| "body"> | | | | your family? |
| It seems like when we purchase an RV we overlook | | | | - Do you plan to travel cross-country with the RV or |
| something, forget to check something, or possibly | | | | is it going to be set up at one location and left there? |
| we were not properly informed about something. | | | | - If you're going to be towing the RV is the tow |
| Whatever the case may be you don't realize it until | | | | vehicle capable of handling the weight of the RV and |
| after you buy it and then it's to late. If you already | | | | do you have the proper hitch work to safely tow it? |
| own an RV you know what I'm talking about and this | | | | - How many people will be in the RV and what are |
| article won't be of much help. If you don't already | | | | the sleeping requirements? |
| own an RV read on and learn some things to | | | | - Is there enough seating space? |
| consider before you buy. | | | | - Do you need a slide out(s) for additional living |
| A good example of this is a couple I once had | | | | space? If you get slide outs how is the RV interior |
| shopping for a travel trailer. The one thing they were | | | | affected when they are in the stored, travel |
| sure of was that they wanted bunk beds for their | | | | position? |
| three young children. I had several floor plans available | | | | - Is their enough outside storage, and are the |
| on the lot, with bunk beds, to choose from. I | | | | storage compartments large enough to |
| showed them the first model and a few moments | | | | accommodate what you plan to take? |
| later they were convinced that this was the trailer | | | | - Is there enough closet, cabinet and drawer space |
| for them. The husband liked the pass through | | | | for all of your personal belonging? |
| storage compartment that could accommodate his | | | | - Are there enough cabinets and drawers in the |
| fishing gear and the wife fell in love with the interior | | | | kitchen? Don't forget about the pots and pans. |
| colors and décor. They purchased the trailer | | | | - How much counter space does it have in the |
| and I saw them at the dealership after they used it | | | | kitchen? Is it enough? |
| for the first time. They told me all about their first | | | | - Where is the dinette table in relation to the range, |
| trip and how fun it was, but said they wish they | | | | oven and the refrigerator? Does it make sense? |
| would have given more thought to the floor plan | | | | - How does the bed feel when you lay down? Is it |
| before they bought it. The living room was on one | | | | long enough and wide enough? |
| end of the trailer, the kitchen was in the middle, and | | | | - Can you walk around the entire bed or is it built into |
| the bunk beds and bathroom were on the other end. | | | | the corner of the walls? |
| She told me the kids were constantly going from one | | | | - Are there windows where you want windows? |
| end to the other and she could never get anything | | | | - Is the refrigerator large enough? |
| done in the kitchen. | | | | - Can you reach the microwave? |
| This is just one example, but I'm sure you get the | | | | - Is the A/C ducted throughout the unit? If not will it |
| picture. Sometimes we get caught up in the | | | | cool the entire unit? |
| excitement and make hasty decisions that we regret | | | | - Do you prefer a split bathroom where the shower |
| later. Purchasing an RV is a major investment, similar | | | | is separate, or a bathroom where everything is |
| to buying a house. It is after all your home away | | | | together? |
| from home and we need to slowwww down the | | | | - Can you stand up in the shower? |
| buying process and make informed decisions. | | | | - Is the bathroom large enough? |
| I'm not really sure where to begin. I guess the best | | | | - Can you sit on the toilet? |
| place to start is with the dealership. You need to find | | | | - How much fresh water can you take with you? Is |
| a reputable RV dealer that is willing to take care of | | | | it enough? |
| you after the sale. If at all possible talk to some one | | | | - How large are the gray water and black water |
| that has dealt with them before. A reputable dealer | | | | holding tanks? Are they large enough for the way |
| wants your business and they want you to return to | | | | you plan to use the RV? |
| them for future business. I have been in many | | | | - How much LP gas does it hold? Is it enough for |
| dealerships that I wouldn't hesitate to do business | | | | how you plan to use the RV? |
| with and I have been in others that I couldn't leave | | | | - Is the RV to big or to small for your needs? |
| soon enough. Don't be afraid to ask them to give | | | | - If you want a motor home drive it before you buy |
| you a tour of the dealership. Look at the service | | | | it. If you're towing a vehicle behind the motor home |
| department. Do they have certified technicians? Do | | | | what are the weight limits? |
| they have the capability and facilities to do routine | | | | - What type of electrical service does the RV have, |
| maintenance and warranty work on the units they | | | | 30 Amp or 50 Amp? |
| sell? Look at their Parts and Accessory department. | | | | - Do you need a generator? |
| Do they offer a good selection of parts and | | | | - If equipped with a TV where is it located in relation |
| accessories? Do they have a good selection of RVs | | | | to the seating arrangements? |
| to choose from? How long have they been selling | | | | - How many TV outlets do you want? |
| certain manufacturer brands? | | | | - Do you need a phone jack? |
| A reputable RV dealer will in most cases have a | | | | - Does the RV have an awning? If so, where is it |
| reputable, professional sales staff to assist you. If | | | | situated, does it interfere with any storage |
| you feel comfortable with the dealership and would | | | | compartments or windows etc? |
| like to look at some of the RVs on the lot it's time | | | | - How long is the warranty on the RV? Do you need |
| to find a salesperson. This is not difficult because | | | | extended coverage to protect your investment? |
| they will usually find you first. It is extremely | | | | - How is the RV constructed? |
| important that you feel comfortable with the sales | | | | - If it's a travel trailer / 5th wheel do you prefer a |
| person. If you don't, ask to speak to some body | | | | corrugated aluminum or fiberglass exterior? How hard |
| else. Don't be afraid to help the sales person help | | | | is it to keep clean? |
| you. What I mean by this is, tell them what your | | | | - If you're buying a motor home do you want gas or |
| needs are, what you want and how you plan to use | | | | diesel? Which type is more practical for how you plan |
| it. If you're going to buy a towable RV and you | | | | to use it? |
| already have the tow vehicle ask them to explain the | | | | This list is not all-inclusive but it should help you make |
| weights to you and to show you which RVs are in | | | | a more informed decision before you purchase an |
| your weight range. A knowledgeable sales person can | | | | RV. Another important consideration is the options on |
| be a real asset, especially if you are new to RVing. If | | | | the RV. When a dealer orders an RV they order the |
| you prefer to look by yourself ask them for their | | | | options that they feel will help sell the RV based on |
| business card and write down any questions you | | | | their experience. On the other hand they can limit the |
| have so you can ask them later. | | | | options to make the price more appealing, but it may |
| I mentioned a moment ago that you should have | | | | be some options that you really want or need. Sit |
| some idea of what your needs are, what you want, | | | | down with your sales person and review what |
| and how you plan to use it. This is extremely | | | | options are on the RV and what options are available. |
| important. Review manufacturer brochures and | | | | If you found a floor plan that you really like but it's |
| websites for pertinent information that can assist | | | | not equipped the way you want have the dealer |
| you in making informed buying decisions. Here are a | | | | order one for you. I know that waiting is difficult, but |
| few things to consider before you buy. | | | | remember slowww down, it will be worth the wait to |
| - >What type of RV is best suited for you and | | | | get the RV you really want. |
| your family? | | | | Copyright 2006 by Mark J. |
| - What type of floor plan will work best for you and | | | | |