Before you go RV shopping and get the run around from an RV salesperson, you should check out this article.
Yes, a well-seasoned salesperson has seen it all and has the wisdom of experience. However, there are things you won’t hear from your salesperson.
We’ve got some tips you should be aware of when shopping for an RV, whether it’s your first or next.
Let’s dive in!
5 Things To Be Aware Of When Talking With an RV Salesman
Every industry has secrets that insiders know, and outsiders don’t. The RV industry is no different. Salespeople see thousands of buyers throughout their careers. Each buyer brings their own set of needs, and salespeople see everything.
We recently watched a video by Matt’s RV Reviews. In it, Matt reveals the most significant things that RV salespeople won’t tell you. And they’re important items to consider when buying a new or used RV.
A good salesperson can be your best asset when getting into a new rig. But you’ve got to know the inside scoop beforehand. We’ll explore the big five in detail below, but let’s find out about Matt first.
Who Is Matt From Matt’s RV Reviews?
Matthew Foxcroft started Matt’s RV Reviews in 2016 with a video outlining his goals for the new channel. One of RV Pro’s 40 under 40 in 2020, Matt’s experience with the RV industry makes him a good source of information. From humble beginnings, Matt’s RV Reviews grew to just shy of 200,000 subscribers over the last six years.
With new videos every three days, Matt makes sure his channel has informative content on the regular. Generally, he tours outside of a new RV before heading in. Then, he gives viewers the rundown on things like floorplans and options.
One of the best parts of his reviews is his honesty. He praises the good stuff and points out the things that might hold you back. His honesty and experience make him the ideal source for the inside scoop. Let’s take a look!
#1 Your RV Will Have Problems
Whether or not you should expect problems from your new rig is something everyone wants to know. A salesman only worried about the bottom line will tell you what you want to hear. But good RV salespeople will tell you the truth. Every rig has problems. From small components to major issues, like any vehicle, things go wrong.
The best part about having this information is that it sets your expectations correctly. Every time you drive over a pothole or mildly rough road, it’s like your home just went through an earthquake.
Nine times out of ten, you might come out ok, but there are times when things break. Even the most expensive rig can and will spend time in the service department.
Pro Tip: These are the RV systems that will break first, according to an RV mechanic.
#2 RV Sister Brands
Just like cars, RVs have sister brands. Sometimes rigs come off the same assembly line and get a different sticker on the way out. If you research ahead of time, you’ll know that certain brands are the same as others.
Price points might differ, and small things may vary, but they’re identical vehicles at the core. And in some cases, they might be the exact same vehicle.
As long as you have this information going in, you’ll be able to make the right choice. Base it on what you see before you, not brand loyalty or the salesperson’s words. Maybe they get a greater commission for moving the Precept over the Vision XL. Same options, same parent company, and same layout.
#3 You Won’t Live Forever
This isn’t something everyone wants to hear. But, it’s also no big surprise. Matt says as an RV salesperson the one question he gets asked all the time is, “When is the right time to buy?”
He’d say today and not just because he’s a salesman. He talks about how his dad worked for thirty years rebuilding transmissions. He retired and died six months later.
As sad as this story is, the sentiment is important. Don’t live your life for tomorrow. Enjoy the time that you have! If you wait too long to make decisions, life passes you by, and you may miss your opportunity.
#4 RV Life Is Not For Everyone
Packing the whole family into an RV for six months could end your marriage. Really. It’s close quarters all the time, so you’d better love spending time with your people. Matt talks about couples who came in just shopping and ended up divorced!
On the flip side, the forced closeness of RV living can also save marriages. The walls are thin, and you’ll often park near other RVs. So, breakup or makeup, your neighbors hear everything.
Other reasons RV LIfe isn’t for everyone abound. If you’ve got a family, it means your kids have to be on board with the lifestyle. Having relatives and friends visit is challenging. You’ll also have to deal with a small kitchen, smaller bathroom, and setup and teardown every time you move.
You’ll have to budget for parking fees and utilities like propane and water, and you’ll regularly come into contact with your own waste. Aside from regular maintenance, you’ll likely experience a breakdown, but let’s look at that in the next section.
#5 RVs Are Not Made For Full-Time Living
Before we get into this one, we want to note that over 300,000 people live in their RVs full-time. Yet, manufacturers don’t make them for full-time living. At some point, if you live in your RV, your home will go into the shop.
Something will break and need service, and you’ll be essentially homeless until it’s fixed. It could be a week, a month, or even several months before you get back into your home.
Along with the benefits of full timing, the biggest drawback is the service departments. Unless you’re handy and can fix things yourself or know someone who is, you’ll run into this issue. It could mean that instead of cruising the West, you’re camping in an extended-stay hotel.
This isn’t a deal breaker for everyone, but RV salespeople don’t want you to imagine this reality when on the lot.
In addition, most warranties have some sort of wording stating they’re void if you use the RV as a full-time residence. Salespeople will generally tell you not to bring that up when you call for warranty service, and you’ll be fine. Aside from the ethics issue, how do the service people know you need your home back sooner than later?
Take the Time To Prepare When Buying an RV
With Matt’s help, we’ve provided some critical and honest information about buying RVs and RV life. It’s a great idea to have an insider’s view of what RV salespeople know versus what they say. In addition, be smart and research the rigs for yourself, understand what you want and need, and get to know your salesperson.
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