02/09/12

It's not easy trying to find the right RV. Selecting from among the various types and sizes, choosing floorplans and features, and picking the right accessories can be a mind-boggling experience.

Joe: If you think about it, the "right" RV is the one that will take you where you want to go and let you do the things you want to do.

The secret to finding the right RV is to first determine your personal interests and needs then find the RV that comes closest to satisfying them.

Consider your interests first. Where will you be going in your RV? What will you be doing when you get there? The family that wants an RV for weekend camping trips will be shopping for a different type and size vehicle than the retired couple who plans to travel for extended periods of time.

Next, think about your needs. You'll need adequate sleeping, eating and storage space for the usual number of occupants. This may also be the time to determine if you'll need extra storage space for large hobby or recreational items. Don't overlook those must-have options. Air conditioning may be a frivolous luxury for some but an absolute necessity for others.

Vicki: Decide which type of RV you want. There are two categories of RVs, towed and self-propelled. Each has distinct advantages and considerations.

Towed RVs (folding, travel and fifth-wheel trailers) offer a number of advantages. Upon reaching their camping destination, trailerists can disconnect their tow vehicles and use them for running errands and sightseeing. Owners of trailers also have the financial benefit of being able to use their tow vehicle 365 days a year.

Self-propelled RVs (motorhomes, van campers and truck campers) offer easy maneuverability and on-the-road passenger comfort and convenience. The self-propelled RV also has the advantage of being able to tow a boat, horse or equipment trailer to the camping destination.

Many motorhome owners have found that towing a small car solves the transportation problem once they arrive at their destination.

Joe: Determine the size RV that will best meet your needs. Keep in mind that bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to choosing an RV.

Generally speaking, smaller RVs are more agile and fuel efficient while larger rigs offer more living comfort and amenities. You'll probably find yourself having to compromise between mobility and living accommodations.

When you begin to compare RVs, pay close attention to the various floor plans.

Kitchens located at the front or rear of the rig may be larger than those located in the center. They also have the advantage of being out of the RV's traffic path.

Rear baths can be large and private but guests sleeping in the front of the RV may disturb the bedroom occupants when they travel to the bathroom. Split, center baths can also be spacious but may block passage from one end of the RV to the other when they are occupied. Side-aisle, center baths are accessible from both ends of the RV and don't block traffic but they frequently have less room than the other floorplans.

Most people appreciate having a bedroom that can be closed off from the rest of the RV. It provides privacy for changing clothes and accommodates occupants with different bedtime schedules.

Space efficient RVs will offer dinettes and couches with valuable storage underneath and can be converted to additional sleeping accommodations.

Vicki: As you shop, check the RV's brochures to compare their self-containment capacities. The amount of time you can spend camping without utility hookups will depend upon your RV's battery, propane, water and holding tank capacities.

A single 12-Volt deep-cycle battery is usually sufficient for three or four nights of self-contained camping.

Propane consumption depends on usage but rarely exceeds 1/2 gallon per day.

Five gallons of water per person per day is a comfortable water consumption figure. Experienced RVers who practice water conservation can bring that figure considerably lower.

Most RVs will have two holding tanks. The gray-water tank collects waste water from the sinks and shower. Ideally, its capacity should come close to that of the fresh-water tank.

The black-water tank, which captures the toilet waste, usually has more than adequate capacity.

Joe: Compare payload or cargo capacities. This is the amount of weight you can add to the RV before overloading its tires, brakes, frame or drive train.

RV chassis manufacturers rate their vehicles as being able to safely carry a maximum amount of weight (including the weight of the RV). This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

The weight of an empty RV, sitting at the curb, with fuel, water and propane tanks full is called "wet" weight. Wet weight should also include the weight of optional equipment such as the generator, awnings and roof air-conditioner that may have been added to the RV.

You can determine how much weight, including cargo and passengers, you may safely load into an RV by subtracting the RV's wet weight from the manufacturer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is called payload or cargo capacity

Before you buy a trailer be sure you know the towing capacity of your tow-vehicle. Find out the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and the hitch weight of the fully loaded trailer. Then check with the manufacturer of the tow-vehicle to see if it is capable of towing the size and weight of the trailer you are considering.

Vicki: Evaluate the RV's livability. Is there sufficient counter and sink space in the kitchen? Will all the occupants fit at the dinette? Convert the dinette and couch into beds. Will either of them accommodate an adult? Lie down on the beds. Sit on the toilet. Stand in the shower. Will your clothes fit in the closets? Check the size of the exterior storage compartments. As you move through the RV, keep asking yourself, Does it fit? Is it functional? Will it do the job?

Joe: Be reasonable, an RV isn't going to provide you with all the space of a house or the agility of a sports car. You're going to have to make compromises. But, by keeping your interests and needs in mind, you'll choose your compromises and end up with an RV that will take you where you want to go and let you do the things you want to do.