Now is the perfect time of year to start looking for an RV if you’re interested in traveling this summer. Buying during the off season gives you the best pick of options, fantastic deals, and customer service that isn’t swamped with customers. Plus, you won’t have to put off any trips you have planned while you wait for all the paperwork to go through.
To help you get started, Pete’s RV Center has provided some tips for navigating your options. With more knowledge under your belt, you’ll be more confident when looking through our available options. You can also ask our staff for help at one of our dealership locations, in South Windsor, Connecticut; South Burlington, Vermont; and Plainville, Massachusetts. We also proudly serve all of New England, including Manchester, New Hampshire, and Albany, New York, so contact us today to see what we can do for you!
Start With a Budget
It’s a good idea to start by knowing what you can afford. There are many RVs to match just about any budget, but also many that won’t fit yours.
Also keep in mind that setting a budget is about more than just the sticker price. There are many cost factors you’ll want to consider when you’re thinking about what you can afford. This can include immediate payments, such as:
- Down Payments
- Registration Fees
- Insurance
- Sales Tax
- Seller Fees
As well as long-term considerations, like:
- Financing Payments
- Camping Gear
- Fuel
- Maintenance
Think Big (or Not)
The easy way to narrow down your options is to think about size. There are a couple of priorities here.
Firstly, make sure everyone in your camping party has a bed to sleep in. This may also include room for guests. The more beds you need, the bigger the RV will be.
Secondly, think about where you’ll want to go camping. Some RV parks have restrictions on size, and don’t accommodate some of the largest models on the market. Take a look at some of the types of campgrounds you’ll want to camp in and see if you should expect size to be a factor.
To Drive or to Tow
If you won’t be driving most of the time, sit down with your primary driver and ask them what they would be comfortable with. Of course, all RVs need a little getting used to, and even if this is your first time buying one, a new driver can figure out the ins and outs of transporting an RV with a little practice. But you still want to keep their skill level in mind. Bigger RVs are often harder to transport and an inexperienced person may not appreciate getting thrown into the deep end like that.
Don’t forget, this is also a safety issue for you and the other commuters on the road.
The vast majority of RVs are towable, meaning you’ll need a tow vehicle that can safely haul the RV from one place to the next.
A select few models, known as motorhomes, come with their own drivetrain, so you can hop in the driver’s seat and go. Both come with benefits and challenges, so seriously think about your skills, or ask your primary driver what their thoughts are.
The Odds and Ends
One of the fun parts of shopping for an RV is simply looking at all the cool features you could be enjoying. Some features might stand out more than others to you. As you’re looking around, write down all the features you find most exciting. When you’re done, prioritize them from the ones you want most to the ones that would just be cool to have. These little details can ultimately tip the scale if you’re down to just a handful of top choices.
These are just a few of the ways you can narrow down your options, but you might have your own priorities to think about as well. At some point, you’ll probably be ready to start talking to our staff about some of your favorite options, or for a little more help. Contact Pete’s RV Center with all your unanswered questions and we’ll help you take the next step toward ownership. We’re happy to help all those in the New England region, including the cities of South Windsor, Connecticut; South Burlington, Vermont; Plainville, Massachusetts; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Albany, New York.
