10 Important Questions to ask the Dealer before you drive off the lot with your new RV
In this post I provide you with some important questions to ask your dealer before buying a new RV.
RV ownership can provide the freedom and flexibility to travel and explore new places at your own pace. It eliminates the need for expensive hotels and allows you to have all the comforts of home while on the road. RVing is also a great way to bond with family and friends as it allows for quality time together and creates memories that will last a lifetime. Additionally, RVing is a cost-effective way to travel as it eliminates the need for expensive airfare and rental cars. Furthermore, RVing allows you to experience the great outdoors and enjoy nature in a unique way. Owning an RV is a great way to discover new places, meet new people and create unforgettable memories.
That said, there are some important things to ask before buying a new RV. Here are 10 questions to ask a dealer before buying a new RV, which covers key aspects that will affect your ownership experience.
MATERIALS/CRAFTSMANSHIP
It’s important to find out what type of materials are used in the construction of the RV you are considering. Some RV’s are made out of really cheap materials and if you have a water leak for example, it could cause sub-floor damage. Aluminum framing and composite materials are superior to wood and particle board. Molded fiberglass is much better than say aluminum sided units. Just a few things to consider.
WARRANTY AND SERVICE
Be sure to ask about the warranty and service policy for the RV? Knowing the terms and conditions of the warranty and service policy will give you peace of mind when you own your RV. However, you should also know that it can often take a very long time to get warranty items serviced.
FINANCING
How does the financing process work? Understanding the financing options and the process will help you budget and plan for your RV purchase.
WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS
What is the weight and length of the RV? Knowing the size of the RV is important for determining the type of vehicle you will need to tow it (if getting a travel trailer or 5th Wheel), as well as for finding campsites that can accommodate it.
WEATHER AND HANDLING
How does the RV handle in different weather conditions? Knowing how the RV performs in different weather conditions will help you plan for trips and ensure a safe and comfortable experience. How does the RV handle on the road and in terms of maneuverability? Knowing how the RV handles on the road will help you plan for trips and ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
FUEL
What type of fuel does the RV use? Knowing the type of fuel the RV uses will help you budget for fuel costs and plan for trips. For example, Diesel fuel is often more expensive, but you make up for it with better towing efficiencies and power going up grades.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS/CAPACITY
What are the sleeping arrangements and capacity of the RV? Knowing the sleeping arrangements and capacity of the RV will help you plan for trips and ensure that everyone is comfortable.
AMENITIES
Are there any additional features or amenities included in the RV? Knowing what features and amenities are included in the RV will help you decide if it is the right fit for you and your needs.
MAINTENANCE
What is the maintenance schedule for the RV? Knowing the maintenance schedule for the RV will help you budget for maintenance costs and ensure that your RV is running smoothly.
TEST DRIVE
Can you take a test drive or see the RV in person before purchasing? Being able to test drive or see the RV in person is essential to knowing whether or not it’s a right fit for your needs.
CONCLUSION
RV ownership may not be worthwhile for some people because of the high cost of purchase, maintenance and storage. The initial purchase price of an RV can be quite high and ongoing maintenance and repairs can add up quickly. Additionally, RVs require a significant amount of storage space, which can be costly if you don’t have a place to store it. Renting an RV can be a better option for people who only plan to take a few trips a year and don’t want the long-term commitment of owning one. Renting also allows you to try out different types of RVs to see which one you like best before making a purchase. Furthermore, renting eliminates the hassle of maintenance, repairs and storage. If you are uncertain about how much you will use an RV or if you want to try different types, renting might be a better option for you.
Lastly, if you do plan on purchasing an RV, you might want to consider a used one that is just a couple years old. Not only will you get a better deal, but most likely any warranty repairs will have already been taken care of by the previous owner.
If you have any questions about buying a new RV, leave a comment below. Click the following link if you need an RV Packing List. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…