Is Owning An RV Worth It? How to Know If It’s For You
In 2017 alone, more than 10 million American households owned an RV. As more people look for affordable ways to take vacations, that number will only increase. If you’ve been thinking of getting an RV, you’re likely asking yourself one key question: is owning an RV worth it? While the answer differs from person to person, it’s fairly easy to tell if buying a camper is in your best interest. Here’s what you need to consider.
Figure Out What You Need
Is camping fun? Absolutely, but there are more ways to camp than just using an RV. Think about what you need to enjoy your time in the great outdoors. If you’re comfortable in a tent with nothing separating you from the elements but a thin layer of a vinyl cloth, an RV might not be the right investment for your situation, therefore it’s good to check RV Cost of Ownership.
However, if you’re looking for something that will let you enjoy nature without feeling like you’re giving up the comforts of home, a travel trailers california is a must. When you travel in an RV, you’ll have access to many of the same amenities you’d get in a hotel room. You’ll have a bathroom, real beds, solid walls, and climate control. Depending on the type of RV you buy, you may even have a full kitchen to prepare meals a breeze.
Before you rush into your closest dealership, think about the things you need to feel comfortable on your trips and the type of camping you plan to do. If you think you can get by and enjoy your time in a tent, that’s okay. However, if you want to camp without losing life’s little luxuries, an RV is more than worth the investment.
Consider Your Finances
Unfortunately, buying an RV isn’t ever going to be as cheap as buying a tent and a sleeping bag. Even renting an RV will often cost you more than most hotel rooms. So if you’re asking yourself, “is owning an RV worth it?” take a look at your finances.
When you buy an RV, you’re going to have to pay for the RV itself, insurance, fuel, and campground fees. Though you can always finance the purchase of the RV itself, you’ll need to pay for campsite reservations upfront.
You’ll also need to maintain insurance on your RV at all times unless you’re storing it for months on end. Think about how much you’re willing to pay not just on your trips but on the entire RV ownership journey. If you have the money to cover the payments on your camper and pay for the types of trips you want to take, it’s well worth the investment.
Understand the Maintenance Requirements
While manufacturers design their RVs to be as low maintenance as they can be, there are always little things you’ll need to fix. Unfortunately, when you use your RV often, those things will pop up more frequently.
Before you buy your camper, consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do. If you’re not willing to take the time to fix minor issues before they become a big problem, you may want to rent an RV instead. This will let you travel in an RV without having to deal with any of the maintenance.
However, if you’re willing to put in the time and a little elbow grease, you’ll find that owning and maintaining an RV is more than worth it. Of course, the longer you own your RV, the easier those maintenance tasks will become. However, if you ever feel overwhelmed, you can always bring your camper to your dealership. According to this blog post, your dealership should always have mechanics on hand to help you diagnose and repair issues with your RV. They’ll even be able to order the necessary parts to make sure your RV works as well as it did when you bought it.
Think About How Often You Travel
RVs are ideal for people who travel often. They allow you to have a safe place to stay wherever you can park. That means you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on hotel fees every year. That said, campground reservations can range from completely free to more than $150 a night. Of course, it all depends on the types of amenities you’re looking for.
Typically, RVers who travel often are happy to use the amenities included in their campers. Things like full kitchens, showers, bathrooms, and televisions come standard in most travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. Vacationers that only travel once or twice a year tend to want more luxurious accommodations.
That means you’ll end up paying a premium for your site on top of the price you pay for the RV. So if you’re going to be traveling every few months for a night or two or taking a vacation once a year, owning an RV may not be the best choice.
Paying for a hotel room or even a deluxe cabin at a campground for your annual vacation will be cheaper than paying for an RV. If you’re going to travel regularly or want to increase the amount of time you and your family spend in nature, owning an RV will make that easy.
So, Is Owning an RV Worth It for You?
There’s no denying that hitting the road in a camper, whether you choose a simple travel trailer or a deluxe motorhome, is the best way to travel. However, it’s not right for everyone. When you ask yourself, “is owning an RV worth it?” keep this guide in mind. If you think that you’ll be able to get out in nature and enjoy using your RV often, owning an RV is a great choice.
However, if you think you’ll use it once or twice and are still asking, “should I buy a camper?” you may want to hold off. Instead, try renting a camper and see if you enjoy the experience. For more helpful tips and tricks on getting the most out of your RV, check out our latest posts.
