Gearing Up for
Life on the RV Road
More than 30
million Americans are RVing these days. But as romantic as it may appear,
would-be buyers or renters of recreational vehicles need to do more than
test drive a "home on wheels" before joining the avid community
of those who live life on the road.
Would-be RVers
should examine all aspects of RV living, including how to choose the right
RV, how to negotiate with dealers, how to buy the right insurance, and how
to drive an RV before chasing such an idyllic life.
Of course, would-be
RVers should first examine whether to RV or not. An RV is defined as a
vehicle that combines transportation and temporary living quarters for
travel, recreation and camping. According to "The Complete Idiot’s
Guide to RVing," the typical RVer enjoys: the ability to travel where
and when they want; the chance to spend time with loved ones; a way to
travel relatively inexpensively; the ability to avoid the hassles of
commercial travel; and the opportunity for those who have special needs to
travel in comfort.
RVers, contrary to
popular opinion, are not just retirees. They come from all walks of life,
according to a University of Michigan study commissioned by the
Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). The typical RVer is 49
years old, married, with an annual household income of $68,000. RV owners
are likely to own their homes and spend their disposable income on
traveling – an average of 4,500 miles and 26 days annually, according to
RVIA. Would-be buyers and renters should note that many dealers, in light
of rising fuel costs, are now offering discounts, including gas cards and
loyalty programs.
Getting a handle on
the various types of RVs for sale is another necessary step. RVs come in
all shapes and sizes, the two major types being motor homes (motorized)
and towable (towed behind the family car, van or pickup). According to
RVIA, Type A motor homes are generally the largest; Type B motor homes or
van campers are the smallest and Type C motor homes generally fall in
between. Types of towable RVs are folding camping trailers, truck campers,
conventional travel trailers and fifth-wheel travel trailers.
No matter which type
you choose, your RV should have a place to sleep, a place to cook, and a
place to live. After that, choosing an RV that’s right for you is a
function of budget and preference. According to RVIA, prices for new RVs
are typically $4,000-$13,000 for folding camping trailers; $4,000-$26,000
for truck campers; $8,000-$65,000 for conventional travel trailers;
$48,000-$140,000 for Type C motor homes and $58,000-$400,000 for Type A
motor homes.
Doing one’s
homework before purchasing an RV is essential. RVIA and others suggests
the following: Attend an RV show or visit an RV dealer to comparison shop;
examine different models, vehicle types and floor plans; learn about RV
financing and insurance options; and check out other resources and Web
sites including those of www.rv.net, www.rv.org,
Recreation Vehicle Dealer Association, Escapees, Family Motor Coach
Association, and Trailer Life magazine. Renting an RV can be an ideal way
to "try before you buy."
Would-be RVers need
also to examine driving or towing abilities, how many passengers will be
in the RV, and how they plan to use the RV – for recreational use or as
a place to live. At a minimum, would-be RVers should examine how livable
the RV is. That means testing the beds, showers, and living spaces. What’s
more, those buying a used RV should inspect inside and out for signs of
previous repairs, rusts and leaks. And would-be RVers should take the
vehicle for a rigorous road test, listening for signs of engine trouble.
If you plan on buying a towable RV, check its weight. Would-be RVers don’t
want to find out after the fact that they have to buy a new car or truck
to tow their new RV.
Other homework is
required. Lemon laws, which guarantee consumers replacement motor vehicles
or refunds after a certain number of problems or days in the shop, vary by
state and often don't apply to RVs, The Wall Street Journal recently
reported. Thus, RV owners, stuck awaiting repairs, often have little legal
recourse. RVs tend to have more problems than other vehicles because they
are made in much smaller quantities than cars and without the same
sophisticated manufacturing methods.
Buying an RV
requires special skills and tactics, according to "The Complete Idiot’s
Guide to RVing" and other resources. Private sellers offer lower
prices but no warranties or returns. If you buy from a dealer, be sure to
"audition" them with respect to price, knowledge of staff,
service facilities and reputation. If you learn the invoice price, you
will likely reap the best deal. Also, negotiate slowly and don’t sway
from the price you want to pay. If you want peace of mind, buy an extended
warranty. If not, choose the warranty that covers the full vehicle for the
longest period of time.
Other tips to
consider:
