Tag: RV Buying Tips

Travel is usually at the top of almost anyone’s bucket list, but the cost alone often holds people back. This is where buying an RV can come into the picture. RVs allow travelers to reduce the cost of travel by eliminating the price of a plane ticket, hotel, and the frequency of eating meals out. Because of this, and other reasons, the RV lifestyle has become more and more popular for both travel solutions and for full time living.

If you’re considering buying an RV for full time or part time use, or if you already own one and are considering switching to a different type, then follow along with this multi-part series to become an expert on all the different types of RVs. Let’s start with Class As.

Features

Long Term

If you plan to use your Class A long term or to visit places other than campgrounds, then you will most likely need to tow a personal vehicle. There are many factors to take into account when towing and some of these factors can be quite costly.

Because Class A motorhomes are self-contained units, they require more maintenance and upkeep. The maintenance and any work that needs to be done is much pricier than that of an automobile and requires specialty RV repair shops. Not to mention, if the rig breaks down for any reason, towing can be expensive – but if you’re looking for a true home on wheels – then a Class A might still be a great fit for your lifestyle.

 

Other Considerations

The intended use of an RV is one of the most important factors. Knowing your size and spacing needs will give you an idea of how much space your RV requires. For instance, a couple using an RV full time or a large family traveling part time would have different space requirements. Another important factor to consider is traveling with infants or young children that require car seats. Special safety accommodations must be made in order to provide a safe travel area for them.

Another consideration is the amount of space the RV takes up. Parking can be a challenge, as not all areas can accommodate such a large vehicle. Campgrounds also only have limited sites that can accommodate big rigs. If you ever choose to forego campgrounds, then boondocking can also be a challenge because of the size, and also the lack of off-roading capabilities. These are all important factors to consider when considering a class A motorhome for your next rig.

When choosing an RV, it’s crucial to decide what works best for your intended use and comfort. Bigger rigs mean more amenities, space, storage, and comfort, but that’s met with spacial challenges and cost. Class A motorhomes are the all-in-one rig that can give you, your family, and your pets the right amount of space for your next dream vacation. If you have decided that a Class A motorhome is the RV for you, take a look at the selection of new and used Class A RVs available on RV Trader.

Pro Tip: When you shop for a Class A RV on RVTrader.com, you can find units that have received a complete inspection from RV Trader Assurance powered by Lemon Squad. Look for the RV Trader Inspection Badge on our online marketplace to view a full inspection report, which covers a computer diagnosis of the engine, along with a comprehensive examination of the vehicle condition, mechanical, underbody, tires, wheels, structural integrity, and more.

Do you have a Class A motorhome? What other factors did you take into consideration before purchasing? Feel free to share in the comments below!

RVs make for the ultimate road trip vehicles, allowing owners to bypass hotels, restaurants, and other costly vacation expenses. This can make vacations more affordable, fun, and convenient. For these reasons, more people than ever are hitting the road in their tiny vacation home on wheels and loving every second of it. However, this freedom and relaxation comes at a price.

The average RV can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $1.5 million and most people don’t have the means to purchase an RV outright, so they look to financing options to make their dreams come true. With an expenditure of this size, it’s crucial to know all of the details before you commit. Financing an RV is a big life decision and should be treated as such.

Consider these five principles before taking out a loan on an RV.

1. Securing funding for an RV loan could be difficult

Before obtaining a loan, it’s best to have the mindset that you are purchasing a second house. If you’ve ever purchased a home, you understand what a hassle securing a loan can be. Purchasing an RV poses an even bigger challenge because it’s considered a luxury loan. Unlike an auto or home loan, it is not a necessity, so lenders do not hand these loans out as easily. But don’t worry! Securing a loan can be tricky, but it is not impossible. Lenders look at a variety of factors when determining loan eligibility.

2. RV loans can look a lot like mortgage loans

Many of the factors that determine eligibility for purchasing a house also determine eligibility for purchasing an RV. This means that you will need a good debt-to-income ratio to qualify and lenders may want to use collateral to secure the loan. Sometimes the collateral could be the RV itself. Unsecured loans are also an option, but they typically require higher interest rates and longer loan length.

