These days road tripping is more popular than ever. If you don’t really want to do the sleep in a tent on the ground kind of camping that many are comfortable with, then you might give some though to buying or renting an RV.
There are several things to take into consideration when you buy an RV. RVs come in several varieties and sizes, have different features, and are designed for different things.
Some of these recreational vehicles are equipped with everything you need to take your family on the road and live for weeks inside them. Others are not much bigger than a van.
Before you get started, you might want to read this post to learn a bit more about the classes and features available.
Table of Contents
Things to Know Before You Buy an RV
[tweetthis]Are you looking for an RV? This post could help. [/tweetthis]
Find an RV That Fits Your Needs
When you buy an RV, remember that bigger isn’t always better. The object of an RV is to get you and your family to the places you love. With that in mind, you should buy an RV that fits into your family’s idea of a great road trip. Don’t be pulled in by all the bells and whistles.
What are the Six Options to Consider
RVs come in several different types from Class A motorhomes meant to be houses on wheels to pop up trailers meant to be a cozy place to sleep while you camp.
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Class A Motorhome:
- These RVs range in size from 22 to 45 feet long. They come with and without pop out sides, and include fully functioning kitchens and bathrooms with showers. Prices range anywhere from $30,000 to whatever you can afford.
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Class B Motorhome:
- Class Bs have many of the amenities of Class As, including water, heat, air, and beds. They are also quite versatile. Consider the Class B if you want to buy an RV that can go pretty much anywhere a regular van can go.
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Class C Motorhome:
- If you want the luxury of Class A but not the price tag, consider a Class C when you buy an RV. These RVs have all the comforts of home but on a smaller scale.
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Fifth Wheel:
- This type of RV is basically a trailer designed for living. It’s bi-level design offers more space in the living area, and it features many of the amenities of a standard RV, but with the ability to detach it from the tow vehicle.
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Travel Trailer:
- This is the number one selling RV, this type ranges in size from 9 to 40 feet. They in many shapes and configurations. Their flexibility and price are what make them so attractive.
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Pop-Up:
- If you want to buy an RV for camping, and you enjoy a little roughing it, a Pop-Up is for you. The smallest and least expensive of any RV variety, this is designed specifically to be towed by a light truck or a car. You can set it up, and continue on to more urban parts of your road trip.
[tweetthis]There are 6 options to consider when buying an RV. [/tweetthis]
After You Buy an RV
Make Note of What Type of RV You Own
Note the class and size and keep it handy somewhere on your phone or in the vehicle. You should also have the information available at home, so that you never are at a loss when answering questions about your vehicle. In a lot of ways, this is every bit as important as knowing your car make and model.
Why Does it Matter?
There are many situations where you need to know the size and class of your vehicle and home away from home. For instance, when we took the ferry from Manitoulin Island, we needed to know the class of the RV before we could buy the tickets.
Interested in learning more about RV Travel in Ontario? We did that – Read Five Parks in Five Days!
Buy an RV for Your Life
As you can see, there are many choices when you buy an RV. Among the 6 major styles, there are still more options to consider when you buy an RV. From styles, to pull outs, to lengths and layouts, there’s a lot to factor in.
Because there’s so much to think about, I recommend starting from what you want to do and work back from there. When you start with what your travel style needs, you can then incorporate your wants, amenities and price considerations.
Do your home work up front, and you’ll have a fantastic home for road tripping.