What Should I Know Before I Buy? Whether you are buying a used or a new RV, the first step you need to take is to do your research.
You need to decide which type of RV you are most interested in or which most fits your particular needs.
You need to know which manufacturers are the most reliable.
You need to know what these vehicles are worth, and you need to know what to look for and what to ask before signing any purchasing agreement.
Right about now, you might be wondering why you need to know all of this information.
It seems like a lot more work than you had anticipated.
That's easy enough to answer.
Imagine you are an RV dealer or private seller.
You have an RV that you really need to get rid of because it is going to need some major repair work soon.
You also know that the high mileage on the vehicle has lowered its value considerably, but that doesn't stop you from asking for a few thousand more than what you think the vehicle is worth.
You figure the padding gives you room to negotiate.
Now image that a potential buyer comes your way.
He gives the RV a cursory look and seems to focus more on the paint job than on anything else.
He asks, "Is it in good condition?" You respond with an enthusiastic yes, since it is in good condition even though a month or two down the road it will probably be in at the mechanic's.
Then, he asks, "Could you go any lower on the price?" You explain that you are simply asking what the RV is worth and that you really can't go any lower, plus you have another buyer coming in about ten minutes to seal the deal.
The buyer feels the pressure and takes out his checkbook to make the purchase.
Now what if that buyer had come in to the situation armed with specific questions about the RV's condition, what if he'd requested an inspection of the vehicle, what if he'd known how much the RV's value.
If even one of those things had been true that buyer would have gone on his way and would eventually have found a good deal.
Think the buyers won't know that you don't know? Think again.
Even private sellers usually understand what types of questions are important to ask, most won't be willing to volunteer negative information unless their conscience gets the better of them, so if you don't ask, you'll never know.
If you are going through a dealer, he will know right away whether he's dealing with a well-informed buyer or an easy mark.
How he treats you and the type of deal he gives you depend on where you fall on that spectrum.
Now that you understand why you need to do some advanced work, let's talk about the exact information you need to be aware of before you go out shopping for an RV.
First of all, you need to know what type of RV will meet your needs.
A little later in the book, we'll discuss the different classes and types of recreational vehicles available in more detail.
These descriptions will help you determine what type of RV to look for.
If you are planning on towing anything, such as a boat, you want to find an RV that can handle that, for example.
You'll also want to consider size.
Just like with cars and houses, RVs vary greatly in size.
If you have a family of four, you're going to need a larger RV than a single individual would.
Likewise, if you are planning on spending a lot of time in your RV, you'll probably want a larger, more comfortable RV so that your trip will be more enjoyable.
All of these decisions need to be discussed and explored before you visit the lot or start browsing the classifieds.
If you jump into the buying process too fast, you're likely to come away with an RV that doesn't meet your needs.
Once you know what type of RV you want, then you need to find out how what you can expect to pay.
One of the best sources for this information is the National Automobile Dealers Association (N.
A.
D.
A) appraisal guide.
These guides provide you with detailed value information which will help you estimate how much you may have to pay for the RV you want.
Thanks to technology, you can even check all of this information completely free via the Internet.
N.
A.
D.
A's web site http://www.
nadaguides.
com allows you to check on the value of any RV in just a few quick steps.
You'll need to know the name of the manufacturer(s), the year the RV was made, the model name, and any optional features you may be looking for as well.
Once you provide this information, a printable price report will be generated that includes both the low and the average retail prices for that RV.
The low price represents an RV which is not in top condition and which require some work.
The average price, on the other hand, represents the cost for an RV in good condition.
While you should check with the N.
A.
D.
A guide before searching for RVs, you should also come back after you find recreational vehicles of interest to you.
For example, if you see a classified ad for a particular RV, you can go to the N.
A.
D.
A site, enter the information provided by the private seller in the ad and determine whether or not the asking price is reasonable.
If it's not, then you now have a powerful bargaining tool to work with and you don't have to simply take the seller's word for it.
Keep in mind, however, that you may need to pay a little more than the average retail price since dealers do need to make some profit and since private sellers may have put a great deal of extra work into the RV before putting it on the market.
Another factor in the value of an RV is its mileage.
In fact, when you are generating your price range via the N.
A.
D.
A web site, you can enter the number of miles currently racked up by the RV in question.
Low mileage can add nearly $1500 onto the value of an RV, so it's definitely something to figure in.
Another reason mileage is so important is that all vehicles do wear out.
If a two-year-old RV is driven 100,000 miles, its condition may be similar to that of a ten-year-old RV that has been driven 75,000 miles.
Also, if you are buying a vehicle with high miles, then you need to ask the seller about how the RV maintenance.
Just as a car can survive more wear and tear if it undergoes routine maintenance, such as tire rotations and oil changes so can an RV.
