If you’re just beginning your RV adventure as a first-time RVer, you’re not alone. More than 72 million Americans plan on taking an RV trip in the next year. There’s no right or wrong way to go RVing but the majority of people buy an RV to explore and travel in comfort.
Traveling near or far, to national parks or RV resorts, there are many options. Your RV can take you to new places for hiking, kayaking, fishing or other outdoor activities. Or simply relax in the great outdoors and get away from the city. The possibilities are endless, you just first have to decide which RV is right for you. To help you do that, we’ve compiled this list of all the most important questions to ask yourself before you buy an RV.
Table of contents
- How will I use my RV, and how often?
- Which RV is the best RV for me?
- Budgeting for Buying an RV
- Find the Perfect RV to Fit Your Needs at General RV
How will I use my RV, and how often?
When you consider purchasing an RV, it’s important to understand how often you plan to use your RV. Things like work, school schedules or other family commitments may affect how often you can get away.
Many RV owners use their RV primarily for summer vacations with family. Avid RVers may camp more consistently throughout the season (or extend their travels into the off-season) while more causal campers plan mainly weekend getaways and short trips.
On the other hand, those known as “snowbirds” use their RV to escape the winter months. These RVers “migrate” away from the cold by staying in the warmer southern states. Their RVs serve as a secondary home and they may stay in the same location for weeks or even months at a time.
RV owners can also be categorized as adventure seekers. These RVers want to explore the world every chance they can and they use their RV to do just that. These individuals take every moment they can to plan trips filled with outdoor activities.
You might even be considering full-time RV living. Full-time RVers work on the road and embrace the nomad style of living 365 days a year. These RVers may stay in one area for a couple weeks or months, but they never truly settle down in one place.
Who will I go RVing with?
Who you are traveling with will also greatly impact your decisions when it comes to choosing an RV type and floor plan. If you plan to travel solo, there are many great small RVs for single-person camping. If you want to camp with your family, you’ll need a family-sized RV. Consider how many beds and how much room you’ll need to be comfortable.
Pets are also very important members of your family to consider when choosing an RV. Big dogs need room to stretch, so a pop-up camper or teardrop trailer may not the best RV choice in that case.
What’s my camping style? Where do I want to camp?
Relaxing getaways and sightseeing are great activities that don’t require much storage space or equipment, but if you plan to go kayaking, fishing or take your favorite ORVs on the trail, storage is key to camping comfortably. Understanding what you want to do while you RV will help determine your needs – whether that’s a toy hauler RV with a garage or a motorhome with towing capacity.
Another thing to ask yourself is if you will be working from your RV while you are on the road. Many RVs have floor plans with convertible office space areas.
Which RV is the best RV for me?
Types of RVs
Once you understand your style of camping, the next step is to figure out what type of RV you want to camp with. It may seem like there are a million different options and types of RVs, but the first thing to ask yourself is if you want to tow your RV or drive your RV.
Towable RVs are towed behind your vehicle. This type includes pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers.
Motorhomes are RVs with a cab and engine. Class A RVs, Class B camper vans and Class C RVs are different types of RV motorhomes. Motorhomes can be gas or diesel powered depending on the brand and model. They can also feature a garage area for off-road vehicles, golf carts and other gear.
You can learn more about RV types and some of the best uses for each type in our RV Guide articles.
To help you further narrow down your search for the best RV, you should also ask yourself what you’ll physically be able to set up. Some people breeze through setting up pop-up campers, but they require some assembly and strength.
Height and storage are also big factors in some taller RVs. Fifth wheels have sprawling storage, but for shorter people, some storage is just too high without a step ladder. These things are often overlooked but understanding what you might struggle with in an RV will help determine what RV you don’t want and the headaches that could potentially come with it later.
Which RV brand is the best?
After familiarizing yourself with the types of RVs and which ones best suit you, it’s time to research RV brands and floor plans. Learning about special features and benefits some RV brands offer over others will help narrow down your RV search. A lot of RV brands offer a huge variety of floor plan options with features unique to them.
Attending an RV show is a great way to learn about RVs and brands. You’ll be able to see RVs in person and walk through the floor plans to understand if the RV fits your needs. RV shows are inexpensive to go to (in fact, many are free) and offer great learning opportunities. There are RV dealers, campgrounds and experienced RVers there to chat with and ask questions. If you’re thinking about attending an RV show, check out how to make the most of a show and tips that will help you prepare for an RV show with confidence.
