Buying your first (second, or third) RV can be intimidating but we’re here to walk you through every step of the process from researching what RV type is best for you to understanding financing options. After watching this video series you’ll be able to confidently purchase your new RV.
1) Do Your Research
Before you head to the RV dealership, it’s a good idea to have a sense of what you’re looking for.
Understanding Different Types Of RVs
The most important question to ask yourself is if you want a motorhome or a towable. To figure this out, you need to know what you’re looking to get out of your RV and what activities you want to be doing on the road.
Go RVing can help you better understand each type of RV that’s out there with its Find the Right RV for You quiz and Compare RVs tool.
Build a list of key features that you want in your RV purchase and bring this with you when you head to the dealership. For example, do you need sleeping space for 2 or 6 people? Do you want to boondock or always be hooked up to utilities?
Benefits Of Using An RV Dealership
Know that an RV dealership is the best option to purchase an RV if you want financing options. You’ll get competitive rates and have more options than if you purchase through a private party.
A dealership will also provide extended warranties and multiple warranty options versus purchasing as is from a private party. If you have a good relationship with your salesperson and dealership you’ll get continued benefits when you need service and/or repairs.
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Budgeting Tips For Your New RV
You’ll want to think about more than just the purchase price when budgeting for your RV. Consider costs for insurance, gas, storage, regular maintenance, and potential repairs when coming up with your total budget for your RV purchase.
2) Visiting An RV Dealership
Knowing what you’re looking for when you get to an RV dealership will help streamline your experience and avoid getting oversold on an RV that has features you don’t need or want.
Choosing An RV Dealership
Choose an RV dealership near your home so you can create a relationship with the service and maintenance department when issues arise. Set an appointment at your dealership. When you arrive, be clear about what you’re looking for and stick to your budget.
Go RVing makes it easy to find an RV dealer near you.
At The Dealership
Spend time in each RV that you’re considering and envision yourself camping in it. Bring a family member or friend for their input. Take notes on each RV that you’re considering, especially about what features you like and dislike.
When deciding between different RV floor plans, make sure the amenities and features match your initial list of non-negotiables. You’ll want to consider the sleeping arrangements for all family members as well as what appliances and features you want in the kitchen, especially if you’ll be cooking most of your meals.
Lastly, when deciding between a motorhome or a towable, consider if you have a vehicle already that’s equipped to tow the trailer you’re looking for. An RV dealer can help you match a tow vehicle to a trailer to make sure you’re properly equipped.
RELATED: Getting Started RVing: Tips For Overcoming A Fear Of Towing
3) Buying Your RV At A Dealership
Now that you’ve identified the RV that you want to purchase, it’s time to go through the sales and buying process. This can be less intimidating if you understand what to expect at each stage in the process.
Step 1: Negotiation
The RV dealer will come to you with a quote and you can go back and forth a few times. Know exactly how much you’re willing to pay for the RV’s value and don’t go over it. You’ll also talk about taxes and fees as part of the purchase price. Once you approve the quote and understand what you’re paying for, you move on to financing.
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Be patient with the process. Once you have a quote, it’s okay to walk away and take a few days to really consider if it’s the right RV for you.
Step 2: Financing
You can either finance or pay cash for your RV. Your RV salesperson will ask you how much you want to put down and help you come up with a plan to finance your purchase if you so choose.
Know your credit score going into the purchase process and your RV dealer can come up with possible payment options and amounts. You can also look at financing options outside of the RV dealer for a loan and compare rates.
RELATED: What To Know About The RV Purchase Process
Step 3: Closing The Deal
If you’re paying cash, you’ll sign the quote and come back to finalize paperwork and delivery date. If you’re financing, you’ll come back when your financing terms are sorted and finalize paperwork and delivery.
Step 4: Schedule Your Walk-through And Pickup
There will be some downtime between when you purchase your RV and when it’s ready to be picked up. Your RV dealer will prep the unit and make sure it’s ready for camping. The dealership will walk you through everything you need to know to operate the vehicle and camp smoothly.
4) Picking Up Your RV
Once your RV is ready for pickup, you’ll want to block off a solid chunk of time to go over your new RV with your dealer’s product specialist. They’ll demonstrate all of the systems and features of your new RV.
Come prepared with some questions and take lots of notes. Video record the walkthrough on your phone so you can return to any processes or systems when setting up camp for the first time. Bring someone along to help you record the product demonstrations in sections (i.e. how to retract awnings) for easy reference.
RELATED: Tips For Picking Up Your RV At The Dealership And Your RV Walkthrough
If you purchased a towable, make sure you have the right equipment to hitch your rig. The dealership can help match your tow vehicle and rig for correct weight distribution.
When you drive off the lot, go slow and be patient. Once you’re comfortable driving, book a “shakedown” trip at a local campground where you can get a feel for setting up your rig and systems while you’re still close to home.
RELATED: Beginner RV Tips: How To Have A Successful First RV Trip
5) Keeping Up With Your RV: Understanding The RV Service Experience
Introduce yourself to the service manager and team to help build a lasting relationship. The friendlier you are, the more likely it is that the team will go the extra mile for you.
Understand your RV’s warranties. You’ll have the manufacturer’s warranty and anything additional that you purchased during the sale process like roadside assistance or extended coverage. Consistently maintain your RV by scheduling service intervals in advance.
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Now you’re empowered with expert tips for how to handle your experience at an RV dealership. Good luck with your RV purchase and we’ll see you on the road.
