recreational vehicle can make a fantastic addition to your transportation repertoire, but only if you make an informed buying decision. The costs of operating and maintaining an RV are no laughing matter, regardless of your current financial status.

Here are five crucial points to consider when purchasing an RV to ensure you get the best ride for your unique situation.

Buy with Purpose

As with any vehicle purchase, you need to have a clear vision of where you will take it and how you will use it. You should ask yourself the following questions when you begin your search:

  • Why will you use the RV?
  • Where will you use it?
  • When will you use it?
  • How many people will use it?

This self-evaluation will help you determine the best type of RV for your needs and interests. When you start looking, you might be surprised at the variety of motor homes, but your vision will guide you to the most practical options. That’s why you must answer these questions with complete honesty and deliberation. Once you visualize the RV you need, you can easily explore and identify the options that fit your desired mold.

Consider Renting or Buying Used

Although new RVs might be the most alluring, you should still consider renting or buying used ones. A new vehicle can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $300,000, depending on its size. Most of your local listings will be rentals and pre-owned vehicles anyway, so keep an open mind and see what these categories offer.

A rental is the best option if you expect to use the RV a handful of times per year. You don’t have to pay for constant maintenance, but the real advantage is the ability to rent several vehicles over a year and test out different models firsthand. This is an excellent strategy if you have the budget for it.

As with other pre-owned vehicles, used RVs widely vary in mileage, damage and price. You could find a great deal that saves thousands of dollars — or you could lose a similar amount. You might even find an exciting model that’s no longer in production. Insurance costs are also cheaper for used ones, which could be the deciding factor.

Whatever the case, it’s crucial that you solidify a price range and determine the loan you’ll need before you fall in love with a deal that’s too good to be true. Keep a realistic mindset and check an RV loan calculator to get a better idea.

Inspect Every Inch of the RV

An RV is a car and a home rolled into one, which means the inspection process requires more time and greater attention to detail.

Before you get behind the wheel, look up the RV’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to investigate its accident and maintenance history. If the vehicle is registered properly, you will find a complete record of reported damages and repairs. A laundry list of fixes is an obvious red flag you should look out for.

Once you cover the basics of a vehicle inspection — engine health, oil, tires, and more — you need to take a look inside and inspect the following key elements:

  • Plumbing
  • Electric
  • Cabinets
  • Furniture
  • Mold
  • Water damage
  • Floor damage
  • Exterior walls

If you’re satisfied with the vehicle’s condition, take it for a test drive and discuss driving tips with the owner. You’re probably determined to buy the RV at this point, but remember to exercise patience. There are still other expenses to consider.

Account for All Expenses

The RV’s price tag might be within your budget, but many other costs are involved with owning one. Keep these expenses in mind during your search:

  • Taxes
  • Trailer plate fee
  • Insurance
  • Towing equipment
  • Parking gear
  • Outdoor supplies
  • Indoor amenities
  • Standard maintenance

Now that you’ve accounted for all post-purchase expenses, you might be ready to finalize the deal. However, you need to take care of one more crucial detail before buying the RV — storage.

Find a Storage Place before Buying

Most RVs spend the majority of the year sitting in storage. Even if you plan on using your vehicle often, you must find a secure and reliable location before making the purchase.

Without sufficient protection from the elements, your RV’s condition will slowly deteriorate inside and out. It doesn’t matter how often you use it. Pests, mold, damage under the hood, and other issues will accumulate if you allow them to. On the flip side, storing your RV correctly will prevent unnecessary damage, increase its road life and save you from extra repair costs.

If You Want an RV, Buy With Care

With numerous moving parts, a long maintenance checklist, miscellaneous expenses, and the necessity for reliable storage, a recreational vehicle is a serious commitment you should not take lightly.

It might be a fun vehicle for outdoor adventures, but it’s still a heavy-duty machine that requires significant attention from the owner. Make sure you consider all of these factors when purchasing an RV.

Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. He covers the world of cars, driving, tech, and more. 

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

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