Advice for Purchasing an RV from Current Owners

Advice for Purchasing an RV from Current Owners
Top tips for making the best decision on your next rig.

Are you wondering how to decide which RV is the right fit for you? It is an exciting, but often daunting question when you first start your search. Luckily, the RV community is filled with helpful current owners who are happy to share their insights—from tips for making the best purchase decision to advice for starting out right in your new-to-you RV!

Listen to RV Purchase Advice from Current Owners

At a recent Winnebago EKKO rally in Arizona, James and Stef (aka TheFitRV) asked multiple owners to share what advice they would give to someone trying to make an RV purchase decision, and they created a fun video to showcase the top tips!

While the owners interviewed are all currently in a Winnebago EKKO, many also have camped in travel trailers, vans, and Class A motorhomes. However, if you'd like more insights from owners of specific rigs, be sure to check out Winnebago's model-specific groups!

Top Tips for Making Your RV Purchase

With so many model types, floorplans, and features to consider, choosing an RV can be an overwhelming task—especially if you are brand new to RVing and are also spending a lot of time learning how to use a motorhome or travel trailer. This advice from actual owners can help you simplify the process and find out what is most important to keep in mind.

1. Do Your Research

If you have traveled in an RV before, you may already have an idea of what size, layout, and features are the best fit for you by observing your likes and dislikes during those experiences. However, if this will be your first time in an RV, discovering your best fit will take more research. Watch actual owner videos on YouTube, read RVer blog posts, consult reviews of specific features, and talk to current owners at RV events or campgrounds to learn more about the RVing lifestyle to start determining which options appeal most to you. 

Whether you are a new or current RV owner, you will also want to do in-depth research on any specific features and components related to the RVs you are considering that you are not already familiar with. Also, keep in mind any additional costs associated with RVing, such as storage and maintenance, so that you can budget appropriately.

2. Know How You Will Use Your RV

Deciding how you will use your motorhome or travel trailer is key to making the best RV purchase decision. After doing your initial research, you should have a better idea of whether you will spend more time plugged in at a campground or off-grid dry camping, what size RV makes the most sense for how many people and pets you plan to travel with, and which layouts or options stand out to you the most. You may already know of some features that will be necessary for the type of RVing experience you are hoping for. However, you will also want to consider what activities you plan to do while RVing and which specific places you hope to go. 

Let how you plan to use your RV and what you want your driving and camping experience to be like inform your decision. Make a list of what features are a must-have in your future RV. This could include all-wheel drive to explore the off-road areas you are dreaming of, plenty of storage for bikes or other outdoor gear, extended-season features for winter camping, or a space you can use when working from the road.

3. Compare and Contrast RVs in person

Once you have narrowed down your options, take some time to check out your top RVs in person at a dealer, RV show, or RVer community event. Go back and forth between the contenders to see if anything stands out, positively or negatively. Make sure you can live comfortably in the RV by lying in the bed, getting in the shower, and standing in front of the kitchen counter. Will it work for your daily activities? Is there enough storage for your adventure gear and camping necessities?

4. Rent an RV Before Buying

If you can, renting the RV you are most interested in (or a very similar model) can be a great way to solidify your decision. With peer-to-peer rental options available, like Outdoorsy and RVShare, you should have multiple model options to choose from. This will allow you to have a better feel for the RV and be more confident in your purchase choice. If it doesn't feel like the right fit, you can take some time to rent other models until you find one that works best for you. While the cost of doing this will add up, many people who were uncertain of which RV to choose found it extremely helpful and worth budgeting for before investing in an RV.

5. Consider Traveling to Find the Best Price

Once you decide which specific RV you want, extending your search to shop across the nation can help you find the best price. (Search for Winnebago dealers here.) You can also attend RV shows that will have that model, since they may offer special event pricing. (Learn more about buying an RV and applying for financing.) 

Read more tips for choosing the right RV for you in this article by a long-time RVer. Plus, read tips for purchasing a pre-owned RV here.

After Purchase Advice for New RVers

Here are some additional tips from fellow owners to help you have a great start to RV life once you have the keys to your new (or new-to-you) rig in hand!

1. Don't Skip the Walkthrough 

When collecting your RV from the dealer, they should give you a thorough walkthrough. It is important to pay attention so that you can ask questions, but it is also a good idea to videotape it so that you can refer to it later. Show the walkthrough to your travel partner or anyone else who may need to know the usage and safety information.

Read this list of top skills needed as a new RVer to help you get on a roll quickly!

2. Have Realistic Expectations of Your RV

Driving off the lot with a new RV is not the same as buying a new car or moving into a new home. New RVs have what is known as a "shakedown period" because you are driving this rolling home down the road for the first time, and some components may need to be fixed due to that. Plan time to take your RV back in for service during the first year to address anything that needs to be fixed after breaking it in. Also, remember that an RV is an "investment in fun," not a property investment that you will expect a return on.

Did you know you can take your Winnebago motorhome directly to the Factory Service Center in Forest City, IA? Learn more.

3. Wait to Make Customizations

With so many cool mods, gear, and accessories being showcased at RVer events and online, it can be tempting to dive right into personalizing your rig. However, you may not need to make all the changes you thought you would. Take some time to see how your RV performs so that you can determine what you really need before spending funds you could save for future adventures!

Learn more about popular RV mods here! Plus, see some top gear upgrades in these blog posts.

4. Have Your Co-Pilot Learn to Drive the RV

Some couples who RV have a driver and a co-pilot who never drives. While this works well for many people, it is still important for the co-pilot to have a basic understanding of what it takes to drive and operate the RV in case of an emergency. You don't want to wait until it becomes a necessity to learn this skill!

Learn more about driving an RV for the first time.

5. Lean Into the RVing Community

Whether you have pressing questions about your RV or just want to connect with like-minded friends, the RVing community is here to support you! The Winnebago owner groups are especially welcoming and plan multiple in-person events throughout the year to connect offline. 

Check the list of groups to connect online and in person as you travel!

Do you have additional advice for buying an RV? Please leave it in the comments!