7 Tips for Buying Small RV Campers
The global market for RVs is expected to get near $90 billion by 2027. So, if you like to take a lot of road trips, you might be interested in investing in a small RV of your own.
So, how do you make sure you’re buying the best RV camper for your needs?
Read on for our top tips for buying small RV campers.
1. Determine Your Needs
Consider what you need in a small RV camper.
Know how many people you’ll be traveling with and how many beds you need. Some small RV camper vans come with a single bed, while others may have a fold-out bed or a pop-up roof with a sleeping area.
Think about what amenities you need, such as a kitchenette, bathroom, shower, or air conditioning. These features can add to the cost of the van, so consider what you need versus what you can do without.
Consider the size of the RV camper van, including its length, height, and width. Make sure it can fit in the spaces you plan to park it, and ensure that it’s easy to drive and maneuver.
Think about how much RV storage you need for your belongings, such as clothes, food, and camping gear. Some small RV camper vans have ample storage space, while others may be more limited.
Consider the fuel efficiency of the van. A more fuel-efficient van can save you money in the long run.
2. Research the Different Types
There are different types of small RV campers. Research your RV options to find the one that best fits your needs.
Pop-up campers are lightweight and easy to tow, making them a great choice for first-time RVers. They feature a fold-down design that allows them to be compact during travel and spacious when camping. However, they can be less durable than other types of RVs and may not offer as many amenities.
Teardrop trailers are small, aerodynamic campers that can be towed by most vehicles. They typically feature a bed, a small kitchenette, and storage space. Teardrop trailers are great for couples or solo travelers who don’t need a lot of space, but they may be too small for families or larger groups.
Class B motorhomes are essentially converted vans that have been outfitted with living amenities such as a bed, a kitchenette, and a bathroom.
They are easy to drive and park, and they offer more amenities than some other small RV options. However, they can be more expensive than other types of RVs. If you want an RV camper that’s a little bigger, look at the Class C motorhomes found here.
Truck campers are designed to fit in the bed of a pickup truck, making them easy to transport. They typically feature a bed, a kitchenette, and a small bathroom, and they are great for off-road adventures. However, they may be more difficult to access and you may need a bigger car for towing.
Small travel trailers are similar to larger travel trailers, but they are designed to be lightweight and easy to tow. They typically feature a bed, a small kitchenette, and storage space. Small travel trailers are a great choice for families or groups who need more space than a teardrop trailer but want something smaller than a larger RV.
3. Set a Budget
RV campers can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to come up with a solid budget before you start shopping. Be sure to include not just the cost of the camper itself, but also any additional costs such as insurance, maintenance, and storage.
Review your financial situation to determine how much you can realistically spend on a small RV camper.
Use online resources or visit RV dealerships to research the cost of different types of small RV campers. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on factors such as the age, condition, and features of the RV.
Buying a used small RV camper can be a cost-effective way to get the features you need without breaking the bank. However, make sure to have the RV inspected by a professional to ensure that it’s in good condition.
RV dealerships may be willing to negotiate on the price of the RV, especially if you’re buying a used model or buying at the end of the season.
4. Check for Quality
When you find a small RV camper that you like, make sure to inspect it carefully for quality. Look for any signs of wear and tear or damage, and check all of the appliances and systems to make sure they’re in good working order.
Check the exterior of the RV for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for cracks, dents, or signs of rust, which could indicate that the RV has been poorly maintained or may have hidden damage.
Check the roof and seals for any signs of leaks or water damage. Look for discoloration or soft spots in the roof and check the seals around windows, doors, and vents.
Check the tires for any warning signs. Ensure the RV tires are properly inflated and that they have adequate tread depth.
Inspect the interior of the RV for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for signs of water damage, such as stains or discoloration on the walls or ceiling. Check the floors for any soft spots or signs of rot.
Turn on all the lights, appliances, and outlets to make sure they work. Test the water system by turning on the faucets and flushing the toilet.
5. Consider the Size and Weight
Make sure the small RV camper you choose is easy to tow or drive, and that it’s small enough to fit into the spaces you plan to park it in. Consider the weight of the camper and make sure your vehicle can safely tow it.
Check the towing capacity of your vehicle to ensure that it can safely tow the weight of the RV camper you’re considering. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should provide this information.
Consider the overall size of the RV camper, including its length, width, and height. Make sure that it will fit in the places you plan to camp, such as campsites or RV parks, and that it’s easy to maneuver on the road.
Check the weight of the RV, including the dry weight, the gross vehicle weight rating, and the tongue weight. Make sure that your vehicle can safely tow the weight of the RV, and that you’re not exceeding any weight limits.
Consider your experience with towing and driving large vehicles. If you’re new to towing or have limited experience, a smaller and lighter RV may be easier to handle on the road.
6. Test Drive
Make sure to take potential RV campers for a test drive before making a purchase. This will give you a better idea of how it handles on the road and whether it meets your needs.
Find a safe place to test drive the RV camper, such as a parking lot or quiet street. Avoid busy roads or highways until you feel comfortable driving the RV.
Check the mirrors and blind spots to make sure you have good visibility when driving the RV. Small RV campers may have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.
Test the brakes and steering to ensure that they are responsive and that the RV handles well on the road. Make sure that the brakes stop the RV smoothly and that the steering is easy to control.
Test the suspension by driving over bumps or uneven surfaces to ensure that the RV rides smoothly and that the suspension absorbs bumps and vibrations.
Test the engine and transmission to ensure that they are in good working order. Make sure that the engine starts easily and runs smoothly, and that the transmission shifts smoothly.
Test the RV’s systems, such as the air conditioning, heating, and electrical systems, to ensure that they are working properly. Test the water system by turning on the faucets and flushing the toilet.
7. Read Reviews
Before making a final decision, read reviews from other small RV camper owners. This will give you an idea of any common issues or problems to look out for, as well as the pros and cons of different models.
Look for reviews from multiple sources, such as manufacturer websites, RV forums, and consumer review websites. This can give you a well-rounded view of the pros and cons of the RV camper you’re considering.
Consider the source of the review and whether the reviewer has any biases or affiliations that could affect their review. For example, a review from an RV enthusiast may be different from a review from a first-time RV owner.
Look for common themes in the reviews, such as recurring issues or features that reviewers consistently praise. This can give you a good idea of what to expect from the RV.
Consider the date of the review and whether it’s still relevant. RV campers may be updated or improved over time, so a review from several years ago may not reflect the current state of the RV.
Consider the reviewer’s experience with RV camping and whether their needs and expectations align with your own. A review from an experienced RV camper may be different from a review from a first-time RV owner.
Start Shopping for Small RV Campers Today
There are lots of options when it comes to small RV campers. Hopefully, you now have some idea of what you should be looking for.
Do you want more help with your next road trip? We’ve got you covered. Look at some of our other posts to help you prepare.
