Find used RV – How to find the right used RV for you

For a first-time buyer, purchasing a used RV can be a daunting experience.  There are so many varieties of used recreational vehicles on the market, at varying ages, and from many different types of suppliers.  Many people looking to purchase a used RV are attracted by the ability to bring the feel of home with them, and some are looking for a more cost-effective way to travel in comfort and luxury.  By asking a few key questions, buyers can determine exactly what type of RV will best suit their needs. 

1. How often to I plan to use my RV? 

Do you plan to be a weekend traveler, or will you be taking long excursions?  Are you planning to sell your home and make travel a permanent part of your life? 

For travelers who plan to make their RV a permanent or semi-permanent home, comfort and ease of operation should be a priority.  For these buyers, self-contained, motorized units are the best option.  Class A, B and C vehicles require no hookups or set-up when arriving at a site.  As the living spaces are accessible without exiting the vehicle, passengers are able to sit in the living areas during travel, and bathrooms are accessible at all times. 

For weekend or occasional, short-trip travelers, a towable RV will be an ideal choice.  These units can hitch onto a truck or van, and some can even be pulled by mid-sized cars.  Specifically, the truck trailers and folding or pop-up trailers are popular among weekend travelers.  If more room is needed, however, fifth wheel and travel trailers can offer all the space and amenities of a class A or C motorhome while still utilizing your own vehicle for towing.

2. What kind of vehicle do I already own?

For buyers who own a personal automobile, that is a vehicle that is not a van or truck, options for a towable model will be severely limited.  These buyers may be best served to consider class A, B, or C recreational RVs that have self-containted driving areas and living spaces. 

3. What are my priorities?

If budget is a factor for you, there are several cost-conscious models to consider.  By choosing to buy used, you are already making a budget-conscious decision.  In the realm of used RVs, just as in the new RV market, there are extremely varying price ranges.  Towable models are almost always less expensive than their motorized RV counterparts.  Buying from a wholesaler can often save money as well.  These sellers are directly linked to the manufacturer and often can afford to sell to you at significant discounts, while still maintaining the security of buying through a respected and established dealer.

For those who value ease of use and operation, a self-contained motorized RV will be ideal.  Since these do not require a tow vehicle, users can literally just get in and go.  They also require virtually no set-up at the RV site, although a smaller RV will be much easier to back into sites.

If luxury and comfort are your priorities, the class A models are an ideal choice.  These offer the most spacious interiors and the most amenities, including virtually anything that you would have access to in your own home.  Many fifth wheel and travel trailers come with all the space and amenities of a class A recreational vehicle at a lower cost.  These will lack only the accessibility of a self-contained unit.

Finding the used RV that is perfect for your needs is the goal of every buyer.  By following these guidelines, you can guarantee that you will find the best used RV to suit your needs.