Most people dream of exotic vacations in distant tourist spots and waste away precious time and resources trying to make their fantasy come true. However, some individuals have the foresight to seek more prompt measures when bitten by the travel bug.
You see, you don’t have to spend a good portion of your life saving up for travel expenses when you can start by baby steps. There are plenty of wondrous sights to be seen closer to home, and you can very conveniently go around if you get yourself a home on wheels.
Yes, we’re talking about RVs, motorhomes and caravans. Using RV or caravan finance to purchase a home on wheels might just be the best thing you ever do. RVs (recreational vans) and caravans are ideal for those who love to travel but look for ways to cut down on costs such as hoteling, flight fares, logistics, and the cost of eating out when traveling. They are the sweetest solution to all of the problems associated with traveling.
If you own an RV, you have a place to live and cook, go from one amazing sight to another at your own pace, and live in relative comfort too. But, there are a few things that you have to keep in mind before you become an RVer. You can even read up a lot of material on https://www.thewanderingrv.com/rv-financing-and-loans/ to help you along the way.
Read on to find out the things to keep an eye out for, rather the things to ponder over before you buy an RV.
Considerations To Think Over Before Purchasing An RV
What Kind Of RV Do You Want?
There are broadly nine different classifications of RVs, and the choices available to you are innumerable, enough to get your head spinning.
So, the first thing you need to determine is how much space you want and how much of that space you can afford. There are Class – A, Class B, Class C, Class AD RVs. Then, there are also tow-the-vehicle options; from travel trailer and pop-ups, to the fifth wheel. Check out www.camperguide.org for information on different types of campers to get an idea of what is right for you.
There are many varieties available for you. RVs differ in size, price tags, and the number of features available. You will find everything from designer furniture in the master bedroom to full-sized tubs, residential-style appliances, to high-powered electronics. Then there are various slide-out options for added space.
But, then you have to consider the size of the RV you can easily maneuver as well as the realistic size of your budget.
What Is Your RV Worth?
If you can afford to overlook the fact that your RV loses 21% of its value the moment it leaves the dealer’s parking lot, then you’re all set. On the flip side, if you’re someone who likes to up-grade on things or keep open options, then you’ll want to understand the worth of the asset you purchase.
The value of an RV will seldom appreciate over time, irrespective of whether it’s brand new or used and paid in cash or bought in installments. But, the pricing varies significantly from dealer to dealer and RV classifications also have a role to play in determining value.
What Condition Is The RV In?
If you’re buying an RV second-hand, you need to do a close inspection. Look over its fixtures, plumbing, appliances, floor damage, or mold. Then, take a professional to take a good look at its engine and other mechanical parts too.
A second opinion from a fellow RVer is always a smart move, especially from a hardcore one. You’ll never get better recommendations as to the red flags when it comes to RVs than from an individual who spends an invariably long time on an RV.
And, for those buying a brand new RV, don’t get too overconfident and take the dealer’s word to be 100% truth. Look around the insides as well as the outside for any damages before signing any deals. If possible, take the RV you are interested in around for a test drive.
Get a first-hand feel of the vehicle, evaluate how you feel steering a caravan, and be on the lookout for any glitches you may feel while driving the mobile home. Take it out on the highway to see how it performs on top speeds and try out how it reverses or turns around tight corners too. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Keep in mind that if you would like to make alterations to your potential new RV, a soft starter can be installed to improve air conditioning as well as reduce energy consumption.
When buying a new or used RV, you might also consider choosing to purchase an extended warranty for your RV.
What Is The History Of The RV?
This point is for those buying a used or slightly used RV. Always use the RV’s vehicle identification number to discover if the RV has been damaged, rebuilt, or stolen. Then, you can also find out the manufacturer’s specifications and reclaim notices.
If you’re going for installments, then you’ll want to know how many payments were from the previous owner, or missed, for the matter. And, any RV you buy, used, or new will require insurance. So, if you are getting a used RV, check if there is insurance coverage. Or, if you’re getting a slick new mobile home, then do make sure that you get insurance coverage.
You don’t want to lose your RV in an accident or a lawsuit, just because you were careless about insurance.
Where Can You Be Scammed?
According to the CEO of RVShare, you need to be on constant alert if you’re not buying from a certified dealer and going for an individual seller. If a seller asks for payment via check or asks you to wire them the money, then you need to do some background check on the seller before you pay up.
Moreover, it’s easy to cover-up many flaws in an RV using a few DIY projects, such as repainting over corrosion or rust. So, don’t go alone when searching for the right RV for you. Tag a friend or fellow camper to help you along the way.
In Conclusion
Satisfying your urge to travel is great for you and your loved ones. Nothing broadens one’s horizons like travel. And, traveling isn’t about trying out different cuisines or staying in luxury hotels. Travel is about the experience of discovering new places, meeting new people, making new friends, and sharing laughs.
Just keep in mind that an RV is not a simple automobile and can cost a great deal. So, you need to take a look around, do some research, and get your family involved before you make payment.
