First-Time Buyer's Guide: Find Your Perfect RV

FIRST TIME BUYERS GUIDE

When choosing an RV, start with sleeping capacity to ensure everyone stays comfortable. While air mattresses or tents can work in a pinch, most floorplans are designed to sleep two, three, or four people, and larger families or groups may be better served by a bunkhouse model that can accommodate up to 10 sleepers. Next, evaluate the galley to make sure the kitchen layout suits your cooking style, offers adequate counter space, and includes a refrigerator large enough to store food for several days away from the grocery store. Finally, consider the bathroom setup—while one bath may be sufficient for some travelers, a second bathroom can add significant convenience and comfort, especially for larger groups.

Towing Capacity

You can either choose a trailer that falls within the towing capacity of your current vehicle or purchase a new tow vehicle. Be sure to account for the trailer's fully loaded weight, including gear, supplies, and personal belongings that can add hundreds of pounds. Equally important is outfitting your tow vehicle with the proper hitch, towing components, and supplemental braking system to ensure safe and confident towing. Use the form below to pull data showing manufacturers specifications for your vehicle. As stated, make sure to account for the trailer’s fully loaded weight.

Towing Discliamer

Towing Capacity Tool

Where and How Will We Use It?

Another important factor in choosing the right RV is determining where and how you plan to camp. If you'll spend most of your time in campgrounds with water, electrical hookups, and sanitary facilities, many of the RV's self-sufficiency features become less critical. However, if you enjoy boondocking or dry camping in remote locations, you'll want to pay close attention to features such as holding tank capacity, battery storage, and solar power compatibility. Larger tanks and expanded power capabilities allow you to stay off-grid longer and enjoy greater freedom without relying on campground amenities.

The Right Floorplan

Floorplan selection is often the most personal part of choosing an RV, as every traveler has different needs and preferences. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of layouts, from rear living and rear entertainment models to rear bath designs and countless variations in between, making it easier to find a floorplan that fits your lifestyle. While online photos and virtual tours are helpful for narrowing your options, nothing compares to experiencing a layout in person. Visit a dealership, attend an RV show, and walk through as many models as possible. You can also gain valuable insight by talking with current RV owners about what features they love and what they would change in their own floorplans.