What to look for when buying an RV

Article: What to Look for When Buying an RV

HANDY TIPS FOR BUYING THE RIGHT RV

RV travel and outdoor recreation are at an all-time high. But with more and more first-timers entering the market, it’s important to know what to look for when buying an RV.

Typically, the right RV for you is the one that best suits your needs. Put together a checklist, and review the following tips. It will help you make the right decision.

Determine use of the RV. Will you use the RV for short weekend trips or long, extended stays? Some people only use RVs for sporting events, while others enjoy full-time RVing and desire a "home on wheels." Your interests and hobbies are key in your decision-making process.

Consider the number of people using the RV. Selecting an RV with ample sleeping quarters will make for a more relaxed RV vacation. Cramped quarters lead to irritable people. So, consider the sleeping arrangements and the ease of making up beds. Some RVs contain sleeper sofas or dinette tables that can turn into beds.
Look at the type of RV. RVs can be separated into two distinct product categories. Towable products include fold-down camping trailers, travel trailers and fifth wheels. Motorized RVs include motorhomes, van campers and truck campers. With towables, it is important to have an appropriate tow vehicle. "Check with your RV dealer on vehicle tow ratings," says Bill Prinz, vice president of sales and marketing for Jayco, one of the nation’s largest privately held RV manufacturers. "We provide tow rating guides for all of our towable units. Dealers can help the consumer determine appropriate weight levels as well."

Consumers will see the RVIA seal on RVs indicating the manufacturer is an RVIA member. This seal also ensures safety compliance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Standard of Recreation Vehicles. RVIA members must also display weight labels showing the unit’s gross and unloaded weight and carrying capacity.
If you are considering a motorized RV, it is important to remember that the vehicle goes with you whenever you leave the campsite unless you wish to tow a car behind your motorhome. Here again, check with your dealer for tow weights.

Select floor plans and equipment that best suit your needs. Some floor plans are geared more toward children, offering bunk beds and easy-to-clean flooring and upholstery, while some plans showcase hardwood flooring, deluxe cabinetry and ample storage for long stays. "Consumers need to look at the convenience and livability of the RV, and select a unit that will fit their personal lives. Optional equipment allows them to customize the RV," added Prinz. "Consumers can make the RV as basic or luxurious as they want."

When traveling, fuel economy is a factor. Ask your dealer about the fuel mileage you’ll get with your vehicle if you tow an RV. Ratings on motorized vehicles are also available.

Level of self-containment is an issue. If the RV is self-contained, it means it can operate without utility hookups. Manufacturers typically supply this type of information in the product literature. Look for holding tank capacities, including fresh water, gray water and black water (gray water is waste from sinks and showers; black water is toilet waste).

Most RV experts agree that a 12-volt battery supply is ample for powering lights and other blowers for two or three nights. Some RVs may come with a generator. This is ideal for providing necessary power in campsites without hookups. Most commercial campgrounds provide electrical hookups, which replace the need for battery power. Also, make sure you check for propane capacity to power the refrigerator, furnace and stove.
Finally, determine your price range. Typically, fold-down camping trailers are the least expensive RVs while Type A motor coaches represent the upper end.

To help in your selection process, visit a local RV dealership, attend an RV show or purchase an RV buyer’s guide, available at most book stores. Jayco dealers can be located by calling 800-RV-JAYCO or online at www.jayco.com. The Woodall’s“ RV Buyer’s Guide is available at www.woodalls.com or by calling 800-680-3154 ext. 422.
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	Article: What to Look for When Buying an RV HANDY TIPS FOR BUYING THE RIGHT RV RV travel and outdoor recreation are at an all-time high. But with more and more first-timers entering the market, it’s important to know what to look for when buying an RV. Typically, the right RV for you is the one that best suits your needs. Put together a checklist, and review the following tips. It will help you make the right decision. Determine use of the RV. Will you use the RV for short weekend trips or long, extended stays? Some people only use RVs for sporting events, while others enjoy full-time RVing and desire a "home on wheels." Your interests and hobbies are key in your decision-making process. Consider the number of people using the RV. Selecting an RV with ample sleeping quarters will make for a more relaxed RV vacation. Cramped quarters lead to irritable people. So, consider the sleeping arrangements and the ease of making up beds. Some RVs contain sleeper sofas or dinette tables that can turn into beds. Look at the type of RV. RVs can be separated into two distinct product categories. Towable products include fold-down camping trailers, travel trailers and fifth wheels. Motorized RVs include motorhomes, van campers and truck campers. With towables, it is important to have an appropriate tow vehicle. "Check with your RV dealer on vehicle tow ratings," says Bill Prinz, vice president of sales and marketing for Jayco, one of the nation’s largest privately held RV manufacturers. "We provide tow rating guides for all of our towable units. Dealers can help the consumer determine appropriate weight levels as well." Consumers will see the RVIA seal on RVs indicating the manufacturer is an RVIA member. This seal also ensures safety compliance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Standard of Recreation Vehicles. RVIA members must also display weight labels showing the unit’s gross and unloaded weight and carrying capacity. If you are considering a motorized RV, it is important to remember that the vehicle goes with you whenever you leave the campsite unless you wish to tow a car behind your motorhome. Here again, check with your dealer for tow weights. Select floor plans and equipment that best suit your needs. Some floor plans are geared more toward children, offering bunk beds and easy-to-clean flooring and upholstery, while some plans showcase hardwood flooring, deluxe cabinetry and ample storage for long stays. "Consumers need to look at the convenience and livability of the RV, and select a unit that will fit their personal lives. Optional equipment allows them to customize the RV," added Prinz. "Consumers can make the RV as basic or luxurious as they want." When traveling, fuel economy is a factor. Ask your dealer about the fuel mileage you’ll get with your vehicle if you tow an RV. Ratings on motorized vehicles are also available. Level of self-containment is an issue. If the RV is self-contained, it means it can operate without utility hookups. Manufacturers typically supply this type of information in the product literature. Look for holding tank capacities, including fresh water, gray water and black water (gray water is waste from sinks and showers; black water is toilet waste). Most RV experts agree that a 12-volt battery supply is ample for powering lights and other blowers for two or three nights. Some RVs may come with a generator. This is ideal for providing necessary power in campsites without hookups. Most commercial campgrounds provide electrical hookups, which replace the need for battery power. Also, make sure you check for propane capacity to power the refrigerator, furnace and stove. Finally, determine your price range. Typically, fold-down camping trailers are the least expensive RVs while Type A motor coaches represent the upper end. To help in your selection process, visit a local RV dealership, attend an RV show or purchase an RV buyer’s guide, available at most book stores. Jayco dealers can be located by calling 800-RV-JAYCO or online at www.jayco.com. The Woodall’s“ RV Buyer’s Guide is available at www.woodalls.com or by calling 800-680-3154 ext. 422. # # #