Here’s my advice.
Are you tossing around the idea of buying an RV? Whether full-time or just weekend camping, here are some things to think about prior to jumping off that pier. (Just in case you didn’t learn enough of what not to do from this edition of the chronicles).
This list is by no means, all-inclusive for everybody and every situation. The information comes from my own experience, people I know, as well as other online blogs and websites. I am sure that, to the experienced RV-er, this will all seem way too common sense, so please humor and forgive us newbies!
What is your goal?
Are you looking to go camping on the weekends, for extended vacations, or maybe full-time?
Picking the right RV is complicated and there is a lot to think about. I can’t offer a lot of advice or expertise regarding all of the different types of RV’s available out there. This was our first RV purchase, and we did little to no research prior to purchasing it. Really, the only criterion we had- it had to be big enough to allow us to live a somewhat normal existence. Whatever that meant. We also knew that we wanted a used RV, knowing that they depreciate very quickly after you buy them.
Do not follow our example
We purchased the largest (and due to the ongoing COVID-19 mass exodus, the only), used RV on the lot. And that was that. Not exactly the greatest research and acquisition strategy or execution. To use another Byronism, everything’s better when you have airspeed and altitude. Neither of which we happened to have. In other words, if you have time and space, you can react to the challenges that may come up. Because we had sold the house so quickly and had an ever-impending closing date, we were in crash-landing mode.
Therefore, what I can tell you is this. Think about the things that you might need to feel comfortable, for whatever period of time you think you’ll spend in the RV. Some of those things include living space, bed size, climate control (air conditioning, heat, insulation, etc.), kitchen space and amenities, TV, solar capabilities, storage space, awnings, and the list goes on and on. Do your research before going to look so that you know what is available.
If you plan to live in your RV for extended periods of time you probably want to look for a four seasons RV. This means that it has extra or enhanced features meant to make it more comfortable in extreme weather.
*The caveat on size
Bigger might be better, however, as dumb as it may sound, you need to think about the towing capacity of your towing vehicle. That restriction didn’t fully apply in our situation as we had it delivered and placed semi-permanently. However, our GMC Acadia does not have the muscle to haul the RV we bought. We would have had to buy a much smaller one if we wanted to be mobile.
If this is what you plan to do also, check to make sure the dealership offers delivery. If so, include this in negotiations rather than paying them extra for it. It isn’t the end of the world if they don’t deliver, as there are other options. Do you have a buddy with a bigger truck? You can also hire a hauling service or rent a larger vehicle to pull it. Maybe you plan to buy a motor home instead. If that is the case, you don’t have to worry about hauling it, just learning how to drive it! Please, the rest of us beg you to learn how to drive it!
How much space do you need?
Something else I wish I had thought about, in addition to size, is the number of people it can sleep. In our case, that wasn’t a super pressing issue as it is just Byron and I and sometimes Jackson. As long as there was room for the three of us, we didn’t put too much more thought into it. So, we have a fairly huge RV that only sleeps 3. It has a big screen TV that we never use and a fireplace, but no extra beds. That is to say, if we wish to have company in the months and months ahead while we wait for our house to be built, they will be sharing the floor with Roscoe!
How much junk is in your trunk?
Storage space is another one I didn’t put enough thought into. If you will be spending a lot or all of your time living in the RV, look for something with enough space to store a good deal of food, clothes, etc. While looking at the RV we bought on the lot, I noticed many cupboards, a pantry, and a closet, and thought we’d be set. Sadly, when I began unpacking, I realized that some of those cabinets were faux cabinets or otherwise impractically designed and unusable.
Do you need power?
If so, how much power will you need? Will you be working from the RV, requiring internet and all-day power? If so, you will need to make sure you have an adequate power source(s) to plug in to. Do you plan to camp or park in RV parks where electricity is readily available? If so, you should be set. If, for example, you plan to park it on a newly purchased empty plot of land, you’ll need a generator to run air conditioners or appliances. You may need multiple depending on the size of the generator and the number of AC units. There are many styles of generator available as well, including gas or propane-fueled, hybrids, and those that are completely solar. The prices vary widely and wildly!
You may also need a power converter depending on your power source, (battery, solar, generator, etc.). Don’t forget about the cost of fuel to run a generator all day to power your AC, computer or other devices. Let me tell you, that cost adds up fast! Having a solar panel(s) will allow you to do some of this without the constant use of the generator. Solar will also charge your battery. Oh, and make sure your power cable fits both the RV’s outlet and the generator’s!
Sewage!
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zSYAAOSwpshduaZb/s-l640.jpg
The toilet and sewer are important to think about! You need to know what to do when “the shitter’s full”. We are currently using a port-o-john. This may not be desirable, (it certainly wasn’t for me), or practical if you’ll be moving from place to place. Again, if you plan to camp in RV parks, this won’t be as much of an issue for you. You will need to know how to deal with your RV’s collection tanks though. This is something to ask about when you’re looking at RV’s. In our case, we don’t have the option of going to town to empty our tanks when they’re full or filling them when empty for that matter. We do not yet have a septic system in place either.
Therefore, we chose to purchase a composting toilet to replace the regular RV style toilet that came with the RV. A composting toilet collects solid and liquid waste separately. This prevents it from becoming the gross smelly hazmat we are all so familiar with. The collection bins still have to be emptied but the composted waste can then either be used in the yard as fertilizer, depending on your level of adventuresomeness, or tossed in the trash. The composting toilet we ordered is currently on a 6-week back order delay, thus the port-o-john. Temporary, thank goodness, but certainly better than nothing!
Water.
Maybe it was clear from my Ch 3 post that it is pretty important to ask the dealer about the tanks so as to avoid the unpleasantry that contributed to a very, very bad night for us. Make sure you don’t need a pump to fill the tank. If you do, make sure you are cool with buying one and with how to use it.
Also important- consider how you will get water to fill the tank. At many campgrounds and parks, you will have access to water. If you are permanently docked and don’t have a well in place yet, you will have to haul it in. You will need many water containers or a large one if you have a trailer. Also, may seem dumbly obvious, but water containers are fricking heavy when full! Make sure you can move them as necessary. If you buy a 100-gallon tank, you will not have to go to have it filled as often. However, unless you have a crane to lift it, it will remain where it is when you fill it until it is empty!
As I said, this list is not exhaustive. You may want to do some more research before setting out on such an adventure. If you have advice to add or a good story, leave it in the comments!
Here are a few resources that you might find helpful or interesting if looking for more information. (again, not affiliated with, nor do I personally endorse any of these):
https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/18926706-so-you-want-to-be-an-rver
https://www.tripsavvy.com/complete-guide-to-buying-an-rv-2912457
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/11/12/million-americans-live-rvs-meet-modern-nomads/
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We are familiar with buying an RV with a incompatible vehicle to tow it. Hence why we went from a rather new V6 Toyota Tacoma to a brand new V8 Toyota Tundra. The RV is long gone, as I nixed towing it from Utah to Connecticut, but the Tundra is still with us. I do empathize with that part of your adventure/learning experience.
Cheers!
Glad to hear we aren’t alone! Thanks for making us feel better Dee Dee:)