5 Amazing Benefits of Renting an RV Before you Buy

5 Amazing Benefits of Renting an RV Before you Buy

by | RV Tips | 55 comments

There’s something about RVing that brings a wanderlust and adventurous spirit out in almost everyone.

It has become very popular! So, we are examining why renting an RV can be very beneficial before you make the decision to buy. 

Whether you are in it for the weekends and holidays or want to live Full-time like us.

For many, it’s about exploring the nature reserves, hiking trails, and unplugging from most of modern technology.

Just imagine sitting by the campfire outside, roasting delicious marshmallows while relaxing and bonding with your family or friends. It’s a beautiful sight!

Renting an RV

However, purchasing an RV is a big investment and is considered to be a ‘luxury’ item.

Also, it can be overwhelming as you begin your search. One of the first places most look is RV Trader, where they begin learning just how many different types, floor-plans, and brands there are.

That is precisely why you should consider these 5 reasons to rent an RV before buying one!

1. It can save money and time

I have heard of so many stories of RV’ers who purchase their “perfect RV” only to trade it in a year later for something either larger or smaller.

Renting an RV first could save you from stress, emotionally and financially.

When you take a loss or have to go through the trade-in process, it can take a toll not only on your pocketbook but also on your state of mind.

No one wants to waste money by purchasing the wrong RV that doesn’t truly fit their needs.

When you rent, you will be able to test out all the different styles and types to see what fits, before signing the dotted line.

2. Test out different floor-plans and amenities

RVs come in all different styles and sizes to meet the RV’ers needs. There are Motor-homes classified as the Class A, Class C, and Class B. Then you have your tow-able RVs like the Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Haulers and Pop-Ups.

Along with the styles of RVs, you have numerous amounts of floor-plans. Some will have an extra bunkhouse for kids and guests, others will have washer/dryer prep, while others will have an outdoor kitchen and entertainment area.

Each floor-plan carries its own unique details that can either benefit your family or become an unused amenity.

You’ll also be able to consider the amount of space and slides you might need. We have 3 slides, two in the main living area and one in the bedroom. They make the space open and not feel cramped. 

By renting before buying, you will be able to really test out space and see if it will be enough room or possibly too much room for those who are really wanting to minimize.

3. Practice driving, towing, parking, and backing up

Unless you are a seasoned driver like my father, who has been pulling 10,000 lbs. plus trailers across the country for his work, pulling a trailer can be intimidating.

I (Nissa) still have not driven the truck while our 34ft Travel Trailer is towing behind. I am honestly scared because it’s our home.

Thank goodness my husband used to tour with a band and has driven an RV before. Otherwise, we would have had a lot of training ahead of us.

Renting an RV will help tremendously because it will give you the opportunity to practice towing, parking, and the dreaded backing up.

Practice makes perfect, as my coaches would always say, and the same goes for towing a trailer or driving a motor-home that is slightly larger than a normal truck or car.

4. Learn how RV’s work

Yes! Understanding how RV’s work is a learning curve. For us, the gentlemen we purchased from walked us through everything. However, there still was so much we had to research and learn about our RV.

Learning how the water system works, the heating and a/c systems, or how the slides mechanically come in and out are important.

Another big one is the grey and black tanks, and knowing where you can dump. As well as, the electrical amps, where to plug in, how you can convert amps to fit your RV and more.

These are just a few things that one will have to know when owning an RV.

RVing is fun but there is definitely a learning curve.

Renting an RV first will allow you to go through that learning curve to see if it’s something you really want to do.

Which leads me to my last point.

5. To ensure the RV life is right

Renting an RV can help you determine if living in an RV or purchasing one for weekend camping is right for you and your family.

Renting is truly the “try it before you buy it” concept.

Everyone loves to try things out before fully committing, especially when something is a large purchase.

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Where you can Rent

You can check out the #1 RV Rental site called Outdoorsy. They have consistently rated 5 stars with roadside assistance, customer service, and up to $1million insurance coverage for approved bookings.

With Outdoorsy, you can search for the RV that interests you. Search by keywords, prices, vehicle type, amenities, kitchen necessities, entertainment desires, rules like Pet-friendly, and overall rating.

You can check out and rent your RV by using this link “Outdoorsy”. (If you do choose to rent through my link, I will receive a commission that is no cost to you.)


#1 RV Rental Marketplace

Don’t forget to check out these Top 10 Tips from fellow blogger MamacitaOnTheMove for when you’re ready to rent an RV for the weekend.

I really hope this helps you consider why renting an RV is a great way to figure out what RV you want, and whether the RV life is right for you.

It can help you save money, learn about RVing and so much more!

Did you rent before you purchased your RV? Comment below! We would love to hear how it has benefited your decision!

Sharing is Caring! Pin, Tweet, and share on Facebook! Thanks for stopping by and Happy RVing! 

