Things to Consider Before Buying Your First RV

An RV is a great way to see North America, but don’t take our word for it — try it for yourself!

To see if you’re cut out for RV life, rent before buying. “You’ll get an idea of how capable your truck is, and how comfortable you are pulling an RV,” says Sarnesh Narayan, vice-president of operations at Go RV, an AMARewards partner with dealerships in Red Deer and Leduc.

You’ll get a first-hand taste of what it’s like to travel the open road with your accommodations, before committing to a purchase. It’ll also help you decide how much space you really need. At Go RV, you can rent a 27-foot RV, which sleeps eight people, for about $1,200 per week. Buy an RV later and that payment will be deducted from the price.

If you do decide to buy, Narayan recommends getting a new unit rather than used — to take advantage of the warranty and the likelihood of fewer repairs. But remember to factor in maintenance and service costs, as all RVs still require regular maintenance. “It’s very important to work with a dealer that has a trusted service department,” Narayan says.

The cost of a new 14-foot trailer typically starts at $15,000. A new 27-footer, the most common size, usually costs between $20,000 and $30,000. Motorhomes are more expensive — some Class A models can easily top $100,000.

BIG DEAL

AMA Members save 15% on parts and service from Go RV Plus. Buy an RV from Go RV and get a one-year AMA Plus RV membership, one year free RV storage and Go RV Adventure Club membership with free firewood, propane and RV supplier for life. That’s a $1,270 value.