Shopping for an RV can be overwhelming. But at Smart RV World our focus is on stress free RV shopping. Where do you begin? Do you go to shows? Visit dealerships? Drive around town looking at private party RVs? Well all of these avenues are good and will eventually lead you in the direction of your new RV.
Stress Free RV Shopping
Class C RV – Browse RVs for Sale
Your personality is just as important as making sure that an RV fits within your financial parameters! Purchasing your RV can be a stressful task so let’s talk about stress free RV shopping. This way you will be selecting the RV that is right for your lifestyle and future plans.
Of course price is a consideration, but with the number of manufactures as different price points and an abundance of used RVs on the market, there is an RV for nearly every budget. So, lets set price aside for a moment.
Make a List
RV Must Haves
When we set out to find our perfect RV, I had a list of non-negotiable’s. Many of which we learned from renting RVs and hearing what our customers liked and didn’t like about the different units. For example:
- Walk around bed – I love my husband but really wasn’t wanting to be crawling over each other in the night.
- Walk in Shower
- Outdoor Kitchen
- Counter Space (there had to be room for a coffee pot and then some)
- etc.
Having this list made it easy to quickly eliminate floor plans and not get caught up in “pretty”.
Size Matters
If you are towing (see Motorized vs Towable) then you need to know how much trailer your tow vehicle can handle. Even if you plan to purchase a tow vehicle, it is still good information to have on hand.
Or, if a motor home is in your future, ask yourself these questions:
- How much RV do I feel comfortable driving
- Class A, B, or C
- How much storage do I need inside and outside the RV
- How many people must it sleep
- Do I plan to tow a car or something with the Motor Home if that is my choice
- Where will I store or park my RV when I am not using it
Consider the Cook
- Placement of items in the Kitchen area
- Where is the Microwave? Does the RV even have a Microwave?
- Is there a gas Oven? Where?
- Is there room to maneuver while you making meals?
- Is there a Freezer inside the Fridge or is it a separate door?
- Cabinets, oh my Cabinets
- How many and where are they placed?
- Ventilation
- Where is the Roof A/C located? Will the venting still cool the cook?
- Is there a vent hood over the stove?
- Is there an outside Kitchen? (Many find it to be a Real Plus)
- Fridge only? Freezer?
- A separate sink for water and clean up is a must.
- Some Storage (I have an outdoor kitchen and LOVE it – more on this soon)
Try Before You Buy – RV Rental
Another way to shop for an RV is to try one out. Many of our renters were future buyers testing out various Classes and floorplans before making the financial committment of their own RV. Learn more about that in our article “Try Before You Buy”.
You can add to these lists easily. But the key is make sure you think it through so that you have a stress free RV shopping experience. And remember, don’t just buy it because it’s gorgeous.
