This is a great overview about buying an RV and what to consider, from the Examiner. If your even thinking about buying an RV, you should read what this author has to say.

Dealer ads and RV blogs blare that NOW is the best time to buy an RV.  They may be right OR they might be wrong.  Dealer prices for RV, especially for high ticket motorhomes and 5th wheels, are often significantly lower than the suggested list price (SLP).  Further, there are "new" 2007, 2008 and 2009 motorhomes on dealers lots at greatly reduced prices.www.rvtraderonline.com  

 Class A RVs

Things to consider: 1.  RVs that have been on dealers lots for extended time periods have been tramped through by hundreds of potential customers.  2.  The sun has been unrelentngly beating down on the tires, roof and paint/decals for months or years, resulting in photodegradation of those components.  3.  The dealer has been paying interest costs on each RV and really wants to sell it, even at a loss.   4.  Any new RV, regardless of model year, will decrease in value from 25 to 35% as soon as it leaves the lot.  5. Virtually every new RV has problems that must be addressed either under the warranty or by dealer/buyer agreement. 6.  Many dealers have closed their businesses during the past year or two and more will in the future, leaving the buyer without recourse.  7.  Many manufacturers have gone bankrupt or closed their doors due to the economy and it has become more difficult to obtain certain brand name parts for RVs.  8. The information in the NADA price sheets, online, can be very helpful in learning the purchase price and the past resale history of the brand and model.  www.nada.com

First time and more experienced buyers are urged to carefully consider these and other more obvious factors when anticipating a purchase.  Books such as Buying an RV the Smart Way (ebook), and the Better Business Bureau DVD:  Buying a Recreational Vehicle, are two of several good books to help the buyer.  Additional tips and suggestions are offered in the RV Travel Newsletter RV Fulltimer and similar online sources.  ww.rvtravel.com/rvnewsletter.shtml    www.fulltimerver.com/publish/issue23.shtml

RV blogs and newsletters are helpful to those who are less experienced in the purchase of a new RV.  rveducation101.com/email

With these things in mind shopping for and purchase of a new RV can be super fun.  The anticipation of the RVing lifestyle and experience, the thrill of being on the open road, the fresh, new smell of an RV, the driving and overall travel experience is quite motivating and stimulating to many.

Other suggestions: 1.  Do your homework and determine the best type, model, manufacturer, size, color of interior and exterior to  suit you best.  2.  Carefully consider the floorplan, woodwork, amenities that you want or need.  3.  Search until you find several units that you may be interested in.  4. Drive the RVs and make certain that they will be suitable for you and significant others who may travel with you.  5.  Study more, deliberate and decide, then think about the decision for a day or more.  6.  Reconsider and compare.  Just ahead:  RVing 101, what are things to consider when buying a USED RV?

There are dozens of horror stories about RV buyers who purchased a new RV, took one or 2 short trips and returned the RV to the dealer. I know of one RV that had less than 900 miles on the odometer when it was returned to the dealer and another was traded on a larger motorhome with less than 4000 miles.   Often the buyers lose up to 40% of the purchase price and may have less than 1000 miles on the engine.  Think carefully about your potential purchase.

Source: Examiner

Author: Bob Gorden. Bobs Home page.