| Each year, around this time, the RV show season | | | | Renting an RV can be a good indicator to gauge if an |
| starts. RV shows, like boat shows, are intended to | | | | RV is in your future. But I caution you, once you get |
| introduce the new model year RV's and to help | | | | the RV bug it's hard to get rid of. |
| disseminate RV related information to the consumer. | | | | 2) Know which type of RV is right for you and your |
| These shows are usually scheduled during the slower | | | | family before you buy. |
| time of the year, the winter months, to help jump | | | | RV's come in numerous types, sizes and price ranges. |
| start the selling season. RV dealers from miles away | | | | Know which type is right for you and what price fits |
| will bring their wares to these shows. For the buyer, | | | | your budget. Take the time to research your specific |
| RV shows put everything you need to see and learn | | | | needs, and how you plan to use the RV. If you plan |
| about RV's under one roof, making it the ideal forum | | | | to travel cross-country in the RV a motorized RV |
| to conduct research and make informed RV buying | | | | might make more sense than a towable RV. If you |
| decisions. | | | | plan to go camping in the backwoods, off the beaten |
| I mentioned that RV dealers will come from miles | | | | trail, a pop up or truck camper would probably make |
| around. This includes many local dealers from the area | | | | more sense. |
| in which you live. If at all possible you want to find a | | | | 3) New or Used? |
| dealer that is within a reasonable distance from | | | | This is a major consideration before you purchase an |
| where you live. As bad as it sounds, if you buy from | | | | RV. To assist you with making this decision consider |
| an out of state dealer or one far from home, the | | | | how you plan to use the RV and what your budget |
| local RV dealer may not give you the best service | | | | is. If you only plan to take a couple of weekend |
| after the sale. The most important concern here is | | | | trips, or use it for one week out of the year, a used |
| that you deal with a reputable RV dealer. | | | | RV might be best for you. And, it won't do you any |
| A good place to start your search for a reputable | | | | good to own an RV if there isn't enough money left |
| RV dealer is at a local RV show. When you attend an | | | | in the budget to enjoy it. |
| RV show don't be afraid to ask questions about the | | | | 4) If you buy a towable RV make sure you have a |
| RV dealership and the products they offer. For | | | | tow vehicle that can safely tow it. |
| starters you need to find a reputable RV dealer with | | | | You might find your dream RV only to discover your |
| a reputable, professional staff. A reputable dealer | | | | tow vehicle can't tow it. If you already own the |
| wants your business and they want you to return to | | | | vehicle you plan to tow with determine how much it |
| them for future business. I have been in many RV | | | | can safely tow and shop for an RV based on that |
| dealerships that I wouldn't hesitate to do business | | | | information. If you plan to buy a tow vehicle select |
| with and I have been in others that I couldn't leave | | | | the travel trailer or fifth wheel trailer first, then buy a |
| soon enough. Remember, you're at the show to | | | | vehicle that can safely tow it. RV dealerships should |
| check out the dealer as well as the product and you | | | | have trained personnel to assist you with matching |
| should plan to visit the RV dealer's physical location | | | | the tow vehicle and trailer. |
| before you buy. If at all possible talk to some other | | | | 5) If you plan to purchase a motorized RV drive it |
| people who have dealt with the dealership in the | | | | before you buy it |
| past. Don't be afraid to ask them to give you a tour | | | | Driving a motorhome for the first time can be a little |
| of the dealership. Look at the service department. Do | | | | intimidating, but it's important that you test drive it |
| they have certified technicians? Do they have the | | | | before you buy it. You want a motorhome that you |
| capability and facilities to do routine maintenance and | | | | feel comfortable driving because you will spend a lot |
| warranty work on the units they sell? Look at the | | | | of time behind the wheel. Check out all of the |
| Parts and Accessory department. Do they offer a | | | | controls, the view, mirrors and make sure it performs |
| good selection of parts and accessories? Do they | | | | the way you expect it to. |
| have a good selection of RVs to choose from? How | | | | 6) Do your research |
| long have they been selling certain manufacturer | | | | Buying an RV is a major investment, similar to an |
| brands? How long have they been in business? | | | | automobile or your home. You need to do your |
| There are some great deals offered at some RV | | | | research before you buy. There are lots of RV |
| shows and with all of the excitement, and a good | | | | manufacturers and RV brands to choose from. You |
