Introduction:
First off Congratulations on shopping for a new camper!! This is an exciting time but can be overwhelming with all the Price Points, Brands, Types, Models, and Options. I hope below I can clear some things up for you to make this an easier process. This is a BIG Subject!
Price Points
What are you dreaming of? Motor Home? Fifth Wheel? Travel Trailer? Truck Camper? They all have different price points.
Motor Home Average Cost: $75,000 – $200,000 (Upwards to $ Millions)
Fifth Wheel Camper Average Cost: $50,000 to $150,000
Travel Trailer Average Cost: $10,000 to $50,000
Truck Camper Average Cost: $8,000 to $20,000
Creating a budget is important as this will be one of your biggest purchases besides a house. You will need to decide if you can pay with cash, get a loan, or a combination of the two. Most people pay with a loan at least partially. Having a loan on your new camper can be a financial benefit especially now with historically low interest rates, tax deduction, and more! But paying cash has the advantage of keeping your monthly expensive down especially if you are retired.
If you are going to finance your purchase, there are some good preparations to make before going to the dealer. It is a smart idea to get pre-approval letter(s) from your bank. Especially check if you have a community credit union in town. (Credit unions are known for lowest interests rates.) But keep in mind that some banks will not financial “toys” such as campers, boats, and etc. Loan information is a great thing to have “in-hand” if you find your dream unit and start negotiations. Many dealers offer financing which “their” banks offer them referral fees if their customer finances through them. Financing with dealer can sometimes make the deal better as they are making money from the bank if they will match your “pre-approval” loan terms. My current loan for the 5th Wheel is through BB&T and have had a flawless experience with them. Also this will also help you get your budget finalized knowing actually payment possibilities.
Next thing to consider is insurance. You will have to have a separate policy or add on for your new camper even if it is a trailer type. You will be required to have full coverage if you are getting a loan. BUT it is a good idea to have full coverage to protect your investment even if you buy it with cash. I have used State Farm for years and have all my insurance bundled together including the house, cars, camper, and etc. Using the same insurance company as your other items usually is cheaper with bundle pricing.
Now with the financials out of the way, we can move onto the fun!
Brands!?
Wow! Today’s RV market has HUGE selection of brands that can almost seem endless. The come in at many different price points. It is important to consider if a brand is outside your price point and eliminate it. Many manufacturer now have multiple “brands” with different quality, trim levels, and options. Once you have selected your type of camper, it is amazing idea to look at different brands in your budget. BUT RESEARCH THEM not just look at pretty pictures and marketing material. Online forums for general RVing and even brand specific are widely available. I follow Jaycoowners.com daily.
Brand Selection:
- First! Does price point of it fits in your budget?
- Now take the time to research the different brands you have come up with. Some brands have some pretty bad reputations due to quality control issues. I selected Jayco for my 5th wheel after extensive research.
- DEALER SUPPORT! Dealerships are independently owned. Like any business some will be better than others. Generally the “locally owned” RV dealers have better reputations compared to national dealers. But it is important to have a nearby dealer that is honest and has a good service department. I went with Charlie Obaugh RV Center (Staunton, VA) which I wrote a review of through last few years. (Click Here) So I have a nearby Jayco Dealer to support me if I have any issues. This is important as driving 200 miles for warranty work is a pain if you do not have to.
- Review Floor plans! Do any of them from the brands you narrowed it down to fit your needs and likes?
- Manufacturer Warranty! They are always the best warranty as it repairs anything and everything with no deductible unlike “extended warranties.” When it comes to RVs, most manufacturers have a one year all inclusive warranty. Some like Jayco expands this further to a Full 2 year warranty from them. Everything else like if you have a Motor Home like the Drivetrain will be covered by the manufacturer of the platform such as Ford, Chevy, Mercedes, and etc. Warranties are important as “new camper break in” can have many small things go wrong as RVs are very complicated vehicles bumping and flexing down the road. With a good warranty and dealer support, you don’t have to worry about fixing yourself.
Types of Campers
Motor Homes
Average Price Range: $75,000 to $200,000 but can go into the millions.
Motor homes are great especially for people with families that want some of their space more easily accessible during travel. They come in all sizes from smaller vans and Class Cs to large buses and Class As. They generally come with slides to expand the living area when setup at a campground. Also many have built in generators that can feed off the main fuel tank for “off-grid” power. Motor Homes come in many different engine types including Gas, Diesel, and Electric (Soon to be coming to mass production!) But they do have a huge disadvantage that what you are camping in is what you have to drive. So every time you want to leave the campground, you have to un-setup unless you have a second vehicle driven or towed by the motor home.