As with any loan, a good or excellent credit score will help you seem more desirable to lenders. This will also secure lower interest rates and better terms. With a purchase of this size, a ten to thirty-year loan is common, depending on the final sale price. In addition, you will want to have ten to twenty percent of the total RV cost as a down payment. It may be possible to secure a loan without a down payment, but it is rather unlikely. The larger your down payment, the lower your monthly payments will be and this will affect your total amount spent in the long run. If you are looking to become a full-time RVer, selling your current house or vehicle can often be a great way to create an influx of cash for your new home on wheels.

Additionally, please know that your total monthly payment could be fairly high, similar to a mortgage. It will vary based on a number of factors, including sale price, total cost after your down payment, interest rates, and more. It will likely not be as low as an auto loan, but an RV is an investment and is surely worth the overall cost.

3. Depreciation could mean you owe more than you paid for your RV

Just like cars, new RVs depreciate tremendously in the first year of ownership. Brand new RVs lose fifteen to twenty percent of their value as soon as they’re driven off the lot, and this can be rather hard to swallow. Buying a one to three-year-old RV can help reduce the initial depreciation, while still often getting the feel of a brand new vehicle, but with a significantly-lowered cost.

Still, interest rates and continued deprecation mean that, over time, you will likely pay back more than just the RV’s sale price, just as you would with a mortgage or car loan.

4. There are many types of RV loans

Your RV dealership may be able to secure a loan for you, which is often the easiest approach, but this is not your only option. Be sure to do all your research and consider a few loan companies before making your final decision. Dealerships, banks, credit unions, and online lenders all offer RV loans. Be sure to review rates and terms from a variety of sources to ensure you are getting the best long-term deal.

5. You will need to show lenders that they are making a good investment

If your RV is totaled in an accident or suddenly needs costly repairs that you cannot afford, the lender may lose a substantial amount of money. For this reason, you may need to show lenders that you are willing to protect their investment with a few important steps.

First, you will likely need to purchase an RV that is in good condition. Typically, your lender will want to see a full inspection report (provided by most dealers), as well as a list of past and future maintenance. In addition, loans are usually only offered for RVs that are ten years or younger. This is because younger RVs are less likely to experience extensive mechanical failures that could result in a loss for the lender.

Buying a warranty could help lenders to see that you are serious about protecting your RV. Many RV warranties will protect your rig bumper to bumper for three to five years, or a certain amount of miles. The warranty price can often be rolled into the total loan amount, protecting your new rig and increasing your chances of securing a loan.

Lastly, most lenders will require you to insure your new RV with both comprehensive and collision auto insurance. This will protect your RV to the highest extent, ensuring that it is protected, even in the event of an accident caused by the owner. This will be fairly costly but will likely be less expensive than comp and collision insurance on a car that is driven daily.

Obtaining financing for your RV is no small choice and should not be taken lightly. Future RV owners should plan to do lots of research before shopping for their new rig. And once you’ve found the perfect RV, be sure to consider any and all options and scenarios before securing a loan. Planning ahead can save you time, money and frustration in the long run when financing the RV of your dreams.

As the leading online marketplace for buying and selling RVs, RV Trader understands just how useful the Internet can be in finding your next recreational vehicle. However, it is essential that online shoppers always be on the lookout for scams. Spikes in scams occur around the holidays in retail, but they can happen all year round. Because we always want our customers to be safe, we’ve put together a list of 13 tips for avoiding scams when buying online.

1. Confirm the Seller is Real

A seller should always clearly provide the name of their company, as well as their physical address, telephone number, and email address (1). If they don’t provide that information, that’s an immediate warning sign. If they do provide the information, you need to check that it is accurate.

