| Once you have decided the RV lifestyle is for you | | | | room. Is there enough elbow room to perform your |
| and the type of RV that fits your needs, it is time to | | | | daily tasks such as brushing your teeth, shaving, |
| find that perfect RV. Since an RV is both a "vehicle" | | | | drying your hair in a small enclosed area? |
| and a "house", you need to inspect every RV from | | | | 3. Especially if this is your first RV purchase, have the |
| both perspectives. You probably already know the | | | | dealer or previous owner explain how everything |
| areas to check from the perspective of buying a | | | | works in the RV to ensure you are comfortable with |
| house or a vehicle. Here are five tips you may not | | | | the different operations of the RV. Once you have |
| have thought of to consider before buying an RV to | | | | made the decision to purchase a particular RV, have |
| enhance the safety and enjoyment of your RV | | | | the dealer or previous owner then fully demonstrate |
| experience. | | | | the workings of all components of the RV. Bring |
| 1. When considering a towable (trailer or 5th wheel), | | | | questions you may have had from previous tours. |
| the most important tip is to ensure your tow vehicle | | | | Take notes as there will be copious amounts of |
| has the power to handle the fully loaded weight of | | | | information that can become confusing later if you |
| your RV. I have heard many people be concerned | | | | are new to RVing. If possible, take a video of the |
| about being able to climb a steep grade on a | | | | demonstration to refer to later. |
| mountain pulling the weight of an RV but it is more | | | | 4. Tires on many RVs don't get the road use as your |
| important that the vehicle get you down the other | | | | personal vehicle; therefore, the age of the tires on |
| side safely without burning the breaks or otherwise | | | | RVs will usually be more important that the miles on |
| damaging the tow vehicle. Don't depend on an RV or | | | | the tires unless you are a full time RVer putting many |
| tow vehicle sales person's word. Sometimes they | | | | miles on the tires. Most tires will need to be replaced |
| may not know. I have heard horror stories of sales | | | | due to age and UV exposure vs. wear. Tires on an |
| people telling a buyer a tow vehicle will handle the | | | | RV should be replaced every six years but no more |
| weight only for the new owner of a towable or | | | | than seven years. Make sure of the date of the |
| newly purchased tow vehicle to find out after the | | | | tires, especially on a used RV. The date code will be |
| purchase that the tow vehicle is undersized to safely | | | | on the tire. You may want to negotiate on the price |
| tow a fully loaded trailer or 5th wheel. Read the | | | | of the RV if the tires are due to be replaced soon. |
| vehicle owner's manual and do your research. | | | | Even "new never used" RVs that have been on a |
| 2. When considering an RV to purchase, try to have | | | | dealer lot for a year or two could have tires that are |
| some time alone in the RV without a sales person. | | | | two to three years old. |
| Tell him/her you would like to look around on your | | | | 5. As I write this, our country is still in a recession |
| own and discuss the features of the RV in private. | | | | which has not left the RV industry unscathed. There |
| While alone in the RV, mimic some of your every | | | | have been some RV manufacturers who have filed |
| day routines. Lie on the bed, stand in the shower, | | | | for bankruptcy or reorganization, a few who have |
| "brush your teeth", mimic cooking movements in the | | | | been bought by other companies and some who are |
| kitchen, etc. to see if the space available for your | | | | discontinuing particular product lines. Though I have |
| daily routines is sufficient. For example, some RVs will | | | | heard of some incredible deals folks are getting on |
| place the toilet in a separate room. Many people like | | | | RVs, you want to ensure the financial soundness of |
| this configuration but depending on your body size, | | | | the RV manufacturer and dealer. You also want to a |
| this may not work for you so sit on the toilet with | | | | written guarantee that any warranties/guarantees will |
| the lid down to see if the room is comfortable. Some | | | | be honored for the length of time offered. |
| RVs will also have the sink in that same separate | | | | |