| If a new or used RV is in your future... here are a | | | | need it tomorrow it only means you did not begin |
| few tips. Buying a new or used motor home, 5th | | | | your search process soon enough. |
| wheel, travel trailer, or folding camper is always | | | | Another major pitfall is buyers conducting a "poor" |
| exciting as we anticipate places we will visit and the | | | | inspection of their RV. It does not matter if you are |
| new friends we will meet in our new RV or camper... | | | | buying a new or used RV, an "in depth" inspection is |
| It is exciting and it should be as the RV industry is | | | | crucial. After all even if you're buying new do you |
| indeed "alive and well", sales continue to be strong, | | | | want an RV assembled on a Monday morning or |
| and the future looks bright as well. RV'ing is a | | | | Friday afternoon? Trust me, you do not, and an in |
| tremendous form of recreation and is a great way | | | | depth inspection will reveal both poor design and any |
| for families to get away together. | | | | lack of attention to detail in the final assembly |
| As an RV technician, I have a unique perspective as I | | | | process. |
| see these buyers six months to a year later when | | | | Last but certainly not least is the fallacy of placing |
| the euphoria of the buying process is long past and | | | | too much stock in RV manufacturer's warranties. I'm |
| the reality has set in. By this time RV owners have a | | | | not saying they're not important because they are, |
| much better understanding of what they bought, | | | | but believe it or not , in some cases three years is |
| mistakes which were made in the buying process, | | | | not enough time to make some of the necessary |
| and the things they would do differently if they ever | | | | repairs on some RV's. The truth of the matter is |
| have the opportunity again. | | | | your new RV should not have to go back to the |
| Here are some of the major mistakes I have | | | | dealer more than twice in the first year to eighteen |
| encountered so I am passing them on to interested | | | | months. The reality is people get "worn down" |
| RV'ers to help you avoid and some of the most | | | | dragging their RV back to the dealership repeatedly |
| common pitfalls motor home, 5th wheel, and travel | | | | while also loosing the right to use their RV as it sits |
| trailer buyer's encounter. | | | | on the RV dealer's lot. An in depth inspection and |
| Buying the wrong RV heads up the list and explains | | | | slowing down the buying process can alleviate much |
| why there are so many late model RV's on the | | | | of these types of problems. I continue to be amazed |
| market. When it comes to supply and demand there | | | | at the number of people who buy RV's with things |
| is no shortage of used RV's on the market. So why | | | | that simply are not working. Sometimes its |
| do people buy wrong? The answer is simple. The glitz | | | | naiveté as many assume too much. My |
| and glamour of RV dealer showrooms and lots can | | | | advice is when buying an RV NEVER ASSUME |
| easily sidetrack unsuspecting buyers away from their | | | | ANYTHING! |
| true needs when they see RV's which look better | | | | One last word about buying used. Some of the best |
| than their own homes. In short, "emotion overtakes | | | | deals out there are used RV's (the seller eats the |
| logic" leading some to buy the wrong RV, usually one | | | | depreciation, not you) and an in depth inspection |
| which is too large for ones true needs. | | | | goes a long way in reducing ones risk when buying |
| Another pitfall is going through the selection and | | | | used. You just have to know how to do it. If you |
| buying process too quickly. Buying an RV is a major | | | | feel you are not knowledgeable or experienced |
| expenditure so taking ones time is only prudent both | | | | enough to be able to do this let me assure you there |
| with the decision of RV type and size but also of | | | | is a lot of good information available to help you. I |
| delivery. Those who "think" they need their RV | | | | encourage you to seek it out and do your |
| tomorrow and coerce their dealer into delivering it | | | | homework because it is time and effort, which most |
| too quickly as making a big mistake which will result in | | | | assuredly will pay off. That is my wish for you that all |
| "down time"(time in which your RV will not be | | | | of us will be "happy campers". |
| available to you for your use) in the future. If you | | | | |