• Plug the physical address into Google Maps to make sure the location is where a legitimate business might operate.
• Do a search online for the phone number provided to see if it returns the company or if people report getting spam calls from the number.
• Ensure that any email or telephone number you are given is an exact match of the contact information on the Contact Page of the seller’s official website. For example, anyone contacting you from RV Trader directly will have an @rvtrader.com or @traderinteractive.com email address – never a Gmail, Yahoo, or any other personal email provider domain.

2. Check Online Reviews

Leaving and reading company and product reviews has become a huge aspect of online shopping, and continues to grow. People who have been scammed by a company are very likely to have left an online review about their experience. Search for the company’s name along with the keyword “reviews” or “scam” and see what other people have said.

3. Ask Your Peers

Instead of only seeing what strangers have said online, ask your friends, coworkers, and industry peers if they have used the company in the past and what their experience was working with the seller. They can not only let you know if the seller would be a quality partner, but also how the seller typically communicated with them so you can know if anything seems off about their communications.

4. Evaluate the Website

Thoroughly review the seller’s website to make sure it looks professional (1). Most fake websites will look somewhat strange, with spelling and grammar mistakes, low-quality product images, and other oddities. This can help them naturally filter out cautious shoppers; they know that if you don’t catch simple mistakes on a website, then you’re not likely to catch their scam either. Avoid being pegged as an easy target by evaluating their content with a critical eye. You should also look for other claims on the website that could be verified. For example, if they have seals of approval or endorsement badges from a company you trust, like the Better Business Bureau, contact that company or view their website directories to check if they really have worked with or endorsed the seller.

5. Confirm the Product is Real

You may want to verify that any pictures of inventory are of the actual for-sale product and are not stock images from online (1). To make sure you are buying the specific product in the pictures, ask the seller for a photo of the unit that includes the seller holding a piece of paper with their name and the date, or anything else you ask for. It may be a slight inconvenience to them, but you should be suspicious if they refuse to provide the photo.

6. Confirm the Deal is Real

Sometimes companies really do offer amazing deals, but most of the time when something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers will often say you’ve won a prize, but claim you have to provide sensitive information and/or send them money for the taxes, fees, or shipping costs. Typically prizes don’t come with any charges to the winner, so that’s already a big red flag, but also ask yourself if the prize is reasonable or if it seems over the top. Finally, ask yourself if any deal or giveaway fits the pattern of typical behavior for the company and if they’ve offered similar deals or prizes in the past. If you’ve never signed up for a contest, or heard of the company making comparable deals to the one they’re offering you, that’s another huge warning sign.

7. Use Caution When Clicking Links

Sometimes a scam goes beyond tricking you into sending money, but instead involves directly stealing your identity and/or hacking your computer and online accounts. This is why you should be wary of clicking unknown links in emails or on websites. Scam links could redirect you to an unsafe site or may download a virus onto your computer. Always hover your mouse over links, which will cause a link preview to appear either by the mouse icon or near the bottom of the browser, letting you know where a link would really redirect you. It’s also a good idea to right-click on the link, copy the website address, and then search for it online to see what comes back. Only click links when you know and trust the site it leads to.

8. Don’t Give Out Too Much Info

When making an online purchase, typically the only information required will be your name, credit card details, and address, as well as possibly your phone number (1). If the website asks you for anything additional, especially including sensitive data like your social security number, you should be suspicious.

9. Only Enter Info on Secure Sites

When providing personal information, only do so on websites with an SSL or TLS encryption. These encryptions create a secure connection between your web browser and the server of the company you are interacting with, with no outside observation or interference. Websites with secure encryptions will display a padlock symbol in the address bar of your browser, and the first letters in the address bar will be “https” instead of simply “https.” Be sure you see those signs, especially when you reach the payment stage.

10. Only Use Secure Payment Methods

When you pay for something online, you should follow three security guidelines (1). First, always pay on a page that is secured, as we just discussed. Second, pay by credit card as you may be able to recover your money from the credit card company if fraud occurs. Third, avoid direct money transfers, as it can be nearly impossible to get your money back if you are scammed or have issues with the product.

