What is an RV Top Ten List?
The RV Top Ten List is exactly that…it consists of the Top 10 things that you want or need in the perfect RV!
What are all the top items you absolutely must have when purchasing your first or next RV? Think about why you want the RV, how you will use it, who you will be traveling with, how much time you will spend in it and locations where you want to travel. All these (and more) should have a significant impact on your decision. Is it important to you to have access to a bathroom, fridge, or bedroom without actually stopping and setting up your RV? Then those items should be part of your Top Ten list. Once you narrow it down to the Top Ten items, it will be much easier for you to decide.
The more you pare down your list and prioritize your actual needs versus wants the easier it will be to find your perfect RV. Remember that no one unit will likely meet all of your criteria so be prepared to make adjustments.
Once you have your list RV4.us will help easily identify RVs that meet your specific needs.
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Below is an example of what questions you should ask yourself/significant other/your family and pets about what you want, need and expect to get out of your RV purchase. This is not an extensive list! I’ll cover buying your first RV in another post.
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Why do you want an RV?
□ Occasional Weekend Trips
– It may be cheaper to rent!
□ Vacations several times a year – Should you rent instead? Purchase an inexpensive model that will meet your immediate needs?
□ Live in it part-time/full-time
– If this is your goal make sure you make a plan that includes using RV4.us as well as renting the various types of RVs that may work for your travel lifestyle before you make a purchase
Do you want to drive it or tow it?
□ If you will be traveling to destination parks or will take taxis, Uber, or Lyft when you stop then you may be happy with a motorhome. If you plan to do a lot of day trips or visiting places during your stay, then you may want a travel trailer or 5th wheel so you are able to drive your tow vehicle. Do you want to tow a separate vehicle with a motorhome? Perhaps a smaller class B will work for you as you can travel in it and use it for excursions
Who are you traveling with?
□ Will you be traveling alone, with a partner, with family or friends?
– Answers to these questions will dictate the size and/or number of people your RV will accommodate
– Will you be traveling with pets? This presents unique challenges for things like unexpected vet visits, regional pests and even parks that don’t allow your type or breed of pet
How much money is in your travel budget?
□ Where you travel and which parks, campgrounds, or geographic areas you will be visiting can have a significant impact on your budget. Campgrounds and resorts in tourist areas will be more expensive than those off the beaten path. It is not unheard of for a single night to rival that of 4-star hotels! For example: one night in New Orleans during Mardi Gras can run upwards of $250 a night. Will you be working from the road or relying on savings or on a fixed budget? These are additional items to consider
Where will you travel?
□ State & Federal parks
– Many state and federal parks have maximum length considerations. If you plan to travel to these destinations often then size matters!
□ RV Resorts
– Most RV resorts have plenty of pull-through spaces for quick stop overs or for those that are still getting comfortable backing up. They can be pricey so make sure you work that into your travel budget
□ Boondocking (free camping)
– Boondocking is fun but you need to be prepared. I will dedicate a post to this soon
□ Family campgrounds
– Usually reasonably priced however do you need the amenities they provide? Are you retired? Do you want to vacation with younger families or prefer the peace and quiet of an over 55 park?
□ Regional camping
□ Northeast
– Many campgrounds do not open until Memorial Day due to weather or staffing concerns
– May need to use propane or electric to heat with due to cooler temperatures
□ Southeast
– Many parks and campgrounds are open year-round. May be less expensive/less crowded in the off-season
– Sites may or may not have shade/tree cover which can affect the interior temps in your RV which can put additional strain on your A/C units. You may need to add additional units if you will camp often (Think baking in the sun!)
□ Southwest
– Similar issues as the Southeast but generally less humidity
□ Northwest
– Some of the most beautiful parks in the country are located in the Northwest. Similar concerns as Northeast due to potentially cooler temps during certain times of the year
□ Everywhere!
– There is a lot to consider if you plan to travel the country or even head into Canada or Mexico
– If you will be crossing mountains it may be worth considering a diesel unit with the extra power needed to climb steep grades
– If you are taking longer trips you will need to pack a variety of clothing for different climates, will you have adequate storage space?
– Finances are a consideration, again due to factors such as location, fuel costs and maintenance
Amenities to Consider
□ Do you plan to cook in your RV? If so, you may want to look for one that has a kitchen with full residential appliances or one that offers an outdoor kitchen if you love to grill and supplement with side dishes or entertain friends
□ A full bathroom or even a bath and a half or two if you have a large family. If you will only use your RV infrequently or want a small travel trailer maybe you will plan to use the campground bathhouse and won’t need even one
□ Separate living areas
– If you will be spending significant time in your RV you may want one that offers distinct living areas
□ Slide outs
– Many RVs have slides that open when you are parked offering additional living space
□ Access to the bedroom, bath or fridge while traveling
– If you will be stopping for bathroom breaks or to make a sandwich keep in mind that these amenities may not be accessible in some floorplans
□ Entertainment
– If you are an avid sports fan or can’t miss an episode of the Walking Dead then you will want to make sure your RV has at least one TV
□ Internet Connectivity
– If you will need access to the world while camping you may need an RV that has it’s own wifi or satellite capability
□ Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, Central Vac
– If you will be utilizing your RV for short periods you may not need any of these items however if you will be taking extended trips or living in it you may want some or all of these creature comforts
As you can see there are many considerations in choosing your perfect RV. Make a list, check it twice, three or five times and prioritize what is most important to you. Remember that needs are different than wants. You may “need” additional storage space because you will be taking longer trips or perhaps living full-time in your RV, but you may “want” a wine fridge to keep your adult beverages at the perfect temp. I’ll post about needs versus wants in more detail soon!
