| You've been considering the purchase of an RV, but | | | | of the trailer, the part that rides over the truck bed, |
| now, with gas prices so high, maybe you're | | | | isn't as tall as the rest of the trailer. One nice thing |
| re-considering. While you want to evaluate any | | | | about fifth-wheels is that they turn and corner in a |
| vehicle purchase, here are a few things you may not | | | | shorter radius than standard tow-behinds. |
| have thought about Recreational Vehicles. | | | | Then there are the motorized RVs, typically called |
| First, there is an RV for any spending level. You can | | | | motorhomes or motorcoaches. The nice thing about |
| find tent trailers for a few hundred to a few | | | | these is that, when you pull over to camp, there's no |
| thousand dollars, depending on whether you want | | | | getting out or setting up. You just unbuckle your |
| new or used, and the size and options included. And | | | | seatbelt and you're ready to go. However, with a |
| you can find mega-RVs that cost more than some | | | | tow-behind you're not devoted to your engine-you |
| houses. Find an RV that meets your requirements for | | | | can get a new car or truck and still keep your trailer. |
| comfort and roominess. Most models come in several | | | | With a motorhome it's all or nothing. Some people |
| trim levels, so if you're looking for a new RV, you | | | | tow a small car behind the motorcoach so they can |
| can weigh the benefits of the various options against | | | | get to the grocery store without taking the RV. |
| the costs. But remember that there are many used | | | | Of course, since the engine is included, a motorcoach |
| RVs out there that are very well cared for, and you | | | | is typically more expensive than a trailer or |
| may be able to find one that's just a few years old | | | | fifth-wheel. But don't forget to consider the cost of |
| and save yourself some money. | | | | the tow vehicle into your calculations. |
| But what kinds of RVs are there to choose from? In | | | | After deciding what type of RV you want and the |
| the broadest sense, there are tow-behinds and | | | | price you're willing to pay, it's time to start looking! |
| fifth-wheels, which have no motor as part of the RV, | | | | Don't discount an RV that's a few years old. |
| and motorhomes, which have the motor as an | | | | Remember, few RVs are used on an ongoing basis. |
| integral part. | | | | The vast majority get taken out only a few weeks |
| Tow-behinds can include tent trailers, which are an | | | | or months of the year. |
| excellent way to try out RVing. They're very | | | | Many banks offer financing for RVs-check with yours |
| reasonably priced and lightweight. You can find a tent | | | | first. Sometimes with an attached checking or savings |
| trailer light enough to tow behind almost any vehicle. | | | | account, they'll lower the interest rate a bit. Belong to |
| Tent trailers set up (and down) in a matter of | | | | a credit union? Some of them offer RV financing as |
| minutes, and the "tent" part of it is watertight these | | | | well, often at better rates than the banks or savings |
| days, so there's no more worrying about water | | | | and loans. You may find a special financing deal on a |
| coming through to drip on your forehead. | | | | model offered through the dealer. |
| Tow-behinds can also include teardrop trailers (think "I | | | | With any type of financing through any source, be |
| love Lucy"), standard recreational trailers, and also the | | | | sure to read, read, read that contract. Question |
| newer "toy hauler" trailers, with which you can bring | | | | anything you don't understand. Make sure the |
| along everything, including the kitchen sink. Teardrop | | | | interest rate, term, payment amount, and any other |
| trailers are not as lightweight as a tent trailer, but | | | | important aspects of the loan are clearly outlined on |
| they are pretty light, mostly because they aren't all | | | | the note you'll sign. Get a copy of the contract right |
| that large. The interior is typically reserved for | | | | there, when you sign. You'll protect yourself from |
| sleeping, with the kitchen facilities on a fold-down tail | | | | later hocus-pocus by anyone else. |
| in the rear. | | | | Call several places and get firm quotes on rate and |
| Standard trailers come in a huge variety of lengths, | | | | terms. If you'd prefer to deal with Lender A, but |
| from twelve feet or so to well over thirty feet. You | | | | Lender B is a quarter-percent lower with the same |
| can find models with just the basics to ones with | | | | terms, call up Lender A and let them know. You'd be |
| options you hadn't even imagined-and, of course, | | | | surprised how often Lender A will meet or beat |
| prices to match. The "toy hauler" models are very | | | | Lender B's offer in order to get your business. |
| similar, but many of the interior features like beds | | | | An RV offers you flexibility in your travel plans, and |
| and sofas fold or otherwise stow away so that your | | | | the comfort of being able to stay in familiar |
| ATVs or motorcycles can come along for the ride. | | | | surroundings. Your family can spend time together, |
| The floors typically have recessed D-rings for | | | | and you're not worried about creepy hotel rooms or |
| strapping your toys down. | | | | third-world food. You'll create memories that will last |
| The final type of tow-behind is a fifth-wheel trailer. | | | | forever, and family ties that will bind. |
| These hook into an adapter in the bed of your truck, | | | | So get out there, explore the world of RVing. You'll |
| rather than on a ball on the bumper. This can make | | | | be glad you did! |
| the overall length a little shorter, although the front | | | | |