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Shopping for a New (or New-to-You) RV: Tips to Make the Right Choice

Fall is one of the best times to shop for an RV — dealerships are motivated and prices often drop after the busy season. Whether you’re buying your first camper or trading up, now’s the time to start making your list of wants vs. needs. Doing that work ahead of time will save you money, stress, and buyer’s remorse.

We have enjoyed our time RV'ing as a family!  It was one of the best decisions that we made!

Buy for the people who live under your roof

Let’s get this out of the way: only buy an RV for the people who actually live in your home. It’s easy to fall in love with a floorplan because of grandkids, friends, or “someday” guests. But guests can sleep on a sofa bed, an air mattress, or even a tent outside. Don’t let “what if” guests shape a purchase you’ll be carrying financially for years.

Peggy Sue our pop up camper was transformed into a beautiful space for camping when we decided to dip our toe into the waters of RV life!

It was a plain and functional RV that just needed a little love.

Make a simple wants vs. needs list

Sit down with a pen or a sticky note and list the non-negotiables first. Examples:

• A dedicated adult bed (no nightly sofa-making)
• Bunks for kids
• A bathroom everyone is comfortable using
• A functioning kitchen you’ll actually cook in

Then list nice-to-haves that won’t break the deal — a fireplace, a dinette, a bigger pantry. For us, a Murphy bed + bunk beds was perfect. We sacrificed a dinette and that’s been fine because we eat outdoors most of the time.

A small, used pop up camper helped us decide what we wanted to do next and fall in love with camping all at the same time!

How often will you actually use it?

Your camping frequency should shape your budget:

• Occasional camper (a couple trips per year): consider used or a budget-friendly model.
• Frequent camper (weekends, travel ball, or 50–60 nights/year): a newer model with more features may be worth the investment.

Starting too big is a quick way to get upside-down on depreciation. It’s easier to move up later than it is to scale down.

Don’t forget your tow vehicle

If you already own a tow vehicle, stay within its towing capacity unless you plan to change vehicles too. Upgrading your truck or SUV adds a lot to your overall cost. If you’re just trying RVing for fun, start smaller.

Shop smart tip: I told every dealer up front we weren't buying that day — we were just shopping. If a salesperson is pushy, walk away. The right dealer will respect your process.

Our pop up camper had a damaged canvas that I fixed initially and then later replaced all together.  I wish we had done this sooner!

Looking at used RVs? What to inspect

Used RVs can be a great value — if you inspect carefully. Don’t rush this part. Here’s a checklist I use:

1. Roof condition: look for DIY patches, soft spots, or signs of leaks.
2. Tires: check age (DOT code), dry rot, and uneven wear.
3. Appliances: stove, fridge, furnace, water heater — test them all.
4. Slides and seals: open/close slides; inspect seals for cracks and leaks.
5. Water damage: check cabinets, ceilings, under sinks, and around windows for stains or soft spots.
6. Electrical and plumbing: test lights, outlets, water pump, and faucets.
7. Frame and undercarriage: look for rust or damage, especially on older rigs.
8. Smells: musty odors can indicate long-term moisture or mold problems.

If you’re not confident doing this yourself, consider paying for a professional RV inspection — it’s often worth the cost.

Our Grand Design travel trailer has been flexible and worked well for our family for 6 years.  We really took our time figuring out what would best fit our family for the long haul.

Think long-term but stay flexible

We’ve owned our RV for 6 years and still love it. Someday we’ll want more pantry space, a separate bedroom, and maybe an indoor fireplace — but right now our 23½-foot trailer fits our life. As your plans change (retirement, more travel, different hobbies), you can upgrade. For now, choose something that will give you several great years of use.

Our pop up camper was cozy and comfy for us when our son was young.  He barely remembers those days now, but I will cherish those memories for a lifetime!

Final thoughts — don’t feel pressured

Take your time. Look at lots of floorplans. Know your non-negotiables. Stay realistic about how often you’ll use the rig and what your current tow vehicle can handle. If you do those things, you’ll be much more likely to pick an RV that fits your family and brings years of joy.

Want a printable checklist version of the used-RV inspection list above? Download the checklist 

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