Know What RV You Can Afford

The first decision is whether to purchase an RV, but after that comes what you want and what you can afford. The absolute best advice that I can give is to know what you can afford first. You will be better off having a slightly less opulent camper if you can comfortably deal with the costs. Overspending will result in the RV becoming a burden and you won't have the fun you dreamed about.

Think about how much you can put down and what monthly payments you can comfortably make including insurance and parking fees, leaving room for traveling money. Don't forget the cost of a tag. The tag for my class C in Alabama is going to cost around $800.

Also put something aside to stock your RV the way you want it. This might include silverware, dishes, towels, extra toiletries, and assorted items to keep your RV clean as well as a variety of tools.

Finally, and this is important, put aside at least a few hundred dollars for those unexpected things that you will absolutely, positively want to buy.

Don't overspend and your RV will be a great asset for your entire family.

Is An RV Right For You

An RV is an expensive investment that will not appreciate in value. In other words, no matter how you slice it an RV is going to cost you money. Make certain that this is where you want to spend your hard earned income.
A recreational vehicle, like any equipment, has to be maintained. That means washing, changing oil, preparing it for winter, protecting it when stored, repairing what isn't working and in general keeping it in shape for your use.
Many suggest, and I certainly do not disagree, that one way to learn about RVs is to rent one at least for a weekend. This experience will likely hook you on RVing or send you packing, but that is the purpose. A week would be even better. It will also help you determine what size is right for you. The experience of hooking, unhooking and dumping will bring home the realities of RV life.

I have heard of so many stories about people who spent many thousands of dollars to purchase an RV and took one or two trips before parking it. After a year or two of just sitting they decide to sell it and this costs them a lot of money.

We love taking trips in an RV. It is a kind of freedom and convenience we haven't found in any other mode of travel. But what we love and what you love may be entirely different things. Before making such a large investment, commit yourself to using your RV.

If it is right for you then the money will be well spent.