If you are considering purchasing a new or used RV, you need to give serious consideration to your investment. For many, it is a form of freedom from the daily rat race or an exciting new way of life. If you are considering jumping on the RV band wagon, there are some questions you need to ask yourself. For your convenience, we’ve broken them down below.
Advantages: Owning an RV can be a great experience for just about anybody. It provides you with the opportunity to get out and explore the country by just packing up some supplies and heading to your favorite destination- no reservations necessary. If you are organized, you can be on the road in a few short hours.
One big advantage is having all your things and comforts of home in one place. Also, you’ll be able to sleep in your own bed, take your pets along, and save money by cooking your meals in your RV versus eating out all the time. It is estimated that the RV lifestyle is 50% cheaper than a traditional vacation. That translates to more or longer vacations. Nice, huh?
Another advantage is the RV experience itself, you can go wherever you want at any time and meet new friends and enjoy the great outdoors. Once you are out on the open road, you also have the advantage of the RV support system. This system is a large interconnected web of dealers, campgrounds, resorts and on-call mechanics, all available to assist you when you need it. Another integral part of this support system is your fellow camper -every RVer has at least one story about being helped by a fellow camper, be it good advice on where to stay the following night, or helping change a flat tire. Remember, a big part of the RV lifestyle is meeting people!
Disadvantages: On the con side, RVs can be expensive, which is definitely something you have to take into account. It’s a big purchase, on par with buying a car or a house, and you want to do your homework before purchasing. Simply put, the more you know, the more you save. Also, the more you know, the better your RV will fit your needs. The variety and capabilities of RVs is mind boggling these days. A poorly chosen RV gets used less and sits more. Not good.
You will also have to maintain your RV on a regular basis. Oil changes, tires, regular maintenance; if you own a car or truck you have an idea what’s involved here. The good news is that most new RVs have excellent warranties and extended warranties are becoming more and more common. Buyers of olders units need to inspect their unit carefully, though. A pre-purchase inspection by a certified RV mechanic is always money well spent.
Another con can be storage. Larger RVs are big and parking them for extended periods of time in your driveway is often a good way to get in trouble with neighbors. Fortunately, there are RV storage facilities in most cities and towns, but you need to account for these costs. Decide beforehand where you will keep your RV when you are not on the road and know what those costs will be, if any.
Where Do I Begin? Which Models Are Best?
For those starting to research their options, there is only one company that provides RV Consumer Guides to help buyers select the right RV for their travel needs. This company is RVReviews.net, the industry’s only independendent RV research firm. For almost ten years now we have provided thousands of RV buyers with detailed, informative and easy to read and comprehend books about finding the perfect RV. In our popular publications you’ll find factory reviews, model ratings and buying guides which will help buyers avoid paying too much for their RV.
Buying an RV is a big decision and buyers who research their options before they buy will end up making a wise decision -and save money. As we like to say, read our book and with the money you save, take the first trip on us.
J R Consumer Resources Inc.
DBA: RVReviews.net