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Since
there is such a variety of RV's on the market
and since each class of RV is tailored for specific
needs, the first step in selecting an RV is to
find the answers to the following questions.
What's the intended use of your RV?
This is the most crucial question of all in selecting
an RV. You have to determine whether you're planning
to "park" your RV at a campground or
whether you're planning to travel with it  on a
regular basis. In other words, are you planning
to tow your RV. If so, and assuming that you have
the proper towing vehicle, you must now look at
how "big" you're willing to tow since
people tow anything from a Pop-Up trailer to
a 5th wheel. If on the other hand you're planning
to "park" your RV, other things become
more important such as how much interior space
you need. Obviously, there are multitudes of possible
use for your RV and each may impact your decision.
Here's a few potential RV use;
| • Extended
trips |
• Short
(week-end) trips |
• Winter
getaway (snowbirds) |
| • Fishing
/ hunting trips |
• Summer
home |
• Year
long occupancy (ex. retirement) |
| • Local
campgrounds |
• Wilderness
camping |
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How
many people are you planning to accommodate?
On average, how many people will be sleeping in
your RV. This will help determine not only the
interior space needed but also the number and
type of beds you need (bunk beds, convertible
sofa....)
How much home conveniences do you want? Microwave, shower, washing machine etc....
For some people, camping has to be rugged! For others, camping has to be comfortable.... almost like home! That's why RV's come with a multitude of options such as corian countertops, ice makers, electric fireplaces, flat screen TVs, recliners etc....... And, of course, the more options you want, the bigger the RV.
When do you plan to use your RV?
Camping in early spring or late fall is quite a different experience than camping in hot summer days! If you're planning to camp a lot during chilly weather, maybe you should look for a well insulated 4-season RV.
Are you OK to use the campground's showers and washrooms and showers?
Campground bathroom facilities are not always the best. If you don't like the idea of sharing these facilities with hundreds of people, make sure you pick an RV that includes these options.
How
much of a "handy" person are you?
Although setting up and maintaining an RV is not
that difficult, it does require that you become
familiar with the RV major components (electrical
system, levelling system, water system, heating
system, A/C system, LPG system) and that
you learn how to level the trailer, start the
furnace, empty the holding tanks, open the awning
etc.... Sometimes, these also need a little bit
of troubleshooting and minor repairs. Major repairs
are best left to RV repair centers.
How
much storage space will be needed?
If you're camping with four kids and you own a motorboat, look for an RV with plenty of storage for food, clothing,
sporting equipment, life jackets etc... And, if you want to bring your motorcycle or 4-wheeler, there are RVs that have special storage at the back thus .
How
often are you planning to use the RV?
If
you're only planning to use the RV a couple of
time a year or if you're new to RVing and you're
not 100% sure that you'll like it, then you might
look into the option of buying a used RV. Drop
by an RV store, check out your newspaper or those
specialized "Traders" magazines and
maybe you'll find the perfect RV for you at a
much lower price. Take a look at our Buying
a used RV checklist, it will
explain to you what to look for when buying a
used RV.
If
you need more information, you can check the GoRVing Canada website or the RV.Net
website.
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