By Cheri Sicard
Most RV buyers focus on price, floor plan, and flashy features first. That makes sense, but the biggest regrets usually come from the less obvious stuff. A better RV choice often comes down to build quality, weight, ride, tank sizes, and whether the rig actually works well on a normal travel day.
Jason Epperson of RV Miles breaks it all down in the video at the end of this post. Here are Jason’s five important factors to keep in mind whenever you find yourself RV shopping. (I know the video says 8, but I counted 5, as some are combined.)
#1 Build quality comes first
Many RVs look similar on the lot, yet they can be very different once a buyer checks the hidden areas. One brand may build strong slides but weak cabinets. Another may be solid one model year and rough the next. Since RVs are not built like cars, a certified RV inspector is a smart move on both new and used units. A good inspection can catch problems before delivery, and reviews or referrals help because inspector quality varies, too.
During a walk-through, buyers should also check under the bed and inside the pass-through storage. Solid wood cabinetry, ceramic toilets, and solid-surface counters usually hold up better. Fiberglass trailers often use welded aluminum framing, while metal-sided trailers usually use wood framing.
#2 Cargo capacity is not a throwaway spec
Cargo carrying capacity tells a buyer how much weight the RV can actually handle. It is the difference between the unloaded weight and the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). Some large fifth wheels offer less than 1,200 pounds, while some smaller trailers carry 3,000 pounds or more. For a larger trailer, 2,500 pounds or more is a healthy target. The factory loading sticker is the number that matters, not the online listing. Water adds up fast, too, because 50 gallons weighs more than 400 pounds.
#3 Better suspension can add years
Suspension affects ride quality, towing stability, and long-term wear. Coil springs and independent systems handle potholes and washboard roads much better than basic leaf springs, and they can also reduce sway. Torsion axles and slip or roller systems help, though not as much. On motorhomes, especially gas Class A and Class C models, suspension quality can change the whole driving feel. Owner forums and Facebook groups often reveal more than a brochure.
#4 Tank sizes and factory prep should fit the trip
Tank size only matters when it matches the way the RV will be used. Off-grid campers need enough fresh water first. Campers who stay in parks with water but no sewer need larger gray and black tanks. Bigger RVs do not always have bigger tanks, so buyers should check the numbers.
Factory prep can matter too. Inverter prep, solar prep for small add-ons, winterization kits, and easy plumbing access all make ownership easier. On the other hand, cheap extras like outdoor speakers or Wi-Fi prep are usually not worth much.
#5 Daily usability beats flashy extras
A buyer should check a few plain, everyday things before signing:
- Whether under-bed storage lifts easily
- Whether full-size plates fit in cabinets
- Whether there is space for shoes, trash, towels, laundry, and toilet paper
Slides deserve extra attention. The RV should still allow access to the fridge, sink, and bathroom with slides in. Hydraulic and rack-and-pinion slides are usually stronger for bigger rooms, while in-the-wall systems like Schwintek are better left to smaller, lighter slides.
Power setup matters just as much. A 30-amp RV fits almost any campground pedestal, but a 50-amp rig can run far more, especially multiple air conditioners. Buyers should also check outlet placement, bedside charging, and whether USB or USB-C ports work on battery power or only when plugged in.
The bottom line
Price and floor plan still matter, but they should not make the whole decision. The best RV for a buyer is the one that carries the load, handles the road, and still works well with the slides in on a travel day. A careful check before purchase can save a lot of money and frustration later.
Thinking about buying an RV soon? Here’s all the information you’ll ever need to get started.
RVDT2868
Excellent review! My 34′ Class A is virtually overloaded on the front axle with just me in the driver seat! I guess I should keep the aft 80 gal.water tank full to take weight off the front? Then the whole thing would be overweight! Other than that I love this MH with air suspension as it floats down the road…..
After suspension type and “quality” rated objectively by multiple owners, not manufacturers’ “brand ambassadors”/shills, I look at road access to the bathroom, refrigerator, and bed. If I have to open a slide or weigh 80 pounds and turn sideways to get to any of those three locations, that floorplan goes in the trashcan.
Our travel trailer, fifth wheel, and current motorhome all had unrestricted access to those locations. That allowed us to pull into any grocery store or Walmart parking lot to grocery shop, then load the fridge without any obstructions. We could also use the bathroom on the road, eat lunch at any location that was convenient, and sleep in a Flying J RV parking space!
I think the location of the toilets is pretty important. We looked at an RV the other day where the toilet was right up against the wall on the right side. This is great for a lefty but for a right handed person….no room. It was a deal breaker.