Custom RV Upgrades- Customize or Buy Stock?

Custom RV upgrades are major decisions. Hey, purchasing an RV in the first place is a major decision. Not only is it a large financial commitment, adopting the RV lifestyle brings the need to learn new skills and abilities to facilitate the ability to operate a home on wheels. The realities of buying your own RV come with responsibilities of not only how to drive and maintain the vehicle but also where to drive it and where to store it when it’s not being driven. The decision to actually purchase an RV could easily be the topic of another post altogether but when on the fence of whether to buy an RV or not, this writer will always push you towards making the purchase. It’s a commitment, for sure, but one that brings rewards and freedoms in a manner that cannot be replicated.

Related Read: Everything to Consider When Buying an RV in 2019

So if you’re certain of taking the plunge into RV ownership and have come up against the next hurdle - what RV to buy - this post is for you. There are many different options when first getting familiar with RVs from which brands are best to if you should buy a brand new rig or find a good deal on a used one. For the purposes of this article, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of customizing an RV or buying stock off of the lot.

Buying a Stock RV Pros

The easy answer here is that a brand spanking new RV right off the dealer's lot will be ready to roll with all of the amenities and creature comforts to get you started on the road trip of a lifetime. A new RV will be reliable and ready for action with little to no maintenance or upkeep to worry about for the first few thousand miles. You can load the rig up with food and supplies, learn how to operate the major systems such as water, sewer, and electrical and get cozy in your new home on wheels. You won’t have to worry about the operating abilities of any of the appliances or the engine (unless you end up with a lemon) and should be comfortable and satisfied that the rig will but in good operating order while you get the chance to break it in. A brand new RV is certain to be an exciting, enticing, and alluring experience. Your friends will be jealous and you’ll be thrilled that you made the commitment to joining the exclusively inviting RV club.

Buying a Stock RV Cons

The biggest drawback to a brand spanking new RV that shines and sparkles and has that new car smell is the cost. New RVs are expensive, there is no easy way around it. All vehicles depreciate the minute you take them off of the lot and a new RV can easily have a price tag similar to a new house in cheap market. This can mean a large car payment or loan or a huge dip out of your savings. If you’re prepared for the expense, great, but if not, the new RV can be a major added cost to monthly expenditures. Another downside to buying a new rig is that it has not been driven and tested. More likely than not, everything inside and out of the rig should be fully functional when new but there is always a chance of some major manufacturers defect that you won’t uncover until you’re out on the road. These types of issues are usually covered by warranty but they can really dampen the mood of a maiden voyage when things don’t operate at full capacity, especially in a new rig.

Customizing an RV Pros

Customizing an RV is like building your own home - you get to set things up and design everything exactly to your liking. You can find the perfect size motorhome with a basic interior and remodel or get one that is just a shell and go from there. You can utilize any handyman or interior design skills you might have to truly design a one of a kind RV that is sure to showcase your creative side and love of the road. Want a bigger bed or more cabinets? You can make them. Have no need for a shower or washer and dryer? Remove them and use the space for something that is more to your needs and desires. Customizing your own RV is ever rewarding knowing that the space you are driving down the highway has been built just the way you like it. It is satisfying in a way that only DIY folks will understand. I have seen many custom rigs that stand out in an RV park, commanding attention and inviting new friends at every stop.

Customizing and RV Cons

The biggest con to customizing your own RV is that it can be a huge endeavor that can easily get over your head if not careful. If you don’t know what you’re doing, a simple remodel can quickly turn into a project that takes many months to complete. Be sure to ask for help or hire out tasks that you are not experienced with especially when it comes to mechanical or infrastructural aspects of your vehicle. Installing a major appliance wrong can be a pain not only when it stops working but can be dangerous if a gas or water leak occurs. The costs of customization can quickly add up. If you don’t stick to a budget, the money you might have saved on a used rig to build out can skyrocket out of control. There are many different things to consider when customizing your own RV and it is definitely recommended to get some expert advice if you are unfamiliar with any step along the way. A forgotten electrical wire or loose screw can turn into a major problem in no time so be sure to create an action plan and stick to the steps when customizing major aspects of your RV.