Should You Buy a New or Used RV? Analyzing the Pros & Cons

Should You Buy a New or Used RV? Analyzing the Pros & Cons

by | RV Tips | 50 comments

Should you buy a New or Used RV?

When it comes to buying your very first RV or even your second or third, there are so many things to consider. There is also the age-old debate that has many people confused about whether purchasing their RV new or used will be the better option.

For us, we thought about this the entire time we were searching for our home on wheels. We read Facebook groups, asked questions, and saw other people ask the same questions. We found that the majority of people said to buy “used”.

However, I was still so skeptical. Is buying used really the best option? During our research and purchasing timeframe, I set down and examined the pros and cons of purchasing an RV New VS purchasing an RV Used.

I also always kept in mind that I was purchasing our home. This was a place we will sleep, cook, play games, and live life full-time. I did NOT approach this purchase as the same as buying just a normal vehicle.  After all, a car doesn’t have a bathroom, fridge, sink, or propane tanks and generators.

So, let’s get to it and first examine the Pros and Cons of purchasing your RV New Vs. Used.

New & Used RVs for Sale Online - RVT.com

Pros and cons of purchasing a Used RV

Used – Pros

  • Usually cheaper than purchasing brand new. This make’s it easier to pay cash instead of financing.
  • Less guilt if you want to make any renovations whether major or minimal.
  • All the “Kinks” are worked out from others “breaking it in”.
  • Anything that needed to be fixed has usually been taken care of by the manufacturing warranty if the previous owner took advantage of the warranty.
  • Easier to negotiate price.
  • Lower Insurance
  • Less Depreciation from your point of purchase.

Used – Cons

  • Usually Sold AS IS without any warranties
  • If purchased used with a loan, you will usually have a higher Loan Interest Rate.
  • Unknowingly could purchase a LEMON or one that was not been maintained properly.
  • Could have mold, leaks, or more.
  • Unable to have your true pick of floorplans.
  • If purchasing a Motorhome, less fuel-efficient than a new motorhome.
  • Hidden Maintenance Issues.
  • Other people or pets misuse now becomes your problem.
  • Usually outdated appliances and décor (Unless you are going to be making décor renovations and upgrades, this isn’t a con)
Pros and Cons of Purchasing a New RV

New – Pros

  • It’s yours! No one has ever owned it before. (Nothing in the tanks that are foreign to you)
  • New Appliances, new furniture, and that new home smell.
  • Greater options and flexibility to search and choose the right amenities and floor-plan that is best for you and/or your family.
  • Manufacturers warranty
  • Ability to purchase directly from Manufacture and customize to your liking

New – Cons

  • Premium Price (Don’t be afraid to negotiate and check the prices nationwide for the same RV)
  • High Depreciation
  • Higher insurance
  • You have to work out the kinks and issues yourself

Now that you know the pros and cons of purchasing a used RV vs. a new RV, which is better?

Honestly, it really comes down to your own finances and your own personal reasoning. What is important to you and/or your family? Is it the money and not wanting a loan or is it making sure your floorplan and amenities supply the right needs for your family? I feel like there is really no “right” answer to the new vs used debate.

 

What we chose and why…

For Matthew and I, we searched all the floorplans and prices. After 6 long months of conducting comparisons on RV Trader and going back and forth on buying new or used, we found what we needed.

Ultimately, we decided to buy brand new, took out a loan, and got the perfect floorplan that fit us. We made the decision to buy new because we were going to live full-time and it needed to fit our needs. Making sure we were comfortable, happy and had a Washer/Dryer prep in our space was a top priority.

Also, we realized with our research that the type of RV we needed and wanted was the same price new as it was a few years older.

When you buy used, all the “kinks” are worked out, right?

Honestly, you can purchase a brand-new RV or a used RV and still have problems. There is no true guarantee that it will be perfect. We have only had one leak in a side window that was an easy seal up. So far we have been full-time living stationary for almost a year now.

