Get in the driver’s seat! More than nine million American households own at least one RV, and millions of others are interested in getting one.
Yet there are dozens of RVs on the market, and some of them may be detrimental to you. If you want to narrow down your options for a recreational vehicle, you need to answer some questions.
What recreational vehicles are good for visiting national parks or RV living? What features can you get inside your new RV? How can you categorize different RVs?
Answer these questions and you can purchase an RV for your needs in no time. Here is your quick guide.
The Purpose of Your Recreational Vehicle
Some recreational vehicles are better for certain things than other vehicles. You need to determine what the primary purpose of your RV is so you can find the right one for yourself.
If you’re interested in visiting national parks, you can find a Class C motorhome. Class C motorhomes are smaller than other types of RVs, so you can fit them into most parking lots and campgrounds at national parks.
You can also buy Class B motorhomes, which are smaller and drive like standard cars. Class B motorhomes can operate on backroads and in rural locations as well.
If you’re looking to live in your RV for large portions of the year, you can get a fifth-wheel camper. You can tow the camper with a truck or car, and the camper will give you plenty of living space. Travel trailers are detachable, so you can have separate spaces for each family member.
RV Features
Each type of RV has different features. If you want a luxury experience regardless of where you are or what you are doing, you can get a Class A motorhome. It will have residential-style appliances, a master bathroom and bedroom, and storage compartments.
Whatever type of RV you get, you need to have a kitchen space. Some RVs contain a full kitchen while others have work areas that you can use to prepare food.
Your RV should have premium safety features. You should be able to lock the doors, pull blinds down in front of the windows, and move your valuables out of sight.
Your new recreational vehicle should have a good HVAC system. You need air conditioning during the summer months and heating during the winter months. Make sure your vehicle can help with both, and you can buy additional resources for temperature and climate control.
If your RV does not have the features you want, you can get accessories to make your life comfortable. If your RV has a small kitchen or no cooking space, you can buy an outdoor grill or a portable desk so you can cook outside.
Your RV Group
The bigger your family or RV group is, the bigger your RV should be. A family of five or more will find a Class A RV comfortable. A couple or someone traveling by themselves will enjoy a Class B or Class C vehicle.
If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair or has mobility issues, you should get a vehicle that is easy to access. Some RVs have built-in ramps, and you can add your own tools to allow people to enter their seats. Try to find a vehicle with doors that are located low toward the ground and handrails that are easy to grip.
If someone in your vehicle needs space for themselves, you need to find a vehicle with separate living compartments. Most vehicles with separate compartments are Class A vehicles. You can also install curtains or dividers to section off areas of the vehicle.
Some members of your party may have their own RVs or cars they will bring on trips. You may still need to get a large RV so everyone can gather together in one vehicle.
Paying For Your Recreational Vehicle
Besides the class of RV, there are a few other groups of RVs you need to look at. Some people believe in buying new RVs because they contain modern features and have no mileage. However, new RVs can be extremely expensive, especially Class A vehicles.
Buying a used recreational vehicle will mean you will have access to fewer features. But you can save money upfront. Keep in mind that you may need to make more repairs to your old vehicle, which means you may spend more money on it than on a new vehicle.
When you buy an RV, you own it outright and can use it whenever and however you want. If you want to go on one RV trip a year, you should rent a vehicle instead. You can get more information about renting an RV by visiting the websites of RV retailers.
You cannot lease an RV in the same way you can lease a car. However, some rental companies may agree to let you rent an RV for a few years. You will need to sign a contract in order to rent your RV, and you may need to pay regular fees.
Finding the Right Recreational Vehicle
You need to think for a while before you buy a recreational vehicle. Think about what you need your vehicle for and find an RV that will help you meet your needs.
Look at RVs with different features and prioritize Class A vehicles if you want maximum luxury. Make sure you have enough space for everyone and enough features for accessibility. If you’re looking to save money, you can rent an RV or buy an older vehicle.
If you’re still unsure of what to get, you must keep researching RVs. Read more guides to RVs by following our coverage.
