7 Things to Look for When Buying an RV 

Are you considering buying an RV?

RVs open up a world of possibilities for you and your family’s travel plans. You don’t have to worry about accommodation, so you’re not limited to where the best hotels will be. But if you’re new to RVs, it’s a big step. You might not know how to get the perfect RV for your needs.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for our RV buying guide so you can find the perfect RV for you.

1. Your Budget

Set your budget, be honest, and stick to it. Work out what you want in an RV and take a look at what it will cost you. If you can’t afford that, you’re going to need to either save up some more or make some compromises.

If you’re going to need a new car/truck to pull your RV, remember to include this in your budget too. You don’t want to buy your dream RV and have no way to pull it.

2. Condition & Safety

If you’re buying a used RV used or new, avoid any that don’t come with its maintenance record. You can’t assume that even an RV from a dealership is roadworthy.

This is a huge investment, it’s your right to have proof. So new or old, make sure this RV has had proper care and attention over its lifespan. Otherwise, you might be inheriting big (and costly) issues.

Ask to see maintenance records, and get the RV confirmed as roadworthy. Even with a new RV, inspect every inch of it. From fans to seals to the stitching on the upholstery. Make sure it’s all in working order.

Also make sure the dealer/owner goes through each system with you, which should include:

• air conditioner
• slide mechanisms
• propane
• engine

And any other amenities your new RV claims to have. Get them to show you they all work as they should do. If they aren’t, then don’t be afraid to walk away. Safety is vital, and you don’t want to risk something going wrong on the road.

3. Floor Plan

Choosing your ideal RV floorplan might take some time, as there are thousands on the market. Don’t let it overwhelm you though, always keep your needs in the forefront of your mind.

Go with a floorplan that gives every individual their own place to sleep (unless you’re a larger group). It doesn’t matter if you’re going for weekend trips, or the full-time experience, this is a big choice.

Poor sleep will bring down your enjoyment of the time you spend in your RV. Also, consider the needs of any pets that will come with you. They need their rest and their own space too. Also think of things like:

• How many TVs do you want?
• Do you need a washer/drier?
• Do you need bunk beds?
• Do you want rooms that close off?
• how many bathrooms will you want?

There are many different types of RVs on the market. One RV model usually will have a multitude of different floor plans to choose from. Take the Venture RV range that Venture RV dealers offer. Having a plan for what you want and sticking to it will make it easier to find your perfect RV in a sea of options.

4. Storage Options

When you’re looking at how much storage you need, be realistic and don’t cut corners. If you need the space, you need it and space is at a premium when traveling in an RV. Compromising here could make things difficult for your travel plans down the line.

Are you planning on using your RV for weekend trips away, or larger family holidays? Are you thinking of actually making your RV your permanent home? Consider what your RV is for, and why you want it.

Then, look at how much you’d like to take with you. Can you store all your essentials like emergency supplies, clothes, and important items? What about your accessories if you have them? Can the kitchen store enough food? This is another important thing to consider.

5. Your Comfort

At the end of the day, an RV won’t be as comfortable as a home whether you’re going to live in it full time or use it on vacation. But, that doesn’t mean you need to settle for something uncomfortable!

Find what feels right for you and your needs, it needs to function and be comfortable or your routine. Are you going to cook a lot? Then the kitchen layout has to be right.

Or will you want privacy? Make sure the different living areas can separate off from each other. Remember you’ll spend a lot of time in the driver’s cab, so make sure the seats are comfortable.

6. How It Drives

Are you comfortable driving an RV? Even the small ones can be daunting at first, especially for the less confident drivers.

If you don’t need a large RV, then don’t pick the biggest for its size alone. You may struggle to drive it. You want something big enough to meet your needs and be comfortable. But, it shouldn’t intimidate you or make you frightened to drive it.

Make sure you’re comfortable driving, reversing, parking, and maneuvering in your new RV. If you’re buying it with your partner, then you both need to be comfortable handling it. This makes it easier to share the burden of driving on long trips.

7. How You Want to Camp

This consideration often doesn’t get thought of enough. You need to consider the type of camping you want to do, as it will influence your RV needs.

Do you plan on camping out in the state and national parks? If so, you may need to have an RV that’s on the smaller side. 32 feet would push the max-length you could get away with here.

If you’re happy to tour the full hookup sites, then a larger RV shouldn’t be an issue. Most specified RV parks are happy to accommodate bigger RVs with ease.

Buying an RV Made Easy

So, there you have it! Now you know these seven things to consider, you’re well on your way to buying an RV that’s right for you.

This is a huge decision and not one you should take on a whim. Take time to plan and work out what you want, while keeping your budget in mind. Any extras you need (like a new vehicle) will likely need to come from that too.

Think about what you want your RV for, how much space you’ll need, and what amenities are important. You might not get everything you want within your budget, to make a list of priorities. Do this, and you’ll soon be driving into the sunset with your dream RV.

If you found this article helpful, check out our other blog posts today!