Deciding to buy an RV is a big decision — and that’s just the beginning. Deciding how you want to buy your RV is the next step. These days, there are plenty of options, from purchasing your rig off a sales lot or at an RV show, to peer-to-peer sales or online purchases. We’ve compiled a guide to purchasing an RV, along with the questions you should be sure to ask yourself before you take the ownership plunge.
Before You Buy an RV
What is our number-one recommendation to anyone considering owning a Class A or Class C motorhome or other recreational vehicle? Be sure your life can actually accommodate an RV. Owning one can be a big commitment, from storage to maintenance to trip planning to fuel costs. Are you sure you’re ready to make an RV a permanent part of your life?
Be realistic about your RV goals and your lifestyle: Will you be able to get away as much as you’d like to? Will you be summer adventurers, or are you snowbirds looking to escape to warmer climates during the winter months? If your answer to those questions is yes, buying an RV might be a smart move. However, if your free time is limited, and work and family keep you close to home, renting might be a preferable route, at least for right now.
Buying an RV Makes Sense If:
- You’ve got extended time off or you’re retired
- You’re a digital nomad who can work from anywhere
- You’re a dedicated weekend adventurer
- You’ve got summers or winters off
- You’ve rented plenty of RVs already and know what features you want in your own
- You’ve got space at your home base to park an RV or a place to store one
Renting an RV Makes Sense If:
- Family or work commitments are extensive, with frequent last-minute changes
- You’re new to RV life
- You’ve never rented an RV
- You don’t have a home base where you can easily store an RV between adventures
What Size RV Do You Need?
Finding an RV that’s right for you is essential to loving your purchase later on. Solo travelers or couples can opt for a much smaller RV footprint, which saves some money on gas. Parties of one or two can enjoy a teardrop trailer or popup camper if their primary vehicle is powerful enough for towing. A Class B camper van is another great option for one or two people.
Family or group travel requires a roomier setup, like a travel trailer or motorhome with plenty of dedicated sleeping space. Don’t skimp on space if you’ll have multiple passengers on board — cramped quarters make for miserable RV companions (ask us how we know). And don’t forget to include your pets and their gear when deciding on RV size. Happy travel with dogs means you’ll want a safe space on board for them to call their own to minimize travel anxiety.
If you’ve got a lot of equipment you like to vacation with (like ATVs, kayaks, canoes, ski gear) or you want a dedicated separate room, an easy-to-load toy hauler might be just the ticket.
What Kind of RVing Are You Planning?
First-time RV buyers often neglect to ask themselves what kind of RVing they’re hoping to do — and wind up with a rig that doesn’t match their needs. Be honest about the kind of RVing you really want to do, and you’ll choose a rig that will keep you happy for years to come.
If rustic and remote are words that appeal to you, chances are good that you’ll want to do some serious boondocking (also called dispersed camping or off-grid camping). In that case, you’ll want an RV with wheels and equipment that can handle off-roading with no hookups and less-than-ideal road conditions. Many new RVs come “solar-ready” (meaning you can install solar panels at the start). Big water tanks are worth considering, too, to extend your adventures. Some RVs are even designated adventure-friendly – worth checking out.
If the luxe life is more your vibe, there’s no shame in admitting it! You can get the feel of a posh hotel by opting for an upscale RV (check out a luxury-class A diesel, for instance) and by staying at top RV resorts with excellent amenities and activities. Glamping is still camping, after all.
If your RV approach is somewhere in the middle of these two, and you’d like to camp with comfort while still keeping an eye on the budget, public campgrounds and parks with electric and water hookups might be just the ticket. Compact, easy-to-maneuver RVs can help make the most of limited space at crowded public campgrounds. If you’re interested in making some extra money by renting out your RV when you’re not using it, also consider that factor when planning your purchase.
Do Hands-On Research
There are plenty of ways to get up close and personal to get a feel for the RV features you like and dislike:
- Research RV brands and floor plans online
- Go to a big RV show to do walk-throughs and chat with dealers
- Visit online RV forums and blogs to get the scoop on the RVs that have caught your eye
- Join Facebook RV groups and chat with RV owners about their rigs
- Rent the top three or four RVs on your list (RVShare is a great resource for RV rentals)
Forging ahead in your search for the perfect RV? Here are your buying options, with pluses and minuses:
Dealerships
If you want an array of RV choices, dealerships are a great way to go. You can check out used and new models, too. Be sure the dealership you’re visiting has the RV brands that interest you – you won’t find every brand on every sales lot. Things to consider:
- Greater inventory than private sellers
- Both pre-owned and new models
- Dealers can provide a full demo of any RV’s features
- Dealerships often have service facilities and will be your partner in preventative maintenance.
- Dealership ticket prices tend to be significantly higher than private sellers
Before you buy, ask your RV salesperson and yourself these 10 questions!
Private Sellers and Online RV Markets
If your budget is tight, consider buying a used RV from a private seller. This is a great way to save a chunk of cash, but it’s not without risks. And don’t forget, financing an RV is an excellent way to afford the RV that’s right for you! Walk away if the seller can’t offer you comprehensive maintenance records or is cagey about the history of the vehicle.
- More likely to get an RV at a lower price
- Depreciation has already happened
- A very used RV market right now means you’ll need to have patience to find the right one
- Decide how old is too old for a used RV
- Sites like RVT and RV Trader will get you started in your search
- Facebook Marketplace is a gold mine for pre-owned RVs for sale
- Be sure to test drive the rig and inspect it with a fine-toothed comb
- Never buy an RV without seeing it in person
- Buying an RV out of state, either from a private seller or a dealership? Why not? You’ll have far more options if you expand your search. Be sure to chat with your auto insurance agent to start coverage ASAP after the sale, and make sure you understand your sales tax obligation.
RV Shows
RV shows are a lot of fun if you’re an RV lover who’s looking to buy. Check out this list of 2024 RV shows – there might be one in your area.
- Terrific opportunity to get a good look at the newest models
- You might score a sweet deal as dealers try to make space for up-and-coming RV models
- Dealers at shows are more likely to negotiate on price
- Numerous brands in one place, with exciting tech, features, and interiors to explore
- Expert advice abounds
Come Home to Carefree Covered RV Storage
Speaking of expert advice, we’re always here at Carefree Covered RV Storage, where we have plenty of RV wisdom for our customers—got questions about purchasing an RV? We’ve got answers. Check out our facility and keep us in mind for top-notch covered RV storage. And be sure to show us your new rig!
When you store your recreational vehicles with us, you’ll enjoy secure, quality covered RV storage with our extensive video camera surveillance, along with 365-day automated access with our phone gate app, charging outlets, free Wi-Fi, and free self RV wash and sewer dump.
We’ve even got complimentary bags of ice! Also need a storage unit for other small recreational toys, equipment, and supplies? We’ve got them! We’re always here for our customers at Carefree Covered RV Storage. Check out our facilities in Texas and Arizona, then stop by, and we’ll get your rig set up.
At Carefree Covered RV Storage, you’re guaranteed peace of mind, protection, and personalized, old-fashioned service. We make it easy for you to rent and make payments online, maintain your vehicle, and get on the road — so that you can keep living the carefree life.