FOTR

Resources for Buying an RV

If your family is considering buying an RV, than this is a good point of reference. Many families looking to hit the road, have never owned an RV, and want to make the best decision about accommodating their family while traveling. Use these resources to make an informed decision and learn from families who have hit the road.

RVs for Families

towingrvRV manufacturers who make RVs with floor plans suited for families on the Road.
Studies have shown that vacations are good for both your physical and mental health. It's also good for busy professionals. Both the anticipation before and relaxation during a vacation boost morale and productivity. But where do you find the time? That's where an RV comes in. There are several ways RVs make it easier to find the time to get away, explore or spend quality time with friends and family. Here are just a few.

Shorter travel distances
With an RV, you don't have to go far to feel like you are getting away. Heck, you can even spend a night or two in your own backyard-deep breaths of fresh air under the stars, gooey smores, ghost stories, falling asleep to the sound of crickets and waking to birds chirping can be refreshing no matter where you are. What's more, there are approximately 15,000 privately or publicly owned campgrounds in the US alone. You're never too far from a great camping destination, even if you live in the heart of a big city.

  • coachmanlogoCoachman More than 55 years of proud history... Providing adventure, freedom, flexibility, reliability, safety & security. Coachmen... It's a brand you can trust. Coachmen RV, a division of Forest River, Inc., is headquartered in Middlebury, Indiana, with our primary manufacturing facilities on nearly 220 acres with over 23 acres under roof. Compare the Coachmen advantages and you will see why Coachmen is the Leader to the Great Outdoors.
  • forestriverlogoForest River In 1996, Forest River founder Peter Liegl had a vision. He foresaw an RV company dedicated to helping people experience the joy of the outdoors by building better recreational vehicles. Today, we have grown to become one of the largest RV manufacturers in North America, producing class A and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, camping trailers and destination trailers. From the new family just starting out in the world of RVing to the experienced full-timer, we offer something for everyone.
  • Fleetwood
  • Gulf Stream
  • Heartland RV
  • Highland Ridge
  • Holiday Rambler
  • Horizons
  • jaycologoJayco
  • Keystone RV
  • KZ RV
  • Newmar
  • Redwood RV
  • Thor Industries
  • Travel Units (this manufacturer customizes!)

These sites will help you learn all you can:

New or Used? You might want to read up about depreciation before you decide.
towguide-2019If you decide to get a 5th wheel or travel trailer don't forget to check out Trailer Life tow ratings. Trailer Life Guide to Towing features critical information for hauling travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and truck campers:

  • Hundreds of tow vehicles listed by make, model and configuration in easy-to-read chart format
  • Details on manufacturer towing limits - from 2,000 to 30,000 pounds
  • Tow vehicles from 1999 through 2019 model years

Check the value of used RVs

These groups rate RVs and produce helpful materials:

  • RV.org for RV ratings and RVIA provides links to RV manufacturers
  • The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association offers a free "Go RVing Video" that answers many questions beginning RVers ask. Information on local dealers and campgrounds is also included at GoRVing
  • The Better Business Bureau offers a video called "Buying a Recreational Vehicle" to help in choosing the right RV and the right dealer. Watch it online or order the DVD.
  • Woodalls RV & Family Camping Publications

Used RVs

Aerolite319Search for Used RVs:

  • Camping WorldRV Search
  • CraigsList
  • Facebook
  • EBay
  • RV Broker will help you buy (or sell) your RV and long time FOTR member
  • rvtraderlogoRV Trader Online Selling your RV should be easy. That's why we're here. Put your current unit in front of millions of monthly buyers who visit our site -- and it will be on it's way to a new owner before you know it!

How do you know how good a price is on a RV especially when searching on eBay?

"Look at prices for similar rv's new or used at rv sale stores. Then go to eBay and start scanning the auctions every night. Do *not* bother looking at anything still up for auction. Click on "advanced search" and click "show completed listings only". Now you can see the actual *sold* price for the type of rv you want. The prices in green sold, and the prices in red ended without selling. You will see far more red than green, as the good buys on eBay are listed among a lot of overpriced dealer listings.

You'll just need to develop a sense for this. We've been watching auctions for about 8 months and have a good idea now of what a "great deal" would be on what we want."

~Jessica

Bus Conversions

skoolieMany traveling families have found that converting a used bus is their best option. Here are some helpful sites:

RV parts and accessories available at JC Whitney

Trucks

Dodge DuallyWhich is the best truck to pull my RV?

Ford, Chevy and Dodge all make Medium and Heavy-duty trucks that can pull an RV. It is important to understand tow ratings on these vehicles.

VolvoTrucks such as those made by Freightliner, Kenworth and International, are often recommended for pulling Toyhaulers or fifth wheels that are over 20,000+ lbs.. Here are a few companies who customize these trucks for RV towing:

Rent before you buy!

With so many RV rental companies out there, it can be hard to know which is the best.

BestRVRentalsOur friends at thewanderingrv have written a great post about the
3 Best RV Rental Companies!

  • Camping World
  • Cruise America
  • El Monte Rv Rentals
  • RV Share
    • Planning Your Trip of a Lifetime with RVshare

    If you're thinking about going on a road trip, camping, or renting an RV for a special event, RVshare makes the whole process simple and fun!

    Getting behind the wheel of a motorhome is a great way to explore the country while still having all the comforts of home. RVing lets you get up close and personal with nature, and allows you to spend the night under the stars, wherever your destination may be.

    They make RV travel easy by connecting you to owners in your local area, or at your destination. They offer the largest selection of trusted RV rentals in the country. You can search through thousands of options including Luxury Class A Diesel Pushers, Class B Camper Vans, Class C Motorhomes, and Travel Trailers. You can filter your search and compare RV rental prices, features, reviews and more.