The Don’ts of Buying an RV 

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of buying an RV. Dreaming of new destinations and hitting the open road might influence your RV buying experience.

We’re here to help you through that process.

Whether you’re buying new or used, if you read these “don’ts,” you’ll be in a much more knowledgable place before buying that RV.

Let’s dive in!

Don’t Buy The Biggest RV 

There are many upsides to owning a large RV; you can store more gear, have room to spread out, and get most amenities of a regular house.

However, heed our warning. Almost every RVer we know buys a smaller RV the second time around.

Large RVs are hard to maneuver. They also can’t access many of the most beautiful National Park campgrounds. 

Rather than rounding up, round down with your first RV purchase.

The only exception to this rule is when purchasing a Super C RV!

Don’t Shop at the Wrong Time of Year

RV sales are cyclical. They’re hot right before camping season kicks off, and they’re cold when winter rolls around.

Try to strategically buy your RV during the right time of year. 

It will require forethought and the taming of your excitement. But, you can save thousands of dollars if you can be patient. 

Don’t Get Suckered with Hidden Fees

RV salesmen are still salesmen. They’ll tack on any fee imaginable. It might be for ‘processing,’ or it might be for sales tax that wasn’t advertised.

These fees are likely to be added just before signing the paperwork.

Know this trick going in and ask your salesperson, well before signing, if there are any added fees.

If you want to dive deep into the art of RV sales negotiation, check out the Negotiating Guide from the Getaway Couple.

Don’t Miss an In-Person RV Show

RV shows are the best venues to optimize your RV buying experience. They often include multiple regional dealers, all vying for your attention.

You can often score the best prices of the year during a late winter RV show.

Additionally, you’ll have the unique opportunity to tour 1000s of RVs without driving to every nearby dealership. This will save you a lot of time.

Here’s a roundup of the best RVs from the Hershey Super Show last year!

Don’t Feel Pressured

Salespeople know how to use your emotions against you. They’ll hook you, reel you in, jack up the prices, and you’ll wonder how you spend 5000 extra bucks.

In any RV buying scenario – you have the power. You’re the one writing the check. Make sure the dealer is reminded of this beautiful fact.

You can walk away at any point.

If they really want your business, they’ll find a way to make the deal.

Don’t Think You’ll Ever Be Treated Better

I like to leave you with this thought to ponder. Allow me to set the stage.

RVs break. Your new RV will probably have warranty issues within the first year. 

Quite often, you’ll have to get this warranty work completed at the same dealership where you bought your RV.

If the salesperson isn’t treating you well during the purchasing process, imagine how they’ll treat you when you bring your RV in for maintenance. 

Only accept the best treatment!

Take That Newly Purchased RV to the Best Free Camping in America

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! 

We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: