Buying a New or Used RV?

Buying a New or Used RV?
By Ray F Oberreuter

If a new or used RV is in your future…here are a few tips. Buying a new or used motor home, 5th wheel, travel trailer, or folding camper is always exciting as we anticipate places we will visit and the new friends we will meet in our new RV or camper... It is exciting and it should be as the RV industry is indeed “alive and well”, sales continue to be strong, and the future looks bright as well. RV’ing is a tremendous form of recreation and is a great way for families to get away together.

As an RV technician, I have a unique perspective as I see these buyers six months to a year later when the euphoria of the buying process is long past and the reality has set in. By this time RV owners have a much better understanding of what they bought, mistakes which were made in the buying process, and the things they would do differently if they ever have the opportunity again.

Here are some of the major mistakes I have encountered so I am passing them on to interested RV’ers to help you avoid and some of the most common pitfalls motor home, 5th wheel, and travel trailer buyer’s encounter.

Buying the wrong RV heads up the list and explains why there are so many late model RV’s on the market. When it comes to supply and demand there is no shortage of used RV’s on the market. So why do people buy wrong? The answer is simple. The glitz and glamour of RV dealer showrooms and lots can easily sidetrack unsuspecting buyers away from their true needs when they see RV’s which look better than their own homes. In short, “emotion overtakes logic” leading some to buy the wrong RV, usually one which is too large for ones true needs.

Another pitfall is going through the selection and buying process too quickly. Buying an RV is a major expenditure so taking ones time is only prudent both with the decision of RV type and size but also of delivery. Those who “think” they need their RV tomorrow and coerce their dealer into delivering it too quickly as making a big mistake which will result in “down time”(time in which your RV will not be available to you for your use) in the future. If you need it tomorrow it only means you did not begin your search process soon enough.

Another major pitfall is buyers conducting a “poor” inspection of their RV. It does not matter if you are buying a new or used RV, an “in depth” inspection is crucial. After all even if you’re buying new do you want an RV assembled on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon? Trust me, you do not, and an in depth inspection will reveal both poor design and any lack of attention to detail in the final assembly process.

Last but certainly not least is the fallacy of placing too much stock in RV manufacturer’s warranties. I’m not saying they’re not important because they are, but believe it or not , in some cases three years is not enough time to make some of the necessary repairs on some RV’s. The truth of the matter is your new RV should not have to go back to the dealer more than twice in the first year to eighteen months. The reality is people get “worn down” dragging their RV back to the dealership repeatedly while also loosing the right to use their RV as it sits on the RV dealer’s lot. An in depth inspection and slowing down the buying process can alleviate much of these types of problems. I continue to be amazed at the number of people who buy RV’s with things that simply are not working. Sometimes its naiveté as many assume too much. My advice is when buying an RV NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING!

One last word about buying used. Some of the best deals out there are used RV’s (the seller eats the depreciation, not you) and an in depth inspection goes a long way in reducing ones risk when buying used. You just have to know how to do it. If you feel you are not knowledgeable or experienced enough to be able to do this let me assure you there is a lot of good information available to help you. I encourage you to seek it out and do your homework because it is time and effort, which most assuredly will pay off. That is my wish for you that all of us will be "happy campers".

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