How to Choose the Perfect RV for Your Lifestyle and Budget

Whether you’re new to RV living or a seasoned expert, it can be hard to choose the perfect RV for your needs. There are an overwhelming number of options, and it’s easy to have your head turned by the latest models.

Let’s walk through the decision-making process.

Budget

We know, we don’t want to think about budget either, but it has to be the first thing on your list. Since the pandemic, the demand for, and price of, RVs has skyrocketed.

Setting a budget helps you set your expectations.

The good news is that there are motorhomes and travel trailers out there for a wide variety of budgets. The best way to determine how much you can spend is to sit down with a financial planner familiar with the costs of both buying and using an RV. Beyond the initial cost of the vehicle, factor in:

Insurance
Fuel
Maintenance
RV Repair
Off-Season Storage

There are additional costs including campsite fees and upgrades that are more variable.

Once you’ve decided how much you can spend, whether it’s $20,000 or $500,000, stick to your budget. RV prices vary a lot depending on location, so consider traveling to pick up your new coach.

Lifestyle

When buying an RV, you need to combine lifestyle intentions with budget considerations, because one affects the other.

You’ll have a very different budget for an RV you purchase for seasonal vacations than one you plan to live in full-time. A truly recreational vehicle that you use to camp in the summer needs to fit into your finances on top of your home and other expenses.

If you’re transitioning to full-time RV living, your budget opens up with the sale of your current home. It is even more important here to consult a financial professional.

Purchasing an RV is not like purchasing a home.

An RV is not an investment that appreciates over time like a traditional home. Sinking too much of your nest egg into full-time RV living may leave you strapped for cash down the road.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

New RVs depreciate quickly, losing as much as 20% of their value the minute you drive them off the lot.
If you finance your coach, the combination of depreciation and interest can be a real budget-buster, especially with today’s higher interest rates.
Full-time RV living may not be something you want to do forever. Make sure to manage your finances to allow a return to conventional housing.

Space and Travel Style

Once you’re done with the stressful part (budget) it’s time to look at the fun stuff. How much space do you need for your RV trips? Are you planning family vacations? Are you traveling solo? Do you want to work on the road?

RVs vary from small travel trailers to elaborate bus conversions. Take a good, honest look at the type of travel you like. It’s easy to fall into the trap of social media. Remember that what you see there is not reality, and it certainly isn’t your reality.

If you like to camp but simply don’t want to sleep in a tent, consider a small teardrop trailer. If you’re a family of four don’t get sucked into the notion that a campervan will fill your requirements.

Your RV needs to suit you, nobody else. Let’s take a look at a few options.

Camper Van

Van life might well be for you if you love to dry camp and are solo or with a partner. These small RVs are more affordable than bigger rigs, and much easier to park. Also called Class B motorhomes, these vans are easy to drive for beginning RVers.

Sprinter vans are perfect for ingenious custom renovations. If it’s in your budget, you can have a small bathroom or kitchen, a big awning to expand your outdoor space, or even a custom workspace.

If you love the idea of tiny living, a customized camper van could be your perfect RV.

Small Travel Trailer

Towable trailers are generally less expensive than motorhomes. They aren’t as easy to park, but a small trailer may be perfect for the solo camper.

Class C Motorhome

We love Class C motorhomes. They’re versatile and have a lot more space than a camper van. They’re great for camping with kids. They’re small enough to drive and park relatively easily and have bathrooms, kitchens, and often quite a bit of sleeping space.

Class A Motorhome or Fifth Wheel Trailer

If you have a bigger budget and want more space than a Class C offers, consider a big Class A motorhome or a fifth-wheel travel trailer. These spacious RVs offer slide outs for even more space and often feature more seating, a larger bedroom and bathroom, and space for entertainment or workstations.

Features and Amenities

Everybody has a list of things they must have when they camp. Take the time to make a list of needs and a separate list of wants.

The needs list includes features that are essential for your RV lifestyle. Some of you need the maneuverability of a campervan, others will not travel without a bathroom. Don’t compromise on your needs list. You’ll use and enjoy your RV less if you do. But also make sure that your needs are in fact needs, and not wants.

Your wants list is what you would love to have but can still enjoy traveling without. Maybe you’d love to have a slide-out or a full-sized refrigerator. But you’re willing to forego those if you find a coach that’s great in other ways. This is your compromise list.

Try Before You Buy

If you’re new to RVing, rent different models and configurations to help you decide what type of vehicle you prefer. These excursions will also help you make your list of needs and wants.

New or Used?

We’ve talked before about new vs used RVs. If you’re looking to get the most RV for your money, buying used is an excellent choice. Remember that 20% off-the-lot depreciation on a new vehicle? A gently used late-model RV will be less expensive than the same model bought new and have most of the same tech and amenities.

When buying used:

Be patient. You may not find what you’re looking for on your first search.
Do your homework. Talk to fellow RVers and find reputable used dealers.
Leave room in your budget for repairs and upgrades. Maybe you can even get a great deal and have a custom remodel.
Always have a used RV inspected before you buy!

The key to finding your perfect RV is determining exactly what you need and what you can afford. Contact us at Leisure Coachworks for help finding the right vehicle for your RV lifestyle.