So, just figure out your priorities and needs that are personal to you. I hope this helps and don’t forget to check out RV Trader to search for your perfect RV, whether you’re looking for a used one or a new one!

 

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How to take control of your finances while living in an RV

How to take control of your finances while living in an RV

by | Finances, Minimalism, RV Tips | 6 comments

Oh… Finances! We all have them. Money is universal and some are completely unaware on how to truly manage it. According to an article written by CNBC, 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, 56% are in way over their heads with debt, and 56% save $100 or less a month.

Those numbers are surprisingly high, but with everything becoming more expensive it is understandable. Our incomes are having a difficult time keeping up with rising prices and many people often live above their means to keep up with social society.

Matthew and I weren’t living above our means, but we also weren’t living below either. So, we began our journey of getting out of debt, learning to live below our means, and started to take control of our finances. We saw that a couple of years of making sacrifices by not going out as much and living in an RV with a small loan payment was going to help us get out of debt.

Our goal is to one day pay for everything with cash, and never have another loan or credit card to pay back. We want to take amazing vacations without going into debt, save for retirement, give to others freely and live financially free.

So, we have done an extreme amount of research and are really digging deep to understand finances, how to best pay off debt, and make our financial dreams a reality. These are the 6 tips that have been helping us take control!

Step 1: Create a budget!

When you create a budget this forces you to look at your monthly income, your monthly bills, and where you spend your money. It also allows you to consciously “trim the fat” meaning stop spending money on all the miscellaneous things that you don’t really need or can substitute for cheaper alternatives. I wrote a blog called “Why it is important to create a budget”, you should read it if you’re still questioning why a budget is a necessity.

Step 2: Stop spending money!

Seriously, cut the “fat” as they say. When you start budgeting, you begin to see all the unnecessary purchases as I said before. Purchases may include eating out, coffee runs, or unused memberships. The extra money you save by cutting out the extra expenses will allow you more money to pay off the debt and save. Which brings me to step three.

Step 3: Save an emergency fund!

Having an emergency fund is so important. Try saving at least $1000 to have just in case you need to go to the doctor, or you need maintenance on your car or RV. This prevents you from placing those expenses on your credit card. Once you have that emergency fund saved, now is time to focus on step 4.

Step 4: Pay off the debt!

Once you can create a budget and see where your monthly income is being spent, then trimming the unnecessary spending habits, this will give you some room to put more money towards debt payments. So, check your balances for all the credit cards, loans both personal and student, cars, and mortgages as well as the interest rates! Pay off the smallest loan first while making the minimum on the rest. Then take the amount of money you used to pay off one loan to pay off the next smallest one and keep going until it’s all paid. This is also called the “Snowball effect”.

Depending on the amount of debt and income you bring in, it could take years, but it is so worth it! Getting rid of that debt is going to bring freedom for you and your finances. If you dream of taking those bucket list travel trips, having no debt will allow you to save more for those once in a lifetime experience.

Related Posts:

 

Step 5: Stop using credit!

Instead really try to develop that habit of paying cash only. If you can’t pay for it outright, then choose to save for the purchase until you can pay cash. When you use credit you not only increase your debt, but you will also end up paying interest on that purchase.

Step 6: Stick to the plan!

This is extremely important! You can do the budget, check your loan and interest amounts, and create a pay off plan but unless you stick to it, it won’t become a reality. Again, getting out of debt can take years. That means for some that can be years of living with a budget and living below your means. Don’t forget to continuously check the budget, adjust as needed, and focus on paying off the loans.

There you have it! 6 steps and tips on how to get control of your finances. This is a personal decision that is going to take strategy and implementation. You can do it! You don’t have to live every month paycheck to paycheck and you can pay for a house or car with cash instead of credit. It is completely doable with patience and persistence.

If you have a spouse, run through these steps together and work together on your finances. It’s important for couples to be on the same page.

