Buying a recreational vehicle

Buying a recreational vehicle

Recreational vehicles (RVs) can give you the freedom to travel in comfort. They are surging in popularity and come in a wide range of options. But how can you figure out which one is right for you? 1. Asking the right questions... 1 2. Choosing the right RV... 3 Towable RVs Motorhomes 3. A foolproof guide to buying freedom...6 4. New vehicle smell versus used vehicle savings...8 New Used 5. things you should know as a future RV owner... 10 Driver s licence Parking Living space Travel Maintenance

1/ Asking the right questions RVs balance freedom and comfort for people who like to travel. But they come with a steep price tag. Thankfully, here are some tips that will help you determine your needs and budget and plan ahead for your purchase. Some questions to ask yourself before purchasing an RV: What s your budget? Set aside an amount for the purchase of the vehicle and a second amount for related expenses (warranties, insurance, registration, etc.). Of course, you will also need money for usage costs (maintenance, campground rentals, fuel, repairs, storage, etc.). Do you plan on travelling a few times a year or will you set up in a campground for the summer? Do you usually take the highway for long trips or do you prefer country roads? This will help you determine how powerful an engine you need and also how important driving comfort is. ONE Do you plan on cooking inside the vehicle or outside? A fully equipped kitchen with appliances costs more, but it s also more practical.

Do you expect to have guests? If so, how often? How much privacy do you want to have inside your RV? Would you rather have separate rooms for sleeping, or are you comfortable with a larger single space? What equipment do you need (air conditioning, shower, oven, microwave, television, etc.)? How much storage space do you think you will need? If you are interested in a travel trailer, what is your current vehicle s towing capacity? You don t want to have to buy a new vehicle just to tow your trailer. If you do need a new vehicle, make sure you factor this into the cost. If you are hoping to buy a motorhome instead, do you plan on towing a car or boat? Will you be bringing bicycles with you? Make sure your motorhome has sufficient power to tow the things you need. Have you figured out what you need? Great! Now it s time to select the right type of vehicle for you! TWO

2/ Choosing the right RV RVs are like houses there s something for all tastes and budgets! Most models come with basic equipment like a water tank, a propane source and a separate electrical system. THREE There are two distinct types of recreational vehicles: towable RVs and motorhomes.

Towable RVs As the name implies, towable RVs are towed behind a car or truck. Once you get to your destination, you unhitch your RV. This means you can use your car to explore the area and run errands without hauling around your vacation home. Pop-up trailers Also known as tent trailers, pop-up trailers feature a rigid frame with pull-out sections. These vehicles are light and small, making them the easiest RVs to store and transport. Once unfolded, they offer a cooking area, a meal corner, beds and a heating system. This is a great first RV, particularly for families with young children that like the outdoors. Pop-up trailers are also the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $4,000 to $25,000. Travel trailers Also known as caravans, travel trailers are the most popular type of RV. This option is perfect for trips lasting several days or even several weeks. They are comfortable enough for use in a single location, such as a campground all year long. Inside, you will find all the comforts of home. There s a kitchen area, refrigerator, toilet, shower, heating and air conditioning, as well as a large living area that can be expanded with fold-away extensions. RVs in this category cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. Fifth-wheel trailers Fifth-wheel trailers are very similar to travel trailers, except that they are designed to be towed by a pick-up truck equipped with a fifth-wheel coupling. This type of hitch is needed to accommodate the RV s weight. These trailers tend to be more spacious because they often come factory-standard with several extensions. They usually feature a kitchen area, refrigerator, flush toilet, shower and heating and air conditioning. Some include a large bedroom in the extension. They cost between $15,000 and $150,000. FOUR

Motorhomes Motorhomes are practical, all-in-one motorized RVs mobility and comfort! However, once you reach your destination, you may want to have another vehicle for your everyday driving needs. There are three categories of motorhomes: Class A motorhomes RVs in this category are the biggest and most luxurious of all. They look like buses and offer all the comforts of home. Typically, Class A motorhomes include a kitchen with appliances, a complete bathroom, heating and air conditioning, a separate electrical system (100 to 125 volts), and a wide range of entertainment devices. Class A motorhomes can sleep up to 8 people and cost anywhere from $100,000 to $700,000. Class B motorhomes This type of RV is built on a truck chassis and is smaller than a travel trailer. The interior is carefully laid out to maximize space and comfort. Class B motorhomes usually come with a heating system, flush toilet, a small kitchen with refrigerator, and a fold-out or convertible bed. These vehicles can sleep 2 to 4 people, depending on the model. They are budget-wise, versatile and easy to manoeuvre, making them popular with couples, singles and young families. Prices range from $40,000 to $100,000. Class C motorhomes From the outside, a Class C motorhome looks like a truck with a raised roof that extends over the driver s seat. RVs in this category usually come with heating and air conditioning, a flush toilet, a kitchen area with a refrigerator, and various entertainment devices. These RVs can sleep up to 10 people, depending on model and layout. They cost between $50,000 and $150,000. Whatever your needs, you ll certainly find an RV type just for you. FIVE

3/ A foolproof guide to buying freedom Shopping for an RV isn t the same as shopping for a car. You re not just looking for a vehicle you re also looking for a living space, which means there are more factors to consider. Ideally, you should try different models to see if the vehicle s size suits you and if there s enough space on board. You can even rent a model you like before buying. This will give you a taste of RV living and give you the chance to get used to the vehicle s handling and see if the features it offers are right for you. Buying an RV is an expensive decision so make sure you find the one that s right for you. Ask lots of questions and take your time exploring the vehicle before you buy. Inside: Ask about the engine. Diesel engines cost more initially, but they are usually more fuel-efficient and powerful. C heck the quality of the assembly. Even if the vehicle is new, take a close look at all the details: SIX A re there signs of wear on the floor and walls? If so, make sure they are just surface scuffs.

