|
Since
there is such a variety of RV's on the market
and since each class of RV is tailored for specific
needs, the first step in selecting an RV is to
find the answers to the following questions.
What are the intended uses of your RV?
This is the most crucial question of all in selecting
an RV. You have to determine whether you're planning
to "park" your RV at a campground or
whether you're planning to travel with it  on a
regular basis. In other words, are you planning
to tow your RV. If so, and assuming that you have
the proper towing vehicle, you must now look at
how "big" you're willing to tow since
people tow anything from a folding trailer to
a 5th wheel. If on the other hand you're planning
to "park" your RV, other things become
more important such as how much interior space
you need. Obviously, there are multitudes of possible
use for your RV and each may impact your decision.
Here's a few potential RV use;
| • Extended
trips |
• Short
(week-end) trips |
• Winter
getaway (snowbirds) |
| • Fishing
/ hunting trips |
• Summer
home |
• Year
long occupancy (ex. retirement) |
| • Local
campgrounds |
• Wilderness
camping |
|
How
many people are you planning to accommodate?
On average, how many people will be sleeping in
your RV. This will help determine not only the
interior space needed but also the number and
type of beds you need (bunk beds, convertible
sofa....)
How
much of a "handy" person are you?
Although setting up and maintaining an RV is not
that difficult, it does require that you become
familiar with the RV major components (electrical
system, levelling system, water system, heating
system, A/C system, LPG system) and that
you learn how to level the trailer, start the
furnace, empty the holding tanks, open the awning
etc.... Sometimes, these also need a little bit
of troubleshooting and minor repairs. Major repairs
are best left to RV repair centers.
How
much storage space will be needed?
If you're gearing up for camping with four kids
or if you own a motorboat, you will need some
sort of storage for all your equipment. If you're
planning to travel with your trailer, this is
especially important since on most trips, it will
be impossible to fit all your food, clothing,
sports equipment, life jackets etc.... inside
your towing vehicle.
How
often are you planning to use the RV?
If
you're only planning to use the RV a couple of
time a year or if you're new to RVing and you're
not 100% sure that you'll like it, then you might
look into the option of buying a used RV. Drop
by an RV store, check out your newspaper or those
specialized "Traders" magazines and
maybe you'll find the perfect RV for you at a
much lower price. Take a look at our Buying
a used RV checklist, it will
explain to you what to look for when buying a
used RV.
If
you need more information, you can check the GoRVing
Canada website or the RV.Net
website.
|
More