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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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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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must haves rv essentials
12+ must have RV essentials for newbies
Living In An RV – Top 5 Things We Wish We Knew Before

Living In An RV – Top 5 Things We Wish We Knew Before

by | RV Tips | 11 comments

Living in an RV gives you the freedom of being able to take your home anywhere.

Knowing that you can change your own view from the beach one day to the mountains the next is exhilarating.

However, it is a completely different lifestyle than a stick and brick home or apartment.

Before jumping into living in an RV, there are some things that I wish I did more research on.

None would have changed my mind, but it is great information to know and consider. Information like RV parks, the plumbing situation, and additional preventative maintenance to seals and slideouts.

So let’s get into the 5 things we wish we knew before living full-time in an RV.

1. The Cost of RV Parks

Yes, while many think living in a tiny RV cuts down your expenses drastically from a house or rent payment, the reality it’s not much.

The lowest RV parks with the full hookups of water, 30/50amp (depending on what you need, ours is 50amps) and sewer are between $30-$50 a night. Do the math, $30 a night Times 30 days, that’s $900 a month. Not much less then a 1 bedroom apartment when you factor in the RV payment if you have a loan.

Now, there are options of “boondocking” and many RV parks can run discounts if you pay monthly and in advance.

There are also some great options to buy yearly packages that allow you to visit multiple parks in a certain region for a good price. Thousand Oaks Trails has some great options for yearly park packages.

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2. The RV Age Limit

Now, we wanted to buy new due to personal reasons, however, it definitely is something we wish we knew. It would have helped when we were thinking of buying used and renovating.

Check out our post on Should you Buy a New or Used RV? Analyzing the Pros and Cons! 

If you are looking to purchase used, please know many RV parks do not accept anything older than 10 years old.

Now, I have heard that some RV parks will make exceptions depending on the renovations and upkeep on RVs. That’s something you definitely want to look into though.


3. Grey and Black Tanks

I wish we would have known more about the grey and black tank situation.

Living in an RV is a totally different way of living. We learned about the sensors, dumping, and treatments basically on our own and googles help. It seems easy, for example, once the sensors indicate they are full, release them.

However, no one said the smell would fumigate the whole RV and after every dump, you have to put in treatments to help with the smell and break stuff down.

After a month of living Full-time, we found “Happy Camper” tank treatment. Seriously, this stuff is like GOLD to RV’ers. If you haven’t tried the “Happy Camper” tank treatment, it’s it 100% worth it and you will never buy another tank treatment again. You can get some on Amazon here.

Also, we didn’t realize the sensors would get dirty and pretty much never go back to notifying they were completely empty.

4. RV Suburban Hot Water Heaters

Never in my life did I even consider flushing/cleaning out a hot water heater.

We quickly realized when our hot water started to smell like rotten eggs. Ewwww gross! However, it’s common and happens when the water is high in natural minerals.

Now, there are two types of hot water heaters that are used in RVs, Suburban, and Atwood.

Ours happens to be a suburban that requires a metal rod to absorb the bad bacteria when water gets hot. Once the anode rod is deteriorated it needs to be changed. If not changed then the tank can corrode from bacteria.

We flush our hot water tank about once a month because we run off well water and the minerals accumulate in the bottom of the hot water tank. We only replace the anode rod once it’s completely deteriorated.

Update: Replace your Magnesium Anode Rod with an Aluminum Anode rod to get rid of the Sulfur Rotten Egg smell in your RV hot water tank.

5. Window and Roof Seals

Now, we bought our RV brand new, straight off the lot 2019. We had the idea, “it’s brand new, we shouldn’t have to worry about anything for a while”…. wrong!

We learned quickly when I woke up to go to work, it was raining not only outside but also through one of the slide windows. Water was just pouring in that we barely could keep up with the towels.

It was not fun, but with a shop vac, fans, and more towels it ended up being okay.

We bought an all-weather sealant to seal it up on the outside because there was no way we could get it to a shop. When you live fulltime in an RV, something’s as simple as sealing a window is easier just done on your own.

Now, we check our windows and roof after rain and at least every 60-90 days.

Final Thoughts

There are many other things we wish we knew but these are definitely the top 5. Now, I know some of these things seem like things we should have known. However, we didn’t because it was something so new to us and that’s okay.

We learned as we went, after all, we just changed our complete lifestyle. We both grew up in sturdy homes, where you didn’t worry about where to dump your dirty water or having to clean out your water heater.

I hope this article brings light to anyone considering purchasing their first Rv, whether it’s living fulltime or just something for the weekends. It’s an amazing journey!

Tell us about what you wish you knew before buying an RV or living in one. Comment below! Sharing is Caring! Help others get an Idea of what it’s like to live in an RV. Tweet, Pin, Share!!

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