First-Time RVers
Choosing an RV
If you are new to travel trailers, visit at least one RV show before you buy either the travel trailer or the tow vehicle. The vehicle's tow rating must be compatible with the trailer's weight. You can approach the truck/trailer purchase two ways: Choose the trailer you want first, then look at the cost of an accordant tow vehicle. If you, however, selected a travel trailer that is long and heavy, you might find the price of the tow vehicle for your chosen trailer exceeds your spending plan. You can alternatively select the tow vehicle first (one that fits your budget), then return to the RV show and choose a trailer your tow vehicle can pull. Either approach works. Just remember that the cost of buying a travel trailer should include that of the tow vehicle it takes to pull it. If the overall cost is too high, sometimes it is best to wait (or scale back on size/weight). We visited RV shows for years before we were financially ready to buy our first travel trailer and tow vehicle.
Shopping for travel trailers is fun, especially when you're not in a hurry. The bigger shows have more RVs and may have better food choices at lunchtime. Go early and plan to spend the whole day comparing the attributes of all the RVs on display. Don't be afraid to ask the sales folks questions (but don't sign on the dotted line until YOU are ready).
When we went to our first RV show, we didn't know what features we wanted because we weren't aware of what was available. As we paraded through the different models, we created a list of elements that we found appealing. For instance, one model had an outdoor cook stove that slid out from the side (I liked that feature). Another model had a shower stall with a door - that we both liked - rather than a tub with a shower curtain.
Everyone has their own specific needs, depending on the size of your family. The good news is that there is an RV design for just about every lifestyle and budget.
Here are some of the items that we wanted for our first RV:
- Acceptable Price Range
- Ultra Lite
- No slide-outs (my preference - keep it simple)
- Optimized for sleeping only two people (no extra bunks)
- Outdoor shower
- Shower surround
- Range with oven (some models didn't have an oven)
- Outdoor slide-out cooktop
- Refrigerator/Freezer
- Microwave
- TV / DVD / AM/FM radio
- Exterior speakers
- Cable TV hookup
- Patio awning
We found all these requirements in the 24-foot Passport. Since we bought our new home on wheels in 2010, we have taken it on over 100 weekend getaways around Texas and even longer adventures to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and the coastal plains of Disney World, Florida.
For years, after we purchased our Passport, we continued to attend RV shows to check out new RV designs (which change every year). During one show in February of 2019, we decided it was time to upgrade to our latest RV, the 30-foot Imagine. It had more room and storage than our 24-foot Passport and would be more comfortable on longer journeys.
Whichever RV type you choose to buy, whether it be a pop-up camper, a small travel trailer, a fifth-wheel, a toy hauler, or a motor home, do lots of research and read about the experiences of fellow RVers. There are many brands and styles to choose from, and you want your RV camping experience to be fun and trouble-free.
What next?
Leave First Time RVers and return to our home page.