11. Use Credit Card Protection Services

Many credit card companies will offer a unique credit card number that you can use for specific websites (2). These card protection services ensure that if somebody gets hold of your credit card information from a transaction on those select websites, they can’t use it on any other sites, saving you from being scammed out of significant money.

12. Regularly Check Bank Statements

Use your banking website or app to review the electronic statements for your credit and debit cards and checking accounts regularly instead of waiting for the physical bill to arrive (if you even still get a paper bill anymore). This helps you control any fraudulent charges and take immediate action by calling your bank or card issuer (1).

13. Check Privacy Policies & Consumer Rights

Seller’s should always have a page on their website detailing their privacy policy. Check this policy to make sure the company will not use your personal info for anything other than the purchase. Online businesses also must provide clear and correct information about your rights as a consumer (1). A seller should clearly describe your rights regarding returns or warranties. If a seller lacks these statements, use caution.

You have options when it comes to where you can purchase an RV. The primary two choices are RVs bought directly through a private party, or from the lot of a dealership. Both buying options have pros and cons, and the correct venue for purchase will depend on your needs as a traveler. Subsequently, the options to protect your new rig will differ depending on who supplies your coverage.

In this post, we explore some key differences between buying an RV through a private party versus a dealership, plus some important factors to note on protecting your investment.

From an RV Dealer

There are lemon laws in place for many dealerships, and if you’re purchasing new, you’ll also receive a one-year manufacturer’s warranty for any shake-out issues. For used units, you typically have a 30-day grace period to get any repairs covered.

But what happens beyond those 30-days, or even the year?

When you purchase an RV directly through a dealer, you have two options to protect your investment. You can either buy extended warranty coverage through their existing programs, or you can go through an online broker.

No matter where you purchase your policy, there are some things you should look for to ensure reliable coverage. First, is there an option for personalized quotes? Not every traveler has the same needs, and you don’t want a one-size-fits-all policy. Make sure your purchase includes the components you want protected, and that you’re not paying for what you don’t.

Next, confirm the person selling the policy is a subject matter expert in the warranty itself, not just the physical RV. Beyond that, post-purchase support can be invaluable when it comes to smooth claims processing. You’ll want to make sure there is someone to go up to bat for you and communicate between all parties involved (including: the administrator, repair facility, and obligor).

You’ll also want to look at the network of repair facilities the coverage offers. Can you go to any repair shop in America and Canada, or are you limited to a few, or just the dealership? The policy won’t be of much help if you’re in a bind on the road and you can’t get the repairs covered at the local shop, or by a mobile mechanic.

Another thing to note, is that you’ll have the longest warranty term options with the cheapest price when you are purchasing a new unit. That’s because the brand-spanking-new RVs driving off the lot have the lowest probability for breakdowns in the eyes of warranty companies. If price is a factor for you, consider purchasing a policy before your manufacturer’s warranty runs out to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Through a Private Party

Once you purchase a used RV, you’ll either find that the original owner has already fixed a majority of the initial issues, or you’ll have an as-is vehicle that needs a multitude of repairs on your own dime.

The older the motorhome or towable becomes, the more important it is to purchase supplementary protection products like an extended warranty or roadside assistance. These policies can benefit your purchase decision in more ways than one, and truly serve as a tool to assist in choosing a quality rig at a fraction of the cost.

Unfortunately, the older the rig is, the more susceptible it is to breakdowns. That’s because 3 out of 10 RVs will need a major repair within their first two years on the road. That jumps to 8 out of 10 RVs by the fifth year, and nearly every RV by the eighth year of use! Those odds aren’t great for your budget if you don’t have some sort of additional protection in place.

The quotes from extended warranties can help determine how often your specific unit will breakdown. Warranty companies are constantly evaluating the risk associated with specific units, and the price of coverage can give you further insight into how frequently you may expect your RV to fail during the lifetime of the policy.

It’s important to note that an online broker will be the only option for extended warranty coverage after a private party sale. Brokers are often able to offer a wider array of options and age eligibility, making them a perfect fit for many private party shoppers.

