Sometimes, in the excitement of the moment, you can forget to ask the most basic and important questions. Shopping for an RV is fun and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of looking at the wide variety of options you have. From large kitchens to huge bedrooms to all the gadgets that RVs come with it isn’t uncommon to get jaded.
To help you navigate the waters of buying an RV we put together a list of 5 questions you should ask when shopping for an RV.
1. Are window awnings included?
Window awnings aren’t commonly included as standard equipment, however it’s smart to ask so that you can decide whether you want to add them on or not. They’re a great way to keep your RV cool and decrease the amount of energy you use to cool it. These are particularly important if you plan to vacation in warmer states like Texas and Arizona.
2. Ask To See the MSRP
The MSRP – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price – lists everything that the RV comes with. If you collect it from each dealer you’re shopping at you can easily compare apples to apples and avoid any confusion when negotiating price and determining value. When you’re looking at the MSRP verify the amount of TVs that the RV comes with and whether the jacks are manual or powered.
3. Can my tow vehicle handle this?
Your dealer can help you determine which RVs will work with your current tow vehicle and what your vehicle can handle. They can also provide insight on how to get the best gas mileage and tow as safely as possible. While it is your responsibility to know what your vehicle is capable of towing, it is always helpful to have insight from the dealer on what will work for you.
4. What are your financing options?
Most RVers finance at least a part of their purchase. You’re not obligated to go with the dealer’s bank. Shop around the for the best interest rates and be sure to check with a CPA about whether your interest paid can be considered tax deductible at the end of the year (because the IRS classified RVs as homes).
5. What does RV maintenance look like for this RV?
Each RV is different and needs to be cared for based off of its features. For example, you’ll care for an RV with slides differently than an RV that does not have slides. if your RV has an outdoor kitchen you’ll need to maintain that in addition to the interior. Your dealer should be able to tell you what maintenance will look like for the RV you’re looking at.
Photo Credit: By Nuvola-like Icon created by Cary Bass (self). (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