However, only a mechanic can really tell you whether or not the RV you are considering buying is in good condition or not, so make sure to have it thoroughly inspected in advance (we'll talk about this more in the next chapter).
Even if you don't have an RV service technician present, you should thoroughly examine the vehicle yourself.
Carefully check the exterior for damage or signs that damage has been repaired.
In many cases, accidents cause lasting problems for an RV.
Look and listen to the motor.
Does it sound smooth? Does it look well-maintained? Be sure to check under the RV to make sure nothing is leaking.
Also, make sure to take the RV on a test drive.
If you don't feel comfortable driving it yourself, ask the seller to do it for you or take someone with you who has experience piloting an RV.
You'll also want to go through the interior of the RV.
Check the beds, bunks, and seating to make sure they are in good condition.
If possible, check the refrigerator and the toilet to be sure they are in good working order.
On a long trip both are crucial.
You should also make sure the windows open easily and close tightly as do all of the doors.
Only when you have examined every nook and cranny should you feel satisfied.
Occasionally, you may run into an RV deal that is too good to be true.
The RV is in excellent condition, the mileage is low, the price is incredibly reasonable, and the characters closing the deal are just a little bit suspicious.
If this is the case, you should look for the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
These unique numbers are like the vehicle's fingerprint; each is different and is used to identify it.
You can usually find this 17-digit number on the dashboard, steering column, or windshield of the vehicle.
If it looks like it has been altered or hidden that is a good sign that you are looking at a stolen vehicle.
If you do find it, write it down, and go to car fax.
By entering the VIN number at this site, you can find out if the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
You can also find out if problems had been reported concerning the odometer, the model, or accident involvement.
A simple report of some of this information is available for free, however, one full report can be ordered for $19.
99 or you can have access to an unlimited number of reports for $24.
99.
One last thing you need to keep in mind when you are buying an RV is that you should take your time.
Even a used RV is a major purchase and requires the same time and thought that you would give to buying a car or a home.
Some sellers will try to pressure you into making a decision on the spot: Don't let them! It is your money and your decision, so you need to take all the time you need to feel comfortable with your choice.
If someone does buy the RV you want before you decide, then it simply means that wasn't the one for you.
It's better to be sure then to rush into a decision you may live to regret.
RV SECRETS EXPOSED IS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON BOOKS or E BAY FOR $7.
97.
THIS IS A ELECTRONIC FILE.
ISBN B006HIJLDQ
You need to decide which type of RV you are most interested in or which most fits your particular needs.
You need to know which manufacturers are the most reliable.
You need to know what these vehicles are worth, and you need to know what to look for and what to ask before signing any purchasing agreement.
Right about now, you might be wondering why you need to know all of this information.
It seems like a lot more work than you had anticipated.
That's easy enough to answer.
Imagine you are an RV dealer or private seller.
You have an RV that you really need to get rid of because it is going to need some major repair work soon.
You also know that the high mileage on the vehicle has lowered its value considerably, but that doesn't stop you from asking for a few thousand more than what you think the vehicle is worth.
You figure the padding gives you room to negotiate.
Now image that a potential buyer comes your way.
He gives the RV a cursory look and seems to focus more on the paint job than on anything else.
He asks, "Is it in good condition?" You respond with an enthusiastic yes, since it is in good condition even though a month or two down the road it will probably be in at the mechanic's.
Then, he asks, "Could you go any lower on the price?" You explain that you are simply asking what the RV is worth and that you really can't go any lower, plus you have another buyer coming in about ten minutes to seal the deal.
The buyer feels the pressure and takes out his checkbook to make the purchase.
Now what if that buyer had come in to the situation armed with specific questions about the RV's condition, what if he'd requested an inspection of the vehicle, what if he'd known how much the RV's value.
If even one of those things had been true that buyer would have gone on his way and would eventually have found a good deal.
Think the buyers won't know that you don't know? Think again.
Even private sellers usually understand what types of questions are important to ask, most won't be willing to volunteer negative information unless their conscience gets the better of them, so if you don't ask, you'll never know.
If you are going through a dealer, he will know right away whether he's dealing with a well-informed buyer or an easy mark.
How he treats you and the type of deal he gives you depend on where you fall on that spectrum.
Now that you understand why you need to do some advanced work, let's talk about the exact information you need to be aware of before you go out shopping for an RV.
First of all, you need to know what type of RV will meet your needs.
A little later in the book, we'll discuss the different classes and types of recreational vehicles available in more detail.
These descriptions will help you determine what type of RV to look for.
If you are planning on towing anything, such as a boat, you want to find an RV that can handle that, for example.
You'll also want to consider size.
Just like with cars and houses, RVs vary greatly in size.
If you have a family of four, you're going to need a larger RV than a single individual would.
