Assessing Your RV Needs

Tips on buying the right RV

While RVing can be for anyone, RVs themselves are not a one-size-fits-all purchase. The number of people, type of travel, time of year and your budget will all make a difference in the type of RV you purchase.

RVs have come a long way since the VW pop-top caravans. Modern versions can have fireplaces, whirlpool baths, rooftop decks and even granite countertops. Be sure to visit many dealers and browse online to get an idea of the ever-expanding features available.

What's Driving You?

Here are some things to consider when picking an RV:

  • Travel Temperature: Seasonal temperatures and road conditions will determine what type of vehicle you purchase. Will you be RVing only during the sweltering summer heat, or do you see yourself following the fall color change through the Canadian Rockies? Will you flee to warmer temperatures before the snow flies, or will you be braving blizzards en route to your winter haven?
  • Road Conditions: The type of vehicle that cruises across five time zones' worth of highway won't take you off-road to that little-known romantic location in the Smoky Mountains.
  • Sleeping Sound: Matching the number of beds to the number of people traveling with you is only one consideration. Children can double up, but your teenager may want extreme privacy. A disability or back condition can turn a retractable bed into a nightmare, and beds in the living area can cut into late night socializing. Let's face it - when it comes to sleeping space, sometimes size does count.
  • Storage: Long trips, changes of season, entertainment and sports equipment can gobble up space. If you you're traveling to remote locations, restocking on food may be something to consider, which means you'll need more cargo space.
  • Location, location, location: If the majority of your stay will be in a campground with hookups and utilities, you'll have very different needs from the family going to off-road locations where there's nothing but beavers and bears. Your dealer can help you assess your utility needs.
  • Chow time: Are you an indoor chef or will you be cooking up a storm on an outdoor barbecue? Gadget fiends will need more appliances and counter space, but foodies need more pantry space.
  • Indoors or out? Will you be eating indoors at a table or outside under an awning? If you get rained out, are you averse to balancing a plate of beans on your lap?
  • Special equipment: Golf clubs can go inside but you'll need roof racks for canoes, bikes and ski gear. If you're planning on towing a car, boat or other vehicle, you'll need a more powerful RV than you would if you were packing only hiking boots and sunscreen.
  • The Good Life: If you can't live without TV, video games, movies or music, do you want to go top drawer or will the second set from the basement do? Do you want speakers for your sound system - inside, out or both? Or would you rather hang yourself with the wiring?

Your RV will be as unique as your trip. When it comes to picking the perfect vehicle, it pays to do your homework before you find yourself on the holiday from hell instead of your dream vacation.

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