Buying an RV

As more and more Baby Boomers reach retirement age studies show them buying RV's in record breaking numbers. Even more surprising is the number of used recreational vehicles being purchased. It seems people are spending fewer dollars to try a motor home before they come off the big bucks and take the plunge on a new motorhome.

Buying a used RV is a bit like gambling on a horse: When you win, you could win big. But, there's always the chance you could lose! Fortunately, unlike at the race track, with a little homework and patience, you can increase the odds of winning dramatically. A good to place to start is on the Internet, researching websites that rate the myriad types of new and used rv motorhomes.

Remember, a used RV has already depreciated considerably in value, even if it's still the current year's model with barely any miles. Like a car, once a new RV is driven off the sales lot, it's a used vehicle, and its value nosedives. That's bad for its current owner, but good for a buyer. This applies to all types of RVs, whether travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, motorhomes, truck campers, etc.

Buying a used RV makes sense for RVers on a budget. Dollar for dollar they will get more RV for far less. And if the used RV has been well cared for, it may look and drive virtually like new, and reward its new owner with years of service. RVers on a tight budget can often buy a well cared for used pop up trailer for a fraction of its price when new.

Now the downside. In some instances a major downside to buying used is that the rig could be a lemon. It could have hidden problems that could end up costing a lot to repair. One way to check on an RV's history, at least the motorized part of the rig, is to research the Internet to see if it has had any major problems. Carfax will provide a free instant scan of thousands of data bases to determine the number of available vehicle history records for a specific VIN.

Generally, you will have some guarantee from a dealer about the quality of a used unit. If something breaks just down the road, you will likely have some recourse. But if you bought the RV from a private party, you're goin' to either pay for the repair yourself or dine on warm food.

Of course it pays to the used RV rig carefully, from top to bottom, front to back, and inside out. If you're not an expert on what to look for, hire someone who is. This may cost a few bucks upfront, but think of the repair money it may save you down the road. Don't just take what the salesman is telling you as the truth. If you do then it's it's your fault if your dream vehicle never makes it out of the driveway.

And have some patience when looking for your rig. Start your search before you need it. Look at dealer's lots and shop the newspaper classifieds. Try to stick with reputable establishments. Even in the RV arena there are con-artists just waiting to separate you and your money.

The best deals are often on a rig being sold by a private party who bought his or her RV and then couldn't use it, or who used it very little. Some older couples buy an RV for full-timing and then discover the lifestyle is not their cup of tea. Other times, people buy on impulse and then discover they don't have time to use the vehicle. In either case, you may "steal a deal" on a barely used RV.

Right after buying a used RV, many owners immediately buy an extended warranty to cover unexpected repairs. Other RVers forgo this expense, however, and take the gamble that the rig will not develop major problems. Those that do buy an extended warranty consider the peace of mind that comes with it well worth the investment.

After all has been said and done the one important thing to rememeber when buying a used RV, above everything else, is to take your time and do a thorough inspection of the rig you like. These steps alone will go a long way in ensuring you end up with an RV that will bring you great pleasure down the road.

Classes of RVs

• A Class A is constructed on a specially designed motor vehicle chassis. Class A's are the "Big Boys" of the motorized RVs, and are the most favored motorhome of full-timers. You can find these in Diesel Pushers and in gasoline engines.
• A Class B motorhome is a compact unit that looks much like a regular van. These are popular because they can often be parked in the family garage or driven around town as a second vehicle. Per square foot, however, a Class B usually costs more than a Class C.
• A Class C motorhome is built on an automotive-manufactured van frame with an attached cab. The motorhome manufacturer completes the living section and attaches it to the cab section. A Class C motorhome is easy to identify: In most cases, a full- or queen-size bed is over the cab.
• A fifth wheel travel trailer is much like a conventional travel trailer except it is built with a raised forward section for a bi-level floor plan. Fifth wheels, which are very popular with full-timers, are pulled behind a pickup truck with a special hitch. They are very stable to tow and spacious inside.
• The travel trailer was the first popular RV. It's pulled by a car or truck, comes in many lengths, weights and designs and is the biggest selling RV.
• A truck camper is a recreational vehicle designed for part-time RVing. The living area is placed on the bed of a pickup truck. It's amazing how many features can be packed into these very comfortable units. Access to the living area from the cab is seldom possible, however. This slide-in camper can be easily removed from the truck at the campground or back home, allowing travel in the truck without the weight and/or inconvenience of the camper unit. Truck camper prices typically range from about $2,300 to $20,000 (plus the cost of the truck).
• A folding camping trailer, also called "pop up trailers," are great for family summer vacations when the weather is mild. They are also the least expensive RVs and can be pulled by smaller cars (even subcompacts) than those required for regular trailers. As their name implies, folding camping trailers fold up for rolling down the highway.