We are excited for the day when Matthew and I are completely debt free and saving for our retirement and vacations. It is a dream that I know will become a reality! Stay tuned to our monthly blogs in the sections “goal setting”. Every month we talk about our monthly goals and our journey to a debt free life. You can sign up below for our monthly newsletter to stay updated!

Stay Motivated! You can take control of your finances!


References: Dickler, J. (2017, August 30). Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/24/most-americans-live-paycheck-to-paycheck.html

12+ Must Have RV Essentials For New RV Owners

12+ Must Have RV Essentials For New RV Owners

by | Products We Love, RV Tips | 14 comments

Must-Have RV Essentials | Owning an RV is such an amazing adventure to embark on.

According to the RV Industry Association, it is estimated that approximately 10 million Americans own RVs. That is an impressive number and it is continuously growing. 

So, you are not alone in your RVing journey!

If you are looking to purchase or already own one there are definitely items that are needed that do not come with your RV purchase.

Items like leveler blocks and sewer hoses that you just cannot camp or live without as an RV owner.

must haves rv essentials

​Now, when we first purchased our RV we had a lot to figure out. However, after the first couple of weeks of living full-time in our RV, we quickly realized that we were missing some much-needed items.

Must have RV essentials that have now made our living and traveling so much easier, safer, and cleaner!

Therefore, with our knowledge, trials, and expertise as full-timers, we put together a list of accessories we have purchased.

We also added explanations on why they are necessary for the RV journey!

So, whether you made your purchase for weekend camping or you are going to be living full-time like us, this list is everything you will need to get started!

Leveler blocks

These are a must! We figured this out the hard way.

In our first month of living full-time, the RV was un-level.  It was frustrating, to say the least.

We purchased these leveler blocks and made sure on our next site we leveled the tires first.

You can also use the blocks under the stabilizers to keep from overextension as well as the front jack. 

Wheel Chocks

These are a safety must-have RV essential to prevent any accidental movements. 

Many places actually require that wheel chocks are used when you set up an RV or Trailer. 

Power extension cord

The 50amp power extension cord was the first item we purchased after buying our RV. 

Where we were parked we needed about 70ft of extension and the 35ft cord that came with just wasn’t enough.

Plus, it is always nice to have extra in case one surges out. 


Amp Converter

Every RV Park is going to have different amp plugin options. Many times it is either 30 amps or 50amps.

Having a converter is going to save you a trip to the store and allow you to stay at more parks. Our RV takes 50 amps, so we have the 50amp Female/30amp Male.

Drinking-Water Hose

This type of hose is a must to have because the material in a regular garden hose can contain unsafe materials/minerals for drinking.

The Drinking Water Hose is BPA and Lead-Free for safer water consumption.

Water Pressure Regulator

Water regulators help control the city water pressure and protects your RV’s Pipes from busting.

They regulate the pressure to being a safe 50 to 55 psi.

Water Purifier

We love this because you never know what the water will be like going to camp to camp.

Therefore, a purifier to hook up to your hose before the water comes into your tanks or lines is a nice safety measure for your tanks as well as drinking.

Mattress topper or new mattress that fits in a RV

Let’s be honest, the mattresses that are provided with the RV (unless you custom order) is extremely hard and uncomfortable.

Whether you live full-time or camping on the weekends, no one wants to sleep on a rock hard mattress. Therefore, purchasing an RV Mattress topper was a must-have RV essential for us!

Check out our post on Tips for Making Your RV Bedroom Cozy & Comfy + Lucid Mattress Review

Dehumidifier

I can’t tell you how many stories I have read about mold in an RV due to humidity!

Many times the mold forms near windows and beds especially when it’s cold outside and warm inside.

A Dehumidifier can help prevent the build-up of moisture and further prevent mold growth. This is a Must-Have RV Essential for us! 

Sewer Hose

Honestly, no one with an RV should be camping without one. A sewer hose is a must-have RV essential for safety and sanitary reasons!

