So you’re considering buying an RV or looking to buy another? Congratulations! Cruising across the states in your RV is an awesome feeling. However, with such a big investment, you will want to make sure you do your research beforehand. We want to ensure you have the best possible experience shopping for your RV and the end result is the perfect RV that matches your wants and desires! Below are eight mistakes you’ll want to be aware of before you make your big purchase.
1. Purchasing The Wrong RV
The worst mistake you could make is purchasing an RV that doesn’t fit your needs. Buying on impulse can really put the blinders on so to speak. Purchasing an RV that’s too big means you’ll end up wasting money and purchasing one that’s too small will guarantee a cramped lifestyle you’ll surely regret later. We can’t stress enough, the importance of doing your research before shopping. First, consider what you want out of your RV. Are you planning to live in it for multiple weeks or months out of the year? Perhaps, you only plan on taking it for family vacations once or twice a year. Consider all the possibilities before you make your purchase. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Dimensions Of Your RV
You will want to make sure you know the dimensions of the RV you want. You may not know the exact measurements, and that’s fine! However, it is best to anticipate your needs out of your RV. Print out the dimensions and have it located somewhere easily accessible from the driver’s seat. This will make it easier when deciding if you can fit under bridges, underpasses, etc. Repairing RV roofs, antennas and other items located on your roof isn’t cheap! Make sure you do your research beforehand. Questions to ask yourself that will help you choose the right RV for you include:
- What size living space am I comfortable with?
- Will I or my family members need extra space for privacy?
- How big of a lounge area will I want? Do I want a big couch or chair?
- Will I want an RV that has an expandable side room when parked?
- Where will I be driving my RV? Will my routes include a lot of underpasses and bridges I will have to plan around?
- What campsites or RV Parks do I plan to go to, and what are their limits?
3. New Or Used
You will want to decide if you want to buy a new or used RV. There are pros and cons to consider for both. Just like a new car, as soon as you drive it off the lot, your RV will depreciate. When considering a used RV, the depreciation has already set in. Thus, you can usually snag a RV usually for less. However, if a warranty gives you peace of mind, then a new RV may be best for you. Newer RVs offer plenty of sizes and features, which means you will have an easier time finding one that fits exactly your needs. If you keep an eye out for used RVs and have patience, you might find the RV you were looking for, at exactly the right price. When looking for a Loan for your RV, consider Launch! We offer RV loans for new and used! Our RV loans have excellent loan rates, flexible loan terms up to 240 months, and monthly payments you can afford.
4. Inspection
Make sure you get the RV you’re wanting to buy inspected first. Ask the dealership to have their in-house mechanic give the RV a thorough inspection before you purchase it. If you’re purchasing from a private dealer, make an appointment with a local RV shop to have them inspect it. This will help prevent any underlying issues you may not catch yourself.
5. Test Drive
Just like any other vehicle, you will want to test drive the RV you are considering. Occasionally, there are RV dealerships that won’t let you test drive. This shouldn’t stop you from requesting a test drive. Simply go to another RV dealership. This can also be a warning sign that there’s something wrong with the RV that they don’t want you to find out. Additionally, you’ll be able to see if the dimensions fit your needs as discussed earlier.
6. Ask For A Demonstration
The last thing you want is to pull into the RV Park and not know how something works, such as your refrigerator or oven! Ask for a demonstration on how to use all the systems, ask questions, and voice any concerns you may have before you pull off the dealership lot.
7. Insurance And Warranty
You will want to consider what insurance coverage you feel safe with. RV insurance differs from automobile insurance. Therefore, make sure you pay attention to exactly what you’re getting as you don’t want to overpay for coverage you don’t need. Conversely, you don’t want to be stuck with too little of coverage in case of an accident. You might also want to consider an extended warranty on your RV for additional peace of mind.
8. Financing
Most people need financing to help them purchase an RV. Picking the right financial partner is a critical step in your RV buying journey. At Launch FCU we finance fun! We can help you finance your next adventure on the open roads today! We offer excellent RV loan rates, flexible loan terms up to 240 months, and monthly payments you can afford. Start traveling in style today. Apply online for your RV loan, or call a friendly Launch FCU Loan Specialist at 321-456-5441.
BONUS:
There are a number of quality RV dealerships in Florida. Launch FCU has a list of affiliated RV dealers on our website. Some excellent local dealers to consider include:
- Emerald Coast RV Center
4700 Highway 520, Cocoa, FL, United States
- La Mesa RV Center Inc Daytona Beach
872 North Tomoka Farms Road, Daytona Beach, FL, United States
- Giant Recreation World
5270 North US Highway 1, Melbourne, FL, United States
- La Mesa RV Center Inc Sanford
4441 Orange Blvd, Sanford, FL, United States
- Giant Recreation World Winter Garden
13906 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL, United States
- Giant Recreation World Ormond
280 Destination Daytona Lane, Ormond Beach, FL, United States
- La Mesa RV Center Inc Fort Myers
9650 Kelly Tractor Drive, Fort Myers, FL, United States
- La Mesa RV Center Inc Port St Lucie
8650 LTC Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL, United States
The post Top 8 First Time RV Buyer Mistakes To Avoid appeared first on Launch Federal Credit Union.
