A motorhome is a good vehicle to have if you want to take a long camping trip. RVs are so spacious and come with so many interior comforts that some even choose to live in them full-time. If you’re a first-time RV buyer, you may not know the best place to purchase your new motorhome. Thankfully, Go RVing is here to help.

In many ways, buying an RV isn’t much different from buying a regular car. You’ll need to do your research before you make a purchase as well as decide where you want to buy your RV. 

What size of RV do you need?

The biggest (and most expensive) recreational vehicle you can buy is known as a Class A motorhome. These RVs are powered by a diesel engine, which operates smoothly to give drivers a pleasant ride. Gas-operated Class A motorhomes are also available. These vehicles usually come with expansive, fully-furnished kitchens, living areas, laundry rooms, and even a bedroom.

If you only want to use your RV for seasonal camping trips, a Class C motorhome might work better for you. These still have an adequately-sized kitchen and sleeping area, but their smaller size makes them easier to park. A Class B motorhome is your smallest option, which looks more like a van than anything.

How much will yours cost to maintain?

After you’ve decided which RV you want, you’ll need to determine how much it will cost to own annually. Like a car, your recreational vehicle will need to have gas, routine inspections, tire replacements, and oil changes. You’ll also have to pay for insurance and property taxes if the RV is parked on land that you own.

Since larger motorhomes have more built-in accommodations, they’ll cost more to maintain. Expect to pay costs for electricity and plumbing, as well as replacing any floors, roofing, and malfunctioning appliances. Class B motorhomes won’t cost as much to upkeep, but they’re also not ideal for long-term residence.

Where can you buy an RV?

The most exciting place you can buy a new motorhome is at an RV show. Like a car show, you get to walk around and tour many kinds of motorhomes all in one place. You can usually get the best deal here since many dealers will price their RVs to compete with others on the lot.

It’s also the perfect place to go if you want to learn more about ownership. Seminars are hosted that give you plenty of tips about living in motorhomes and the purchasing process. Once you make a selection, you can pick it up from a dealer later.

Local RV dealerships are also popular venues to look for your new motorhome. Your local dealership may be closer to you than an RV show. If you buy local, you’ll know exactly where to go for a service appointment.

However, local dealerships may have limited inventory depending on the kind of RV you want. Traveling to a non-local dealership may be the only option if you’re after a particular make or model. 

In addition to out-of-town dealerships, you can also explore used options online from sites like Craigslist and eBay. Since motorhomes depreciate quickly, it may be a better choice to buy from the used market. You can compare prices online to find out which RV is the best deal.

However, restricting yourself to online browsing may not allow you to get a full tour of the RV. You can see the models in person at a non-local dealer, but keep warranty and maintenance costs in mind. If your RV needs an emergency fix, you may have to travel a great distance to get it repaired.