Buying an RV? Avoid These Huge Mistakes! | RecPro

Buying an RV is not a decision that should be made on impulse alone. It is a significant investment, and just like any other investment buying an RV requires a lot of planning and research if you want to avoid problems down the line. RVs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with a plethora of different amenities, advantages, and disadvantages. There are many things that can go wrong in the process of buying an RV, but some mistakes occur more frequently than others! With RecPro's help, you can discover what these common RV buying mistakes are and how to avoid them!

Check The Slideout!

Many models of RVs come with what is called a "slideout". This is a segment of the RV that can extend outward when the RV is parked, providing you with more interior space. When you visit an RV dealership, it is very likely that the RVs you tour or see on display will have their slideouts extended, as this helps customers get an idea of how large the overall size of the RV is and presents them with an opportunity to explore the interior without hassle. The problem here is that many people forget to check the interior of an RV when its slideout is closed!

You may be wondering why this little detail even matters since the slideout will be closed when you are traveling. Well, not every RV will still have its other features easily accessible or useable when the slideout is closed, such as the bathroom or bedroom. You may want to consider the fact that you may end up in a situation where you either can't or do not want to extend your slideout. This kind of situation often occurs if you need to spend the night at a rest stop, in a parking lot, or even on the side of the road, and you certainly wouldn't want to end up in a situation like that without having easy access to your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen! So, when you are purchasing an RV, make sure to inspect the interior with the slideout extended AND closed!

Know Your RV's Height!

Height is an easy detail to overlook when shopping for an RV. It is easy to get into the mindset of "bigger is better". While there is nothing wrong with having a tall RV, it can lead to costly and embarrassing damage and repairs if you forget to take its height into account as you travel! Go to any underpass and you are nearly guaranteed to see scrapes and scuffs on the top from drivers who neglected to take the height of their rig into account. It's not just the roof of the RV you need to keep in mind either, but the overall height, including any AC units, antennas, or other bits sticking out of the top. Know the total height of your rig and plan your trips accordingly!

Rent Before You Buy!

You wouldn't purchase a car, truck, or SUV without giving it a good test drive, would you? An RV should be no different! Do not let the size and bulk of an RV dissuade you from testing it out on the road, as doing so will help you get a good idea of how the RV you are interested in handles and performs on the road. In fact, you should take things a step further by renting an RV of the same make and model as the one you are interested in buying. That way, you can spend a few days, weeks, or longer driving it around as well as exploring the various features and amenities it offers. Doing this will help you more easily determine if the RV model you are interested in is one that you can live and be happy with.

Get The Right RV Insurance & Roadside Assistance!

The insurance and roadside assistance you get for your RV is a bit different than what you would get for your typical vehicle. Getting the wrong RV insurance or RV roadside assistance can end up being a huge mistake that can lead up to huge costs and put an early end to your vacationing plans. RV insurance typically only covers the RV itself but NOT the contents within it, so make sure you sit down with your insurance provider to work out the best policy and roadside assistance for your specific needs.

Have A Place To Put Your New Toy!

It is surprisingly easy to make this mistake. The thought of purchasing your RV is exciting, and thoughts of adventure and vacations can make you impulsive. Storage space may easily end up at the very back of your mind, causing you to drive your brand-new RV home only to be met with the sudden realization that you have nowhere to put it. Before you begin to shop for an RV, camper, or trailer, you should first make sure that you have space to store it at your own home or that there is a nearby storage area that can accommodate your RV. Some people choose to store their RV in their yard, right out in the open. However, it is best to store your RV in a shed, garage, or storage facility whenever possible, as this will help provide your RV with extra protection against outdoor elements, animals, bad weather, and people with less than wholesome intentions.

Be Prepared and Have Fun!

Despite how much planning, research, and consideration purchasing an RV can take, you should not let any of it dissuade you. Owning an RV is an extremely liberating experience, which is why RVing is one of America's fastest-growing hobbies! Keep these small tips in mind as you shop for your perfect RV, and you are sure to drive away with one you will love for years.

Do you have any other tips or words of wisdom to share? Let us know in the comments below!