How do you go about buying the right RV? Most people understand
how to buy a car or truck, but they’re not sure which RV best
suits their needs.
According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA),
one of your best clues the oval shaped seal located somewhere on
the vehicle. This seal, "prominently displayed on the exterior of
motorhomes, travel trailers, truck campers and folding camping
trailers means the manufacturer certifies compliance with more
than 500 safety specifications for electrical, plumbing, heating
and fire and life safety established under the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Recreation Vehicle Standard."
(RV Insurance Coverage: Have you looked at your recreational
vehicle insurance policy lately? If you own a motorhome or travel
trailer, you should occasionally review your RV insurance policy.
Why? Because you could be over-paying for your motorhome insurance
coverage, and not getting the specialized coverage offered by
companies that specialize in motor home or travel trailer insurance
. RV America knows how to insure RVs. They can be reached at 800-
400-0186. Call today and one of their RV insurance agents can help
you find a motorhome insurance policy that’s accompanied by a low
premium and specialized coverage.)
JD Gallant, in his book "How To Buy An RV Without Getting Ripped-
off!" cuts to the core of the matter. He states, "The correct
order for choosing an RV is as follows: 1) type, 2) size, 3)
quality, 4) floor plan, and 5) price." The rest of this article
will discuss RV types.
The TYPE and USE of the RV make a good marriage. When you consider
how you will USE the RV and consider planning ahead five years,
the specific TYPE of RV you’ll need becomes clear. Renting an RV
before buying is an excellent idea.
What is an RV? According to the RVIA definition, "A recreation
vehicle, or RV, is a motorized or towable vehicle that combines
transportation and temporary living quarters for travel,
recreation and camping. RVs do not include mobile homes, off-road
vehicles or snowmobiles. RVIA classifies all RVs into two groups:
towables and motorized. (Travel Trailer or motorhome)
Towables, according to RVIA, are "...designed to be towed by a
motorized vehicle (auto, van, or pickup truck) and of such size
and weight as not to require a special highway movement permit. It
is designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational
camping or travel use and does not require permanent onsite hook-up
." The towables include conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheel
travel trailer, folding camping trailer and the truck camper.
Motorized RVs are "A recreational camping and travel vehicle built
on or as an integral part of a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis
. It may provide kitchen, sleeping, and bathroom facilities and be
equipped with the ability to store and carry fresh water and sewage
. Motorized RVs include motorhome (Class A), Van Camper (Class B),
Motorhome (Class C) and conversion vehicles.
The size, shape and configuration of these RVs will be referred to
frequently. For now, a brief description is all that is required.
The Conventional Travel Trailer will cost about $18,000. The
length ranges from 12 to 35 feet. It is towed by means of a bumper
or frame hitch attached to the towing vehicle.
The Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer has a wide cost range, from $25,000
to over $150,000. RVIA defines it as "....can be equipped the same
as the conventional travel trailer but is constructed with a
raised forward section that allows a bi-level floor plan. This
style is designated to be towed by a vehicle equipped with a
device known as a fifth wheel hitch."
The least expensive RV is the Folding Camping Trailer, or Tent
Trailer. With a price range from less than $5,000 to about $18,000
, it is designed for temporary living quarters. The quarters are
mounted on wheels and connected with collapsible sidewalls that
fold for towing by a motorized vehicle.
The Truck Camper has an average price of about $10,500. RVIA
defines as "A recreational camping unit designed to be loaded onto
or affixed to the bed or chassis of a truck, constructed to
provide temporary living quarters for recreational camping or
travel use."
Bill and Jan Moeller in their book "Full-time RVing" describe
Class A motorhomes as "...resemble buses in shape although many
models are sleeker and more streamlined." The living unit has been
entirely constructed on a bare, specially designed motor vehicle
chassis. The price range for Class A is extensive, from $60,000 to
over $500,000.
They describe the Class C motorhome as being "...built on a van
cutaway chassis and have a van cab with the engine located under
an extended hood. The distinguishing feature of all Class Cs is
the cabover bed." The price range is fairly narrow, from $35,000
to $75,000.
A very popular RV that is creating it's own niche is the Van
Camper (Class B) Most are a "panel type truck to which the RV
manufacturer adds any of the two following conveniences: sleeping,
kitchen and toilet facilities. Also 110-volt hook-up, fresh water
storage, city water hook-up and a top extension to provide more
head room." These RVs start at $42,000 and can cost as much as $68,000.
The Conversion Vehicles are vans, trucks and sport utility
vehicles manufactured by an automaker then modified for
transportation and recreation use by a company specializing in
customized vehicles. These changes may include windows, carpeting,
paneling, seats, sofas, and accessories. Ambulances and airport '
people-haulers' are examples.
You might find it helpful to rent several types of RVs before
purchasing. Once you live in, and have to live with, a particular
type and length RV you’ll have a better feel as to what works best
for you.
