Most of the folks on this list already own an RV, but there may be a few checking things out. For their benefit and to help those who might be considering an upgrade, here are some ideas our members have suggested for anyone planning to purchase their first rig. Feel free to share these ideas with your non-RVTalk friends (and tell them to join us for more good information).

One of the most important points made by our members is that before people buy an RV, they must first know what kind of Rving they plan to do. Focusing on motorized rigs, he suggests the following divisions:

1. Truck camper: Short stays, can overnight anywhere (especially with four-wheel drive), and can get into places where a larger unit cannot go.
2. Class A: Can go limited places in some towns but not really easy to deal with in tight places . It has better accommodations and can be stayed in without going postal on your partner.
3. Large class A: Really has to have a tow vehicle and the RV itself is pretty limited to larger roads and campgrounds which can accommodate them. This is less of a problem than it used to be, for most commercial campgrounds. Even state and federal parks are upgrading in many cases and have sites available. Even if the park advertises "No rigs larger than xx feet," it is still worth checking, for sometimes they do have one or two sites that might work.
4. Class C: A hybrid truck camper and class A. Can also allow limited long term stays. Also available with four-wheel drive.
5. Class B van: A weekender with appeal limited to those not intending to stay in them for any long time. More of a cruising sedan than anything else. Available with four-wheel drive.

Another member echoes this advice with some additional questions to consider:

1. What kind of RV - MH, TT, 5w, etc.?
2. How big?
3. Intended use - FT, weekends, parked in a resort, boondocking?
4. How much $ do they have to spend?
5. New or used?
6. How far are they willing to travel to obtain it?
7. Purchase from a dealer or individual?
8. What kind of amenities i.e.; Slide out, washer/dryer, satellite dish, etc.?

Once they start answering some of these questions, they should be able to zero in on the RV that suits them.

The importance of asking these kinds of questions before you do anything else cannot be overemphasized. "Think about how you're going to use the RV, part-time, full-time, part-time full-time? Will you ever be having anyone travel with you? Do you want to take a desktop/laptop computer with you? LIFESTYLE has a lot to do with the 'type/size' of RV you end up with. Do you tend to do a lot of cooking, carry a lot of cooking utensils? Or do you have a special hobby/collection that might take up additional storage room? Do you want to 'boondock' or dry camp, using your holding tanks? If you're going to full-time and/or boondock, you'd want to have heated tanks (if you plan to be in colder climates) and the largest size of tanks you can get. Start a file, take a notebook with you when visiting dealerships, staple business card of salesman to the page for future reference, draft a pros/cons sheet, that you can fill out when you get home and that will help you decide which RV has the most of the items that you feel you would 'need' to live comfortable in a rig."

Of course, even after you provide provisional answers to these kinds of questions, you still need lots of information (some of which might even change your original answers). Here are some sources folks have recommended:

1. Join RV Consumer Group, use his website, buy a couple of his books. His web address is http://www.rv.org. Many folks think his information is extramely valuable, but be aware that a few disagree.
2. Commit to researching/shopping/learning for about a year before buying.
3. Go to lots of RV shows with the RV Consumer Group book in hand.
4. Join RV-Talk or similar sites and lurk and ask questions. Our web address is http://www.rvclub.com.
5. Drive several Class Cs, Class As, Class Bs, a pickup camper. and pull a 5th Wheel and conventional travel trailer.
6. Go to every RV dealer in the area (with RV Consumer Book) at least once/month and kick tires. Let the dealers know what you're looking for.
7. Read everything at http://www.phrannie.org
8. Buy (or go to the library) to get lots of books about Rving.
9. Go to campgrounds and visit with people. Ask them what they like and don't like about their rigs.
10. Join some groups like SKPs, RV-talk. Go to some gettogethgers (GTGs) in a rented rig. Ask questions. Go to some GTGs that have classes.
11. RVTrader online's handy for searching once you know what you want.
12. Magazines like Trailer Life, Motor Home and such are fun to read but not helpful in learning how to buy a rig, in my opinion.

The importance of research is emphasized by many of our members: "The first step would be to research the subject sufficiently to identify which type of RV to purchase. Fifth Wheel, Motor Home, Pull-Trailer, Pop-Up, etc. There are a number of publications that identify the positive and negatives of each. The next step would be to do some homework by visiting dealerships, rallies, friends, etc. to identify which brands, types, floor plans etc. appeal to the new owner. Once this is decided, then it would seem to me the decision has to be reached as to whether to buy used or new depending on the particular financial status of the buyer. If used is desired, there are a number of web sites that can be researched for data and price comparison. All of this information is good to have prior to visiting local dealers. The more information one has, the smarter buyer you are."

Another helpful list overlaps some of these points, but provides some great suggestions not given elsewhere:

