Now is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. And one of the best ways to do it is in a recreational vehicle! In the USA, over 10 million households own an RV, and 17 million are looking to purchase their own.

Are you one of those people interested in taking your outdoor lifestyle to the next level? Purchasing and owning an RV can be a significant financial investment. Here are some things to think about before buying a used RV. 

Which Kind of Used RV Is Right for You? 

One of the first things to consider when buying an RV is the model. Class A and B are like buses and vans; Class C is usually on a truck chassis or bed, while pop-up campers and travel trailers are towed by a car. They all vary in size and price and are generally more affordable when bought used.  

Comfort 

If you’ve never driven an RV before, it’s important to do a test-drive first. The largest models can feel like an over-sized bus and can take some getting used to. Visibility, handling, and speed on an RV are different than a car, so figure out what is in your driving comfort zone. 

Budget

It’s important to establish your budget before starting your search. Even used models can cost anywhere from $10,000 to 300,000. Also figure out whether you are paying cash, or need to get financing. 

Use

When you dream of your potential RV, what do you imagine using it for? Do you want to hit the highways on a road trip or do you plan on going camping? Do you plan on driving it very far, or keeping it local? 

Different RVs are more suited to different uses. For example, if you plan on driving great distances, a large Class A that only gets 8 miles to the gallon probably isn’t a good idea. But if you plan to drive a short distance and live in it a while, then you will want something spacious like that with amenities. 

Renovation

One reason to buy a used RV is the potential to customize it and make it your own. You can save a lot of money by renovating, refurbishing, and restoring them–often for a much better price than purchasing a new one. 

Maintenance

How familiar are you with RV maintenance? If you are buying a used RV, assume that eventually parts will wear out and need to be replaced. Decide in advance if this is something you want to invest time and money in. 

Insurance

Have you looked into how much insurance will cost? One of the pros of buying a used RV is that the insurance should be less than buying a new RV. But it’s important to know what you will pay in advance. 

Ready To Buy an RV? 

Now that you’ve learned about RVs, you can begin your journey to find the perfect match. Don’t forget to consider budget, maintenance, and use before making a purchase. Deciding to buy a used RV is a big financial investment, so it’s important to think about it carefully.

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