How To Buy An RV: 10 Tips To Simplify The RV Buying Process

How To Buy An RV: 10 Tips To Simplify The RV Buying Process

First Time RV Buyer and have questions about the RV Buying Process? Learn How To Buy An RV with these 10 RV Buying Tips To Help Simply the RV Purchase Process. In this post, I’m giving you a few tips for buying an RV, as well as some RV Buying Mistakes You Need to Avoid! If you’re a First time RV Buyer just beginning your RV journey. Read this — RV Advice for New RV Owners to learn about buying an RV and how to purchase an RV (Motorhome, Van, Fifth Wheel, or Travel Trailer).

My first RV was a Travel Trailer, which I flipped on the side of the interstate and totaled less than 6 months after driving it off the lot! Then, I bought an RV van to start exploring van life, which turned out to be a lemon leading me to do a collateral swap for a new RV. And, eventually it all led me to buying Class A Motorhome with a Garage aka Toy Hauler.

I found the right RV for my lifestyle and budget at the time each time I purchased my 6 RVs! But, along the way I lost a ton of money and had some RV dealerships trying to rip me off — AVOID my RV Mistakes by reading this (BTW I also made a video to follow along with this blog post you can watch keep on scrolling down below)

First Time RV Buyer? Got Questions about How To Buy An RV: Here are 10 Tips To Help You Through The Process…

Step 1 – Define your RV Goals

Every RV lifestyle has many things in common, yet each has its own special requirements. You need to choose an RV that is right for your specific needs. You are buying a house and will have to turn it into a home! Think about things like: How LONG do you plan to use your RV at a time? ( i.e. weekend outings, long vacations, work, or full time living)? How many individuals will be traveling and sleeping in the RV on a regular basis? Are you planning on hooking up your RV to an external power source like an RV Park, Campground, or House for your water, electricity & sewer, etc… OR are you going to be living completely self-sufficient, off-the-grid dry camping (aka boon-docking) more often than not?

>> LEARN: Which Type Of RVer Are You? Need help? Fill this “RV Lifestyle Questionnaire“ out!

Step 2 – Become familiar with RV types.

There are two basic types of RVs: Drivable (motorized units) and Towable RVs.

Drivable RVs often referred to as motorized units or motorhomes don’t require an additional vehicle to operate. These are an all-in-one house and car. Motorhomes come in Class A, Class B, and Class C models.

Motorhomes

Related:

>> Take a Tour of My Class A Motorhome – 2018 Thor Outlaw 37RB Toy Hauler

>> ICYMI… I have had 3 Class B RV vans too: Van 1, Van 2, Van 3 (Take A Peek) 🫣

>> Not sure what a Class C RV is — I took you on a tour of one of those as well!

Towable RVs

Towable RVs do not have their own motor and must be attached or towed with an additional vehicle. These come in Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Pop Up Campers, and some in between.

Step 3 – List RV amenities

As the Rv Industry starts to evolve there are constantly new amenities and upgrades being added. Many manual processes are starting to become automatic with all of the new technical innovations. Some RVs require more work than others. The more bells and whistles the higher the cost. Every amenity within the RV has a direct impact on RV size, weight, and cost. Determine which are a must and which you can live without.

Step 4 – Decide on a budget

The cost of the RV is just one of many additional cost to get set up and stay on the road. The cost to operate and travel must also be factored in and include:

Insurance
Fuel (Gas / Diesel)
Propane
Electric, Water, Sewer
Cable, Wifi, Phone
Service & Maintenance

Related:

Step 5 – Rent before you Buy

Although renting is not cheap neither is buying an RV or the cost you will pay to get out of one you hate. Consider renting an RV to test out different models before buying. Drive them, sleep in them then decide which model is right for your RV lifestyle. After all, you are buying a house. Check out sites like RV Share and Outdoorsy to find an RV to rent.

LEARN >> Ultimate Guide to Renting an RV: Cost, Tips & Best Rental Sites?

Step 6 – Do Your Research

While you are trying to find a long term investment for your hard earned money. The RV dealership employs people to SALE RVs. Taking the time to do some research in person at a dealership and online to expand your knowledge. Buying an RV is not like buying a car. It is an extended process. Plan to visit multiple dealerships and be willing to travel nationwide to drive your RV back home if you want to find the perfect RV at a great price. I have have 6 RVs over the last decade and two currently! One the RV van which is used for traveling and doing the van life thing! While the other RV does NOT move and is strictly for RV Living Stationary in an RV Park! I gave a tour of my current Travel Trailer set up and shared HOW I would go about buying an RV for living stationary! And why buying a motorhome is NOT always the best option for long term living as it also has it’s pros and cons!

Step 7 – Request RV insurance quotes from multiple sources.

You’re going to need insurance before you take off in your new house on wheels. Auto Insurance is different than RV Insurance. I would suggest going with a specialized RV Insurance provider and shopping around for the best deal.

Although cost and carriers may differ most quotes are based off of:

RV Type & Model
State in which the policy is issued
Other Vehicles in Household
Driving History of insured parties
Amount of coverage desired
Usage: Full Time vs Recreational

>> Review my Ultimate Guide To Buying RV Insurance: all about the Costs, Carriers, and Coverages!

>> Need help selecting the right RV Insurance Company? These are my Tips For Choosing The Right RV Insurance (After My 1st RV Accident)

>> What I’ve Learned About RV Insurance Cost & Carriers

Step 8 – Determine fair market value

Compare what you are buying, selling or trading in to what others are advertising their RVs for. Some great resources to check are forums, dealership websites along with private party sale prices.

RV Buying & Selling Resources:

>> Learn the BEST Places to Find and Buy an RV…

Step 9 – Inspect before buying new or used.

An RV can come with a lot of problems both seen and unseen. These don’t show up on a Carfax report, so you have to know what to look for before you buy. (e.g Water leaks, cracks, generator usage, batteries, tires, etc…) Although there is no way to catch everything until you test out your RV, you should have an inspection checklist. Download this Pre-Delivery Inspection Checklist to use! Most items on this list can be inspected by an average person; for more specialized items such as brakes, engines, etc., consider having a qualified technician do the inspection.

>> ✅ Get my RV Pre-Delivery Inspection Checklist (PDI) – with PDF Download to use!

Step 10 – Practice run

Take it for a spin and test EVERYTHING! The more you travel in your RV the faster you find what you are looking for – ISSUES! If you have a warranty, this is a MUST. The manufacturer will require any needed repairs or issues be completed within a specific time frame to be covered.

🎬 Watch the video & let’s review

Let’s Review:

Step 1 – Define your Rv Goals
Step 2 – Become familiar with RV types.
Step 3 – List RV amenities
Step 4 – Decide on a budget
Step 5 – Rent before you Buy
Step 6 – Do Your Research
Step 7 – Request RV insurance quotes from multiple sources.
Step 8 – Determine fair market value
Step 9 – Inspect before buying new or used.
Step 10 – Practice run

RV BUYING GUIDE

Now you know my tips for buying an RV and mistakes to avoid during the buying process! If it’s your first time buying an RV (Motorhome, Van, Fifth Wheel, or Travel Trailer) I have an RV Buying Guide you can download and use as a checklist to help walk you through the process. 📚

>> DOWNLOAD <<

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Updated: August 7, 2025

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June 2, 2020