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Is owning an rv cost effective?
Rv owners are constantly debating whether or not an rv is cost effective. Can you afford to make the payments?
Suppose you purchased a used 19 ft. Starcraft Motorhome with only 40,000 miles on it and paid $15,000 cash for it (retail value of this motorhome is about $35,000). You plan to drive it 400 miles per day and you figure that your fuel will average about $2.50/gallon. That's 600 gallons a month at $2.50 per gallon equals about a grand each month just for gas!
That is just one cost you have to think about. There are other costs to think about such as rv insurance, daily upkeep, and other small things.
What to look for when purchasing an rv?
- Manufacturer
- Age
- Mileage
- Make
- Type
- Length
- Weight
- Safety
Check the manufacturer of an rv very carefully, because some are better than others. (i.e. Starcraft is a good, cheap brand and Fleetwood is better quality but more expensive.)
he age of an rv can tell you how well it has been taken care of by the owners before you purchased it. If an owner kept up with all the required maintenance on their rv that's a sign that it will be reliable for you to use as well. Make sure to check this information out because if they didn't do routine checks and replace fluids then there may be problems down the road when you start using your rv regularly.
A lower mileage rv could indicate that someone did not drive the rv much which could mean two things, one reason could be they took good care of their rv, the other reason could be that it may not have been a good quality to begin with.
When shopping for an rv you can usually find much more information on each individual brand than you can about the manufacturer as a whole. Doing your homework before choosing a rv is something everyone should do because some brands are known for being higher quality than others and if you know someone who already owns an rv or has used one in the past then ask them what they recommend.
There are three general types of rvs - travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes (also referred to as class A, B & C). Travel trailers and fifth wheels are very popular among people just getting into the outdoor scene. Class A rvs are for those who want all the luxuries of home and are willing to pay substantially higher prices for them.
The length of an rv is measured from bumper to bumper. The longer a rv is, the more expensive it will be, so keep that in mind when you decide which type of rv you want to purchase. A longer rv will also mean that it will be a bit more difficult to maneuver than a small rv.
You must know how much your rv weighs before going on the road because each state enforces different laws as far as weight is concerned. If your rv is too heavy, then you may need special permits or pass certain tests before driving it on public roads. Even if you don't plan on taking your rv off-road past hiking trails and lightly traveled roads, it's best to make sure that it will be able to handle any trail conditions you may encounter on your trip.
You should never forget the most important aspect of a rv purchase, safety . Do not buy an unsafe rv for the sake of saving money or trying to save space. There have been many accidents involving rvs that were sold cheaply because they lacked basic safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts. A cheap rv is no bargain if you don't make sure it's safe enough to drive before taking it on the road.
Conclusion
If you're researching for rvs online, take the time to read consumer reviews about each model of rv that have peaked your interests. Online forums give consumers a place to discuss their experiences with the models they own or rent frequently. Ask friends and family who have experience with rvs which brands they would recommend if you don't know where to start looking yourself. Many reputable dealerships will offer free test drives on many models they carry so that customers can feel what it's like driving them before making a purchase.