When was the last time you actually traveled around the country you’ve lived in your entire life? The United States is so big that most people go long distances in planes, but they completely miss out on everything in between.
If you intend to take your family and friends on a long road trip, then you’ll have the best experience utilizing an RV. Recreational vehicles are made so you can fit multiple people comfortably with all the amenities of a home. They even make camping bearable for those who prefer the safety of the indoors.
Here’s what to consider if you wish to find the best RV for your family’s needs.
Determine Your Budget
Before you even start looking for an RV, you need to determine your budget. There are various costs to consider on top of the initial cost, such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance. How much can you afford to spend on the vehicle, and can you properly take care of it after you have it?
An RV can easily cost several thousands of dollars at the very least. There are some special models that can cost as much as a million. Don’t window shop for too long and develop a skewed perspective of what kind you need.
One way to save money is by choosing a used RV. Even though it will have some miles on it, you may be able to get it for a fraction of the original price. However, a new RV may have better mileage.
Consider Your RV Usage
How do you intend to use your new RV? There is a wide variety of recreational vehicles for sale, but some have special features that you’ll get more use out of it in certain environments.
For example, some RVs have built-in amenities such as a pull-out awning or extra storage space. These are especially useful if you intend to stay in it long-term or are going camping.
Other RVs are more compact but offer less space for storage. These are more suited for shorter road trips or if you want something that takes up less space when you’re not using it.
When You Plan to Use the RV
Which types of RVs you should consider will also depend on what seasons and what areas you intend to use them in.
Even though recreational vehicles are often used to travel across the country, that doesn’t mean they’re well-equipped for the journey. Your vehicle may have to deal with scorching hot roads, blizzards, and stormy weather.
It’s important to get something that can handle the journey.
If you’re driving through snow, you’ll need snow tires. You’ll also need something that’s insulated well. Anyone traveling through desert states will want something with both good air conditioning as well as a working fridge.
RV Size and Length
Space is an important factor when you buy an RV. This is especially true if you’re going to stay in it for at least a few days at a time with other people.
Most recreational vehicles fall into one of many classes or groups.
Class A RVs are some of the biggest ones available on the market. They’re basically houses on wheels, and they include all kinds of features like laundry machines and even space to hold a small vehicle. They can get as big as 45 feet long.
Meanwhile, Class B RVs are about the size of a normal van. At most, they’ll have a bed, storage, and maybe a bathroom. While they’re smaller, they have better fuel economy and can fit in more parking spots than the larger options.
Desired Features
Usually, RVs with more features are going to be both larger and more expensive. It’ll help if you know what kind of features you consider necessary and which are excessive.
If you’re traveling with more than a few people, you may want multiple beds and plenty of seating. It’ll also help to have a bathroom on board just in case of emergencies. A kitchen area is useful and can help you avoid spending too much money eating out.
One feature that can make smaller campers feel a lot roomier is a slide-out. Slide-outs are a portion of your vehicle that expands outward when you’re parked.
RV Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Generally speaking, you want to avoid buying a cheap and used RV. It won’t have the same kind of performance and fuel efficiency as a newer model.
Good mileage allows you to save money on gas. It also means that there’s less risk of breaking down or running out of fuel on the road. You can see some examples of diesel RVs on this page.
Try It Out Before You Buy
Always take the time to properly vet an RV before you make a purchase.
Go into the bathroom and pretend like you’re getting ready for the day. Take a seat on the couch and try to get comfortable. Figure out where you’d place your things and see if there’s enough room for everything.
It’s important to figure out if these things are to your liking, as you may end up spending days cooped up inside with them.
Things to Avoid
With all that said, there are some mistakes first-time buyers can make when getting an RV.
The first mistake you can make is not getting an RV inspection. This is mostly important for buying used RVs.
Second, you should only get a towed RV if your vehicle can handle it. It’ll put less strain on your transmission and keep you safe.
Third, don’t forget to get the right RV insurance and roadside assistance. Keep in mind that RV insurance only covers the camper and not anything you’ve added to it.
Finally, consider renting before you buy. It’ll give you a chance to try out an RV and see if you’re comfortable with one.
Invest in the Best RV
Buying a new vehicle is always a big decision, so you don’t want to get the wrong one. The best RV will be one that matches your lifestyle and can handle whatever you throw at it. It all depends on what you find most important, like a built-in entertainment center or wifi capabilities.
If you’re interested in learning more about automobile topics, check out some of our other articles.
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