Steps to buying an RV

How to buy an RV

Determine the type of RV

When buying an RV for the first time, ask yourself what experience you're after. Are you planning to live in your RV full time, or will it be used just for vacations? How many people will be traveling? Is storage space a priority? Based on those answers and other preferences, you can determine which type of RV is the best for your situation. Here are a few different types of RVs to consider:

• Class A motorhome: These are the largest and most luxurious RVs and often sleep up to eight people comfortably. They can come equipped with a full kitchen and bathroom(s), multiple bedrooms, and a living area. They're the perfect option if want to use an RV as your main home.
• Class B motorhome: Also known as "camper vans," they're the smallest of the three RV types and ideal for camping and short-term trips. They often include a mini-fridge and hot plate, and a small wet room with a toilet and showerhead.
• Class C motorhome: These RVs are more compact versions of Class A vehicles. They also have a full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, and often have slide-out panels on the sides, sleeping up to six people comfortably.
• Travel trailer: These RVs are towed behind a vehicle and can include smaller trailers such as a pop-up camper or larger fifth-wheel trailers that require a truck with a special hitch to tow them.

Set a budget

It's a good idea to have a price range in mind before you start talking to RV dealers. Don't forget to consider other costs you'll incur after purchasing an RV, such as gas, maintenance, and interior furniture. Used RVs are typically more budget-friendly, but new RVs come equipped with the latest features and floor plans.

Research different RV models

Start your research online. Visit websites of reputable brands such as Winnebago, Airstream, or Jayco. This will give you a better sense of price, features, and floor plans. Continue your online research by reading reviews, joining online RV communities on Facebook or Reddit, or watching reviews and tours on YouTube. RV websites like RVTrader, RVLife, or iRV2 offer forums for RV enthusiasts to share reviews and personal experiences. Once you've narrowed your selection through online research, tour and test models in-person at dealerships or RV shows.

Verify any license requirement

A standard driver's license will allow you to drive Class B and Class C RVs. However, you may need a special RV license if your Class A RV exceeds 26,000 pounds and 40 feet in length. Check with your state's DMV to find out if a special license is required to drive your Class A motorhome.

Visit an RV dealership or show

You can go through a dealership that sells both new and used vehicles, check RV websites to find motorhomes sold online, or visit an RV show. RV shows are held across the country and are the best way to see a variety of RVs.

Negotiate for a good price

If possible, shop for your RV during the offseason, late fall, and winter. Fewer people buy an RV during these seasons, so you may benefit from more negotiating power. The spring and summer months are the most popular times to shop for an RV, which means prices may be higher.

Find the right RV insurance

In nearly all states, you're required to carry an RV insurance policy with bodily injury and property damage liability coverage before you can drive your motorhome. Liability coverage may pay for damages and injuries you cause to others while driving your RV. Find out RV insurance requirements in your state.

If you're financing or leasing your motorhome or trailer, lenders typically require RV comprehensive and collision coverage. But even if you're paying for your RV in full, comprehensive and collision can offer crucial protection against damage, loss, or theft, up to the actual cash value of your motorhome or trailer.

If you're buying a travel trailer, you're required to carry auto liability coverage for the vehicle used to pull your trailer. Note that liability coverage won't cover damage to your travel trailer. Comprehensive and collision coverages can protect against RV damage, but they aren't required by state law. Learn more about travel trailer insurance and how RV insurance works.

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