10 Beginner RV Buying Errors and How to Avoid Them

A 2021 RV survey showed that 31% of the respondents were first-time RV owners. The RV market is continuing to grow, with more and more people aspiring to own an RV.

Buying an RV is a big investment and should be carefully considered. There are many beginner RV buying errors that you could possibly make.

The good news is that these errors are easy to avoid with enough forethought. This guide will help you to avoid these errors so that you make the best possible purchase.

Keep reading to find out what beginner RV buying errors there are and how to avoid them.

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Not Having a Plan

One of the main beginner RV buying errors is not planning the purchase. There are many types of RVs that come with a variety of features.

These could be features that vary from how the RV runs to what is inside. It is easy to become caught up in the buying process and forget to look at these details.

For instance, are you going to be towing a vehicle behind the RV? If so, the RV needs to have towing capabilities with the ability to tow that kind of weight.

You also need to consider the type of terrain you are going to be driving on it. If you will be taking your RV off-road, it needs to have those abilities.

You should have an idea of how you are going to be using this RV. This will help you to know exactly what it needs to be able to do for it to be a good purchase.

Choosing the Cheapest Option

When you go to a local RV dealership, it is tempting to buy an RV right then and there. You are most likely excited, and you want to make this purchase as soon as possible.

But the reality is that you need to be comparing RV costs. You should visit several dealerships and look online before you ever settle on a decision.

A mistake that many people make is choosing the first affordable option they find. Some dealerships can also make you feel like you need to make a decision right then.

The reality is that there are plenty of RVs for sale, and you don’t need to rush. You need to make sure you have time to compare RV costs so that you know you were actually getting a good deal.

You also want to avoid picking the cheapest option you find. This may seem like a good deal, but it is often too good to be true.

There may be something wrong with that RV, or there are hidden costs that will come up. You want to find a good price, but you also want to make sure you are paying for quality.

Buying a Fixer-Upper

One of the main decisions you have is choosing between a new or used RV. These are both good options that have their own pros and cons.

Most experts recommend that first-time buyers go with a used RV. If this is the decision you have made, you may be tempted to get a fixer-upper.

After all, fixer-uppers are usually going to be the cheapest options. But the reality is that this is often a money hole that ends up becoming a regrettable purchase.

Fixer-uppers often need a lot of work and money invested into them. If you aren’t a handy person, you will need to hire someone to do this work for you.

Fixer-uppers can also have way more issues than you bargained for. This means they will take longer to fix, and it will cost more to get them up and running.

At the end of the day, it is usually not worth the risk of buying a fixer-upper.

Not Testing It Out

If you have never driven an RV before, you may be a bit nervous. This is a very large vehicle that can be a bit difficult to navigate.

Before you ever walk away with an RV, you need to take it for a test drive. This is something that any dealership should allow as long as they are being honest.

A test drive allows you to get a feel for how the RV runs. This is important because there are some RVs that are more difficult to navigate than others.

You want your first RV to run smoothly and be easy to handle. It should handle turns well as well as a brake quite quickly.

This is also a good time to test out if anything seems off. It may be difficult to start, or it makes noises as you are driving it.

These could all be signs that there is something going on with the RV that needs to be fixed. If you notice any concerns, you could bring this up before making the final purchase.

Buying the Wrong Size

Another one of these common beginner RV buying errors is buying the wrong size. When it comes to an RV, the size is incredibly important for what you are needing.

This is going to dictate how you can use your RV and how comfortable it is. Whether you are a single RVer or RVing with your family, this is something to consider.

You do not want to buy an RV that is too big as this will most likely be very expensive. The larger the RV, the higher the price and the harder to navigate.

You also need a specific place for your RV when you are not going to be using it. Most homes do not have a space big enough for a large RV size.

That being said, you also don’t want an RV that is too small. This is going to be very uncomfortable and difficult to use on the road.

Smaller RVs usually lack the essential RV features and storage. You may save some money but it may turn into a regret later on.

Forgetting the Hidden Costs

Believe it or not, an RV budget is not always as upfront as you may think. You may have been planning for years and still forget some hidden costs.

This is the reality of buying an RV when you don’t have any experience. You need to consider more than the upfront cost of the RV since there are other expenses.

One of these expenses includes regular RV maintenance. This is a necessity for most RV owners if you are going to be using your RV frequently.

You should also consider any repairs or updates you want to make once you buy the RV. These are something that should be a part of your overall buying budget.

You also need to consider the insurance coverage you will have to pay for. As well as the cost of fuel and your normal necessities like food and water.

Camping fees should also be considered since this will add up. You will most likely have to pay to park your RV as you travel, which is an expense that many forget about.

Not Getting an Inspection

If you are buying a used RV, you need to make sure you get it inspected. This is a very standard practice that gives you peace of mind before making the final purchase.

Inspections are used to make sure there are no problems with the RV. This ensures the dealership is being honest and this is a good investment.

An inspection will also help you to know what condition the RV is in. It may not have any serious issues, but it may need plenty of maintenance to be on the safe side.

This is something you will want to know about as it will impact your budget. La Mesa provides Phoenix West RVs for sale that are dependable and in good condition.

It is important to find a reliable RV dealership that you know has your best interest at heart.

The Top Beginner RV Buying Errors

If you are an RV beginner, you may be a bit nervous about making the purchase. There are plenty of beginner RV buying errors that you should be aware of.

Some of these mistakes include buying a fixer-upper or getting the wrong size. Both are issues that could lead you to regret your purchase later on.

You also need to make sure you have created a realistic budget that includes all expenses. This should include things like maintenance, gas, and parking.

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