Should I Buy a Recreational Vehicle?

Retirement is an exciting time. Now that you have more hours in the day to do with as you please, you can finally think about doing all the things you've been putting off and exploring all the places you've always wanted to see. If you're considering the adventure from the comforts of your own RV, good for you! The RV lifestyle can be fun and rewarding. Before you purchase a vehicle, be sure to consider these tips.

What Type of RV Might Be Best for Me?

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you prefer a vehicle that you drive or one that you tow. While you might fantasize about the gorgeous RV you spied at the dealer, the one with all the bells and whistles, a big rig can come with drawbacks. "Motor homes cost more and there is no point in storing an expensive engine and drive train when all you want is the occasional weekend campout," says Janet Groene, author of Living Aboard Your RV (Ragged Mountain Press/McGraw-Hill). "On the other hand, it's very convenient to have everything in one vehicle. A travel trailer costs far less, but towing and maneuvering a trailer is a hassle for most people and, of course, you have to have a suitable tow vehicle and hitch."

Can you handle driving and parking a big rig? You'll also probably want to consider your finances before you decide, and remember to factor in any budget you'll need for extras like fuel, campground fees and insurance.

RV Buying Tips

Buying an RV is similar to buying a car--to get the best price, you will probably want to be prepared to negotiate. Keep in mind that, like cars, RVs depreciate rapidly, so consider a used vehicle if you're budget-conscious. Victoria Wiener, an RV expert who together with her husband Alan owns Everything-About-Rving.com, offers these tips:

1. Arrange financing in advance of the actual negotiating, so you know what you can afford.

2. Once you decide on a make and model, play dealers off one another to get the best price. (Big RV shows are a great way to connect with multiple dealers.)

3. If possible, buy when fuel prices are high--dealers will negotiate more because demand decreases. Weiner says the money you save on the purchase price could pay for your fuel for a few years. And you can always stick close to home when gas prices are high--there are tons of things to do right in your own backyard.