5 Things To Consider Before Buying Your First RV
If you’re a first time RV buyer wondering what to consider before buying an RV, you’re in the right place. If RV Life is calling your name? Here are my RV Buying Tips and Advice to help you through the process!
Buying your first RV is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t understand the key factors involved — like how you plan to use your RV, who will be traveling with you, your budget, and the ongoing costs of RV ownership.
In this post, I’ll share essential RV buying tips and important things to consider before purchasing an RV, so you can make an informed decision and find the right recreational vehicle that fits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking to purchase a motorhome, travel trailer, 5th wheel, or camper van, these tips will help you prepare for the RV buying process and avoid common mistakes first-time buyers make.
Let’s dive into the top five things to think about before buying your first RV.
RV Buying Tips: What You Need to Know Before Buying an RV
Hey, I’m Blogging Brandi, and this is RVersity – a university for RVers.
In this post, I’m going to be sharing with you some of the things you need to think about before you decide to buy (or even rent an RV). All the things I wish I had known before I bought my first RV!
Be sure to stay tuned until the end because whether you’re buying or even renting an RV, the process can be super stressful — but I’ve got a guide to help walk you through it so you don’t make the same mistakes I made.
Let’s get started!
1. What Are You Going to Be Using Your RV For?
When you first start thinking about RVing, you need to decide:
- Are you going to be boondocking? (aka dry-camping, off the grid, etc…)
- Are you going to be hooking up to power, water, sewer??
- Do you need to keep everything on board with you?
- Are you going to be staying with family?
- Are you going to an RV park?
How are you going to be using this RV?
Is it just something you’re going to be taking for the weekend to the lake and back home?
There are different ways and reasons that people RV, and you have to think about that.
>> Learn what boondocking (aka Dry Camping) in your RV means…
>> Wondering What RV Hook-Ups are? Let me Explain…
2. Who Is Coming With You?
- How MANY people are you going to be bringing in the RV with you?
- Are you RVing alone?
- Bringing a friend, spouse, or family member?
- Are any children or pets coming along?
- Anyone with a disability?
- Or what about the SIZE of the people — are they a little more fluffy (if you know what I mean)…
All of these things play a role in what you’re using this for.
>> How To Determine Your RV Lifestyle?
>> Take The RV Lifestyle QUIZ!
>> Which Type of RVer Are You?
3. Will You Be Living in Your RV Full-Time?
Some people live in their RVs full-time — and if that’s the case, you really want to consider what type of RV you get.
If you want to live in it full-time, your needs will be very different than someone who’s just using it part-time for weekend trips.
>> First Time RV Buyer? My Advice For Choosing The Right RV
>> Full Time MOTORHOME Living [PROS AND CONS]
4. What’s the Cost? (It’s More Than Just the RV!)
Another thing when you’re looking at an RV that you want to think about is the cost:
- The cost of purchasing the RV (or renting)
- The cost of operation
You’re also going to have:
- RV Insurance
- Gas or diesel (to get it from one place to another + you might need it for your generator)
- Propane for heating the RV, taking hot showers, cooking, maybe to power the fridge or generator)
- Water & Sewer (to take a shower, flush the toilet, wash your hands, or the dishes…)
- Power (battery, solar, or electrical hookup)
Essentially, you have a house on wheels.
But unlike a house (which is permanently connected to power, water and sewer), an RV either needs to be connected to those sources or you have to have them with you.
>> RV Loan Calculator: How to Calculate Your Monthly RV Payment (Examples + What I Paid)
>> How Much Does It Cost To Live In An RV Full Time?
>> RV Living Expenses: What I Pay To Live in an RV Park?
>> How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?
5. Lifestyle + Budget
Now you know some of the things you need to think about before buying or even renting an RV.
But here’s the thing: The right RV all depends on your lifestyle and your budget.
>> Which RV is Right For ME? (Here’s How To Choose The Right RV For YOU…)
Need Help?
If you need help understanding the different types of RVs and sizes that are out there, I made you a post to explain.
And if you’re thinking about buying an RV, I’ve got a guide for you as well to help walk you through the process.
>> 📚 DOWNLOAD my RV BUYING CHECKLIST
I’m Blogging Brandi, and this is RVersity, a university for RVers.
Don’t forget to subscribe!
Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next episode.
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RV Life calling your name? My RV BUYING TIPS & ADVICE to help you through the process!
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- How To Buy An RV: 10 Tips For Buying An RV
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- Not sure about buying an RV? Try Renting! Get My Ultimate Guide to Renting an RV: Cost, Tips & Best Rental Sites
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