Looking at online forums and blogs about the RVs you are interested in is a good way to get honest reviews. A ton of bloggers and forums offer input on the things they love and hate about their RVs which can help guide your decision on if that RV is best for you, what you want to do and where you want to go. The RV community is full of wonderfully helpful and honest individuals.
Budgeting for Buying an RV
How much does an RV cost?
Figuring out how much you want to spend and a monthly payment you’re comfortable with will determine which RVs you can afford. Once you understand your budget, it will be easier to narrow down your choices and what features are most important to have.
New RVs can cost anywhere from $10,000 to over $200,000 for modestly-priced towable RVs and motorhomes. Diesel motorhomes can cost upwards of $300,000 for a high-end coach with residential features. Generally speaking, the upfront costs and maintenance expenses of motorhomes are more expensive than travel trailers, so budget accordingly.
If you are considering a towable RV, understanding your vehicle’s towing capacity will narrow down your search in an RV. Towing an RV that is too heavy can cause:
- Heavy strain on your vehicle’s engine and transmission
- Accelerated wear on your brakes
- Less control of the RV which can lead to fish tailing and trouble steering
- Tires can overheat and wear quickly, causing blown tires
Finding an RV that your vehicle can handle will help prevent accidents on the road. It will also keep your vehicle out of the shop and on the road for more RV adventures. If your vehicle cannot tow an RV that you have in mind, be conscious of upgrading your vehicle and how that will affect your RV budget.
How will I pay for my RV?
Some people pay for their RV in cash but many others finance their RV purchase. If you fall into the latter group, you’ll want to understand your financing options to stay within your budget. Many RV dealerships work with national and regional banks as well as credit unions to provide financing options. It is important to do your research to make sure you are getting the best deal possible. Putting a down payment on an RV can help lower your monthly payments, too.
How will I insure my RV?
Having RV insurance is a must for RV owners. After all, your RV is your home away from home and disasters can happen. Similar to homeowners insurance, RV insurance helps protect you against the unexpected. However, it is important to note that RV insurance is more specialized than standard home or vehicle policies. Choose a reputable insurance agency and licensed insurance agent to help you create a policy that’s tailored to meet your needs.
America’s Choice Insurance Partners can get you an RV insurance policy that features flexible and comprehensive coverage for your recreational vehicle. You can enhance your coverage by choosing additional options — perfect if you are the RVer who has tons of customizations or upgrades on your rig. We want you out enjoying your RV, not worrying about damaging it. From home, auto and everything in between, the ACIP team makes sure that no matter where you live or travel you’ll have coverage that fits your lifestyle.
What should I expect when it comes to RV maintenance?
RV maintenance is another cost that you must factor into your budget when buying an RV. Just like a house, RVs require regular preventative maintenance as well as occasional repairs. RV brands provide a schedule for recommended preventative maintenance services; this is typically found in the owner’s manual.
Additionally, there are other factors to consider. If you are only using your RV during the warmer months, you’ll have to add in costs of winterization for the off season. If you need service on your motorhome and must leave the RV at a shop for repairs, you’ll need a place to sleep or game plan if it is going to take a few days if you are living in your RV full time or far away from home. These are just a few examples to help you plan and budget.
The My General RV mobile app redefines the way RV owners schedule appointments, access important information and stay informed about their RVs. This free app simplifies maintenance, ensuring you can focus on what you love most – hitting the open road. Key features of the My General RV include:
- Easy Appointment Scheduling: Quickly and conveniently schedule and manage service appointments with just a few taps.
- Courtesy Inspection Results: Review maintenance or service needs flagged during your inspection and easily schedule an appointment for those requiring follow up.
- Recommended Maintenance: View items requiring maintenance at specific intervals to help keep your RV in optimal condition for worry-free travels.
- Timely Alerts: Receive seasonal maintenance reminders so you’ll never miss an essential service or inspection.
Interactive Troubleshooting Assistance: Easily diagnose problems and get help on the road or at home. - Informative RV Content: Access an extensive library of RV content and informative articles to enhance your RV experience.
- Special Offers: Receive RV promotions as well as parts and service offers. Some exclusively available at General RV.
- Service Special Offer Appointments: See available offers while scheduling an appointment or schedule an appointment directly from a service special offer coupon you’re viewing.
Download the free My General RV mobile app now in the App Store or Google Play.
How will I store my RV?
