FIRST RV? Read This Before Buying Your First RV

If you’re buying an RV for the first time, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of adventure and freedom. But before you dive in, it’s important to know what to expect, and how to avoid common mistakes that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

We leaned on Bish’s RV expert, Josh the RV Nerd, to help first-time RV buyers make smarter, safter, and more enjoyable choices.

Here’s what you need to know before you buy your first RV.

Try Before You Buy: Rent or Borrow an RV First

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Buying an RV can feel like love at first sight, but what if it’s just a vacation fling?

Before committing to a big purchase, rent an RV for the weekend or borrow one from a friend. This low-risk trial run helps you decide if RV life is right for you—without locking yourself into payments or ownership responsibilities.

Tip: Buying first makes you fully committed. Renting makes you less invested and allows you to shop without the unknowns.

Talk to a Real Person Before You Buy

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Online research is a great starting point, but when it comes to RV buying, nothing replaces real human connection. Talking to someone who sells, repairs, or lives in RVs can offer next-level insights. A real conversation helps you spot red flags, understand what’s included in the purchase, and get clarity on options you might not even know to ask about.

So, whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, make time to speak with them directly, ideally over the phone or in person.

Also, if you’re unsure about towing capacity, make sure to talk to someone who knows how to help you match your RV with your vehicle!

Buy Used Instead of New (at Least to Start)

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Buying new sounds nice, until you realize the second you drive off the lot, your RV drops in value. Used RVs can give you the same adventures for less money, especially if you’re still figuring out what you want long-term. When buying your first RV, consider purchasing a used model. Used RVs often offer:

Lower Upfront Cost

One of the biggest advantages of buying a used RV is the significantly lower price tag. A used RV can save you tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the model, age, and condition of the unit. For first-time buyers, this means you can get a much higher-quality RV for a fraction of the price compared to a new model. That lower upfront cost can free up money for other things, like upgrades, accessories, or future maintenance.

Less Depreciation

Unlike new RVs that start losing value the second they’re driven off the lot, used RVs have already gone through that initial depreciation phase. This means you won’t lose as much money if you decide to sell or trade-in the RV in the future. The depreciation curve for used RVs is much less steep, which makes them a more stable investment. Essentially, you get more for your money because the value of the RV won’t plummet immediately after purchase.

Easier Resale or Trade-In

Used RVs generally have better resale value, especially if they’re in good condition. The market for used RVs is robust, as many people are looking for a great deal without paying full price for a new unit. If you decide to upgrade to a newer or different model in the future, it will likely be easier to sell or trade in your used RV than it would be with a new one. This gives you more flexibility as you learn what type of RV best fits your needs over time.

Cost-Effective Way to Figure Out What You Want Long-Term

For first-time buyers, purchasing a used RV allows you to get a feel for the RV lifestyle without committing to a brand-new, high-cost purchase. You’ll have the chance to experience the different models, floorplans, and features that you like and don’t like. As you spend time in your used RV, you’ll learn what works for your needs—whether that’s more storage, a larger bathroom, or a specific layout. This knowledge will help you make a more informed decision if you decide to upgrade in the future, and it ensures you won’t regret purchasing a model that doesn’t suit your needs.

Pro Tip: Start used, upgrade later. You’ll learn a lot from your first RV—and won’t lose as much value if you decide to trade up.

Buying used can be a great way to learn what you really want, without paying top dollar to find out.

Always Get an RV Inspection

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Hire an independent RV inspector, even if the RV is new. Think of it like a home inspection before purchasing a home — it’s a small cost upfront that could save you thousands later. Inspectors check structural integrity, test systems, and look for signs of wear or water damage that could be costly. Even with new RVs, pre-delivery inspections sometimes miss things that can void warranties if not caught early.

If the seller or dealership won’t let you bring an inspector, that’s a major red flag.

Put Money Down When Financing an RV

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A down payment isn’t just about reducing your loan amount, it’s about buying flexibility. If you’re financing your RV (like most buyers), try to put down as much as you comfortably can for the following reasons:

Lower Interest Payments: By putting down a substantial amount upfront, you reduce the total amount you need to finance, which in turn lowers your monthly payments. But more importantly, the less you finance, the less interest you’ll pay over time. This is because interest is calculated based on the total loan amount, so a smaller loan balance means you’ll pay less in interest over the life of the loan.

Better Loan Terms: The larger your down payment, the more appealing you’ll be to lenders. Putting more money down shows you’re financially responsible and less of a risk, which can help you secure a better interest rate and more favorable loan terms.

Increased Flexibility for Future Transactions: The more you put down now, the more equity you’ll have in your RV right from the start. This makes it easier to sell or trade in your RV later if you decide to upgrade or change models.

Don’t Finance Non-Essentials: It might be tempting to roll in the costs of add-ons like accessories, taxes, or even smaller essentials like a sewer hose into your financing, but this can quickly add unnecessary interest to your loan. Instead, pay for accessories and taxes out-of-pocket. For instance, don’t finance that sewer hose, it’s a relatively small expense that can quickly increase your loan balance without adding any long-term value. Paying for those non-essential items upfront ensures you’re not inflating your loan amount unnecessarily.

Record Your RV Walkthrough

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When you take delivery of your RV, you’ll receive a walkthrough or orientation. Record the whole thing with your phone. RV walkthroughs are like drinking from a firehose, you’ll get a ton of information in a short time. Recording the process ensures you won’t forget how to winterize your unit or reset the breaker if the microwave trips it. Why?

• You’ll forget things in the excitement of pickup day
• You can review the footage at home and follow along in your RV
• It gives you a personal reference guide when questions come up

Tip: Ask the walkthrough specialist to explain common troubleshooting tips, you’ll thank yourself later.

Ask a Lot of Questions (Even If You Know the Answer)

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When buying an RV, you are interviewing the seller, whether it’s a dealership or an individual. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like it’s an interview. Ask about roof material, insulation ratings, underbelly protection, towing specs, and tank sizes. Ask what’s included in the price. Ask if the seller has maintenance records or accident history.

Additional questions to consider:

• Does it have an enclosed underbelly?
• Is the roof walkable?
• What’s the towing capacity?
• Are there signs of previous water damage?

Even better: ask a few questions you already know the answers to. It’s a great way to gauge the seller’s honesty and knowledge.

Make Your First RV Purchase with Confidence

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Buying an RV for the first time is exciting, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls, save money, and find the RV that fits your lifestyle.

Pro Tips:

Rent Before You Buy
Renting lets you experience different types of RVs and floor plans to see what works best for you without the pressure of ownership. You can experiment with the space, layout, and amenities, and figure out what you truly need in a camper, whether that’s a larger kitchen, more storage, or a specific layout for sleeping arrangements.

Don’t Skip the Research
Whether you decide to rent first, buy used, or go for a new RV, research is key. Take the time to learn about the different RV types (Class A, B, or C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, etc.), their features, pros, and cons. Understand what you need for your specific travel plans and lifestyle.

Know Your Budget and Stick to It
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of purchasing an RV, but it’s important to establish a realistic budget before you start shopping. Factor in not only the cost of the RV itself but also the additional expenses, such as taxes, registration, insurance, maintenance, and potential upgrades. Remember, RV ownership involves ongoing costs, such as fuel, campgrounds, and possibly seasonal maintenance, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Whether you rent first, buy used, or jump straight into a new model, take your time, ask questions, and find the camper that’s the right fit for you!

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