| So you want to buy an RV. Having had RVs since | | | | what we call a 'toy trailer'. This is a trailer with a |
| 1962, we tend to be rather prejudiced in favor of | | | | garage-like storage area in the rear and a pull-down |
| owning an RV but before you start deciding what | | | | ramp to load, carry and unload our 'toys'. These RVs |
| kind of RV to buy there is another, very important, | | | | also have living quarters up front but, of course, the |
| question which must be answered. | | | | living quarters are reduced in size to make room for |
| Use for Annual Vacations | | | | that little garage in the rear. |
| What do you intend to do in that RV? If you only | | | | Decision Time |
| intend to use it for your annual vacation, you would | | | | After you have thought these things through for |
| be best advised to rent it. Much of the cost of | | | | awhile, you will want to spend some time with an RV |
| owning an RV remains on your shoulders if you are | | | | salesman that also can sell used RVs. Don't start off |
| using it or not, - and, if you have to store it | | | | with a new RV; you need to try it out, first. New |
| somewhere off your own property, the storage | | | | RVs depreciate significantly the moment you take |
| costs are an additional burden. | | | | ownership; used RVs depreciate much more gradually |
| Use as 'Permanent' Residence | | | | and, sometimes, not at all if you're lucky. After you |
| If, on the other hand, you intend to live in the RV | | | | have experienced the unique feel of a particular RV |
| full-time, then the selection is more like deciding what | | | | you will have a much better idea of what you really |
| house to buy. If you are not pressed for time (i.e., if | | | | would prefer to have. Again, renting is recommended |
| you don't have to move in immediately) we suggest | | | | but the kinds of RVs available for rent are limited in |
| renting a few to get the feel. Living in an RV, while it | | | | most locations. |
| CAN be very comfortable, can also be very | | | | Controlling Costs |
| challenging if you are in the wrong RV. | | | | And, finally, with fuel now costing $4+ and on its |
| Use with Children | | | | way to $5 or more, you'll want to keep operating |
| If you have children - especially young children - a | | | | costs in mind. If it is to be your permanent residence |
| towed RV is ill advised. Not only is it unsafe for | | | | with occasional trips, fuel cost may not be a |
| passengers to ride in a trailer - even a 'fifth wheel' | | | | significant factor. If, on the other hand, you hope to |
| trailer - it is illegal. If you will have more then two | | | | go camping most every weekend, a class B van |
| adults, you will want to acquire an extended cab | | | | camper or folding camping trailer might be more |
| pickup truck to tow a 'fifth wheel' trailer. You'll want | | | | reasonable. A class A motor home typically gets only |
| one with plenty of leg room for passengers in the | | | | 6 to 12 miles per gallon (depending on size and how |
| rear seat and even then, extended riding can get | | | | fast you drive); a folding camping trailer by contrast |
| very uncomfortable. | | | | may degrade the mileage of your car by 3 or 4 miles |
| Use with Individual Recreation Equipment ('toys') | | | | per gallon. A class B van camper typically gets 15 to |
| If you wish to use the RV to head out to the wilds | | | | 23 miles per gallon. As you can see, that is quite a |
| and ride around on your ATVs, sand buggy or carry | | | | range and translates into what could be a lot of |
| a couple motorcycles along with you, you will need | | | | money. |