A sewer hose is designed to hook up to the black and grey tanks output pipes and then hook the other end to a dump station pipe.

It prevents disgusting mishaps and allows one to properly release the tanks’ waste.

Tank Treatments

Honestly, we have no idea we needed this until the horrendous smells after taking a shower or dumping fumigated our RV.

We tried many methods to help with the smell including the GEO method of Dawn and Fabric softener. This does help, but I also highly recommend Happy Camper. It helps break down the waste as well as combat the smells.

Check our our review RV Tank Treatment: Comparing GEO Method to Happy Camper


Decomposing Toilet Paper

You can buy special RV toilet paper or another kind like SCOTT but whatever you decide you want to use decomposing because it prevents build-up and blockage.

I have read horror stories of RV toilets and black tanks clogging up due to toilet paper blockage. Therefore, the soft fluffy toilet paper like Charmin is NOT the best to use in an RV.

Air Compressor

When traveling, this is a must-have RV essential!

Before leaving a camp checking the air in the tires should be a priority and having a portable air compressor available is extremely convenient. 

Power Surge Protector

Surge protector can help prevent your RV’s electrical system and appliances from frying. This can be due to either a badly wired power supply at a campsite or Lightning.

Tire Covers

Tire Covers prevent the tire’s rubber from sun exposure that causes them to lose the moisture in the tire’s rubber, also known as Dry Rot!

Having Dry Rot in your tires can be a disaster on the road. A great preventative measure is to have tire covers, especially if you are going to be camped without moving for a while.

No Sway/Weight Distribution Bars

These are a MUST HAVE RV ESSENTIAL if you have a Travel Trailer/Bumper pull. Our RV is a 34 ft bumper pull, and having these No Sway Bars was a non-negotiable for us.

The guys at Route66 in Oklahoma set them up for us because having them properly installed is extremely important for them to work correctly.

This was the best and most important purchase to make when towing a Travel Trailer. The No Sway Bars prevent the trailer from swaying by gusts of wind while driving, which further prevents overturning your entire trailer and truck.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! We really hope this list of must-have RV essentials provides some great insight on items that are very useful when owning an RV, whether you are full-time or a seasonal/weekend traveler.

All of these items are a must for us because they have made our lives of living in an RV easier, safer, and cleaner.

If you have any suggestions on great items you’ve found or are must-haves for living the RV lifestyle, please comment below!

We would love to hear from you!

 

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12+ must have RV essentials for newbies
The Best No Pull Dog Leash Ever Invented

The Best No Pull Dog Leash Ever Invented

by | Dogs, RV Tips | 1 comment

Hi and Welcome to our blog. If this is your first time visiting we are Matthew and Nissa Haight. We live in an RV and have 3 dogs……… yes, 3!  As you can imagine, we have done our fair share of research on no pull dog leashes.

First, a little background on us! Dogs have been in our lives since we were little. Between the two of us, we have owned a husky, border collies, a golden retriever, and some mixed breeds. Some were rescued and others were purchased from litters as small puppies. We certainly have some years of experience under our belts.

Even with our combined experience, dog training hasn’t always been a walk in the park. Training a pup is work, no matter what trick or behavior you are trying to teach. One of my main challenges has been getting my fur babies to walk easily on a leash, without pulling. Seems like an easy task to teach, right? For us, not so much! I taught Piper, my oldest, to play dead, crawl, roll over, sit, and some other cute tricks, however, walking easily on a leash? Nope, that seemed impossible.

Over the years of owning dogs, I have studied and tested so many different techniques in hopes of finding the one that would help me teach them to walk easily on a leash. Each new technique proved to be no match for my curious dogs. I would be jealous when I would see other dogs at parks walking perfectly next to their owners, no pulling or tugging, just walking right along. How do they do it?! What’s the trick?! I’m sure I’m not the only one who has experienced this dilemma.