Investing in proper RV storage is also crucial if you’re not using your RV for long periods of time or for the winter months. Proper storage prevents wear and tear on your RV, extending its lifespan. Storing your RV can get pricey, especially if you want a temperature-controlled, covered storage area for it. If that’s out of your budget, it is best to store your RV under an RV cover or covered parking spot. RV covers can prevent harsh weather from damaging your RV with sun, rain, snow and other natural events. You may also want to invest in a hitch lock or wheel lock for protection against theft if you are storing it in a storage lot.
Find the Perfect RV to Fit Your Needs at General RV
Once you’ve asked yourself all these questions and are certain the RV lifestyle is right for you, it’s time to begin your adventure. Browse thousands of RVs for sale in our Virtual Showroom or visit a General RV dealership near you to explore RV options. Here are some of our favorite RVs for those looking to purchase their first one.
Travel Trailers for First-Time RVers
Coachmen RV | Clipper Cadet 17CBH Travel Trailer
The Clipper Cadet 17CBH travel trailer by Coachmen RV is considered the most-popular and top-selling single-axle bunk model floor plan in the industry. The Clipper Cadet comes equipped with a dinette (not a couch or bench seat – which prevents trailer pass through and a functional eating area for kids), a furnace and a roof-mount A/C unit. All Clipper Cadets are under 3,000 pounds and are just 7-feet wide making them easy to tow and easy on your pocketbook. Jumbo pass-through storage allows you to take along the gear that you need, and all of the interior features will have you enjoying your camp experience to the fullest.
Forest River RV | Wildwood X-Lite 26ICE Travel Trailer
You’re sure to make camping memories in this spacious Wildwood X-Lite travel trailer by Forest River RV. You can easily sleep eight people comfortably thanks to thedouble-size bunks, the custom king bed with VersaTilt in the front bedroom plus the Versa-Lounge within the large slide out. The kitchen is equipped with a three-burner cooktop and microwave oven, and you’ll appreciate the hidden pantry with shelves behind the fireplace. There is also a booth dinette, or you may just find yourselves outdoors under the 16-foot power awning with LED lights. Don’t overlook the full bath, complete with a tub/shower that will make bath time easier if you have little ones. The Wildwood X-Lite also comes with a pass-through storage compartment for your gear, an upgraded shower head and a 60K tankless water heater so you can have hot water when you need it.
Fifth Wheels for First-Time RVers
Grand Design RV | Reflection 22RK Fifth Wheel
Reflecting a perfect union of luxury and value, the Reflection 100 Series fifth wheel by Grand Design RV takes the RV experience to unprecedented levels. Engineered with meticulous attention to the towing capacities of today’s half-ton trucks, these fifth wheels ensure safe and effortless towing, allowing you to navigate with reassuring stability and power. Your on-road living experience is enriched by a kitchen fitted with premium appliances that seamlessly blend with the elegance of a residential-styled interior. The interiors are abundantly spacious, mirroring the comfort and style of a modern home, making your travels not merely journeys but a mobile extension of your home life. In the Reflection 100 Series, affordability is fused with an unparalleled level of comfort to enhance your adventures on the road.
Alliance RV | Paradigm 310RL Fifth Wheel
The Paradigm 310RL fifth wheel by Alliance RV is built for adventure, comfort and luxury. Step inside to a rear living area that’s designed for relaxation and entertainment. The dual recliner love seat faces a cozy fireplace and a large 50″ Smart TV. The flush-floor kitchen slide creates a spacious cooking and dining area, with a kitchen island featuring a large undermount sink and dishwasher prep option. Two pantries provide ample storage, and the residential microwave, range and oven are the essential tools to prepare delicious meals on the road. The private bedroom features a king bed slide and a dresser with flip-up hidden storage. The full bathroom offers a residential-style shower, a porcelain toilet with a soft-close seat and dedicated linen storage for all your necessities.
Toy Haulers for First-Time RVers
Jayco | Jay Flight 265TH Toy Hauler Travel Trailer
The Jay Flight toy hauler by Jayco is the perfect family camper blending consistent performance and solid construction. Nearly 6 feet of cargo space can be expanded with the flip-up bar top with stools to load more gear. The 7-foot ramp door makes unloading easy as well. The convertible sofas and removable table allow more to dine, and the double entry bathroom will keep everyone clean before bedtime. The front bedroom offers privacy and comfortable nights on a queen bed. The power awning offers shade during the daytime when you want to relax outside. An integrated A-frame and magnum truss roof system holds the Jay Flight together. When you tow a Jay Flight you’re towing the entire RV, not just the frame. With dark tinted windows, you have more privacy and safety. The vinyl flooring throughout will be easy to clean and maintain, too.
