6 Things to Know Before Buying an RV
Updated June 4, 2020 . AmFam Team
Dreaming of hitting the open road with your family in tow? There’s no better way to experience everything Mother Nature has to offer without sacrificing the convenience of home than by traveling via RV. But before you take the plunge in buying an RV for the first time, it’s important to do some research so you’re confident while you make your purchase.
Read these six tips to help get you started on your RV-buying journey:
Make Sure the RV Lifestyle Is for You
There’s nothing worse than making a purchase and regretting it — especially when it’s a big purchase. Combat buyer’s remorse by thinking long and hard about whether or not an RV would fit your lifestyle — and whether or not you have the time to use it.
Assess the Hidden Costs of Owning an RV
Just like owning a car, an RV requires periodic maintenance to keep things running smoothly. And depending on where you park it, both in-season and in the off-season, there will be costs for campgrounds, RV parks and off-site storage location.
There are also the costs of fuel and insurance to consider. You’ll need to buy a travel trailer if you’re towing your RV, and you may need to consider buying a new vehicle that can handle towing it, too. Lastly, you’ll have to keep in mind costs on the road — meals, travel, plus perks like internet, satellite TV and streaming services.
Choose What Type of RV Suits Your Needs
There are a handful of different types of RVs — from pop-up campers to campers that fit in the bed of a truck to fully equipped class A motorhomes. Take stock of your budget, the amount of space you’ll need and the type of usability you prefer before taking the plunge.
Decide Whether to Buy New or Used
Whether you buy a brand-new RV or a used RV is totally up to the buyer. While buying a new RV typically means fewer initial maintenance issues and a warranty from the manufacturer, the downside is that the value tends to depreciate quicker than a car’s. On the flip side, buying used can net a good deal and save you a ton of money, but they also can bring higher maintenance costs.
Buy From Trusted RV Dealers
RV dealers and RV shows are some of the best places to buy an RV, since they are run by people who know the business and are fully equipped to answer your questions. If you know the brand you’d like, you can also contact manufacturers directly. Lastly, there are also some great buying and selling resources online like eBay, Camping World and RV-selling websites like RV Trader (Opens in a new tab) to help you find your perfect rig.
Know What You’re Looking For
The best time to buy an RV is when you know exactly what you're looking for. Take a close look at each RV’s fuel economy, floorplan, and livability, and make sure it fits both in your budget and lifestyle. It’s also smart to make a list of all the amenities you’ll need — storage, beds, and appliances, etc. — that way you’ll know all your needs are covered.
Now that you know what to look for, you can start the exciting process of finding the perfect RV for you and your family. And when you’re ready to discuss insurance for your RV, connect with your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab). They can help walk you through the ins and outs of RV coverage to make sure you have the right coverage to protect what matters most.
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- Recreational Vehicle Insurance: What’s Covered?
Cruising down the highway on your motorcycle or riding around the lake on your personal watercraft are activities you dream about in the cold winter months. And with warm weather fast approaching, it’s time to get your recreational vehicles tuned up and ready for summer fun. But performing maintenance on your ATV and filling your RV’s gas tank aren’t the only things you need to check off your to-do list — making sure you have the right recreational vehicle insurance coverage is key to protecting the vehicles you work hard for.
Let’s find out if you have the proper coverage in place.
Why Do Your Recreational Vehicles Need Coverage?
Accidents happen — and they can be disruptive and costly. Insurance for your recreational vehicles can help reduce or eliminate your financial burden should the unexpected occur.
Having insurance for your hobby vehicles — like dirt bikes, RVs, jet skis and ATVs — is part of being a responsible recreational vehicle owner. And knowing you’re financially protecting the things you work so hard for gives you peace of mind as you set out on your adventures.
Find coverage for things like:
- Liability protection to help pay expenses associated with things like injuries or property damage
- Collision coverage to protect against loss or damage to your recreational vehicle
- Emergency roadside or waterside service for certain vehicles that breakdown
- So much more!
- How to Buy Recreational Vehicles
You work hard all year long for those precious days in the sun, when you can get outside and enjoy the weather. Maybe you’ve been dreaming about finally buying a recreational vehicle of your own. If you have, you know you’ve got a lot of choices, from campers, travel trailers and ATVs to fishing boats and wave runners.
Whatever you choose, purchasing a recreational vehicle can be a big investment — and it’s one you should take seriously. One of the best ways to buy is to do your homework first and then narrow down your choices to those that retain their value best.
- Renting an RV
When it’s time for your next vacation, you may be thinking about switching things up and renting an RV. Wondering how you can rent an RV? It’s really pretty simple and, in some ways, it works much the same as renting a car. You’ll first fill out an application, either online or at an RV dealer, and they’ll probably need a credit card for a deposit to secure your reservation.
And much like a car rental, you’ll probably need to meet the minimum age requirement to qualify. But because RVs are more complicated and much larger than a car, you may want to find an RV rental group that offers RV training to new customers before you drive off the lot. Try Googling “where to rent an RV” — you’ll likely find a long list of options and rental groups — then, reach out to those that best meet your needs.
Not only can renting an RV save you money, but it offers a whole new perspective on vacation travel. Not sure how to get started? That’s why we’re here! Check out our tips on how to rent an RV, so your first RV adventure goes off without a hitch!
- Snowmobile Buying Guide: What to Look for
As the leaves fall and the temperature follows suit, our minds drift towards wintry outdoor activities. A snowmobile can be your ticket to a flurry of fun this winter.
But before you run out and buy a snowmobile, there are a few factors you should consider first. For example, if this is your first time shredding the snow, then you’ll want to purchase a beginner’s snowmobile.
Here are some tips to help ensure the snowmobile you purchase is the right one for you and your family.