If you’re here, chances are you have the same struggles I have had when walking my dogs.

To clarify, when I say I tried everything, I mean I literally tried every method out there. I watched countless videos, read countless blogs, and tested them out. Even spent hours after work walking them from the time they were puppies, all in hopes of teaching them to walk alongside me.

I carried treats with me, tried stopping and calling them back to sit before we started walking again (they call this “the tree method”), and even experimented with turning around and walking the other way. The amount of money spent on harnesses and leashes that promised but failed to deliver results was astounding. Oh, the frustration and the waste of money. My sweet dogs deserved to be walked multiple times a day, and enjoy the outdoors, but walking them always stressed me out!

When we would go on walks not only was the constant pulling frustrating, but when other dogs were near, or God forbid, a squirrel ran across the road, my dogs would bolt. It was so embarrassing to be in a crowded park with other dog owners and their behaving pups.

One time, Piper, my border collie/lab mix took off while my mother was holding her leash. She was knocked down and dragged before she let go of the leash! I was mortified. My mother ended up with a bruised wrist and a scraped-up knee. That is when I knew, I HAVE to find something that will work!

I searched and searched until I discovered this collar. It reminded me of the head harnesses that are placed on horses. So, originally I thought “here’s another device that works perfectly for other dogs, but I doubt it will work for mine.”   I still decided it was worth reading the reviews, I mean at this point I was desperate.

So, after learning more about it, I was hopeful that this could be the answer to our problem! I purchased the collar off Amazon. Honestly, a part of me was still skeptical, and I prepared myself to have to return it when it didn’t work.

A couple of days went by as I waited for the package to be delivered. During that time, I chose to take the dogs to a dog park instead of walking them on a leash. They needed some exercise, and I didn’t want to get frustrated with them. Then finally, I received the notification! They were here! I hoped the collars would live up to the reviews.

What did I buy?

Well, it is called The Gentle Leader! Like I said before, it is a similar concept to the harnesses that are used for horses. The reviews said it is a none painful collar (unlike the spiked prong collars) which provides more control for the owner and is way safer than a regular around the neck collar for the pups.

Heres how it works. When the dog pulls, instead of the collar choking them around the neck, the Gentle Leader simple stops them and gently pulls their entire head back towards the handler.

How do you use the Gentle Leader?
1. Fit the padded piece of collar that goes around the dog’s snout first and then lock it into place. The silver ring should be below the dogs head/snout.
2. Then, fit the collar that goes around the dog’s neck.
3. Attach the leash to the silver ring under the head/snout.

At this point, I’m sure you’re wondering, “did it work?” The simple answer is, yes it did! Now, after placing and adjusting it towards my girls faces it did take some time for them to get used to it. They tried to take it off with their paws, but just like a collar or harness, they became familiar with it. The results were pretty quick, and I finally had complete and total control! I also want to clarify that this is not a muzzle. The dogs can still eat, drink, pant, and give loving licks.

The Gentle Leader changed our walking experience. I love it! They love it! It is a Win, Win!

This simple invention has saved my dog’s lives as well as their throats. When they have the Gentle Leaders on, I even feel confident enough to hand their leashes to a child, knowing they won’t be pulling or tugging away. The Gentle Leader helps prevent unwanted behavior, provides peace of mind when going on walks, vet visits, and much more. It reduces dogs from jumping, bolting, or lunging toward anyone or any critter.

Don’t just take my word for it. Here are some snips of others who have tried and reviewed the Gentle Leaders.

So, if you’re like me and have tried everything to get your dog to walk easily on a leash but still nothing has worked, The Gentle Leader is truly the greatest thing ever!

You can purchase yours here. They even come in really great colors and patterns for you and your dog’s style. They provide sizes for all weight limits from dogs as little as 5lbs to dogs over 130lbs.

Let us know; What have you found to get your dogs to walk easily on a leash? Or what do you think about The Gentle Leader?

