May 2004 -- After you rented RV enough times and, despite some problems on the road, your family decided that not only do they like "roads less traveled" but also can stand/enjoy each others company on the long streches of the road, you are ready to buy your own vehicle. But before you do it, you should research all venues of making your purchase.
Shopping at RV Shows
Dozens of national and regional RV shows are held annually, most during the winter months. They make especially safe hunting grounds for three types of people: looky-loos who have no idea what they want but are not about to succumb to the first smooth-talking salesman they encounter; well-researched potential buyers who know exactly what they want and are ready to make a deal; and RV owners who want to see the latest technical and design innovations but are basically happy with their existing rig.
The action gets hot and heavy during the last day or two of a show, when it's possible to stumble across an offer you can't refuse. On the other hand, if you're susceptible to super salesmen, tread carefully or you may be driving a brand-new rig home from the show.
Besides acres of new RVs to explore, a show usually presents seminars on how to "full-time" or where to travel, a bazaar of esoteric gadgets from no-snore pillows to salad-makers (as well as a lot of helpful and practical items), and entertainment from Dixieland or country music musicians to a walk-through virtual reality module.
For a free listing of RV shows, contact the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), Dept. SL, P.O. Box 2999, Reston, VA 22090 (tel. 703/620-6003; www.gorving.com or www.rvia.org), or watch your local newspapers for a show in your area.
Shopping at RV Dealers
Check the Yellow Pages for local RV dealers and spend an afternoon walking the lot looking at types of vehicles and mentally moving into them. The dealer can give you a brochure to take home and study, which details all the features, along with floor plans and specifics about the vehicle's features.
Every dealer has a number of previously owned vehicles it has taken in as trade-ins or RVs it is brokering for the owners. You can figure the used vehicle could be one-third to half the price of a new model. Purchasing from a reputable dealer ups the chances that the RV will be in good condition and gives you someplace to come back to if there's a problem. One source for low-priced used RVs is Cruise America's RV Depots, lots that sell previously rented units at discounted prices, along with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and free emergency road assistence for a year. Call 800/327-7799 and ask for national fleet sales.
Don't worry about taking up time if you're not ready to buy yet. Sooner or later you will be, and dealers are accustomed to the allure of a new and unfamiliar RV both to wannabe and veteran owners.
Expect the best buys in December and January, when dealers want to get the previous year's models off the lot to make room for the new year's models. Get on their mailing list for any sales they may have in the future.
RVs that carry the RVIA Seal affixed to the vehicle in the vicinity of the doorway are certified by the manufacturer to comply with 500 safety specifications for fire and safety, plumbing and electrical systems, and LP gas systems established by the American National Standards Institute. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, representing builders of more than 95% of all RVs sold in the United States, makes periodic unannounced plant inspections to ensure members maintain an acceptable level of compliance.
Insider Tip -- Renting your RV to others to help defray costs of ownership may appeal to you. If you decide to try it, check the costs of upgrading your insurance policy to cover any liability, and see if a local dealer might add it to his rental fleet for a share of the profits.
Where Not to Shop for an RV
Avoid parking lot and campground "distress" sellers who give you a spiel about bad luck and desperate need for cash. A nationwide group of con artists who call themselves "Travelers" make a big profit selling cheaply made travel trailers, which also serve as living quarters and office headquarters for numerous other scams.
Be extremely careful buying from any private party unless you know a great deal about the RV you're considering and can make a clear-eyed evaluation of it before signing the deal. If it looks beat up and shows wear inside and out, walk away. Chances are, if the owner has treated the superficial areas badly, the systems you can't see are also flawed. Remember, with motorized vehicles, you're buying both a used car and a used house.
RV Prices
Prices (entry, midrange, upscale, and luxury) vary according to the type of RV. Motor homes range from $57,000 at entry level to $1,000,000 and up for luxury. Type-C mini-motor homes range from $48,000 to $139,000, fifth-wheels from $12,000 to $102,000, travel trailers from $9,800 to $76,000, van campers from $42,000 to $73,000, truck campers from $3,800 to $24,000, folding camping trailers from $3,500 to $18,000.
Financing
Because RV buyers are generally considered more reliable for a loan than car buyers (only 1.39% of all RV loans are delinquent), loans are easier to get. Check with banks, savings and loan associations, finance companies, credit unions, or the RV dealer. Loans for big new RVs typically range from 10 to 12 years, even 15, with many asking a 20% down payment or less. A few lenders may require a 25% down payment. Financing packages for used RVs are usually for up to 8 years. Interest on the loan is deductible as second home mortgage interest, if the unit contains basic cooking, sleeping, and toilet accommodations. to get free IRS publications detailing interest information, call 800/829-3676 and request Publication 936 (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p936.pdf), "Home Interest Deduction," and Publication 523 (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p523.pdf), "Selling Your Home." The RV Money Book by Bob Howells (Trailer Life Books, 1992, $30; also available from RVIA) offers detailed information on buying, selling, financing, and insuring RVs.
Precautions Before Buying a Used RV
- Take a long test drive. Watch gauges closely, and check all systems personally from toilet flush to water pump and heater. Look for dry rot in any areas with wood, or water stains that may be signs of leaks.
- Ask questions. Ask the owner very direct and specific questions about all systems in the vehicle.
- Have the RV inspected. Ask a knowledgeable friend, or better still, hire an RV mechanic to a look at the vehicle.
- Check the book value of the rig. Find out the current value in a Kelley or NADA blue book; your bank loan officer should have current copies.
- Shop around. Check comparable models and prices at another dealer's lot to have a price comparison.