An RV is a significant purchase and is a lot more expensive than your average car. That said, there should be many factors to consider before you sign on any dotted line. Forget about the image of you driving an RV to the beach with your family for a while.
Before you walk into an RV dealership showroom in Springfield or other locations, here are some things you need to know:Secondhand RVs are way cheaper
A brand new RV depreciates as soon as you drive it out of the dealership, and that depreciation goes fast. If you want to save a good chunk of money on your purchase, consider buying a used RV that was well-maintained by its previous owner. In this way, you can save at least 30-50% of the cost compared to buying brand new.
There are many features and variations
Every RV model is different. Some RVs are better than others when it comes to design and amenities, while some have an edge on fuel economy and reliability. That said, it’s a good idea to list down your needs and preferences before looking at RV models at the dealership.
You need to determine the living space you need
Even if you get the fancy, state-of-the-art RV model that has expanding living space, it’s still not going to be as spacious as a real hotel room. For this reason, think about how many people will you want to accommodate in the RV. Determining your ideal number of passengers can help you choose an RV that has enough seats, living space, and beds.
Expect to use a lot of gas
The average gas mileage for an RV is around 6-10 miles, which is way less than a car which has an average of 25 miles of gas mileage. However, a diesel RV can get up to 20 miles per gallon, especially if it’s a fuel-efficient model.
Do your research before you choose
If you know next to nothing about RVs, take the time to do your research before looking to buy one. Browse online forums for RV enthusiasts. Look for recommendations and reviews. If you intend to use the RV primarily for camping, look at camping forums to see if they have recommended RV models. Whatever you do, do your research before you buy; going in blind with a decision can be easily regrettable.
You can try renting first
Buying an RV is a huge decision, so to make sure that it’s the right one, try renting first and see how it goes. Do you see yourself using the RV frequently in the future? Is the excitement still there after a few vacations on the RV? Will buying be more cost-effective than renting? If you answer ‘yes’ to all of these questions, then you are likely better off buying your own RV.
An RV is a luxury, much like a vacation home or an in-ground swimming pool. That said, it is also a huge investment. If you want to make sure that buying an RV is right for you, keep these things in mind while making your decision.