RV Buying Tips 101
By Mark J. Polk
It seems like when we purchase an RV we overlook
something, forget to check something, or possibly we were not properly informed about something. Whatever the
case may be you don't realize it until after you buy it and then it's too late.
If you already own an RV you know what I'm talking about and this article won't be
of much help. If you don't already own an RV, read on and learn some things to consider before you buy.
A good example of this is a couple I once had shopping for a travel trailer. The
one thing they were sure of was that they wanted bunk beds for their three young children. I had several floor
plans available on the lot, with bunk beds, to cho ose from. I showed them the
first model and a few moments later they were convinced that this was the trailer for them.
Finding a Reputable Dealer
I'm not really sure where to begin. I guess the best place to start is with the
dealership. You need to find a reputable RV dealer that is willing to take care of you after the sale. If at all possible talk to someone
who has dealt with them before. A reputable dealer wants your business and they want you to return to them for
future  business.
Don't be afraid to ask for a tour of the dealership. Look at the service
department. Do they have certified technicians? Do they have the capability and facilities to do routine
maintenance and warranty work on the units they sell? Look at their Parts and Accessory department. Do they offer a
good selection of parts and accessories? . If you feel comfortable with the
dealership and would like to look at some of the RVs on the lot it's time to find a salesperson. This is not
difficult because they will usually find you first. It is extremely important that you feel comfortable with the
sales person. If you don't, ask to speak to somebody else.
Don't be afraid to help the sales person help you. What I mean by this is, tell
them what your needs are, what you want and how you plan to use it. If you're going to buy a towable RV and you
already have the tow vehicle ask them to explain the weights to you and to show you which RVs are in your weight
range. .
More RV Buying Tips
Here are a few things to consider before you buy.
- What type of RV is best suited for you and your family?
- What type of floor plan will work best for you and your family?
- Do you plan to travel cross-country with the RV or is it going to be set up at
one location and left there?
- If you're going to be towing the RV is the tow vehicle capable of handling the
weight of the RV and do you have the proper hitch work to safely tow it?
- How many people will be in the RV and what are the sleeping
requirements?
- Is there enough seating space?
- Do you need a slide out(s) for additional living space? If you get slide outs
how is the RV interior affected when they are in the stored, travel position?
- Is their enough outside storage, and are the storage compartments large enough
to accommodate what you plan to take?
- Is there enough closet, cabinet and drawer space for all of your personal
belonging?
- Are there enough cabinets and drawers in the kitchen? Don't forget about the
pots and pans.
- How much counter space does it have in the kitchen? Is it enough?
- Where is the dinette table in relation to the range, oven and the
refrigerator? Does it make sense?
- How does the bed feel when you lay down? Is it long enough and wide
enough?
- Can you walk around the entire bed or is it built into the corner of the
walls?
- Are there windows where you want windows?
- Is the refrigerator large enough?
- Can you reach the microwave?
- Is the A/C ducted throughout the unit? If not will it cool the entire
unit?
- Do you prefer a split bathroom where the shower is separate, or a bathroom
where everything is together?
- Can you stand up in the shower?
- Is the bathroom large enough?
- Can you sit on the toilet?
- How much fresh water can you take with you? Is it enough?
- How large are the gray water and black water holding tanks? Are they large
enough for the way you plan to use the RV?
- How much LP gas does it hold? Is it enough for how you plan to use the
RV?
- Is the RV too big or too small for your needs?
- If you want a motor home drive it before you buy it.
- If you're buying a motor home do you want gas or diesel? Which type is more
practical for how you plan to use it?
This list is not all-inclusive but it should help you make a more informed decision
before you purchase an RV. A
Happy Camping,
MarkPolk is the owner of
RV Education 101. , visit
www.rveducation101.com.
RV buying tips
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