Everything to Consider When Buying an RV in 2019

Buying an RV in 2019 in today’s market can be even more difficult than buying a car. You know what you want, or you think you do at the time, and then you realize that there are more options than you can even imagine. So how do you decide on an RV that works for you and your family?

I’ve talked to several full-time travelers who live in RVs, trailers, and more, who had some handy advice for me before purchasing my own recreational vehicle. On top of their advice, I’ll be sharing some of my own that I’ve learned over the last year to give you a little perspective between buying a new, used, or “needs to be renovated” RV.

Here’s a little bit about what you need to know about yourself before you buy an RV.

How many people will be traveling with you? And will they be with you full time?
Deciding who will be with you and for how long will help you know what you need in your RV. For me, it’s just myself and my dog, so we are happier in a smaller trailer, rather than a big fifth wheel or 30 foot RV. For families with several children or multiple pets, having more room will come in handy.

What are you comfortable driving?
Not everyone considers this before purchasing a recreational vehicle. It sounds awesome to have the biggest RV your money can buy, but is it realistic for you to drive it? Whether you decide to buy a travel trailer and a tow vehicle or an RV, you should test drive several makes and models to determine which feels best for you.

What are your deal breakers? What are things you don’t mind living without?
There are so many different options available to you that you may not realize that something is missing from your list until it’s too late. Things like black water tanks, tankless heaters, space for a TV, storage space in the bathroom, and anything else you can think of could make the world of a difference for you and the way you live your life on the road. Things that you don’t need should also be considered. If you can find a model that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, you can save a big chunk of change.

How much are you willing to spend on both the RV and its insurance?
Just like cars, the fancier the RV the higher the insurance and price tag will be. If you’re unsure about what you can afford, be sure to check in with your insurance agency for a quote before buying. You’ll also want to check with the dealer or bank to determine what your interest rates and payments will be like for a new or used model. All of these things are important to make sure you get something you can afford, but also be able to live comfortably.

Some standard insurance companies do not offer RV insurance so here are several options if you need to get a separate plan for your recreational vehicle:

• Geico

• Progressive

• Good Sam

• RV America

Here’s what you need to know about the RV before you decide to sign a check.

You have to be sure to check and double check these items before you give the go ahead and leave with a rig.

• Underbelly of the RV or trailer: This can tell you a lot about the condition your vehicle is in. It sees the most wear and tear (other than your tires and axles) as it meets the road, rock, weather, and everything in between. Any dents, scratches, holes, or leaks can be identified pretty easily by taking a look underneath the rig.

• Electrical & Engine: If you’re uncertain about what works and what doesn’t, call in a professional to have a look. Never buy an RV (or car for that matter!) without knowing what’s not working properly. If you are buying the vehicle from the owner, be sure that they have access to plug in the rig before you hand them the cash or check.

• Title & Registration: Nothing like a faulty title to turn your entire world upside down. Bad titles can turn your dream experience into a serious nightmare. You should always double check that the title is sound and legit before purchasing an RV. It will cost you even more money to get a bad title fixed and you’ll go through the extra headache of heading to the DMV and other places to figure out your next steps.

• Water/Weather Leaks & Damage: Not all leaks can be determined by taking a look under the rig. Walk around every edge of the rig to determine that there is no wood rot, structural issues, or water damage. Things of this nature are usually difficult to repair and expensive to fix.

Related Read: Buying a Used RV: What to Look For

The best thing to do before purchasing from someone other than a dealer is to ask a lot of questions. If you feel like the seller is coming off as annoyed or irritated, turn around and walk away. You’ll find a better rig somewhere else and feel more confident about your purchase.

If you intend to completely renovate a trailer or RV, just know that almost everything is fixable...for a price. You will pour a lot of money into a fixer-upper to have it just the way you want it, so be sure that you are capable of fixing these things or that you have enough funds to have someone else take care of it for you.

Consider All Angles
At the end of the day, you can buy an RV with all the bells and whistles, live in a rig with almost everything you need, or start from scratch with a fixer-upper. You can turn almost any RV into the perfect living and adventure space that you need. It will take patience, time, and money no matter what year or model you decide to purchase.

Be sure to take the time to sit down and figure out exactly what you need, your budget, and how you can live comfortably on the road. Focus on what’s best for you, not the shiny objects or price tag!