Choosing Your RV


Motorhome, Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, or Pickup Camper? - Which RV Is Right for You?

Modern RVs are as varied as the RVers who own them. One thing is for sure - there is no right or wrong choice. Each type of RV has features that are attractive to some RVers, and less attractive to others. It's not really a matter of whether a towable RV is better than a motorized RV, or vice versa. Rather, it's a matter of what will fit best with your RVing lifestyle.

How To Choose The Right RV For You

Before you buy, you need to ask yourself some basic questions, while you are looking at all the different types and models of RVs at an RV Show or at your local dealer. Once you have the answers to the following questions, then this information will help your dealer to recommend the right RV for you.

  1. Do you plan to use your RV all year round?
    Will you be making trips in the fall and winter, or just use it for summer vacations?
  2. Will you be making long trips?
    Do you expect to do a lot of highway driving, or will you be using your RV off-road in remote locations for such things as fishing, hunting, hiking or skiing?
  3. How many beds do you need?
    Who will be with you on your trips? Adults or children? Do you need extra sleeping accommodation available once in a while? Do you have anyone with disabilities or special requirements? How much privacy do you need? Do you mind having to make up beds every night in your living area?
  4. How much storage room will you need?
    Do you need to pack for long extended periods? How many people do you need to pack for? Consider the amount of food and clothes you will want to take - plus all the toys, games and sports equipment?
  5. Where will you camp most of the time?
    Will you be staying mainly at developed campgrounds with utility hookups and other facilities, or will you often camp in remote locations?
  6. How much cooking do you plan to do?
    Do you need a large kitchen with appliances, plenty of counter space and food storage areas? How many do you need to seat in the dining area?
  7. What activities will you pursue?
    Do you need to take specialized gear or equipment? Will you need carrying racks and extra storage? Will you require the ability to tow a boat, canoes, snowmobile, ATV or an additional vehicle for use on arrival at your destination?
  8. Do you need a good entertainment center?
    Should it be top quality with TV, VCR and stereo? Where do you need speakers - both inside and out?
  9. What is the towing capacity of your vehicle?
    Will you need to make a vehicle change in order to tow your RV? Your dealer will help you with this information.
  10. How much money do you want to spend on an RV?
    Are there some special options and accessories that you cannot do without, that should be factored into the price? Will you need financing?

To be considered a recreational vehicle, in North America, a unit must provide at least four of the following permanently installed living systems: cooking, refrigeration or ice box, self-contained toilet, heating or air conditioning, a potable water system including water tank, faucet and sink, separate 120 volt electrical system, sleeping facilities and LP gas supply.

Towing or Driving?

Towing or driving a mid-size or larger-sized RV is much easier than you would think. Most first-time RVers trade up to a larger unit once they discover how easy it is. Your choice of RV will depend a lot on the amount of driving you plan to do, and whether you might need to drive off the highway on rough and uneven roads and trails.

If towing, you will have to consider the towing capacity of your present vehicle. Will you need to buy a much sturdier tow vehicle, or can your present vehicle be used? If you decide on one of the larger motorhomes, how will you get around once you arrive at your destination?

Did you know that towing your family car behind a motorhome is an option? Do you need to tow additional equipment, boats, trailers or other vehicles? Make sure you pick the right RV for your particular family's activities.

If you are concerned about towing or driving a really large unit: remember you can always select a model that is much smaller in size, with the additional slide-out options (there is often a choice of 1, 2 or sometimes 3 slideout units) to give you that additional living space that you need.

Do You Want The Basics or Real Luxury?

Many first time RVers will start with a model that provides just the basics. But sometimes there are options or accessories that you cannot do without. Check with your RV dealer to discover some of the options that you might want to consider to make your RV feel like home.


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