Open all the cupboards and look for cracks or signs of water infiltration. Test all the drawers and doors. Everything should work perfectly, without making noise. Also make sure you don t see or smell any signs of moisture. Ask about the quality of the sound and temperature insulation. Verify the vehicle s structure and materials. The manual can be a good source of information. You can even ask how many studs there are in the room dividers. The more studs, the more solid and durable the walls. Outside: Look at the vehicle lengthwise and check the walls. Do they run straight from front to back? Get down on the ground and check to see if everything is securely fastened. The electrical and plumbing systems run under the vehicle. Remember that once you re driving, any shaking will be magnified. Keep an eye out for water seepage! Check carefully around all windows and joints. Pull out and fold back the extensions. Examine their condition and make sure they open and close easily. Make sure they don t take up too much space when closed. For good road handling, the wheelbase (the distance between the middle of the front and rear wheels) should measure slightly more than half the vehicle s total length. If the wheelbase is too short, the handling won t be as good. If you re thinking of buying a used RV, have it inspected by a specialized mechanic first. SEVEN

4/ New vehicle smell versus used vehicle savings Just like when you re buying a car, the key question is whether to buy new or used. And as usual, they each have pros and cons. New When you buy a new vehicle, you get to be the first person to use it. You can expect it to be in mint condition and covered by a warranty. In addition, you get to choose each extension and you can customize the RV to your needs. On the other hand, you pay full price. Used If your budget is tight and you ve got time on your hands, it s worth keeping an eye on the used RV market to find one that meets your exact needs. Don t rush into a decision. Shop around and ask sellers a lot of questions before you buy. EIGHT

Has the vehicle been damaged in the past? If so, what happened? If the damage was just to the vehicle body, there s no need to be overly concerned. Have there been any mechanical issues? If the answer is yes, ask for repair invoices. This will give you an idea of how serious the problems were. Where is the vehicle stored? In what conditions? The best storage spaces are heated, clean and dry. If that s not the case, make sure the seller has followed proper winter storage procedures. How often has maintenance been performed? Frequent maintenance points to better care of the vehicle. The roof membrane should be checked 2 or 3 times a year to ensure it is in good shape and doesn t let water in, and mechanical maintenance should be done once a year. Are the tires in good condition? If not, remember to include new tires in your overall budget. These are the last questions you should ask before deciding to buy a new or a used vehicle. NINE

5/ Things you should know as a future RV owner 1. Driver s licence No matter how big or small your RV, all you need is your regular Class 5 driver s licence. That said, the vehicle style and the way it handles is different than a car. Spend some time getting used to your RV before you set off on a long trip. 2. Parking RVs are not considered trucks, which means you can use car parking lots if there is enough room available. If you live in the city, you ll need to find a place to store your RV. Most big cities have regulations about parking RVs in driveways. Before you invest, you may want to check with city hall. If you have to take your RV into a big city, your best bet is a shopping mall parking lot near the city limits. You can easily find lists of places that accept RVs. A quick internet search should be all it takes. TEN

3. Living space Your RV should comfortably sleep the number of people you plan on having. Make sure there are enough beds and that everyone gets enough privacy. And don t forget about storage. Are the storage spaces well laid out and big enough for your needs? 4. Travel If you re thinking of getting a towable RV, make sure your vehicle is equipped for the job. Depending on the RV s size and weight, you might need an SUV or a pick-up truck with sufficient towing capacity. Be careful not to tow a load that exceeds the recommendations for your vehicle, as it could damage the transmission. This is something you should ask about before purchasing your RV. You should also ensure that you have the right hitch and torsion bar for your trailer. You don t want your RV to sway or jackknife behind your vehicle. If you re planning on buying a motorhome, you may want to have another vehicle available for getting around once you ve arrived at your destination. 5. Maintenance Maintaining an RV is a little like maintaining a house, but you also need to clean the exterior. You ll need to watch for rust and water seepage and keep an eye on the water, sewage, electricity and heating hook-ups. Forgetting a small detail can quickly turn into a big problem. For instance, if an old window lets water in, you could end up with major damage to the floor. 6. Conclusion As with any big purchase, there are a lot of things you need to know and take into account. Now that you know how to choose the right RV for your needs, it s time to plan your next adventure! VISIT ESPACEAUTODESJARDINS.COM/EN TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR PURCHASE WITH CALCULATORS AND HELPFUL TIPS. ELEVEN