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Author :Chelsea Barron in Education

How do you know which RV is right for you? When you’re in the market to purchase an RV, looking at all the styles and choices can be pretty overwhelming. After all, there are a lot of different types of rigs out there, and when you’re spending such a large sum of money; you definitely want to make sure you get the right thing.

Unfortunately, this overwhelming feeling often gets to people and they may end up either purchasing something they didn’t really want or tossing the idea aside altogether. Obviously, neither of these options is ideal, so we want to help.

Below are our top tips for deciding which RV is right for you, your family, and your camping style.

Trailer vs Motorhome

The first question to answer is whether you want a trailer or a motorhome. They both have their pros and cons, and knowing these is an important part of the process.

— Trailer Pros and Cons —

Pros:

• Can be dropped to give you a vehicle for outings.

• Often feels roomier than a motorhome.

• A less expensive option for those on a budget.

Cons:

• Requires a truck for towing. Sometimes a ¾-ton or 1-ton is required.

• Bumper pulls are often not as well made as motorhomes, but fifth wheels tend to be just as solid as motorhomes.

• Hitching and unhitching can be a pain.

— Motorhome Pros and Cons —

Pros:

• Easy to pack up and go.

• Quick access to a bathroom and kitchen on long road trips.

• Tend to be better made than their bumper pull counterparts.

Cons:

• Requires the user to either go without a daily driver or tow a small car.

• More expensive than trailers.

• Can break down, requiring the entire RV to go into the shop.

In our opinion, a trailer is the ideal solution for families with kids, those who do occasional camping, or those who will be stationary. They are also ideal for campers on a budget.

Motorhomes are better for those who will travel often. Motorhomes and fifth wheels can also be better for those who will be traveling full time and need something solid.

Related Read: RV Types Explained

Consider Your Needs

Of course, there are other things you’ll want to consider as well. Will you be dry camping often? If so, features such as vent fans, large holding tanks, and solar prep are important. If you have kids, you may need a bunkhouse, and those who do a lot of cooking while camping will want plenty of counter space.

Try to imagine yourself actually using each rig you consider. Go through a typical day in your mind and try to find items that you may appreciate, as well as things you know you’ll wish were different. This will help you narrow down your choices to only the rigs that suit your needs well.

Related Read: What is your camping personality?

Keep Tow Capacity in Mind

Features are important, but if you’ll be investing in a trailer, tow capacity is even more important. If you have a truck already, learn your tow capacity so you know what kind of numbers you’re working with.

Keep in mind that passengers and luggage will take some of that capacity away, and always keep the gross vehicle weight rating (not the dry weight) of any trailer you buy at least 1000 lbs under your truck’s tow capacity. This will ensure you are towing safely.

Related Read: Towing a Car with Your RV- What You Need to Know

Check Out an RV Show

Having trouble even knowing where to begin? Or have an idea of what you want, but want to see some features for yourself? Either way, an RV show is the perfect event for you.

RV shows are held in locations all across the country and every single one will have numerous RV options for you to look at, walk around inside, and imagine staying in. These shows are an opportunity to lay on the bed, step in the shower, open the cabinets, and really get a feel for how you would use and fit into the space. Take advantage of this!

Not sure where to find an RV show near you? Check out this list.

Rent an RV

Once you have your list narrowed down to two or three rigs, you might want to try renting. There are plenty of opportunities to do this through both individuals and companies. Renting an RV will give you an opportunity to get out and actually put the rig you have in mind to use, meaning you can experience what it’ll be like to camp in such an RV when you have one for yourself.

During your rental period be sure to try out all the things you would do with a rig of your own. Turn down the option for delivery (if offered) and drive or tow the RV yourself, set up camp on your own, and be sure to dump the tanks and hitch back up at the end of your trip. You’ll also want to be sure to use the shower and toilet, cook in the kitchen, and pay attention to how you feel about sleeping in the bed.

By the end of your rental adventure you will know for sure whether you’ve found the RV that’s right for you.

Related Read: Renting an RV: The Ins and Outs

Think About Buying Used

The final step is actually purchasing your dream RV. Obviously, you could do this by visiting a local dealership and purchasing a brand new model. However, this is not usually what we recommend doing. Instead, we highly recommend buying used.

Buying your RV used is a good idea for a few reasons:

1. You’ll spend less, meaning if you don’t still love the rig in a few years, you’ll be able to consider a different one.

2. Your RV won’t depreciate as much as a new one, so you can sell it later without taking such a huge hit.

3. Purchasing a used rig means many of the kinks that newer RVs tend to come with have already been worked out by the previous owner.

Of course, there are still some instances when purchasing new is the best bet. These include times when the floor plan you love is only available in brand new models, and times when you feel a factory warranty is absolutely necessary.