By: Jason Kay
Submitted: 2008-08-21 13:06:45 | Word Count: 974
You ve been considering the purchase of an RV, but now, with gas prices so high, maybe you re re considering. While you want to evaluate any vehicle purchase, here are a few things you may not have thought about Recreational Vehicles.
First, there is an RV for any spending level. You can find tent trailers for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on whether you want new or used, and the size and options included. And you can find mega RVs that cost more than some houses. Find an RV that meets your requirements for comfort and roominess. Most models come in several trim levels, so if you re looking for a new RV, you can weigh the benefits of the various options against the costs. But remember that there are many used RVs out there that are very well cared for, and you may be able to find one that s just a few years old and save yourself some money.
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But what kinds of RVs are there to choose from? In the broadest sense, there are tow behinds and fifth wheels, which have no motor as part of the RV, and motorhomes, which have the motor as an integral part.
Tow behinds can include tent trailers, which are an excellent way to try out RVing. They re very reasonably priced and lightweight. You can find a tent trailer light enough to tow behind almost any vehicle. Tent trailers set up (and down) in a matter of minutes, and the tent part of it is watertight these days, so there s no more worrying about water coming through to drip on your forehead.
Tow behinds can also include teardrop trailers (think I love Lucy ), standard recreational trailers, and also the newer toy hauler trailers, with which you can bring along everything, including the kitchen sink. Teardrop trailers are not as lightweight as a tent trailer, but they are pretty light, mostly because they aren t all that large. The interior is typically reserved for sleeping, with the kitchen facilities on a fold down tail in the rear.
Standard trailers come in a huge variety of lengths, from twelve feet or so to well over thirty feet. You can find models with just the basics to ones with options you hadn t even imagined and, of course, prices to match. The toy hauler models are very similar, but many of the interior features like beds and sofas fold or otherwise stow away so that your ATVs or motorcycles can come along for the ride. The floors typically have recessed D rings for strapping your toys down.
The final type of tow behind is a fifth wheel trailer. These hook into an adapter in the bed of your truck, rather than on a ball on the bumper. This can make the overall length a little shorter, although the front of the trailer, the part that rides over the truck bed, isn t as tall as the rest of the trailer. One nice thing about fifth wheels is that they turn and corner in a shorter radius than standard tow behinds.
Then there are the motorized RVs, typically called motorhomes or motorcoaches. The nice thing about these is that, when you pull over to camp, there s no getting out or setting up. You just unbuckle your seatbelt and you re ready to go. However, with a tow behind you re not devoted to your engine you can get a new car or truck and still keep your trailer. With a motorhome it s all or nothing. Some people tow a small car behind the motorcoach so they can get to the grocery store without taking the RV.
Of course, since the engine is included, a motorcoach is typically more expensive than a trailer or fifth wheel. But don t forget to consider the cost of the tow vehicle into your calculations.
After deciding what type of RV you want and the price you re willing to pay, it s time to start looking! Don t discount an RV that s a few years old. Remember, few RVs are used on an ongoing basis. The vast majority get taken out only a few weeks or months of the year.
Many banks offer financing for RVs check with yours first. Sometimes with an attached checking or savings account, they ll lower the interest rate a bit. Belong to a credit union? Some of them offer RV financing as well, often at better rates than the banks or savings and loans. You may find a special financing deal on a model offered through the dealer.
With any type of financing through any source, be sure to read, read, read that contract. Question anything you don t understand. Make sure the interest rate, term, payment amount, and any other important aspects of the loan are clearly outlined on the note you ll sign. Get a copy of the contract right there, when you sign. You ll protect yourself from later hocus pocus by anyone else.
Call several places and get firm quotes on rate and terms. If you d prefer to deal with Lender A, but Lender B is a quarter percent lower with the same terms, call up Lender A and let them know. You d be surprised how often Lender A will meet or beat Lender B s offer in order to get your business.
An RV offers you flexibility in your travel plans, and the comfort of being able to stay in familiar surroundings. Your family can spend time together, and you re not worried about creepy hotel rooms or third world food. You ll create memories that will last forever, and family ties that will bind.
So get out there, explore the world of RVing. You ll be glad you did!
Author Resource:-
Jason Kay recommends you find RV storage, mobile storage, and self storage at http://EasyStorageSearch.com
