At East Coast Campers, we pride ourselves on providing the information and resources that all soon-to-be RV owners need to make the best decision for their individual needs, budget, and preferences. In this article, we’ll review the 10 things that all new RV owners should know before they hit the road. For more information or to explore our current inventory of models available in Frankford, please contact us or visit our website today!

Buying vs. Renting An RV

In the RV purchasing process, the first step that all potential owners should take is determining whether a permanent buy or a temporary rental is best suited for their needs. Buying an RV is certainly more economical of an investment that pays for itself in just a few years of regular use, but renting has its advantages too in that it allows new drivers to get a feel for a certain travel trailer or park model before they commit to any considerable costs. 

At East Coast Campers, we offer a variety of financing options for buyers, from payment installment plans to unbeatable discounts on used models. We want you to love what you buy at our RV dealership, which is why we never compromise our assistance services for new customers.

Work with a professional or a trusted local dealer

You wouldn’t buy a regular car without first consulting some kind of expert, whether it’s a friend who fixes up vehicles in their free time or it’s an experienced salesman at your nearest dealership. The same is true for RVs, whether purchased or leased. If you’re a beginner to the world of recreational vehicles, be sure to speak with a representative from East Coast Campers to ensure you’re getting the best information possible from a competent and knowledgeable professional. We’ve been in the industry for decades, so if you need insight as to what may be the best course of action for your RV acquisition, we’ve got you covered.

Perform independent research

If you’re truly interested in owning or renting an RV, you’ll be better prepared for what’s to come if you research the product details of models you like. There are many different categories of recreational vehicles available, from high-mileage destination trailers to vehicle-attachable travel trailers. East Coast Campers includes detailed information on all of its units, from compact classes like the 2020 Crossroads RV Zinger Lite all the way to the hearty list of facts and figures that accompany a Forest River Sandpiper model. When it comes to finding the perfect RV for your lifestyle and travel companions, whether they’re friends or family, the more you know about your model, the better equipped you’ll be to take care of it and enjoy it for years to come.

Always do a pre-drive inspection

Before you take off in your RV, you’ll want to inspect all elements and areas of the vehicle prior to hitting the pavement. Make a habit of doing this, as just a single part or attachment out of place could cause major structural issues or accidents. You don’t need to know every detail and idiosyncrasy of your RV unit, however, since there are affordable and accommodating inspection services available at East Coast Campers. We even offer parts replacement if necessary. To learn more about our expertise in preliminary and ongoing maintenance, check out our Service & Parts pages online.

Reach your destination at the right time

If you’ve ever tried to set up a tent in the dark, you likely made concerted efforts afterward to avoid encountering the same situation in the future. When driving an RV, getting to your campsite or destination during the daylight hours is especially important, not only for ensuring an easier setup, but also for preventing unwanted hassle and stress in the case that anything should go wrong.

Assess your awning

No driver wants to encounter an issue like a flat tire while en route to a destination. The same goes for the awning on your RV. Before driving anywhere, you’ll always want to inspect this area of your vehicle to make sure that there’s no possibility of the structure unfurling while you’re in motion. East Coast Campers recommends that all recreational vehicles with awnings include secure, durable locks as well. 

Know your tire date codes

If you’re not sure about the date of your most recent RV tire installation, you should check its product codes to get an idea. Like many standard cars, an RV needs to have its tires replaced about every 5 to 7 years; of course, this guideline varies depending on frequency of use and cumulative mileage. Regardless of how new your tires may look, worn tread isn’t always easy to spot with the naked eye, so be sure that you’ve received a thorough inspection and tire pressure adjustment before starting a journey with your vehicle.

Keep tools in tow

You never know when something may go wrong with an RV, so even if a breakdown or structural repair is unlikely, it’s far better to be safe than sorry. Be sure that your RV always has a well-stocked tool box somewhere in its interior. Include wrenches, nails, screws, nuts, bolts, wrenches, an air pump, and any other handheld gadgets you think may come in handy.

