There is a lot to think about when buying an RV, travel trailer or fifth wheel. Here are four questions to ask yourself as you start down the path to RV ownership.

Is the lifestyle a fit for me?
There is an undeniable romance to the idea of going on an extended road trip in an RV. The freedom, the changing landscape, the lack of a lawn to mow… It all sounds pretty good to us when we are sitting at home looking at the same four walls. But it does not come with challenges. Even the hardiest of happy wanderers sometimes find the RV lifestyle does not fit their personality. So, before committing to owning a travel trailer or fifth wheel it’s a good idea to try it out. If you have a relative or close friend with one who is always inviting you to go with them or, better yet, borrow theirs for the weekend take them up on it. If not then talk to your local RV dealer about the possibility of renting one. Only after spending some time living the RV lifestyle can you honestly answer this one.

Will I need an extended warranty?
The answer is not necessarily yes or no. If you are buying a used model find out if it still has the manufacturer’s warranty. If so then find out how much time is left on it and what it covers. You might find that new or used models that already come with warranties don’t cover everything that you think they should or for as long as you would like. Your dealer will have warranties available but it might be a good idea to shop around before committing.

What kind of insurance coverage will I need?
This is an important cost consideration for new travel trailer or fifth wheel owners. RV insurance has to cover a much different type of product than does home or auto insurance. Before visiting your RV dealer, stop in at your insurance agent’s office and see what packages are available. Odds are your RV dealer will have some insurance options available, too, but it will be good to arrive with your own information.

What extras or add-ons will I need?
Choosing a new RV can be a dizzying experience. The big luxury models come with an amazing array of designs and gadgets and one can get lost in the forest of extra goodies. It is good to plan ahead and know what extras you want before stepping on the lot. If you have spent some time in an RV you will already know what you missed from home while on the road. If you cannot get to sleep at night until you have watched the ten o’clock news then you will need to make sure that you are happy with the television options. Do you need an electric wine cellar to be happy? Is a surround sound, high def entertainment system important to you? These are questions you will have need to have answered for yourself before visiting the dealership. Otherwise you may very well be dazzled into spending more than you wanted to!

These four questions will help you decide which RV, fifth wheel or travel trailer is right for you. Take your time, be deliberate and you will find the perfect RV for you.

The first and most basic question facing first time RV buyers is whether to buy a towable or a motorized RV. There are some big differences between the two and these differences will greatly affect the trips that one can take. Here are five advantages to choosing a fifth wheel, travel trailer or other towable RV over a motor home.

• Better Living Space Options

The traditional motor home is necessarily required to commit a sizable amount of the living area to the cabin. Designers of the interior space of towables don’t have to concern themselves with the constraints of the driver and passenger seats, the dash, steering wheel, windshield, etc. Consequently the interior of towables feel more like a home and less like a van with a bed.

• Better Mobility Options

A motor home presents a real problem for its users when they reach their destination. Either they will have to drive the ungainly thing here and there for their daytrips, errands, and dinners out or they will have had to arranged to tow another vehicle. Towables, on the other hand, once parked are easily disconnected from the vehicle giving travelers a much simpler way to get away from the campsite.

• No Extra Motor to Maintain

Presuming that the vehicle used to tow the fifth wheel or travel trailer will have other uses while the RV is parked at home, towables do not bring the added burden and expense of another motor to maintain. Motor homes require their owners to keep up with all the hassles of an extra vehicle while providing no practical benefit when not on the road.

• Greater Living Space Flexibility

Towables are simply more luxurious. Without the constraints and requirements of a motorized vehicle the living space can be designed to fit practically any need or want, often in surprising ways. Once parked towables can be expanded in many more ways than motor homes, providing a more comfortable living space.

Motorized RVs have their share of fans and they are useful in many ways. But to the average RV owner who wishes to travel in comfort a few times a year or even throughout a given season it’s hard to deny the advantages of travel trailers, fifth wheels and other towables.

Warmer days, later sunsets, green grass filling in brown lawns; summer is just about here. No doubt thoughts have begun to turn to the road, camping trips, vacation and your RV. Before you start making plans there are a few things to check out on your RV, travel trailer or fifth wheel. Here is a checklist of things to take care of as you bring it out of hibernation.

• Check the windows and doors

Depending on your climate and how cold the winter got there’s always a chance that something might have happened to the windows or their seals. Thoroughly check the glass and that it sits properly in its place. Make sure the doors still work properly and shut tight.

• Gaskets and connections

Every model is different but it’s a good idea to double check the exterior connections; especially those that move liquid into or out of your travel trailer. Make sure that there is no corrosion and that any gaskets are still pliable and free of cracks.

• Inspect the roof

Check for leaks or weak spots. Clear away and leaves or debris that might have accumulated. Check skylights and anything else up there to make sure that they are secure and well sealed.

• Safety equipment

Make sure that any fire alarms are still working and replace any batteries necessary. Check that your fire extinguishers are still in order and check the first aid kit, replenishing any supplies that are low.

• Thoroughly clean the living area

Even though you probably gave it the once over when you sealed it up for the winter a good cleaning will drive out the musty, stored feeling of the living area.

• Check the plumbing

Make sure that everything in the kitchen and bathroom area is still in working order. Check for mold in the bathroom and shower area making sure to thoroughly clean both.

• Check the tires

Make sure that the tires are in good shape and fully inflated. Check them and make sure the tread is in good shape and the tires are free of cracks. Don’t forget to check the spare while you are at it.

Thoroughly check your travel trailer or fifth wheel now. It will be far better to find and fix any potential problems before you hit the road.