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So you want to buy an RV. Having had RVs since 1962, we tend to be
rather prejudiced in favor of owning an RV but before you start
deciding what kind of RV to buy there is another, very important,
question which must be answered.
Use for Annual Vacations
What do you intend to do in that RV? If you only intend to use it
for your annual vacation, you would be best advised to rent it. Much
of the cost of owning an RV remains on your shoulders if you are
using it or not, — and, if you have to store it somewhere off your
own property, the storage costs are an additional burden.
Use as ‘Permanent’ Residence
If, on the other hand, you intend to live in the RV full-time, then
the selection is more like deciding what house to buy. If you are
not pressed for time (i.e., if you don’t have to move in
immediately) we suggest renting a few to get the feel. Living in an
RV, while it CAN be very comfortable, can also be very challenging
if you are in the wrong RV.
Use with Children
If you have children — especially young children — a towed RV is ill
advised. Not only is it unsafe for passengers to ride in a trailer —
even a ‘fifth wheel’ trailer — it is illegal. If you will have more
then two adults, you will want to acquire an extended cab pickup
truck to tow a ‘fifth wheel’ trailer. You’ll want one with plenty of
leg room for passengers in the rear seat and even then, extended
riding can get very uncomfortable.
Use with Individual Recreation Equipment (‘toys’)
If you wish to use the RV to head out to the wilds and ride around
on your ATVs, sand buggy or carry a couple motorcycles along with
you, you will need what we call a ‘toy trailer’. This is a trailer
with a garage-like storage area in the rear and a pull-down ramp to
load, carry and unload our ‘toys’. These RVs also have living
quarters up front but, of course, the living quarters are reduced in
size to make room for that little garage in the rear.
Decision Time
After you have thought these things through for awhile, you will
want to spend some time with an RV salesman that also can sell used
RVs. Don’t start off with a new RV; you need to try it out, first.
New RVs depreciate significantly the moment you take ownership; used
RVs depreciate much more gradually and, sometimes, not at all if
you’re lucky. After you have experienced the unique feel of a
particular RV you will have a much better idea of what you really
would prefer to have. Again, renting is recommended but the kinds of
RVs available for rent are limited in most locations.
Controlling Costs
And, finally, with fuel now costing $4+ and on its way to $5 or
more, you’ll want to keep operating costs in mind. If it is to be
your permanent residence with occasional trips, fuel cost may not be
a significant factor. If, on the other hand, you hope to go camping
most every weekend, a class B van camper or folding camping trailer
might be more reasonable. A class A motor home typically gets only 6
to 12 miles per gallon (depending on size and how fast you drive); a
folding camping trailer by contrast may degrade the mileage of you
car by 3 or 4 miles per gallon. A class B van camper typically gets
15 to 23 miles per gallon. As you can see, that is quite a range and
translates into what could be a lot of money.
For Further Information
. . .
We have mentioned several types of RVs. You can read brief
descriptions (accompanied by thumbnail illustrations) at
RV-Park-Guide.org/RV-Types.htm.
We also recommend a unique book: RV Vacations for Dummies by
Shirley Slater and Harry Basch. No, we don’t care for the ‘dummies’
bit, either, but it is in good humor. Then look up a good RV dealer
and a salesman with whom you can feel comfortable. Many, if not
most, RV dealers take very good care of their customers; they have
too much invested to risk taking advantage of you. |