Plus – the RV extended service contract can continue to add monetary value even if you decide to sell your home-on-wheels down the road. It suggests that a rig has been well maintained and any issues or service needed was performed in a thorough manner. Similarly, if your private party purchase came with an extended warranty, it likely suggests the RV has been well cared for.

Things to Consider When Selling Your RV

Whether you purchase a warranty from a dealership or from an online broker, make sure it’s fully transferrable. If you sell your RV directly to another RVer, that process should be simple. A small fee, and a few quick signatures should be all that’s required to transfer the remaining policy term to the new owner. If you’re not absolutely certain you’ll hold on to your rig for the remainder of its lifetime, you should make sure to confirm the transfer process with your broker or dealership.

You have options when it comes to buying your RV, and protecting it long term. The tips above are an excellent way to begin your education on the differences between private party and dealership RV purchases, along with the different roads you can take to protect your investment after you’ve secured your home-on-wheels.

Article written by Wholesale Warranties, the leading provider of RV Extended Warranties direct to consumer. With a focus on education, customer service and reliable coverage, Wholesale Warranties has established themselves as the premier option for RVers looking to protect the road ahead. To work with a highly trained RV warranty specialist on an RV protection quote for your home-on-wheels, please call 800-939-2806 or visit wholesalewarranties.com.

For many years, the Winnebago Adventurer was not only the flagship gas-powered model for the brand, it was one of the most-recognized nameplates in RVing.

Then, for a brief period, the model took a hiatus from the Winnebago lineup. “Over the years, the product moved further upmarket, and we felt like we needed to hit ‘pause’ for a bit,” noted Niles Whitehouse, Product Manager for Winnebago’s Class A gas lineup.

The Adventurer Returns

Now the Adventurer is back at a lower price point, with five floorplans ranging from 29 to 37 feet and a pair of available options that distinguish it from most other RVs on the road today.

The first is the All-Weather Upgrade Package, which adds a second high-efficiency air conditioner with heat pump as well as a 5,500-watt Cummins Onan® Marquis Gold™ gas generator, 50-amp. power cord and automatic changeover switch.

“The Adventurer uses our trademark Thermo-Panel construction, so it’s already very well-insulated. The All-Weather Package adds some extra oomph to the cooling, so folks will be comfortable just about anywhere you can take an RV,” said Whitehouse. “And of course, when it’s cool out, the electric fireplace (in the 35F and 36Z floorplans) will take the chill out of the air.”

Wheelchair Accessible

 

The second option is actually a series of modifications that turn the Adventurer into a fully accessible home on wheels for wheelchair users.

Part of Winnebago’s Accessibility Enhanced model lineup, the Adventurer 30T AE includes a platform wheelchair lift on the passenger side, plus a powered roll-up lift door to make independent entry and exit simple and easy. Inside, the hallway and bath areas have been expanded to accommodate wheelchairs, there’s a roll-in shower with assist bar — even the appliances and switches have been relocated to make RV travel and living easier.

Winnebago has been modifying their motorhomes to make them wheelchair-accessible for more than three decades. But according to Jamie Sorenson, the company’s Director of Specialty Vehicles, the new Accessibility Enhanced Adventurer is part of a whole new approach.

“In the past, we would start by taking a fully built coach just off the line, and extensively modifying and customizing it afterward. Now, we are building three models — the Adventurer 30T, the Intent 30R, and the Forza 34T — as Accessibility Enhanced models right from the start. That saves time and materials, and allows us to price them pretty attractively.

“We’re doing this both for long-time RVers who may be facing some new mobility issues, as well as for wheelchair users who may not be RVers currently, but who want to maximize their comfort and flexibility as they travel.”

The three Accessibility Enhanced models will make their debut at the Tampa RV show, after which they will be available through select Winnebago dealers.

Mention that you’re looking at a motorhome and most non-RVers think of a Class A — the bus-style coach built on a specially designed commercial chassis.

