Looking at RVs for Retirement? Tips for First-Time Buyers

The housing market has rebounded remarkably well over the past 16-plus months, and that includes homes on wheels. In the first eight months of 2013, RV shipments grew almost 12 percent over the same period in 2012, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. Overall, 2012’s sales were more than 13 percent higher than sales in 2011. Some of this can be attributed to banks being more willing to extend credit to purchase mobile homes. But Thor Industries, one of the nation’s top RV manufacturers, told U.S. News & World Report it has more to do with the millions of baby boomers reaching retirement age.

If you’re looking to purchase an RV, we have a few universal pieces of advice for first-time buyers:

Have Some Class

The type of RV you get is based on personal preference as well as how much space you’ll need.

• Class A motor homes are the largest ones. They can be as long as 45 feet, have more than 600 square feet of living space and come with multiple slide-outs. The cockpit and living area are not separated, so you can basically park and go to sleep without getting out of the vehicle.
• A Class B motor home is basically a large van, sometimes called a camper-van. Despite their smaller size, most Class Bs have all the necessary amenities, including shower, toilet and kitchen. The one immediate advantage is the fact they are much easier to learn how to drive than Class As, which can be the size of a city bus.
• Class C motor homes are very similar to Class A except the cockpit is separate from the living area. You could also opt for a fifth-wheel, conventional trailer or folding camper, all of which require a truck or van to pull it where you want to go.

New Or Used

Brand new Class A, B or C RVs can easily exceed six-figures depending on the brand and model. But there are still many families and individuals selling RVs they bought before the recession hit at bargain prices.

Craigslist is an excellent source to find great deals on used RVs. Ebay also has thousands of listings. Any used RV should be thoroughly inspected by a professional, but if you decide to do it yourself, make sure to check the water pipes, storage tanks, generators/solar panels, engine and transmission.

A used RV will also save you quite a bit in insurance premiums. The Hartford and AARP offer insurance on recreational vehicles, and a variety of special discounts apply if you qualify.

Full or Part-Time

The last thing to consider is your length of stay in the RV. Many RV parks reject Class B homes, which may become a bigger issue if you plan to travel. RVs are not meant for cold climates. There is little to no insulation in them, and certain precautions will need to be taken when temperatures drop below freezing.

You’ll need to run a small ceramic space heater in the bay where all your water pipes and tanks are to avoid freezing and serious damage. You’ll also need chains for the wheels if you plan on driving in snow.

Remember your new RV is like a second home and should be taken care of in much the same way.