Home Away From Home: Investing in an RV

CENTURY 21 Mertz & Associates October 4, 2020

It's always nice to get away from home for a while, but sometimes you want to take a little bit of home with you. That's what you can do when you invest in an RV. It's a permanent home away from home. Our real estate agents know that hitting the road in a home on wheels is a fantastic experience. However, it's not something homeowners should jump into without doing their research first. Somewhere between 9 and 10 million Americans own an RV. Of these, about one in 10 live in their RV full-time. For those who love to travel and enjoy the thrill of meeting new people and seeing new places, moving around the country in an RV is a fabulous lifestyle. You will meet new people, catch up with old friends, and see more of the country than most people ever will. However, while the appeal and perks are apparent, the logistics are often overlooked.

Plan Ahead – While it is true, you can "go on vacation" anytime you want when you own an RV, you will have to contend with shifting weather patterns and site availability. Many RV parks fill up during the peak tourist season, which means you will have to plan your trips well in advance or plan them for less appealing times of the year when spaces are more readily available.
Save Cash – You can save money while traveling by RV. When you add up the cost of airfare, hotels, restaurants, etc., these often outweigh the cost of gas, RV maintenance, and campground parking fees. Traveling by RV can cut your vacation expenses by anywhere from 20% to 65% depending on where and when you travel.
Know Your Limit – When purchasing an RV, it is important to consider the purchase price. You can expect to spend $6,000 for a folding camper at the low-end and between $50,000 and $1 million for a new motor home or trailer. If you choose to purchase a camper or trailer, you will also need to consider the cost of purchasing a vehicle with sufficient horsepower to move it around. Of course, you can trim these costs by buying used RVs and trucks. In many cases, these are gently used and function just as well as new options. The bottom line is that your RV is an investment in comfort and freedom, but it is also a financial investment. As such, you must weigh these three aspects together to determine the best RV to purchase.
Avoid Problems – When researching your options, you'll want to investigate the cost of insurance and expected maintenance thoroughly. RVs are not immune to problems ranging from flat tires and broken gas lines to clogged sewer tanks and damaged pneumatic leveling systems. You will also want to investigate the taxes you will need to pay, registration/emissions requirements, depreciation, etc.
Do Your Research – Finally, make sure to research the market. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a premium price on mobility, and RVs are some of the hottest wheels in town. Sales are up, and prices are following suit. Thus, if you plan to invest in an RV that will let you drive over the river and through the woods to see grandchildren and dear friends, it is a good idea to make your purchase as soon as possible.

Are you searching for the best Danville Homes for Sale? We encourage you to contact us to learn more about the available properties. We will help you find the perfect place to kick up your heels and park your RV when you are ready to take a break from the road.