Are you in the market to purchase an RV? Whether your first, second, or fith RV purchase, you should go through a detailed process to determine the best fitting RV for your current and future travels. Whether this is your first time at RV dealers or you’ve never used a structured approach to researching the travel trailers you’ve purchased, the guide below can help.
Gather with your household, friends, or whoever will be joining your travels, and list answers to the questions below. Assign different weights of importance to each one, then work with RV dealers to find the best match.
Why are you getting an RV?
RV is an umbrella term for everything from small pop-up tents that can be towed by standard vehicles to luxurious motorhomes with all the amenities of a small apartment. Some can be driven off-grid over rugged terrain and parked on unpaved land. Others can only be parked in RV campgrounds due to their weight and size. Which one should you choose? It depends on why you’re getting an RV, and what you plan to do with it.
If you’re roughing it out beyond civilization, you’ll want an off-grid RV. If you’re sticking to national or state parks, or RV campgrounds, you’ll be okay with a large towable RV or a motorhome. It’s better to have a smaller, lightweight RV if you’re going to be outdoors most of the time. The longer you plan to be in your RV, the more likely you’ll prefer a larger habitat.
Which features and amenities do you need vs. want?
If your RV is for family road trips across the country, you’ll want an RV that can keep your young ones comfortable and entertained. Family members who aren’t accustomed to RVing might feel better with a bathroom and kitchen always within reach. They might also prefer to have an entertainment section, or at least a small TV to occupy their time during the drive. You might also want more amenities if you’re on the road for a longer time, so your travelers have an easier time staying fresh.
Some amenities are purely luxurious, such as entertainment centers and hot tubs. Depending on your campground features, you might not need a wet bath or even a kitchen. The most you might need on any given trip is a sleeping area, wash area, and kitchen. For long trips, you might want a washer and dryer, but even then you can stop by a laundromat. For convenience, you can deck out your RV with an entertainment/gaming section, a complete bathroom (shower, tub, toilet, sink), and multiple sleeping areas.
One tip for finding your perfect RV camper is making a list of Needs and Wants, finding an RV that fulfills all the Needs, then working through the Wants.
What’s your driving experience?
Towing a small truck camper is a different experience than driving a Class C motorhome. Each RV handles differently and will take time to adapt. If you’ve never towed something or driven a truck, prepare to take time to familiarize yourself with how your RV handles. You might pass the driving responsibilities to another traveler or opt for an RV with easier handling. This is especially important if you’re navigating tough or narrow roads. Would you be comfortable driving through those roads with a large RV?
How much are you willing to spend?
The final deciding factor is how far your budget extends. If you don’t have a sure budget, your first step should be making one. A low budget can limit your options, but RV dealers are experienced with helping customers stay within their means. You might also consider RV consignments, which are pre-used RVs offered at discounted rates.
Browse RVs at your local RV dealer in Tracy, CA
If you’re located near Tracy, CA, you can contact Nohr’s RV Center to learn about current and upcoming RV models. We’re more than glad to help you find the right RV for your travel lifestyle and budget.
