The right RV can help you travel vast distances without ever feeling like you’ve truly left home. But with so many options available, it’s hard to know what the “right” RV is, or how to buy it successfully – even if you’ve had experience buying and owning RVs in the past.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most important tips to follow to ensure you find the best RV model – and get a great deal on it.

Tips for Buying Your Next RV

These are some of the most important tips for buying your next RV:

1.       Understand how you’re going to use your RV. Your first responsibility is to understand how you’re going to use your RV. Different people are going to have different applications, and therefore different needs. You may prefer something that’s easy to maneuver if you plan on getting into tight spaces or at least you’re not confident in your driving abilities. But if you’re going to live the majority of your life on the road or if you’re going to take advantage of big, open spaces, you may want to invest in something with a lot more size.

2.       Set a firm budget. Once you have a basic idea of how much size you need and what kind of quality you’re interested in, put together a strict budget. There are RVs that can fit almost any kind of budget or lifestyle, so even a strict budget shouldn’t restrict you too much. Make sure you calculate the monthly costs of ownership if you plan on financing the vehicle and set a number for yourself that allows you to live comfortably with your current income. You can obtain generous RV loans to give a boost to your vehicle-buying budget, but you will need to make a proper plan with the financials sorted so that you don’t get overwhelmed with everything.

3.       Visit dealerships or tradeshows in person (but don’t buy yet). If you’re not sure what type of RV you want, one of your best options is to visit local dealerships or major tradeshows. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see a number of different RVs in person and try them out, walking around in the living spaces and possibly even driving them. Salespeople will likely try to sell you immediately, but refrain from making any final purchases yet. You have a lot of cost comparing to do.

4.       Use the right shipper. If you plan on buying an RV from a different area of the country, like if you’re buying online, it’s important to choose the right RV shipper. The best shippers will offer you a great deal on the transaction and we’ll do everything possible to deliver your RV in the best condition (and in a timely manner).

5.       Make a list of all your needs and wants. At this stage in your research, you should be able to make exhaustive lists of all your needs and all your wants. What are the key features of this RV that are non-negotiable? What are the features you’d like to have but are willing to compromise on? These lists will be incredibly useful for helping you evaluate your options in the near future.

6.       Consider a used RV. Like with most vehicles, your new RV will likely depreciate the moment it leaves the lot. You can often find a much better deal on a used RV – and you won’t have to worry about depreciation.

7.       Shop online. If you’ve never bought an RV online before, you might be skeptical about the benefits. But shopping online can introduce you to a wide range of different sellers, including both companies and individuals, and can ultimately introduce you to much better financial deals.

8.       Compare offers to get better financing. If you plan on getting a loan for your RV purchase, make sure you compare offers from different lenders, and don’t go with the first offer you happen to find. You can usually get a much better interest rate this way.

9.       Get a thorough inspection. Always make sure to inspect your RV thoroughly before completing the transaction, especially if you’re buying used from an individual. It may be worth paying for a professional to do this.

10.   Negotiate. Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate! Try to get a better deal if you can.

Putting Your RV to Good Use

Now that you have an RV in your possession, it’s time to make the most of it. Make sure you take plenty of time off your first year of ownership so that you can use the RV to its fullest potential, however you see fit. 

Remain open minded throughout the course of your ownership, and don’t be afraid to upgrade if you find that this RV no longer serves your needs. If you do, you can sell your RV and make back at least some of the money you spent on it in the first place.