Planning to roll out in an RV? There are a few things you should think about first.
RV sales are skyrocketing across Europe and the US. A new generation of happy campers is setting out in the comfort and convenience of the motorhome. Sadly, more than a few will make avoidable buying mistakes.
Don’t be one of those people. Here are four things you need to know before buying an RV.
1. Be Ready for the Expenses
Owning an RV isn’t quite like owning a car.
Buying a recreational vehicle is a kind of long-term investment. Your returns will be in the form of the memories you make with it. But to get there, you’ll need to invest funds.
RVs come with a litany of expenses, from fuel and upkeep to internal accessories. Buying second-hand is one way to ameliorate these problems, but may come with its own.
The fact is that RV owners will need to prepare themselves for the associated costs. A motorhome is a luxury item, so expect to treat it as one.
That said, it could be some of the best money you ever spend, so don’t take this as discouragement.
2. Know Where to Store It
The matter of storage is one of the nastiest surprises to hit RV owners. Unless you’re rich enough to spend the year on the road, your RV will probably have at least a season of downtime.
Usually, that season is winter – when the elements will do the most damage to an RV.
Storing your RV during its downtime can be expensive. But storing it on your drive is just asking for problems. A secure storage solution can keep your RV safe and protected until you’re ready to hit the road again.
3. Have a Plan
Don’t buy an RV on a whim.
Like most things travel-related, RVs fill people with fantasies. They picture hitting the road at the drop of a hat and leaving everything else behind.
The truth is that life gets in the way. Before you buy an RV, you need to think about where and when you’re likely to take it. If you can’t see realistic answers to those questions, then you may want to think about other travel options.
If you can’t get frequent and worthwhile use out of your RV, then it risks becoming a white elephant.
4. Keep Repairs in Mind
RVs are complicated beasts – “house” and “vehicle” don’t typically overlap, after all.
That means RV repair can be expensive and require specialist knowledge to fix. Knowing what you’ll do in the event your RV lets you down can take a great weight off your mind.
This can also influence your choice of brand. More expensive and less popular options won’t be your friend when they roll into the shop.
Buying an RV with Peace of Mind
By keeping these four things in mind, you can go about buying an RV with peace of mind. That leaves you free to enjoy the open road in comfort and style.
Now you’re equipped for your journey, it’s time to check out our travel tips.