3 Most Important Things to Know?

[Gocoffeer]

Wow... really great question... I am sure we all answer differently.

I think ... the 3 things you MUST know about RVing...revolve around yourself.

1. What attracts you about the topic of RVing???? If you are looking to move the RV often...and want to simply get in it and drive....the topic moves towards MOTORHOME.....if you are looking for a dwelling that stays in one place and you basically live in it like an apartment... a trailer or 5th wheel
2. What do you want as homey accessories in your dwelling? Washer /dryer? big living room? roomy kitchen? This will help you select the length and layout
3. How much are you willing to spend up front to get involved? This will help you decide on year, model and make...

[Tomtall]

"What are the 3 most important things someone should know before they decide to purchase and/or live in an RV"

1. Does you better half like it ?
2. Will she complain about it after you buy it ?
3. Is the RV fast enough to get away from her if necessary ?

Consider all the above prior to shelling out $

[RodgerS]

1) If you desire to professionally blog about rving or write some articles, it is probably best to buy an rv and experience it.
2) There has already been a lot written about the rv experiences, (including a lot of blogs) and more than once about the same things. Breaking new ground will be difficult and lack of personal rv experience will often result in poorly written articles and misleading/unfounded opinions. This problem also exits in the forums as experience doesn't always equal expertise AND research doesn't always equal experience.
3) Shortcuts tend to not end well regarding a complex vehicle and its usages, but the lifestyle tends to trump the lot at the end of the day, regardless of the frustrations, mistakes, and compromises along the way.

[Sidewinder4]

1. Know what your needs are (lots of research based on your budget); I bought a Class C and very quickly (within 90 days) bought a Class A. (Gas vs Diesel plays a part as well)

2. Are you a maintenance oriented person/couple. As mentioned ealier money drives the train so to speak. RV parts tend to be expensive. Also mechanics want $100.00 plus or minus per hour to work on your equipment.

3. Trying to RV on the cheap can have second and third order effects. Breakdowns, comfort, dependability, security, cost, power, capabilities, security, and lack of piece of mind.

[alarson566]

Such great answers! Thank you so much! I've asked this question on a few different RV forums and everyone has been so kind and helpful. Not sure if cool people buy RV's or RV's make people cool

Some of the biggest things I've taken away so far:
-It can become all consuming if you let it
-Choose your floorplan wisely
-Maintenance needs to be: Doable by ones-self, done often, and enjoyable
-Make sure both you and the person you're with can be kept together in a small space. Undoubtedly easier said than done.
-Stuff goes wrong and costs money a lot. You need to love it enough that it's still totally worth it.
-Rent before you buy and always check the models history to know what problems it's prone to
-Keep your wife happy

Oh, and this looks badass !

Originally Posted by Mekanic

If you are a true DIYer you can go the route I took:
Build it yourself

If anyone keeps a blog or website they'd like for me to link in my article just let me know, everyone has been so awesome with these super thoughtful answers.

[Gocoffeer]

Alex: That DIY rig might be built on a chassis that could have been used to build an RV. if you dwell deeper into HOW an RV is made... they are truck chassis units that get welded and vamped on an assembly line like process until they look like the macho cartons on wheels that we drive. A box truck like that and some of the other conversions (like the OFF road RV units) are really tough looking.

[Dog Folks]

1. Be debt free


2. Attitude is the difference between an adventure and a ordeal.


3. The lifestyle is always changing, adapting, adjusting. Expect it. Embrace it.