Buying an RV can be a big decision, as essentially you are buying a home on wheels. There are many factors that will eventually end up assisting you in your decision making process. Using our experience, past customers input and our sales teams’ experience – we have complied the following TOP 5 into this one blog. Keep in mind that this is just a general idea of some of the questions you should ask prior to purchasing your RV.  You should never be afraid to ask more and ensure that you truly have the RV of your dreams.

1. What size of RV do I really need?

One of the biggest questions that we hear, especially from first time buyers, is how much room do they really need? There are a ton of sizes available in every type of RV, 5th wheel or even trailers. One of the biggest questions you will have to answer will be how much room you really need. Our sales team has complied a few questions that will help you better understand the answer to that question:

  • What are your plans for travel? Where? When? How Often? – answers to those questions will go a long way in determining the size of unit required
  • How much room do you need? How many people do you need to sleep? – because of the variations in make, model and floorplan of the unit, space can vary drastically, so make so you have a clear idea of your families needs/wants.

2. What specific options/floorplans/items are absolute necessities?

As stated earlier, purchasing a motorhome is like purchasing a house. It is extremely important to come up with a list of “must-haves” before you begin shopping. The variation of options, amenities and styling can become quite overwhelming if you don’t have an understanding of what you are looking for. In the pre-owned world, it is best to have a list – but not an extensive one. It is also good not to be attached to all the items on it. If you are shopping for a pre-owned unit you might find it harder to find a unit that has all of your “must-haves”, so being flexible in your decision may come in handy.

3. What is the price?

Perhaps one of the most important question before going into a purchase as large as a motorhome is price. Pricing and budget will drastically influence what type of motorhome you will be purchasing. It is best to have a strong grasp on what you can afford before even thinking of the two items mentioned above. It is probably best to have both a total cost and a financing cost in mind before heading into any negotiation, as most dealers will work with you to get you to a price that you feel comfortable with (in respect to financing).

4. What financing options are available?

With the discussion about financing already beginning, lets look at what options are out there for financing your motorhome. Like in any situation, your bank will be able to provide you with the financing of your purchase. Most dealerships also have their own financing department or company they like to use for their deals. It is important to shop around when it comes to financing as well, as you can find different deals and rates depending on which avenue you take.

One important thing to discuss when it comes to pre-owned RVs is the term of the financing. Most financial institution will base the term on the year of the coach. Basically, the older the motorhome is the shorter the term  that you will be allowed. Now this isn’t necessarily set in stone, as things such as credit rating or down payment can also adjust the term, but it isn’t something everyone in the market for a pre-owned RV should understand.

5. What warranty is included/available?

Purchasing a motorhome is a big deal and as with any large purchase you want to protect it from possible unforeseen problems. You will want to ask your sales person what, if any, warranty is currently attached to the motorhome. Pre-owned motorhomes warranty will be dependant again on the age of the coach. Most dealerships (especially pre-owned ones) will offer a number of different warranty packages for both the coach and the chassis – so don’t forget to explore your options!

Now, everyone’s buying experience is going to be different. The questions that concerned you the most might differ from these on the list, but we have found answering these questions will give you a great base to start your search. If you have any questions about anything regarding the process of purchasing an RV, please do not hesitate to contact us!

You can read through the rest of the blog section for more helpful tips from us and other sources around the world wide web. In addition, don’t forget to check out our series of DIY Videos on YouTube.