You and your family have decided they’re ready to explore the RV lifestyle. Whether that means heading out to a nearby campground for a long weekend or spending a couple of weeks exploring the coast, you’re going to need a family RV before hitting the road. But how do you choose the best family RV? With so many options to pick from, it can be pretty overwhelming to find the best RV for your family. Fortunately, we’re here to help.

Do you need a family RV that can tow a vehicle behind it?

According to Go RVing, asking yourself this question is a quick and easy way to narrow your search when shopping for a family RV. Go RVing says that if you don’t have a vehicle capable of towing an RV and aren’t up for buying one, then you’ll want to stick to a motorized RV. But if you do have a vehicle capable of towing an RV? Consider the vehicle’s towing capacity and narrow your search to RVs that match that number. Keep in mind, though, when searching for a towable family RV, you should be adding in the weight of passengers, cargo, and liquids to calculate how much you’ll need to tow. 

What’s your family’s preferred RV floorplan?

It’s also important to consider how big of an RV your family requires, and what type of floorplan would best suit the needs of your brood. Ask yourself how many people your RV needs to sleep and how much space you’ll need to feel comfortable during the day and while traveling to and from your destination.

Fulltime Families suggests asking yourself how much storage space you’ll need in your family RV too. Ask yourself what you need to bring with you on your next family adventure and where each item will go. To really get an idea of what floorplan would work best for your family, Go RVing suggests visiting an RV show with your family and spending some time exploring the options available.

What kinds of activities does your family enjoy?

Before buying a family RV, consider what types of activities your brood actually enjoys. Do you consider yourself city slickers? Or is your family all about that outdoor life? If you plan on spending most of your time at a campground, RVshare recommends choosing an RV that meets your day-to-day living needs. And if your family is more inclined to check out a nearby city? Go RVing suggests choosing a smaller family RV that’s easier to navigate on city streets and in parking lots.

Is your family one for roughing it? Or would they prefer more comfortable accommodations?

Now, let’s talk about accommodations. How many people will your family’s RV need to sleep? Will everyone need their own bedroom? Or, are your kiddos up for sharing? What types of amenities does your family need onboard to be comfortable? These amenities could include anything from multiple bathrooms to a dishwasher. Regardless, according to Adventure in Camping, these are all things that you should keep in mind when buying a family RV. 

How much do you plan on spending?

On average, RVs can cost between $10,000 and $300,000 depending on the style and features, reports Camper Report. So before heading to a dealership to buy an RV, you should probably determine how much you actually want to spend on it. Buying a used RV is also an option and can save you a decent chunk of change. And if you’re not quite ready to purchase an RV, you can always rent one before deciding to buy one too. 

How to choose the best RV for your family

Choosing the best RV for your family is going to take time and patience. Do your research, and have a good understanding of what type of RV would best suit your family. Consider your needs and expectations while also acknowledging how much money you actually plan to spend on an RV. And try not to stress yourself out too much. Even if the RV you choose doesn’t turn out to be a perfect fit for your brood, you can always upgrade or give another RV a try.