| salesperson, it's easy to make a hasty purchase. If | | | | want an RV dealer and a manufacturer that will stand |
| they can offer a great deal at the show, chances are | | | | behind the product after the sale. You can research |
| they can offer a great deal after the show, unless | | | | manufacturers on the internet, request brochures, |
| the offer included a manufacturer discount or rebate | | | | take factory tours and attend local RV shows to |
| for show dates only. Let them know you might be | | | | learn more about all of the options you have. |
| interested in a particular unit or deal, but you want to | | | | 7) Buy from a reputable RV dealership |
| visit the dealership before you buy. | | | | A reputable RV dealership will have a professional |
| There is a lot of ground to cover at an RV show and | | | | sales, parts and service staff. This is an important |
| a wealth of information available. Not only will you | | | | consideration during and after the purchase of your |
| find a good selection of RV dealers to check out, but | | | | RV. It's important that you select the right type of |
| there will be every make and model of RV imaginable | | | | RV, floorplan and brand for you and your family, and |
| too. RV shows are a great place to do some | | | | that there are qualified technicians to service the unit |
| comparison shopping. Keep in mind that RV's are | | | | after the sale. A reputable RV dealership can make |
| available in entry, mid-line, and high-end models. When | | | | your RV ownership experiences much more |
| comparing prices, make sure it is apples to apples. | | | | pleasurable. |
| One RV may look like another one, but you need to | | | | 8) Protecting your investment |
| compare the options, construction, equipment and | | | | When you purchase your RV consider some other |
| features they both have to offer. See who offers | | | | factors that will help protect your investment. I |
| the best deal but remember if the dealer goes out of | | | | recommend looking into some type of extended |
| business next month, or isn't equipped to work on | | | | service contract that goes beyond the manufacturer |
| the RV, your best deal may turn out to be a bad | | | | warranty period. There are numerous plans available, |
| deal. | | | | so shop around for the best deal. Get specialized RV |
| RV shows aren't just for RV dealers to showcase | | | | insurance coverage. It's different from your home |
| their products. RV shows are a great source for | | | | and auto policy. When you need specialized coverage |
| information, from knowledgeable representatives, on | | | | you'll be glad you have it. |
| every aspect of the RV industry. You will find | | | | 9) Now that you own it, where can you use it? |
| information on campgrounds and RV resorts, | | | | The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, RVIA |
| aftermarket RV products, RV accessories and free | | | | states that there are approximately 8,500 RV parks |
| RV seminars. Some of these seminars might be | | | | and campgrounds located near national parks and |
| helpful to you in making some of your buying | | | | forests, popular tourist attractions, along interstates |
| decisions. Check with the show office on seminar | | | | and in cities and small towns. With the Internet you |
| topics and times. | | | | have instant access to most of these public and |
| RV shows are also a good place to talk to RV | | | | private campgrounds, RV Parks and RV Resorts. |
| manufacturer representatives and other industry | | | | Other good resources are travel guides, magazines, |
| experts. Many of the RV manufacturers send | | | | campground directories and state tourism boards to |
| knowledgeable representatives to assist RV dealers | | | | help plan your next RV trip. |
| with their products. Don't be afraid to talk with other | | | | 10) Back to rule number 1 |
| RVers at the show too. Many of these people have | | | | I mentioned earlier if you own an RV you need to |
| years of RV experience and knowledge of different | | | | use it, otherwise it's just a large lawn ornament. So, |
| products. | | | | pack up the RV, the kids and the pets and head out |
| Buying an RV is a major decision. To make the best | | | | to explore this wonderful country we live in and build |
| buying decision possible you need to do your | | | | some lasting memories with family and friends. |
| research and be well informed. I would like to offer | | | | So what are you waiting for? Find out when the |
| you ten tips to making an informed RV buying | | | | next RV show will be in your area and make it a |
| decision. | | | | point to attend it. Oh, and don't forget to wear some |
| 1) If you're not absolutely sure an RV is right for you | | | | comfortable walking shoes! |
| try renting one before you buy. | | | | Find an RV show near you: |
| Rule number one for owning an RV is you have to | | | | Happy Camping, |
| use it. It can be difficult to determine if an RV is right | | | | Mark J. Polk |
| for you if you have never used one. Plan a weekend | | | | Copyright 2008 by Mark J. |
| or week-long trip and rent an RV to try it out. | | | | |