Your Guide to Buying the Perfect RV or Camper
As camper and RV technologies and designs continue to constantly update, buying a camper or RV has never been so daunting. Deciding whether a full-size fridge is necessary for camping trips or if a TV on the outside is practical for family vacations are actual decisions camper and RV consumers must now consider. Purchasing a camper or RV in the 21st century is basically to deciding which type of camper will function as a home away from home.
Choosing the right camper or RV for your destination can be challenging. For a short period of time, the camper/RV will act as a temporary home. Comfort, design, and luxury are all important details when considering which camper/RV design and model is right for your traveling needs. However, buying a camper or RV needs to be about more than the latest technology and luxuries and more about the important details.
The Seven Steps to Buying the Perfect RV or Camper
- Determine Your Budget
- Determine Occupancy for People and Pets
- Outline Usage of the RV/Camper
- Establish a Timeframe for Travel
- Choose Between Towed Trailers and Driving
- Predict Future Travel Plans
- Determine Necessary Features
The 7 Steps Explained
Buying a camper should always be budget-friendly. Before getting swept away in the latest technologies and designs, creating a budget for your next RV or camper can save you the time and energy of looking at models that are not within a certain price range. After the budget has been established, some other key factors include how many people/pets will be traveling and what type of traveling the camper or RV is being used for are at the top of the list of things to consider. Smaller families may decide to purchase a pop-up or a small traveler trailer. On the other hand, larger families or those traveling for longer periods may decide on an RV or fifth wheel.
Pop-up campers are designed to be more mobile and do not require such a large vehicle for pulling behind. They are easy to set up with two sides "popping" up into beds. Pop-ups are not normally designed with a bathroom. These types of campers work well for travelers who know they will have restroom facilities available and/or those campers who want something just above staying in a tent. Small travel trailers are more suitable for families with more travelers. Travel trailers can be anywhere from 15 ft to around 30 ft in length. Deciding which pull behind trailer is right for your family is not as easy as it may seem.
Other things to consider when purchasing a travel trailer is the type of traveling such as destination and how long the vacation will last. If you plan to make use of your travel trailer multiple times a year, choosing a larger travel trailer might be the best option. When deciding whether a fifth or RV is right for traveling, travelers must decide if they can pull a fifth wheel with a truck. If there is no access to a large vehicle, choosing an RV may be the better option.
An RV often comes with all the features and amenities that long-distance travelers are looking for. Unlike campers and fifth wheels, an RV requires minimal set-up as there are no sides to slide or pop-out. RV's would be the best option for travelers that move destinations frequently. The main concern when purchasing an RV is if not having the convenience of a vehicle. While most RV's do have the option to pull behind a vehicle, this may not be something all travelers feel comfortable with.
Overall, choosing an RV or camper is a big decision. With so many options on the market, it has never been more difficult to decide which is the right option for you. Researching and making a pro/con list can also be helpful.
