RV buying tips for a newbie?

[ShortRound]

I've been camping ever since I was in the Boy Scouts, many years ago. I've always been a tent camper. Well, now at 45 years old, I quote sergeant Roger Murtaugh, "I'm getting too old for this s***." It's time to get a camper/RV. So my GF and I went browsing yesterday at a local RV dealership, just to get an idea of what we want in an RV.

My truck is capable of pulling 7,100 pounds, but I'd like to keep the total GVW at 5,000 or less. I'm thinking in the 18 to 22 foot range. I want a travel trailer, not a 5th wheel. My kids are grown and out of the house, so we don't need special provisions for little ones. I don't have room to store it at home, so I know I'll need to store it remotely, and have taken that into consideration.

So with that in mind, I'd like to hear from any experienced RV owners, as to what you wish you had known before buying, what you might have done differently, etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Winmagbill]

If you buy it, use it. They deteriorate while just sitting and it can be frustrating to have to fix it before you use it.

We were thinking about getting a smaller, light weight trailer last year and I found this guys “research” page. Lots of great info for a new buyer. Even has an excellent buyers checklist on one of the links.
http://theampeer.org/thoughts-on-towing/trailer-research.html

 

[Suck My Glock]

If budget doesn't matter, very well. But if you can't afford to treat it as a disposable item that will self-destruct over time, consider instead getting a cargo trailer and converting it. RVs are made so cheaply now, mostly in pursuit of making them lighter and more affordable, that they just fall apart. Enclosed aluminum skinned cargo trailers on the other hand are much more resilient. For the price you pay for an RV trailer you can purchase an enclosed cargo trailer and spend the difference outfitting it. And another benefit of this strategy is you can choose the layout.

 

[knockonit]

Well a year ago i was in the market, maybe a tad longer ago, time has a way of mulitiplying

anyway, thought i wanted one, but went on a couple RVing sites and asked some info.

then i rented one several times, while it had its advantages, it was a helluva lot of work, almost as much as camping. so i decided, nope, not gonna do it,

good luck, most of those that really RV are those that move every couple weeks, or more, but are not on road daily. so if checking some sites one would want to make sure that is understood
Rj

 

[EarlCordova]

.....My truck is capable of pulling 7,100 pounds, but I'd like to keep the total GVW at 5,000 or less. I'm thinking in the 18 to 22 foot range.....

You are correct in not loading up your tow vehicle to the max.
Towing specs don't take into account our steep mountain grades and towing when it is over 110 degrees outside is tough on a vehicle.

Another thing to take into account is the tongue weight of the trailer.
I see a lot of weekend warriors that are barely in control when they try and go the same speed as the rest of the traffic in the mountains.

 

[Ballistic Therapy]

RV's are very nice when it comes to camping.
You will really enjoy it.
Hopefully you will get lots of use out of it.

The use it or loose it suggestion is spot on.
They deteriorate alright and are not cheap to fix.

Also remember that the AC and most microwaves won't work on batteries.
You will need a good generator or be able to plug it in somewhere.

To me the bathroom and bed are the most important part of any RV.

The bed needs to be big enough to sleep comfortably in.
I wouldn't go any smaller than a queen size bed.

Get one with a bathroom you can comfortably fit in.
Some are so cramped up you need to knock holes in the wall for your knees when you set down.
A tall toilet is nice also. Some are no better than setting on a chamber pot.


I remember sleeping on the ground and would see people with cots.
I would say " that is not camping."

Then I got a cot and would see people sleeping in tents.
I would say " that is not camping ."

Then I got a tent and would see people in an RV.
I would say " that is not camping. "

Then I got an RV and would see people in hotels.
I would say " that is not camping . "

Now days I have found that hotels are not too bad.

 

[rockbronco]

I have had a toyhauler for several years now and while we enjoy using it you have to constantly maintain it. Even new ones are not all the great and they end up needing repairs often. AZ heat and sun are hard on them so if possible shade it or try to protect it the best you can.

Storage costs are not cheap and getting pretty full with all the new rv owners out there. Dirt bags like to steal battery’s and generators off stored trailers too so figure out a way to secure them when parked.

I would avoid buying new if possible. The warranty’s suck and getting then serviced under warranty is painful and takes forever. Also an RV is the fastest depreciation of any vehicle known to man. Seriously they tank in value so damn quick it’s not even funny. So if possible shop used and pay cash, don’t finance if you can avoid it. The terms and rates suck.

