Should I Buy An RV? The Pros and Cons of RV Ownership

Are you looking to escape from the daily grind with the freedom that comes with RV living? Owning an RV offers more than just a convenient way to camp – it’s a favorable method of travel that offers a plethora of benefits to everyone involved. But at the end of the day, is it really worth it to buy an RV?

Finding value in your purchase is the ultimate deciding factor before buying your dream motorhome, and this will differ according to what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. Renting an RV is always an option, and it’s certainly the more cost-effective solution for the camper who heads out on the road only a couple of times a year. However, becoming the sole owner of an RV means you’ll be able to take your RV anywhere for as long as your heart desires.

Full-time RVing can be a joyful experience for you and your family, but there are a few things you need to consider before getting involved in the camper lifestyle. To provide some insight before investing in your next home on wheels, we put together an essential guide to deciding whether buying an RV is right for you.

Should You Buy an RV?

Buying an RV is a huge commitment, both financially and mentally. Before hitting the purchase button, you’ll want to make sure you are completely ready to handle the responsibility and implications that come with owning a motorhome.

You should consider buying an RV if you:

• Plan to go camping more than once or twice a year — Although having a motorhome can elevate your camping experience, buying an RV may be too big of a commitment for the occasional camper. You aren’t exactly going to get much use out of your RV if it’s sitting in your driveway for several months at a time. So, if you’re looking to buy a mobile home, make sure you’re willing to be out on the road for at least a good chunk of the year.

• Have the financial capability — RVing isn’t cheap, especially if you plan to do it full-time. There is a lot to consider in the financial department, from gas prices to maintenance and repairs, which means it’s important to ensure your bank account is ready to handle the possible costs that come with RVing later down the road.

• Love traveling all year round — It’s highly unlikely you’ll ever come across a full-time RVer who doesn’t like traveling. If you’ve been looking for the perfect opportunity to start traveling, investing in an RV could give you the chance to visit must-see destinations without the added costs of hotels and other travel essentials.

The Pros and Cons of Buying an RV

Just like any other major financial decision, there are a few things to consider before buying an RV. For instance, are you ready to take on the financial side of owning an RV? To be sure you’re creating the best possible experience for yourself, you’ll need to assess your current situation along with the possible pros and cons before you settle on your next mobile home. 

Pros:

• Spend more time together as a family

Bringing your family along on an RV trip can be a thrilling experience that is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. If work and other stressors have made it nearly impossible to spend quality time together, traveling in an RV can provide your family with the opportunity to get closer to one another and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

• Access to an open-minded community

One of the greatest things about buying an RV is gaining access to a vast community of like-minded people. You may choose to join online groups on social media where RV owners post on forums to exchange tips and advice, or you can go the in-person route by attending local RV shows and meetups.

• Pet-friendly travel

Many pet owners are put off by the idea of full-time travel as it usually means they will have to leave their beloved pet behind. However, RVs provide a way to bypass this barrier, as there are few restrictions regarding where your pet can or can’t be. Unlike airline travel, your furry friend can have the freedom to roam wherever they choose.

• Being out in nature

Some people might think that camping in an RV is a way to “cheat” the less luxurious parts of camping with the use of amenities of air conditioning and plugged-in devices – otherwise known as “glamping.” In reality, this can be an awesome advantage of the RV lifestyle. Full-time RVing means you’ll be much closer to nature at all times, with many opportunities to indulge in nature-related activities like hiking and spending time around the campfire.

• Affordable vacationing
  

Even if you aren’t looking to travel in your RV 365 days out of the year, purchasing a motorhome can still provide you with extraordinary vacations for only half the cost. Unlike typical vacations, you won’t be paying for things like airline tickets, luggage, and hotel fees, leaving more room in your budget for attractions and dining.

Cons:

• RVs are not financial investments

While buying an RV may be a good financial decision in many ways, it certainly isn't a financial investment. Like a car, the value of an RV typically depreciates over time, meaning you won’t be making your money back should you decide to sell it one day. 

• Annual maintenance and repairs

Like any other vehicle, RVs need to be inspected regularly to ensure everything is functioning properly. Since motorhomes are on the road frequently, things are bound to fray and break down, meaning these costs can add up and become hefty over time. On top of the initial cost of your RV, you’ll need to be prepared to invest a hefty sum every year into annual RV maintenance and repairs.

• RVs are not gas-efficient

Gas mileage can vary according to your RV’s weight or type of fuel. For instance, the gas mileage of a typical RV of any size can vary from four to ten miles per gallon. However, a diesel RV can go up to 20 MPG. Unless you invest in an electric motorhome, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared to handle the extra costs of filling up your tank.

Are You a Future RVer?

Investing in an RV has the potential to be a wonderful decision, as long as you understand the pros and cons involved. If you are willing to put the time and effort into owning and maintaining an RV, you and your family could end up creating an abundance of amazing memories along the way.

If you’re looking to start out on the camper lifestyle this summer, our guide to the different types of RVs can provide you with some of the essential tips and information you’ll need to know before choosing the RV that is right for you.