Yet the reality is that the majority of motorhomes sold every year are Class C’s, which are built on an automotive van or truck frame, with the motorhome body appended to the original cab.

According to Niles Whitehouse, Product Manager at Winnebago, there are some very good reasons these motorhomes are so popular.

“For one thing, many people are more comfortable driving a Class C coach, because the experience is similar to driving a large pickup. In addition, Class C coaches are typically more economical to buy and to operate, as they tend to be more fuel-efficient.

“And because they’re smaller than a Class A, they’re easier to maneuver in campgrounds and can go some places you might not want to tackle in a Class A motorhome,” Whitehouse noted.

When it comes to floorplans, modern Class C’s make the most of available space. Most have a sleeping space over the cab; that bed, coupled with a bed in the rear, plus a sofa or dinette that converts to another bed, means that a Class C coach will often have more sleeping capacity than a typical Class A, so it’s no wonder Class C’s are popular with families.

Many C’s have slideouts that add to the living space. For example, Winnebago’s Outlook 27D floorplan has two slideouts, allowing Winnebago to put both a walkaround queen bed and a roomy bathroom in a 28’8″ long coach.

The year 1958 brought some high-tech firsts: the first microchip, the first passenger jet to Europe, and the first satellite. It’s fitting that the RV brand known for engineering was born that year too. Called Modernistic Industries for its first three years, the company in Forest City, Iowa soon took a new name: Winnebago. Since producing its first $895 Aljo travel trailer in 1958, Winnebago has shaped America’s RV industry one game-changing model at a time. Here are some highlights:

In 1983, Winnebago rolled out three maneuverable models with fuel-efficient Renault diesel engines that delivered 22+ miles per gallon: LeSharo and Phasar motorhomes, and Centauri vans. The trio attracted many first-timers to RV ownership.

 

 

 

• The Ultimate Freedom and Ultimate Advantage, two top-of-the-line diesel pushers;
• The Vista and Sunstar, two affordable Class As that remain category leaders.
• The View and Navion, two Class Cs, and the first North American motorhomes built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis; and
• The Era, a fuel-efficient Class B van also built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.

Today, Winnebago is still the world’s largest builder of RVs on a Sprinter chassis. Closing out the decade, a market crash tested every industry.

2010 to Now

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If you think Class A motorhomes all look alike, you owe yourself a look at the surprising new Horizon. The ultra-contemporary 2018 diesel coach won this year’s “RV of the Year” award from RV Business magazine. Along with the small 4×4 capable Class B Winnebago Revel, the Horizon also won RV PRO magazine’s “Best of Show” award at the RV industry’s national trade show in Louisville.

Handing Winnebago the trophy last November, RV Business editors praised the Horizon’s “authentically different modernistic interiors”—and predicted the Horizon would attract a new breed of first-time buyers into the RV lifestyle. In other words, the Horizon is not your grandparents’ coach.

“We had this dream to create a million-dollar look in something much more affordable,” says Mike Happe, CEO of Winnebago. “It looks and feels more like a Manhattan condo than a traditional diesel RV.”

Starting at $385,214, the Horizon is no small investment. But it sets a new bar for the high-end luxury category with a significantly lower price than other offerings.

After you’re struck by the elegant, clean lines of the 41’ to 43’ exterior (without the traditional “swoops”), the Horizon’s light interior greets you with a sophisticated vibe. A lot of design touches create this impression of soft vibrancy:

• High-gloss laminate built-ins with LED backlit translucent panels
• Open floor plan with roomy meal prep, kitchen, and a dining area you can rearrange to fit the occasion
• Plenty of stainless steel, porcelain tile, and luxurious Villa furnishings
• Grooved countertop for self-drying dishes
• 50” HD TV that pops up directly across from the couch for easier viewing
• Full galley with residential French-door refrigerator and Induction cooktop
• Double-sink master bath and roomy shower
• 50” HDTV, satellite system ready, with soundbar and Blu-ray™ Home Theater System
• Ample, creative storage areas that “disappear” into the walls