Looking to upgrade to an RV that better accommodates you and your family before your next trip? As time goes on and families grow, your tried and true RV may become a little less practical than it once was. It just doesn’t work for you the way it used to.
When this happens, it’s time for the upgrade you and your family deserve. But when buying a new family RV, how do you know what to get? With so much to decide, your options are nothing short of overwhelming.
Looking for a way to find some clarity before you embark on your RV buying journey? Just keep reading for all the information you’ll need to get started.
What to Consider About Your RV
As stated earlier, there are a lot of features to sort through when buying an RV. While all features are great, there are probably a few you care about more than others. Learning to single out the features you want will make the process of learning how to choose a family RV much easier than you would think.
Safety
There is no more precious cargo than your family. Because of this, you need to ensure the RV you choose was built with your safety in mind. This feature, along with your family’s safety plan, is one you should never compromise on.
The last thing you want to do is purchase an RV that does not meet your personal safety requirements.
For example, some RV classes are not required to have airbags. If this is a red flag for you, make sure you ask RV dealers which ones do. You can fact-check the information you’re told by researching the safety features of your RV of choice.
There are a lot of dealerships and manufacturers that list every feature of their product on their website. Another thing you want to check for is seatbelts; especially if you currently have children who are car seat-age. Some RVs only have seatbelts on side seats, which isn’t safe for children, or they only have lap belts.
Lap belts will keep their occupant in their seat in the case of bumps or sharp turns, but more aggressive jerks or pulls will overpower these seatbelts.
Size
Similar to cars or trucks, RVs come in all shapes and sizes. If your family only consists of 2-3 people, a larger RV (class A) may not be the purchase for you. The best way to figure out the right RV size for you is by learning about the different RV classes.
There are three different classes, all determined by RV size and style.
Class A
Class A RVs are the largest RVs out there. These are the RVs that resemble buses and weigh between 15,000-30,000 pounds. They are usually the ones you see with extending balconies and living areas at campsites.
Their size allows them to hold more seats, rooms, and storage. They also have the ability to fit more utilities such as tables, kitchens, restrooms, and showers. But this extra size increases the vehicle’s chances of tipping during turns.
If you are unsure of your ability to control the vehicle during turns, try taking a class or practicing your driving with a more experienced friend. This task may be a little complicated to get down, but it will make your Class A driving experience much safer and relaxing.
Class B
If you want an RV that is smaller than Class A and easier to drive, consider looking into a Class B RV. These RVs are van-sized and only weigh between 6,000-8,000 pounds. The only downside to this class is their size.
Since they are only the size of a van, they will not hold all the utility features of a Class A or C RV. They are not broken up into different rooms like the other classes. This means the beds, dining tables, kitchen, and bathrooms are going to be miniature.
Their sizes make it hard for them to house full-size equipment. This includes showers. If your family only consists of two people or a couple of small infants, this RV may be a good size for you.
This RV is also good for travelers who do not travel as often as most. Class B RVs are a good option for annual trips or short trips to the lake. If the size seems like a downer, remember this is one of the safest RVs to drive, simply because it is small.
Class C
If you were worried your RV choices only got smaller after Class A, you’ll be glad to hear about Class C. This RV is much larger than Class B and a little smaller than Class A. It weighs around 10,000-12,000 pounds and is often compared to a moving truck.
Since they are larger, they can house more regular-sized utilities such as a kitchen, beds, or showers. They also are more likely to have a closed-off bedroom. This is a great way to give you and your spouse a little privacy when on the road with your kids.
You guys can sleep in your room while the kids sleep on the convertible benches or loft beds. While these vehicles won’t be as safe as a Class B RV, their size makes them safer than Class A RV. In other words, their size makes it harder for them to tip when turning.
Used or New RV
Another factor you should consider when looking for an RV is price. It is no secret that certain styles, classes, and brands will cost more than others, but prices can also change based on their owning history. If you’re looking into an RV that is brand new, you’re more likely to pay full price for it.
But if you look into a used one, you won’t be expected to pay as much. The only downside to purchasing a used vehicle is the risk of damage. The RV’s previous owner may have accidentally broken a cabinet door or ripped a leather seat. With the point being noted, the flaws you find in the vehicle may be a cheap fix and can give you leverage to negotiate a lower price.
Purchase Your Family RV
There are so many places to travel with an RV and just as many opportunities to create memories. Seriously, the potential is never-ending. All you need to do is take the advice of this RV buying guide and find the perfect family RV for you.
If you would like to learn more about RVs and where to take yours, check out more of Camping Buff’s Blogs. We have advice for everything mentioned above and so much more. All you need to do is click around and get lost in your own little world of outdoor fun.