Learn how to fix them and stay in top of any needed repairs and you should be ok. They are not all the hard to work on but some stuff can be tedious. I have replaced the entire roof on mine along with fixing some water damage. replaced the awning, repaired the generator a few times, resealed doors, windows and storage compartments, replacing lighting, propane tanks etc. made some modifications along the way as well. It’s a 2003 weekend warrior that was used very little and taken care of before my ownership but it’s still needed repairs yearly to keep in good shape. I’m ok with that since I have a lot less invested in then I could have.

My only issue at this point is our family is out growing it.

 

[QuietM4]

I'd rent one first to see if you like it. If you only go camping once or twice per year, I'd always rent one.

Compared to tent camping, they are A LOT of work. My parents own a small trailer, about 18', and they spend at least a full day getting it prepared just to leave. As others have stated, they require a lot of maintenance.

I go camping to get away from people....a trailer makes that more difficult, IMO. No 4x4 trails, no rough roads. I have 4 large totes that I just put in the back of my truck...and I'm done. Simple.

 

[Rock Hardson]

My only suggestion is to buy used and let someone else take the depreciation hit.

 

[ShortRound]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I appreciate it.

 

[OH-MAN]

Rent a couple first to see what you like and dislike.

We prefer to hotel camp these days.
Drive to hotel park and when you want to get to moving on easy peasy.
Yeah we are wimps nowadays.

 

[xerts1191]

Just like this (BOAT) ownership
Bring
Over
Another
Thousand

 

[storage_man]

There is yet another advantage "Tax savings". A properly equipped RV, can be deductible off of your personal Income Tax as a second home. But as many stated, the maintenance cost are enormous. Ifyou are not handy at repairing (ie Pluming, 12 volt electrical systems, ect.) you will pay dearly to have it running correctly when your ready to leave.

As far as renting goes, its the best way for RV ownership. The only downside is the amount of work required to load and un-load your gear depending on your other hobbies. Remember you are paying rent on the RV whether your out camping or loading it.

 

[XJThrottle]

Rent a few first. As others have said, if you only will use it a couple times a year it will be cheaper in the long run.

 

[McKnight55]

Old thread but I hope this helps.
We bought a travel trailer in 2017.
I found the reviews on YouTube to be a very useful resource.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRS9u1f7074u0Rrgu05K9Wg

IMO, Josh at Haylett does the most informative videos .

 

[McKnight55]

"My truck is capable of pulling 7,100 pounds, but I'd like to keep the total GVW at 5,000 or less. I'm thinking in the 18 to 22 foot range. I want a travel trailer, not a 5th wheel. My kids are grown and out of the house, so we don't need special provisions for little ones. I don't have room to store it at home, so I know I'll need to store it remotely, and have taken that into consideration."

Rockwood Geo Pro might work for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQVHDDFI9-0&list=RDCMUCRS9u1f7074u0Rrgu05K9Wg&index=3

Geo Pro comes in different configurations.

 

[Ballistic Therapy]

There are so many people buying Rv's right , I am sure that if you wait a little while , the market will be flooded with used RV's for sale.

 

[What]

You could go my route. Buy cargo trailer and convert into dry camper. Still can use it at cargo trailer.


My friends either uses toy hauler (tends to be less broken stuff than typical camper) or rent them out for weekend since they'd only use it few times a year.

 

[kptaylor]

"My truck is capable of pulling 7,100 pounds, but I'd like to keep the total GVW at 5,000 or less.

Just keep in mind that the 7100 lb capacity includes the stuff you'll have in the trailer, the stuff you'll have in the truck and what you and the wife weigh.

 

[McKnight55]

McKnight55 wrote: ↑Yesterday, 12:01 pm
"My truck is capable of pulling 7,100 pounds, but I'd like to keep the total GVW at 5,000 or less.
Just keep in mind that the 7100 lb capacity includes the stuff you'll have in the trailer, the stuff you'll have in the truck and what you and the wife weigh.

I was quoting the O.P. and offering a suggestion that might work for his truck capabilities. The Rockwood dry weight is around 3000 lb. The overall length is around 20' , which can get you in most National Parks. Boondocking is also an option with the off road suspension and solar/12v capabilities. Great rig for 2 people. Flagstaff and Rockwood are built on the same assembly line . Much like Chevy and GM.

Mcknight