Fifth Wheel Towable RV
Average Price Range: $50,000 to $150,000 (Some going up to 1 million dollars)
Fifth Wheels are campers that attach to a truck for towing through a fifth wheel hitch mounted in the truck bed. They are known for best towing stability, larger interior space, and plenty of storage. Many brands will have similar floor plans in both fifth wheel and travel trailer configuration. Even though many brands have made “light weight” 1/2 ton truck versions. It is important to realize most 5th Wheels require 3/4 ton truck as a minimum due to heavy “pin weight” of 5th Wheels. Some disadvantages are, they take up a lot of the bed space when being towed, higher heights of trailer, and higher cost than travel trailers. This is the type of camper I have had for my last 2 campers. Fifth Wheel configuration is my favorite type by far!
Travel Trailers Towable RV
Average Price Range: $10,000 to $50,000
Trailer trailers are campers towed by a bumper mounted hitch. They come in many different sizes such as smaller pop-up and hybrid campers to larger trailers and toy haulers. Many different floor plans and trim levels just like the above camper types are available. Travel Trailers are generally the most common due to their lower entry price point and models for every type of tow vehicle. But they can come with similar options just like the above types including slides for extended living space.
Truck Camper
Average Price Range: $8,000 to $20,000
Truck Campers are ones that are mounted in a truck’s bed completely without its own axles. They have lowered in popularity in the last decade or so. They are still popular with people that “boon dock” camp in rough terrain areas. They come with many different options but due to size are usually best for single or couples.
Models
Models of different brands are based on the different floor plans and trim levels. It is best to look at what your needs are especially with how many people you plan to take with you regularly. A couple is going to have much less space needs than a family of 4. There are different types of floor plants from bunkhouses, toy haulers, hybrids, popups, and more. I personally have a bunkhouse which has extra bunks other than the master bed. I rather the kids have permenant beds instead of folding up a couch or table every morning.
Selecting a Floor Plan Tips:
- Think of your needs and match them to the floor plans you are looking at. All floor plans are easily accessible online and even 3D walk thru’s.
- GO TO Dealers and RV shows to look at different floor plans you like in person. Test them out and spend a lot of time in ones you like. Look for things you don’t like and make a list.
- Check all spaces inside from the important test of getting in the shower to see if you fit ok.
- Check quality of the cabinets and other finishes as a “good tell tale sign” of the overall quality of the model. This can vary widely between similar models of different brands and trim levels.
- ALWAYS when looking at a towable unit have your tow vehicle’s abilities in mind. While a truck can tow more than it is rated for, it is not good for the truck, safe, or illegal to do.
Big Options to Consider
Many different trim levels will come with many different “standard equipment” package and many different additional options you can order. Sometimes going with a better trim or brand can save you money as the “standard equipment” can be more inclusive.
Trim Levels
Many different brands will have different trim levels available. This can vary greatly in quality, standard equipment, options available, and etc. I highly recommend looking at upper trim levels in your price range as standard equipment, quality, and etc. are better. “Buy once, regret once”
Example: Jayco has many different trims including JayFlight, Eagle, Northpoint, and etc. I have a Jayco Eagle 5th Wheel which is considered an entry level Luxury unit.
Slides
Slides are extra living space when the camper is setup via “bump-outs” come out at different points of the camper. During transportation they have to remain closed even on motor homes. They are great option and many times standard equipment now for many campers. My current fifth wheel has 4 slides including living room, bunk room, kitchen, and master bedroom slides. Slides can truly make a camper much more comfortable and spacious getting passed the limit on the max width you can transport down the road.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens can bring the comfort of the camper outside. It can include grill, fridge, TV, sink, and storage. This helps limit going in and out plus many people do not like to cook certain things inside the camper due to smells. Imagine running inside and out of the camper for food when grilling outside? Much better just to walk over to the near by Outdoor Kitchen Fridge. My current unit is my first outdoor kitchen including all the elements. Now having it as an option, I will always want one for future campers. It is far from just a “cool option” but highly useful! I highly recommend adding to your “want list.”
Electrical: 30amp VS 50amp
30amp VS 50amp has become big topic in mid-sized campers where it is an options. Generally in larger campers, it will be 50amp standard. While in smaller units it will be 30amp. It is about power needs especially based on your biggest power need which is the air conditioner unit. Many units now have 2 A/C unit and need the 50amp connection. My current 5th wheel is a 50amp unit and it is nice not worrying about overloading the system. I would highly suggest if it comes as an “option” from the factory you pay for the minimum upgrade cost.
In Conclusion
I hope this post has helped pass on some information for people buying their first RV. This was just a quick blow through but I plan on continuing to flush out these subjects and others in future blog posts. I hope you enjoy your buying expierence and welcome to camping!