Dutchmen RV | Voltage 3600 Toy Hauler Fifth Wheel
The Voltage V-Series 3600 toy hauler fifth wheel combines luxury and functionality, featuring a spacious 14-foot garage and innovative bed lift system for maximum versatility. With amenities like a walk-in shower, theater seating and a fully-equipped kitchen, this toy hauler is designed for comfort during your adventures. There’s even a loft in the garage, converting sofas and dinette and a front private queen bed to comfortably sleep up to eight people. A 21-foot awning offers additional living space outside, and the second entry door within the garage leads into a half bath for added convenience. There’s ample storage throughout the Voltage with a full pass-through compartment, inside cabinets, dual closets and under bed storage, as well. You will also enjoy the tankless water heater, Tuff Ply garage floor and weight-assisted ramp door for ease in loading and unloading your toys. A few bonus features include a large walk-in shower, 40-inch fireplace and a 30 gallon fuel station. Discover a new level of travel convenience with ample storage options and stylish interiors, perfect for RV enthusiasts seeking both style and utility on the road.
Class A Motorhomes for First-Time RVers
Coachmen RV | Pursuit 27XPS Class A Motorhome
Set out to the see the world without leaving tranquility behind with the Pursuit Class A Motorhome by Coachmen RV. The rear private bedroom features a queen with wardrobes on either side. A separated bathroom makes it easy for one person to freshen up in the shower while another uses the private toilet and sink. Enjoy home cooked meals with the stainless steel three-burner cooktop, stainless steel double door refrigerator and the stainless steel microwave oven. Eat your meals, play card games or transform the booth dinette into an extra sleeping space. The large sofa has storage below for an extra blanket or board games. A Ford F-53 7.3L V8 engine propels your unit with an abundance of power to each destination. Stay warm in the cooler months with a 30,000 BTU furnace and stay cool in the warmer months with a single 15,000 BTU A/C. All of your extra gear can easily be stored in the spacious exterior storage compartments.
Thor Motor Coach | Vegas 24.1 Class A Motorhome
Don’t be fooled by the Thor Motor Coach Vegas Class A motorhome’s size — it’s packed with all the luxurious amenities you could possibly need. Built on a Ford E-Series chassis, this compact Class A has all the muscle you need to tow your favorite toys with an 8,000-pound hitch. Say goodbye to dirt and mud with this motorhome’s residential vinyl flooring. For privacy, roll down the window privacy roller shades and minimize noise with the soft close drawer guides. The kitchen includes a 12-volt double-door refrigerator, a two-burner gas cooktop and a convection microwave oven with an air fryer. Clean-up is a breeze thanks to the large stainless-steel single-bowl sink with a convenient pull-down sprayer. Rest comfortably on a Twin-to-King conversion bed with abundant storage overhead. Whether planning a weekend getaway or full-time RV living, your family will love camping and creating memories in the Vegas Class A motorhome.
Class B Camper Vans for First-Time RVers
Thor Motor Coach | Scope 18M Class B Camper Van
Say goodbye to large motorhomes with slide-outs and say hello to the Scope Class B camper van — a small, easy-to-handle camper van by Thor Motor Coach that makes road trips a breeze. Whether you’re downsizing or embracing the RV lifestyle, this camper van is perfect for any journey. Enjoy simplicity, maneuverability and a world of possibilities on the go like never before. Kick off an exciting road trip behind the wheel of the Scope camper van, crafted on the powerful RAM ProMaster 1500 XT window van chassis with a 3,500-lb hitch. Relax under the electric awning and grill some grub using the external LP connection. Plus, keep pests at bay with the convenient entryway screen door. Store everything from hiking gear to cozy blankets in the spacious upper cabinets featuring sleek Euro-style doors. Unwind on the bench-like seating that transforms into a comfy bed, or relax on the swiveling leatherette captain’s chairs that become part of the living space when you’re parked. Enjoy effortless cooking in your Scope camper van, which comes fully equipped with all the necessities including a 12-volt single-door electric refrigerator, two-burner gas cooktop and microwave oven.