Likewise, if you are planning on spending a lot of time in your RV, you'll probably want a larger, more comfortable RV so that your trip will be more enjoyable.
All of these decisions need to be discussed and explored before you visit the lot or start browsing the classifieds.
If you jump into the buying process too fast, you're likely to come away with an RV that doesn't meet your needs.
Once you know what type of RV you want, then you need to find out how what you can expect to pay.
One of the best sources for this information is the National Automobile Dealers Association (N.
A.
D.
A) appraisal guide.
These guides provide you with detailed value information which will help you estimate how much you may have to pay for the RV you want.
Thanks to technology, you can even check all of this information completely free via the Internet.
N.
A.
D.
A's web site http://www.
nadaguides.
com allows you to check on the value of any RV in just a few quick steps.
You'll need to know the name of the manufacturer(s), the year the RV was made, the model name, and any optional features you may be looking for as well.
Once you provide this information, a printable price report will be generated that includes both the low and the average retail prices for that RV.
The low price represents an RV which is not in top condition and which require some work.
The average price, on the other hand, represents the cost for an RV in good condition.
While you should check with the N.
A.
D.
A guide before searching for RVs, you should also come back after you find recreational vehicles of interest to you.
For example, if you see a classified ad for a particular RV, you can go to the N.
A.
D.
A site, enter the information provided by the private seller in the ad and determine whether or not the asking price is reasonable.
If it's not, then you now have a powerful bargaining tool to work with and you don't have to simply take the seller's word for it.
Keep in mind, however, that you may need to pay a little more than the average retail price since dealers do need to make some profit and since private sellers may have put a great deal of extra work into the RV before putting it on the market.
Another factor in the value of an RV is its mileage.
In fact, when you are generating your price range via the N.
A.
D.
A web site, you can enter the number of miles currently racked up by the RV in question.
Low mileage can add nearly $1500 onto the value of an RV, so it's definitely something to figure in.
Another reason mileage is so important is that all vehicles do wear out.
If a two-year-old RV is driven 100,000 miles, its condition may be similar to that of a ten-year-old RV that has been driven 75,000 miles.
Also, if you are buying a vehicle with high miles, then you need to ask the seller about how the RV maintenance.
Just as a car can survive more wear and tear if it undergoes routine maintenance, such as tire rotations and oil changes so can an RV.
However, only a mechanic can really tell you whether or not the RV you are considering buying is in good condition or not, so make sure to have it thoroughly inspected in advance (we'll talk about this more in the next chapter).
Even if you don't have an RV service technician present, you should thoroughly examine the vehicle yourself.
Carefully check the exterior for damage or signs that damage has been repaired.
In many cases, accidents cause lasting problems for an RV.
Look and listen to the motor.
Does it sound smooth? Does it look well-maintained? Be sure to check under the RV to make sure nothing is leaking.
Also, make sure to take the RV on a test drive.
If you don't feel comfortable driving it yourself, ask the seller to do it for you or take someone with you who has experience piloting an RV.
You'll also want to go through the interior of the RV.
Check the beds, bunks, and seating to make sure they are in good condition.
If possible, check the refrigerator and the toilet to be sure they are in good working order.
On a long trip both are crucial.
You should also make sure the windows open easily and close tightly as do all of the doors.
Only when you have examined every nook and cranny should you feel satisfied.
Occasionally, you may run into an RV deal that is too good to be true.
The RV is in excellent condition, the mileage is low, the price is incredibly reasonable, and the characters closing the deal are just a little bit suspicious.
If this is the case, you should look for the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
These unique numbers are like the vehicle's fingerprint; each is different and is used to identify it.
You can usually find this 17-digit number on the dashboard, steering column, or windshield of the vehicle.
If it looks like it has been altered or hidden that is a good sign that you are looking at a stolen vehicle.
If you do find it, write it down, and go to car fax.
By entering the VIN number at this site, you can find out if the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
You can also find out if problems had been reported concerning the odometer, the model, or accident involvement.
A simple report of some of this information is available for free, however, one full report can be ordered for $19.
99 or you can have access to an unlimited number of reports for $24.
99.
One last thing you need to keep in mind when you are buying an RV is that you should take your time.
Even a used RV is a major purchase and requires the same time and thought that you would give to buying a car or a home.
Some sellers will try to pressure you into making a decision on the spot: Don't let them! It is your money and your decision, so you need to take all the time you need to feel comfortable with your choice.
If someone does buy the RV you want before you decide, then it simply means that wasn't the one for you.
It's better to be sure then to rush into a decision you may live to regret.
RV SECRETS EXPOSED IS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON BOOKS or E BAY FOR $7.
97.
THIS IS A ELECTRONIC FILE.
ISBN B006HIJLDQ