In this episode, I’ll explore the possibility of buying the wrong RV. It’s an easy mistake to make, and many of us, including myself, have been there. If you end up with the wrong RV, it’s not the end of the world, but it can certainly add a lot of stress and ruin your dreams of RV travel. This is especially important if you’re considering buying your first RV, but it can also help existing RV owners evaluate their situation.
Hi everyone, I’m Jack. I’m passionate about travel and teaching, and I love exploring. Back in 2014, I decided to hit the road in an RV, and I haven’t looked back since. Along the way, I’ve encountered quite a few challenges, and as a natural teacher, I try to turn those experiences into lessons for others. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned RV traveler, you’ve come to the right place. So, let’s dive in!
Question 1: What stage of life are you in?
How do you know if you bought the wrong RV? It’s not an easy question to answer, but over time, it may become evident. For example, you might have purchased a small travel trailer for you and your two kids to use on weekends. After a few trips, you realize the trailer is too cramped for your needs.
On the flip side, you could have bought a large fifth-wheel trailer but found it too cumbersome for small roads. Or perhaps you invested in an RV with a ton of high-end features, only to discover you hardly use any of them. If you’re finding it difficult or inconvenient to use your RV, you might have the wrong one. This could involve issues like lack of space, weight problems, poor maneuverability, or simply not fitting your lifestyle or budget.
If you’re unsure whether you bought the wrong RV, the best approach is to spend more time test-driving and trying out different options to ensure it meets your needs. On sunny days, being outdoors is fine, but if everyone ends up stuck inside, it can become unbearable. If you want to stay sane on rainy days, you might need a larger trailer.
Conversely, your kids might be getting older and leaving home, while you have a large fifth-wheel or travel trailer with dedicated kids’ rooms. Since you only use the trailer a few times each season, you might be able to downsize to something that suits just the two of you.
In summary, your life stage significantly impacts whether your RV is the right fit. Whether you have young kids, teenagers, or grandkids will influence what your ideal RV looks like. Additionally, whether you travel alone or with others will play a role in your decision. If you’re thinking of taking long trips solo next season, a larger trailer might be too challenging to handle. A compact camper trailer could be a better choice.
Question 2: How do you plan to use your RV?
This is a fundamental question you should answer. I love working remotely in beautiful locations, enjoying warm weather, and spending longer periods outdoors. This influences what type of RV I choose to support that lifestyle. Do you want to camp away from crowds and live off the grid, or do you prefer the amenities of an RV resort, or somewhere in between, like a state park?
You need a clear understanding of how you want to camp to know what to purchase. If you’re leaning toward an off-road RV experience, you’ll want to ensure your rig is equipped for rugged terrain. Knowing your future plans and how you want to camp is essential. If you plan to go off-grid, you’ll need solar power, high-capacity batteries, a generator, and sturdy equipment that can handle rough conditions. If you never plan to go off-grid, there’s no need to spend extra on features you won’t use.
Question 3: How often do you plan to use your RV?
Are you planning to camp once or twice on weekends each year, or take occasional week-long trips? In that case, a smaller, lighter, and less expensive RV may work well, depending on how many people are traveling with you. Are you looking to spend six months traveling the country while working remotely? Again, the number of people traveling with you may require more indoor space for those days when you can’t be outside.
If you plan to travel full-time with your family, you might need more space. So, beyond the type of camping you enjoy, you’ll also need to anticipate how often you plan to travel. Generally, the longer you plan to use your RV, the higher the quality and price should be. An overland travel trailer might suit those who travel extensively, offering the comforts needed for longer journeys.
off-road trailer
Question 4: Are you an indoor camper or an outdoor camper?
A worthwhile question to consider is whether you enjoy indoor activities. I’m not naturally an indoor person; I prefer being outdoors. However, due to work commitments, I find myself spending a lot of time inside the RV. So, even though I love small RVs designed for outdoor living, they might not suit my travel and work lifestyle.
Cooking and bathroom facilities are also relevant. Maybe you’re planning to travel around America’s national parks during the summer and imagine cooking outdoors most of the time. If that’s the case, you might not need a large indoor kitchen, but you might want a nicer outdoor kitchen instead. On the other hand, you might prefer cooking indoors.
Question 5: What kind of travel activities do you plan to do with your travel trailer?
Are you planning short family getaways, like weekend trips every few months? A mid-sized, easy-to-handle travel trailer might be the best option. Or are you thinking about longer trips, like cross-country road trips over the summer? For extended travel, you’ll likely want a trailer with more living space and extra comforts to make those long trips more enjoyable.
If you’re just going on short getaways, a compact travel trailer, such as the Black Series RV, will do the job. For longer adventures, you may want to consider a model with more amenities, like a toy hauler or an off-road travel trailer, to keep you comfortable on the road.
Question 6: How do you plan to store and move your travel trailer?
Do you have a dedicated spot to store your travel trailer, where you can easily hook it up and hit the road? If yes, then you can focus on choosing a trailer that matches your vehicle’s towing capacity. On the other hand, if you plan to move frequently or drive through rough terrain without a permanent storage location, you’ll want to prioritize trailers with good off-road capabilities and stable towing performance.
Question 7: How do the size and weight of the trailer impact your travel?
Do you prefer a smaller, lightweight trailer that’s easier to maneuver around city streets and tight campsites? This is great for short trips and frequent movers. Or do you prioritize more space and comfort, even if that means using a heavier vehicle to tow it? Larger trailers are better for long-distance travel or family vacations but are harder to tow and use more fuel.
Ultimately, finding the right RV—be it an off-road travel trailer, toy hauler, or overland camper—will enhance your adventures and make your travels memorable. Happy RVing!
