Summary
“What every full time RVer should remember when choosing an Rv to live in”
Price and markup
Typically a new motorhome has a 25% markup. Negotiate, negotiate. Be wary of extended warranties and fabric and paint treatments.
New Rv vs used
New motorhomes, trailers and fifth wheels depreciate enormously like a car the moment you drive it off the lot. Consider a late model used RV that has been well taken care of.
Inspection
It is worth having even a new RV inspected by someone you trust and knows RVs well. Buying a used RV should necessitate hiring a paid person to do the inspection. Down load an inspection check list and use it. Don’t be rushed in your inspection!
Size
It is recommended you spend some time in any RV that you are buying as a home. Renting a similar one is a great way of getting to know a potential purchase.
Construction
Living full time in an RV is different than using an RV for weekends. We recommend researching construction techniques, insisting on the best R rating in insulation and dual pane windows.
Quality of fixtures
Living full time in an RV means that plastic toilets, sinks and faucets will not hold up. We recommend ceramic toilets and stainless fixtures.
Gas vs diesel in motorhomes
Diesel motorhomes are considerably more expensive than gas and for a reason. We feel they are more dependable, have better fuel economy, perform better in all terrains and are better for resale.
Heating and cooling
Make sure that the heating and AC of your new home is up to the task. What kind of maintenance do they require? How noisy are they? (The total living space is a much smaller area than your house so this will matter.)
Layout
Layout is everything and something you can’t change but will have to live with. Check out all the options and spend some time in your potential purchase.
Creature comforts
Check out carefully the essentials of everyday living. Is the shower large enough? How hard is it to make the bed? Simple things for sure, but in day to day living you want to be sure you are comfortable. Do you always have to move things to get to things and do the chores of everyday living?
Storage
No question you are going to be substantially paring down your “stuff” but is there going to be room for all your “essentials”? Check out drawers, cabinets, under the bed and outside storage. Envision where you are going to put everything, clothes, food, pots and pans etc.
Kitchen amenities
You are going to be cooking and preparing meals. Makes sure that size of sink(s). stove, oven, and refrigerator are large enough for your needs.
Tankage
A class A motorhome, like ours, will usually have 40 gallons of gray water storage(sinks and shower), 40 gallons of black(toilets, sewage) and 100 gallons of fresh water storage. With great and conservation care two of us can last almost a week boon docking. It is always the gray that fills first. Use this example as a guide. Ask about the capacity of tank storage, it will be important, I promise.
Effort
How much of an effort is your potential RV choice going to be to get ready to leave on a trip and at the end of a trip? How difficult is it to get to everyday items? Do you have to move stuff to get to stuff?
Ongoing cost
If you are on a budget, make sure you sit down and figure out how much the approximate bottom line cost it is going to be to live in and travel in your new home. It is a great idea to do some research to help you and to talk to another full timer. There are great groups on Facebook for example.