Lighten your load

It’s often easier said than done, but packing lightly is a critical aspect of optimizing your RV travel and performance. If you don’t need an object or a bulky clothing item on your trip, don’t bring it — simple as that. Lightening the overall load of an RV rig is not only a great way to prevent clutter and cramped quarters, but it improves your fuel efficiency and saves you money on gas expenses. 

Map it out

Identifying the route you plan to take with your new recreational vehicle may be more convenient on a smartphone, but a backup map of your end destination is a useful and reliable way to ensure that directions are always available — even when wi-fi or cell phone battery energy isn’t. 

Become A New RV Owner In Delaware Today!

Now that you’ve read about the essentials of owning an RV when you come from a beginner-level background, you’re likely ready to take next steps and get in touch with a local dealer. If you live in the greater Frankford area, East Coast Campers is the team to trust with all your needs, questions, and concerns regarding any and all kinds of RVs. From toy haulers to super-light travel trailers, there’s a recreational vehicle for every Delaware resident to enjoy. With summer in full swing and gas prices low, there’s never been a better time to pursue your dreams of RV ownership. Contact our team of camper & RV specialists today to explore options and inventory models that will suit your personal preferences and exceed your expectations!

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So, you’re ready to buy an RV, but you aren’t sure if you should buy new or used.

A new RV is lovely, with its new car smell, and shiny new finishes, but buying new is not always the best way to go.

Many RVers opt for a used RV because there are so many benefits when compared to buying new.  It often comes down to how much bang for your buck there is in a used RV.

You can get a lot more RV for your money when considering used instead of new.

Why You Should Consider Buying a Used RV

Buying a used RV is obviously the most budget-friendly way to get your family into a camper.  We’ve all heard it before; a new vehicle depreciates the moment it leaves the Dealer’s lot.

If you drove your RV off the lot and immediately sold it, there would be a significant difference between what you paid and how much you make when you sell it.

This is not the case if you buy used.  A used RV holds its value because it already depreciated in someone else’s hands.

The biggest benefit is that it has a proven track record. The previous owner has already worked out all the inconvenient kinks and broken it in for you.

One of the former owners may even have opted for upgrades when it was new. Bonus!

Benefits of a Used RV or Camper

Go ahead and spend the money you saved buying your used RV and go on more vacations or customize the interior to your taste.

If you bought a new house, you would probably change some of the finishes, so why not do the same thing in a used RV, your home away from home.

What Should I Look for in a Used RV?

Make sure you are happy with it.

Just like a used home, there will be a few things that you may decide to compromise on, or you could have changed after you buy it, like the color of the upholstery.

But make sure you have a list of your deal breakers.  These are the things you will not budge on, regardless of how good the salesman is.

Always do a thorough walk through to make sure the beds are big enough, the bathroom and showers are a size you are comfortable with.  Be sure there is enough storage space for everything you need.

You definitely don’t want to feel like a squished sardine in your new-to-you RV.

Ask a lot of questions. You’ll want to be sure you know as much as you can about the RV before you make that final decision.

Buy Your RV From the Right Dealer

There’s always the risk you will buy a money pit with any RV. At East Coast Campers and More, we put every RV, new or used, through a rigorous and thorough quality check before putting it up for sale.

When asking yourself “What should I look for in a used RV?” The first answer should be a great dealership that will guide you through the process!

No RV is put up for sale unless we consider it good enough that we would buy it ourselves and put our own family it in.

In some cases, we also offer extended warranties through CornerStone United to provide you with some peace of mind on your outdoor adventures.

We may be able to offer financing as well. Come in and ask us about it!

East Coast Campers and More is a family owned Delaware RV Dealer that specializes in RV parts, sales, and service to enhance your RV camping experience.

This post was written by Kristi Durham.

The post What Should I Look for in a Used RV? appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.