Leave a comment, follow us and don’t forget to show your dog some love!

Related Posts: What to Expect When RVing with Dogs


Why We Chose To Live In An RV

Why We Chose To Live In An RV

by | RV Tips | 24 comments

Why did we choose to live in an RV? There are many reasons and we are going to discuss our process and why we made the decision.

But… First, I would like to mention how much thought went into this major life decision of ours.

We have never bought a house, but I feel that we put just as much time, energy, and thought into the buying process of our home on wheels, as we would have if we were buying a brick and mortar home.

We chose to live full time in an RV for a combination of reasons, but one of the main reasons/goals was to save money and to become debt free.

Prior to moving into our RV, we were enjoying living together as newlyweds, in our first one-bedroom apartment. We were loving life with our two fur babies, a view of a gorgeous park from our balcony, close to family, and commuting even distances from our jobs.

However, those commutes were becoming monotonous. I was also becoming listless about my work and felt that we needed a change. I wanted to explore life outside of my hometown and begin a new adventure.

Thankfully Matt was on the same page and just as eager to see what the next step would bring.

We discussed purchasing a house but ultimately felt that it wouldn’t help us meet our goal of being debt free, not to mention that we didn’t have a clue as to where we wanted to settle down.

We also considered moving to Florida, where some of our family friends live. But that would mean we would have to completely start over, and let’s face it, that is a big feat that we weren’t quite ready for.

The Beginning Stages

During the time we were contemplating our next step, my sister in law mentioned the idea of living full time in an RV. Without hesitation, I began researching the possibility. It intrigued me!

Being an opportunist, I don’t usually cast things aside without consideration and research. I scoured Pinterest, Instagram, Google, and even found Facebook groups dedicate to full-time RV living.

After much research, I felt that this could be the change and adventure we were longing for! This could be the answer to us becoming debt free, giving us the ability to travel, and live life on our terms.

So I mustered up the courage to talk to my husband about it, fully expecting some reservations on his part. To my surprise, Matthew was all for the idea!

The Planning Stage

Now that we had a goal and the next step was decided on, we had more research to do. The planning and preparation process took many months. I would be lying if I said that during that time we didn’t question our decision and wonder if we were crazy. I would think,

“Are we crazy? Shouldn’t we be purchasing a home, building equity, and having kids?”


 

The Doubting Stage

Being in our mid/late twenties, and newly married, there seemed to be some social pressures about settling down in a house and starting a family. And even though it was easy to look at others our age and feel like maybe we were wrong to not follow the same path, we had this dream to do things a little differently.

We reminded ourselves, and still do, that everyone’s dreams and ideas of happiness are different. It is okay to take the road less traveled.

Even though we had overcome our own doubts, that didn’t mean we wouldn’t face doubt or disapproval from others about our choice. After deciding and announcing our decision to RV full time we were met with comments like “RV’s depreciate.” “You’ll never get equity out of it.” While those comments were true, those facts weren’t factors for us. We weren’t worried about building equity or depreciation.

We dreamed of traveling and we were motivated to pay off those student loans and personal debts! To us, that was worth investing in.

What do we have to lose stage

Experiencing our beautiful country, with all of its magnificent wonders, without worrying about a ton of monthly loan payments is a dream! A dream that with a couple years of hard work, and budgeting could become a reality for us.

We felt like we had nothing to lose, but everything to gain by choosing this lifestyle. We had the opportunity to travel if we are able to or stay stationary. That is Freedom with our home base.

Update

April of 2018 was our beginning journey in living in our RV full-time. We have lived in our RV stationary on our Families land for about 2 years now. We had a surprise baby in 2019 and he has blessed our lives more than what we could have ever imagined.

I think with everything in your live, you must be able to pivot, to change, and go with the flow. Nothing is going to go as planned, but you have to keep going and taking those risks to make your dreams a reality. So if living minimally and traveling in an RV is your dream, GO FOR IT!

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