Nothing beats a summertime road trip, but long hours in the car can kill a vacation. That’s the beauty of recreational vehicles (RV). The road IS the destination; anywhere you go, you’ve got luxury-class accommodations!
Buying an RV is a big decision, and making the purchase can be super stressful. That’s why the more you research before you set foot on a lot, the better.
Here are three things to figure out before you shop for an RV.
1. RV class Types
Many people are unaware that there are different types of recreational vehicles. The three classes of RVs include Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Class A RV
The largest and most comfortable. Built on big-rig platforms, these RV’s are practically rolling houses, featuring full-sized couches and TVs, full bathrooms, kitchens, and expandable bedrooms. The price tags range from $60,000 to over a million for custom-built motorhomes.
Class B RV
Motorhomes are on the other side of the spectrum. These RV’s are built on full-size van platforms. They include scaled-down versions of the same amenities in Class A motorhomes in a more maneuverable, less expensive package. Expect to see a small kitchen, a compact bathroom, and sleeping space for 2-3 people. These vehicles cost between $50,000 and $100,000.
Class C RV
Motorhomes offer a compromise between A and B. These start with cargo-van platforms and extend the wheelbase somewhat to the length of a short bus. Amenities are more comprehensive than in Class B but nowhere near as robust as Class A. These vehicles run between $60,000 and $200,000.
You may want to investigate other options that can fill the exact needs at lower prices. These include camper trailers, pop-ups, and 5th-wheel tow-behind campers.
2. Determine Your RV Budget
How much RV can you afford? Because of the high price tag, financing periods for RVs are typically ten years or longer. Because RVs depreciate, interest rates are slightly higher than fuel, insurance, registration, and maintenance, aside from the monthly payments.
It’s also worth determining what you can budget for a down payment. You may be able to finance 100% of the purchase price of your RV, but putting money down helps protect you against depreciation
3. RV Financing Options
While many dealers will try to work out financing in-house, it’s wise to go in with a pre-approval. It’ll allow you to negotiate from a place of confidence. Also, it’ll prevent you from falling in love with an RV you can’t afford.
If you’re thinking about an RV, the time to talk about financing is now. Contact us today, and our team can help answer any questions that you may have. Our team of experts has been helping our members with all financial needs since 1934.
