How to Buy the Right Motorhome
Many people rush into buying a motorhome, but this is not a good idea. For one thing, a motorhome is a major investment, second only to college tuition and housing. As you think about buying an RV, you should do a little homework because of the cost involved.
Learning about the nuts and bolts of maintaining and driving a motorhome is one of the best steps you can take while you decide whether or not you want to buy a motorhome.
But let’s back up just for a second to that first decision you need to make. “Is RV’ing for me?” should be the first question you answer before you start considering making the purchase.
How can you find out how well a motorhome will match up to your wants? Our best advice for you in this regard is to rent a motorhome and take it with you on vacation! You will certainly know whether or not you want to own a motorhome by the time you get back home. Even a short trip lasting only 4 to 7 days can help you and your spouse, if you have one, to decide whether or not you can handle the steering, parking, and operating demands of a motorhome. Some people may decide RV’ing is not as fun as it appeared at first, while others will love it.
You can find motorhomes in three different classes: A, B, and C. If you choose a Class A, you will discover that it can be constructed in different ways. You may find one built on the chassis of a commercial bus, a commercial truck, or even a chassis made just for motorhomes. A Class A motorhome will give you the most space of all, with a length between 20 and 45 feet.
Prices on Class A’s start at around $50,000 and then the sky can be the limit. Some customized motorhomes have sold for $1,000,000 or higher. That’s a bit beyond most people’s budgets, but at least you know how expensive they can be.
Class B motorhomes are usually constructed on a van chassis and are van conversions that usually have a raised roof. Essentially, they are what people would refer to as a tricked out van. The extended roof creates more interior room, enabling some people to stand up inside them.
Class B’s are usually designed for one or two people only and are great for a weekend up to a week in the outdoors. Prices have been known to be erratic on the Class B’s but the average starting price is around $30,000
The Class C motorhome is one built on a truck chassis and usually sporting a cab section, as well. You will most often find that the cab section is based on a van, but you may find truck-based cabs, as well.
One of the most noticeable features of Class C motorhomes is the cab-over section where sleeping room is found. They are often called “mini-motorhomes”.
By now, you have a good grasp of the three basic styles of motorhome available. Have a great time choosing your RV!
Posted on Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
Under: RVs | No Comments »