Coachmen RV | Pixel 2.0M Class B Camper Van
The Pixel Class B camper van is designed to be user friendly, incorporating Coachmen RV’s core construction, upgraded insulation and sound-deadening materials, aiming for a balance of affordability and quality. Built on the powerful RAM ProMaster chassis, the Pixel is crafted to withstand the elements with Rockwool R-15 and Cozy Wrap heat shield insulations, plus dual pane acrylic windows. Take your RV off-grid with a 200-watt solar panel with 1,000-watt pure sine inverter. The kitchen includes a 7.3 cubic-foot refrigerator with a pull-out freezer drawer, combination air fryer and convection microwave, induction cooktop and residential-style high-rise faucet. The wet bath is fitted with a one-piece fiberglass shower and cassette toilet.
Class C Motorhomes for First-Time RVers
Entegra Coach | Odyssey SE 22AF-SE Class C Motorhome
Packed with all the necessities, the Odyssey SE Class C motorhome by Entegra Coach has everything for self-contained camping without breaking the bank. Built on a Ford E-350 chassis, the Odyssey SE features rubber isolation mounts to reduce vibrations and noise while absorbing road shocks and impacts for a smooth and comfortable ride. Holding tanks are equipped with 12-volt heating pads to keep them cozy on chilly days. The fully-walkable roof prioritizes safety and convenience when comes to maintenance. The 4,000-watt generator provides plenty of power when hookups aren’t available, and the full-house water filtration system guarantees a fresh drink anywhere. The kitchen is outfitted with the Entegra-exclusive U-shaped, legless dinette, two-burner cooktop, 10 cubic-foot refrigerator, convection microwave and stainless steel sink. The queen bed is situated next to the bathroom with a large shower and foot-flush toilet, and a sink vanity located outside of the bathroom.
NeXus RV | Triumph SP 22TS Class C Motorhome
The open road is yours for the taking in the Triumph Sport Series Class C motorhome by NeXus RV. Get a good night’s rest on the deluxe innerspring queen bed slide out. Freshen up in the morning with the shower and skylight in the rear corner bathroom. A 10 cubic-foot refrigerator and three-burner cooktop highlight the kitchen. Nearby, the booth dinette also transforms into an extra sleeping space. The bunk over cab is also another sleeping space, and there is plenty of storage found in the Triumph Sport Series, including a wardrobe and pantry. Their high-strength, low-alloy, lightweight steel cage sidewalls and roof are 72% stronger than competitors and the composite substrate is impervious to water. Enjoy sleek interiors with upgraded linoleum flooring, upgraded window treatments and night roller shades. There is also a generator to keep you powered up and a TV in the living room for your entertainment needs.
Pop-Up/Teardrop Trailers for First-Time RVers
ALiner | Scout Lite A-Frame Trailer
The Scout Lite A-frame pop-up trailer by ALiner is designed for traditional tent campers who want or need more than a tent. The Scout Lite offers the essential amenities as well as quality construction, affordability and ample storage space for all your gear. The Scout Lite is built lightweight with an Azdel, thermoplastic composite interior wall and ceiling panels allowing you to tow with a smaller vehicle. The interior provides sleeping accommodations on a bunk or the converted dinette, a sink to wash your hands and storage for your clothing, gear and such. The gray fiberglass will be easy to keep clean and you’ll appreciate the LED running lights if you arrive at camp late. With a roof over your head and a nice soft bed to sleep on, you’ll find the Scout Lite is the perfect platform from which to launch all your outdoor adventures.
Modern Buggy | Little Buggy 10RK Teardrop Trailer
The Little Buggy teardrop trailer by Modern Buggy is small enough to tow behind a car, but mighty enough to take you off-roading and exploring deep into the woods. Boondocking and going off-grid is no problem in a Little Buggy with all-terrain tires, a covered underbelly, a LiteLeaf 110-watt solar panel with battery and power outlets with USB charging ports. A durable, thoughtfully designed kitchen galley is perfect for outdoor use and built to withstand the elements. The all-weather kitchen includes a stainless steel sink with faucet, three enclosed weatherproof cabinets, exterior shower/spray port, a 12-volt cooler/freezer on slides and two dome lights. Enjoy a restful night’s sleep, protected from the elements, on a comfy memory foam mattress that converts into a sofa. There’s plenty of room to store your essentials indoors with three cubbies and four enclosed cabinets, all custom-built with premium birch wood.
Our goal at General RV is to be your premier RV partner and your one-stop shop for all your RV needs. For your convenience, we have in-house financing options and work with an RV insurance partner. Plus, you’ll find all the RV parts and accessories you need in our Supercenters. We also have more than 600 state-of-the-art RV service bays across our nationwide network.