Traveling via RV is something that everyone should experience. When you fall in love with the lifestyle, choosing between rental RVs and RV ownership can feel impossible. Luckily, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you figure out whether you should invest in an RV or rent one.
Past Experience and Familiarity With RVs
When debating renting versus buying an RV, it’s wise to consider how much experience and subsequent familiarity you have with these vehicles. RVs are a wonderful way to take your life on the road, but they don’t exactly drive the same as your Honda. On top of that, they come in various shapes and sizes. And the only way to know which is best for you is to test them out.
So, if you’ve been renting different RVs for a while and understand which of them is best for you, it might be a good time to go ahead and fully commit to investing in one. On the other hand, renting may be a better route if you’ve never driven or traveled in one. It’ll allow you to see what life on the road is actually like. Moreover, you’ll be able to determine if it’s something you can see yourself doing full time.
Current Availability of RVs
Something else you want to consider before fully committing to an RV is its current market availability. Dealerships have noted that RV inventories intended for purchase remained low nationwide in the past year. This heightens the chances of you not being able to get the specific kind you have your eye on.
Thus, if you get to the dealership with intentions to buy and you don’t find the vehicle you’re after, don’t buy. Rent what they have available and wait until you see a dealership with the specific RV you want. Then, invest in it.
How and Where You’d Like To Travel
Another factor worth considering in renting versus buying an RV is how and where you’d like to travel. Moreover, the length of time you intend to be traveling for. All of these things will impact your decision to rent or buy, so it’s crucial to take them into account.
For instance, one of the benefits of renting an RV is choosing the RV that best suits your trip’s needs. You don’t have to worry about running into too many issues because you picked a model that can handle how you’re traveling, where you’re traveling, and for how long.
Conversely, suppose you decide that you want to take your life on the road full-time and camp in various places for an indefinite period. If so, it might be better to purchase an RV that fits your lifestyle, comfort, and financial position.
Required Upkeep and Maintenance
Like any other vehicle, you need to consider what sort of maintenance, storage, and upkeep is required for the specific kind of RV you prefer. When you own an RV, you’re responsible for taking it in for regular inspections and tune-ups. You also have to keep up with tire and wheel maintenance and even replace certain accessories, like black tank heaters.
Of course, these things can end up costing a pretty penny but it’s well worth it if you’re ready for that kind of commitment. However, there’s no shame in renting an RV and dropping it off once you’re done traveling. That way, you can enjoy the lifestyle without making the total financial commitment to the maintenance that comes with RV ownership.
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