Do you love taking trips with your family? If so, you need to consider getting an RV to explore the different States and create unforgettable memories with your family. However, before you start enjoying taking trips in your RV, there is one tricky question you need to answer. How do you choose the best RV for your needs?
This is something you need to ask yourself before you buy or even rent a motorhome. You can surely find some reliable rental companies reviewed on The Wandering RV. Making this decision is, nonetheless, not as straightforward. This is because there are many different classes and types of RVs. Whereas the ideal RV choice is down to personal preference, here are some of the factors you need to consider to make an informed choice.
Safety
Buying a motorhome is an expensive endeavor. So you must never assume that it’s roadworthy. This is especially vital when purchasing a used RV. If you are going for a used RV, you must carefully go through its maintenance records to know whether the vehicle has received proper care throughout its lifespan.
These checks are also necessary when getting a brand new motorhome. Make sure that the dealer takes you through every system, including the air conditioner, engine, propane, slide mechanism, and other relevant amenities to confirm that they’re functional. If any system isn’t working properly, stop the purchasing process altogether as this is enough proof that the vehicle isn’t roadworthy.
The Duration You Intend To RV
This is another factor that you need to consider when choosing the best motorhome to travel across different States. Are you planning to make a complete switch and embrace the RV lifestyle? Do you intend only to use your motorhome during the weekends for several years? These are some of the questions that you need to ask yourself before buying an RV. However, you shouldn’t be surprised if your preference starts to change over the years, something that has happened to many motorhome enthusiasts. For example, you might love a big RV at first and, as time passes, find yourself opting for smaller sized models. The opposite can also happen when you start by getting a smaller motorhome and then upgrade to a bigger one in the future. All this is normal since you’ll only know which motorhome suits your lifestyle over time. Some of the questions you need to ask yourself are whether you want your kids to have enough playroom in the RV? Or, would it be better to get a bigger model when they grow older? The answers to these questions will help you know which motorhome is the perfect pick. While you can never be too sure of the duration of owning the RV, always make it a point to ask yourself these questions. This is because you might end up discovering something new and valuable in the process.
Personal Preference
Your individual preference must be the first thing to consider before choosing which RV best suits your style. The reason for this is that the motorhomes in today’s market come installed with various features that the old-school campers didn’t have. Therefore, when deciding which RV best suits your needs, you need to determine the features that are a must and those that aren’t necessary.
Some of the unique accessories installed in campers include a flat-screen TV and bunk beds. If you wish to drive your motorhome on any terrain, this feature must be present in the RV you buy. However, you need to know your priorities before deciding which features to add to your motorhome to avoid including unnecessary amenities.
Comfort
The comfort of RVs can never equal that of your home, but this is a worthwhile compromise as you get to enjoy adventure and freedom while taking your trips. This is especially vital if you’re always traversing the States in your RV. As you look for an RV, make sure to get one with a comfy interior. This will determine whether you will be able to take extended trips without feeling excessively fatigued. The whole experience will be a lot more exciting if you’re not tired.
If you value your privacy, then get an RV that has dividers and doors. Another thing you need to consider is the kitchen layout, especially if you love cooking or are on a strict diet plan. You should also factor in the comfort of the seats installed in your RV. Therefore, if comfortable seats are a priority, opt for a Class C RV which also comes with plenty of space to move around. For some individuals, a big windshield is crucial as they feel this gives them a broader and better view of their surroundings while driving.
Drivability
Have you ever driven an RV before? This is important because driving one can be somewhat intimidating, especially if you’re not used to it. This applies to all the motorhomes, even the smallest models. You can deal with this problem by renting an RV and getting an overall feel of its drivability. You should test motorhomes of different sizes, and with this real-life experience, it’ll be easier to choose a model that’s easy and comfortable to drive. Getting an RV that is too big may give you a hard time driving, maneuvering through the traffic, and reversing. This not only ruins your driving experience but also increases the chances of getting involved in an accident.
Storage Capacity
The storage capacity in RVs differ, so you need to assess your storage needs and that of the other persons who will accompany you. Checking the storage is crucial if you want to avoid buying separate storage units where you can store your items.
If you want lots of storage space, it would be best to get a Class A motorhome. In contrast, a Class C RV is a better fit if you want enough space to accommodate all your shoes, clothes, RV accessories, camping gear, and other valuable possessions. You should also confirm that the kitchen has enough room to store all your foodstuff.
Floor Plan
Choosing the ideal floor plan is one of the most confusing aspects you will have to deal with when looking to buy an RV. The motorhome you buy needs to have a floor plan where everyone inside has a comfortable sleeping area.
It is important to consider the RV’s floor plan even if you’re a seasoned or full-time driver. This is because the choice you make will have a tremendous impact on your overall experience inside the vehicle. If you’re planning to bring along your pets, they also require a place where they can rest.
Because selecting the floor plan can be overwhelming, you should come up with a list of the essential features and stick to it. The reason for this is that each floor plan comes with a different set of amenities. Some of the aspects that vary depending on the floor plan include bunk beds, number of TV sets, number of bathrooms. You should also consider whether there’s a pre- installed washer and dryer.
Price Of The RV
How much should one spend on buying an RV? This is a question asked by both full-time motorhome enthusiasts and newbie RV fans. You must never overlook the importance of having a budget and sticking to it when shopping for a new camper. With a set budget, you will be able to decide whether to get a used or a new RV.
When shopping for an RV, you should have in mind that this vehicle is an apartment-on-wheels. This is well illustrated by the price, with most Class A and C motorhomes going for between $50,000 to $200,000. The more you pay, the greater the varieties of RVs you get at your disposal. Nevertheless, you should always be rational and avoid putting in too much money for buying an RV. If you spend too much buying, you may not be in a position to afford running it.
Likewise, you need to factor in the maintenance cost, price of gas, and potential campground charges when deciding which motorhome to get.
Size Of The RV
Before you purchase an RV, it is essential to know the number of persons who’ll be sleeping inside this vehicle. It would be best if you considered the size limits of the campsites that you’ll be staying in when taking these trips. The reason for this is that some bigger motorhome models do not fit in regular campsites.
If you want an RV that can accommodate a sizable number of people, then a Class A motorhome would be a perfect choice. This is because it comes with an expandable living area, which, in essence, is comparable to a tiny house.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking to buy an RV, then you know how challenging it can be to decide which model best suits your needs. Fortunately, in this guide, we have taken you through the essential factors that need to be considered. Knowing this, you’re now in a better position to make a wise decision as to which RV to buy for traveling across the different States.
