The recreational vehicle (RV) industry generates over $50 billion in revenue each year. For most people, owning an RV is mostly about the freedom and comfort it provides. If you have ever traveled with a large group of people, you know all too well how annoying it can be to feel cramped on these long trips.
Most people fail to realize just how many different types of RVs there are on the market. Failing to take your time and research all of the options on the market can lead to a case of buyer’s remorse.
If you are in the market for a new recreational vehicle, here are some of the things you need to know.
1. Choosing the Right RV is Much Easier With Some Professional Guidance
The biggest mistake most newcomers to the RV world make when trying to purchase one of these vehicles is failing to consult with a dealership. By finding campervan dealerships that are committed to helping consumers, you can get all of the guidance you need.
Often times, the salesman at the dealership will want to know a bit more about how you intend to use your new RV and how many people you will have traveling with you. Once they have this information, they can start narrowing down the vast selection of RVs on their lot.
Visiting a few of the dealerships in your area is a great way to figure out which one is the right fit for your needs.
2. You Have to Work to Get a Good Deal
When preparing to buy an RV, you will need to brush up on your negotiation skills. Often time, new RVs will be priced based on the manufacturer’s suggestion. The worst thing you can do when buying a new RV is thinking the sticker price is what you have to settle on.
Some buyers get RVs for nearly 30 percent under the MSRP because they know how to negotiate. Before going in to look at new RVs, you need to get an idea of what you want. Once you have this information, you can do some online research to find out what these particular vehicles are going for.
If you go into a dealership armed with this information, there is a far better chance that you will get a better deal. You need to go into this process with the mindset that you can walk away from a deal if it doesn’t feel right.
3. Inspect the RV Thoroughly
There is a big misconception among buyers that new RVs arrive at the dealership in pristine condition. While this may be true in some situations, there are times when new RVs arrive with problems. Usually, RV manufacturers will send a vehicle to a dealership without performing a final inspection.
This is why you need to look over every square inch of a new RV before making a purchase. If problems are discovered, you may be able to get a discount from the dealership.
4. Buying Used is a Good Idea For a Travel Enthusiast on a Budget
For some people, coming up with the funds to buy a new RV is nearly impossible. Rather than putting yourself in a financial bind, you may want to consider buying a used RV.
There are a number of high-quality RVs on the used market. When attempting to choose a used RV, pay close attention to the mileage it has and how long it has been sitting unused. The longer an RV sits without being used, the higher the likelihood becomes of leakage and mold issues developing.
Rushing through the RV buying process will create lots of problems. This is why you will need to take your time and research all options before making a decision.
