Welcome to the Beginner’s Guide to RVing from RVtravel.com. The information we present here every Monday through Friday is for brand-new RVers – those in the market to buy their first RV and those who just purchased theirs. If you are an experienced RVer, this material may be too basic for you.
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Monday, October 10, 2022
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DID YOU MISS reading this morning’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter? Good stuff there.
RVing Basics
Is it really feasible to retire in an RV?
Yes, and more and more people are doing it every day, joining the hundreds of thousands of RVers who have already sold their homes to travel full-time. An excellent group for full-time RVers is the Escapees. Benefits include an excellent newsletter, mail forwarding service, regional and national get-togethers, local and special interest chapters, and a network of member-owned campgrounds and “boondocking sites” where members can stay at very low rates. Call 936-327-8873.
My husband and I have a lot of friends where we live now. We wonder if full-time RVers make friends in their travels or if they are pretty much on their own?
Interestingly, most full-timers who are not loners by nature make many friends as they travel, often meeting up with them again and again. Some RVers form caravans to travel from place to place. One thing you seldom hear full-timers complaining about is a lack of friends.
Quick Tips
One experienced RVer’s “bottom line” advice on new vs. used motorhomes
Since getting started with motor-homing twenty five years ago, I’ve bought two brand-new motorhomes, and more than a dozen used ones. I bought the new ones because at the time, I didn’t know any better and thought buying new was the safest way to go. I was wrong. I learned that when buying new, you can have just as many problems as when buying used. I also learned that when buying new, if you finance the purchase, you’ll likely be “upside down” on the resale value of the motorhome versus what you owe on it – often for most of the term of the loan. This makes it difficult and expensive if you want to sell or trade it in.
Buying a new motorhome should be a joyous occasion – and sometimes it is. But often the joy disappears when you discover defects in workmanship, handling issues and costly repairs not covered by warranty. Even though the new motorhomes I purchased didn’t give me the long-term joy I’d hoped for, I’m grateful to have gone through the process. Perhaps the most important thing I learned from the experience was how easy dealers make it to buy a new motorhome – as long as you have good credit. That said, many buyers of new motorhomes are delighted with the experience and are happy with what they paid and the quality of the motorhome they purchased. Many will have purchased a quality brand of motorhome from a reputable dealer that provides better-than-average before and after the sale support.
My advice: Don’t rush into the purchase of a new motorhome. Dealers know you’ll be in awe when you first walk into a new motorhome. They also know if they can get you to “sign on the dotted line” before you have time to go home and think about the purchase, it’ll be an easy sale. Again, be a reluctant buyer. Never purchase on the first visit. Do your research and if you do decide to buy, be a tough negotiator. —From Buying a Used Motorhome – How to get the most for your money and not get burned. Available on Amazon
“If you could tell someone new to RVing just one thing, what would it be?”
From the editors: We asked our readers this question. Here is one response:
“RVing will open up new worlds and experiences for you. But like everything worthwhile it has a learning curve. Educate yourself, be flexible, know your resources, always be learning, have fun, and keep your sense of humor. Looking for the good with wise eyes will serve you well.” —Laura
A road atlas for kids!
Give this National Geographic Atlas to your kids or grandkids before they hit the road. It features simplified yet real road maps of all 50 states, and interesting information on each place and route. There are even themed maps on nature, population, energy, climate, and more, that delve deeper into key issues. It makes a great gift! Learn more or order.
Random RV Thought
If you ever need a car while you’re RVing, rent one. Enterprise will deliver to your campsite in many cases.
RESOURCES:
• If you’re a member of Facebook, be sure to sign up for our groups RV Buying Advice, RV Advice and Budget RV Travel. For a list of all our groups and RVtravel.com newsletters, visit here.
• If you buy a defective RV and are unable to get it fixed or its warranty honored, here is where to turn for help.
• If you need an RV Lemon Law Lawyer, Ron Burdge is your man.
• Why you should never finance an RV for 20 years!
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Contact information
Editor: Emily Woodbury
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Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
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I contacted Escapes about their veteran discount and for a copy of their monthly booklet. Never heard from them.
Also check out Turo or other car sharing apps (similar to airbnb but for cars).
Usually cheaper than traditional car rentals and most often much better service and less hassles!
Buying a Used RV can be very good, especially when you have a Third Party Inspection performed (About $300 well spent) and invest in a RV Warranty. Think about it, most issues were corrected by the owner, and the Third Party Inspection results allows for negotiation on items noted, and gives you a more intelligent knowledge of what you are purchasing, over a mere cursory walk-thru on your own. We purchased a 10 year old Class A Diesel Pusher ( Newmar Ventana 3961 with a bath and a half – really good to have) and after two years, have had very few issues, which were covered by the RV Warranty. Last point, make SURE to purchase a warranty that covers BOTH the house portion of the RV AND Drivetrain components. Happy trails to you!
My RV inspection was $1500.
BUT…. The inspector was extremely thorough. He spent more than 8 hours doing the inspection and sent six fluids (engine oil, coolant, transmission, generator oil, coolant, and Aqua Hot fluid) to a laboratory for analysis.
His report was 156 pages.
I have used Enterprise but no more, to much trouble. Yes they come get you but when there place of business is miles away its a couple hours lost. Say nothing when you have to return it and drive RV couple hours in the wrong direction.
Regarding Enterprise rental cars, I’ve used them a lot but have never encountered one that would simply drop off a car. They’d pick me up and drive us back to their office to complete the rental. If that’s changing, great.
That is exactly my experience and now with cars in very high demand they are reluctant to do even that, pleading short staffing. Also, research AutoSlash. They saved me a bunch of $ on my last rental.