1. Subscribe to the NADA RV Appraisal guide for a year if a used rig is an option. It would help on a new on too.
2. Look seriously at the depreciation tables to make sure you can accept the depreciation that will certainly occur.
3. Determine if you want a trailer, 5th, or MH.
4. Look at the basic floor plan you want: e.g. single dual slide. Kitchen/dinette slide, bathroom configuration, privacy doors, etc. There aren't that many variations at this stage. Be sure to check the size of the bathroom; some get mighty cramped for our business!
5.
5. Make a couple of manufacturer trips. Remember the cleanest and most automated assembly line does not indicate a good quality and safe coach.
6. If going for a MH look into the trend for more diesel chassis production in the past few years, as well as multiple slideouts.
7. Develop a relationship with a couple of dealers as you search. You will need them after purchase for repair/support. One with a good attitude helps a lot. Make sure you meet the service manager and a couple of his staff if at all possible.
8. Select the rig you really want. If new add up the MSRP and identify at least three dealers for that model and negotiate the best percentage off MSRP. It is not impossible to get 25% off the list price, but be sure you KNOW what the actual list price ("MSRP") is FIRST.
9. If used get as close as possible to wholesale for that year and model. If you have time you can do it. But, it takes patience and research. Learn the cost of options in NR 8 above and how they depreciate also. Factor that into the price you are willing to pay.
10. Be aware these days the only difference for most manufacturer between a 2000 & 1999, for example, is the time of production. New options, floor plans, chassis changes can occur throughout the year (mostly summer).
11. Be prepared to take a driving course to help the change to a large rig. I wish I had taken one.
12. Be prepared for the cost of driving, i.e., fuel, maintenance, insurance, third party repair, occasional breakdowns.

A third member provided these suggestions.

1. Take your time and do your homework. Use a spreadsheet to compare features of various brands. After narrowing it down, walk through RV parks and talk to owners of the models you are interested in.
2. Spend hours in your chosen rig to get a feel for the space and the quality. It may be more affordable to purchase a better equipped quality rig rather than buying accessories at Camping World and paying for more repairs. Look at the manufacturer also. Do they stand behind their product? Many don't.
3. Visit the library and check out the book by JB Gallant called RV Consumer Group's RV Rating Book (or close to that). We bought one for $80 several years ago, but it was worth it. The book rates RV's by safety, durability, quality, value and livability. It is very accurate and really helps you avoid mistakes. Others have already mentioned this.
4. Look at used, older models of the rig you want. Have they held up well?
5. Weigh carefully the pros and cons of MH v.s. 5er v.s. trailer, etc. Do you mind traveling and running errands in a big and bumpy truck in exchange for the improved floor space of a 5er? Are the benefits of a MH, such as ease of setting up, security, and smoother ride more important than the increased cost? If you travel constantly, a MH might be best. If you stay for a long period of time at each place, a 5er might be better. Whether you already have a pickup or a tow car is also an issue.
6. If you are going to full-time, check out storage capacity and weight restrictions carefully.

One tip is quite easy but worth its weight in gold: Take a camera with you, particularly a video camera, and be sure you know which rig you are in. One members says, "I used a video camera and described varous features, both inside and outside. This really helped as I started with the outside and then went inside.

When you consider the cost, of course, you might also consider the possibility buying used instead of new, at least for your first rig. "Buying used makes the most sense for most folks, especially newbies. And it gives them an opportunity to own a higher-quality unit, albeit used."

Another member disagrees: "I can't categorically agree that used is the best way to go for a first-timer. We thought so too at first. We did virtually every kind of research recommended on these posts for over a year and were very disappointed in what was available on the used market. Once we had decided on type and size and quality, we had little to choose from. When we found that we could get the same thing new for only about 20-25% more than a decent used model (with careful shopping, of course) we decided to go that route. And we got a two year warranty and cheaper financing. Also we were concerned about hidden surprises in used rigs that the previous owner might not disclose. If you find what you want, go for it. But don't rule out new."

Don't assume, however, that new rigs will have no defects (or even fewer defects than a used unit): "You've made some good points; however, from everything I have read it appears that a LOT of new rigs come with defects which cause them to spend much time in the shop and/or create a lot of hassle getting them fixed. One nice thing about a used one is that generally these problems have been resolved and the problems one does have are more or less to be anticipated. We've owned three used rigs and have not had any significant problems with any of them. And in our case the new vs. used has not been 20-25% more but 100% to 300% more. Had it been 20-25% we would probably have bought new."

If you go new, one member suggested "You ALWAYS get everything in writing and both you and the dealership manager/owner sign the item in question. Some dealerships don't allow their salesman/service manufacturers to make commitments except on very minor items. Therefore, the necessity to get the final guy to 'sign on the dotted line.' This also applies to any work arranged for at the factory by a dealer. Be sure to get it in wring from the dealer and a work order # from the factory. I have heard all to many stories of people weaseling out on 'deals' because the buyer couldn't prove it was agreed on."

If you do decide on a used model, remember that you *will* have repairs. "Research should cover local repair facilities. Once the RV is purchased, it still will have to have some work done on it by a professional from time to time. I would certainly recommend having a mechanic familiar with RV's check it out before purchasing. This would be true whether I purchased it from a dealer or private party. I would also recommend that a purchaser consider purchasing an extended warranty plan for the R.V. if one is available."

One member focused on the actual visit to the dealer: "Take an experienced RVer with you when you go shopping if you can. Also, take a video camera along and tape each unit as you tour it and ask lots of questions. Take our word for it; you'll forget which one was what after looking at 5 or 6."

Another added, "I'll second this suggestion.........record comments on likes and dislikes too. Step in the shower and go through the motions, sit on the toilet and go through the motions. Pretend you're making the bed, washing dishes, etc. This will help you look at the rig with the perspective of actually living in it, not just admiring it. Pretend you are trying to find a place to stock a week's worth of groceries. Now find some space for staples that you will keep above and beyond weekly groceries. This can get time consuming, but will be worth it in the long haul."

Another stressed the importance of taking your time. Once you get the fever, you will want to buy a rig as soon as possible, but it is crucial that you not rush things: "As a brand new fulltimer (lived in our fifth wheel one whole week!) I would agree that beginners need to look for a long time. We studied and looked for over a year and found that our dream rig changed several times as we became more educated on the subject. We ended up with one that we had completely ruled out early on in our search. We are very happy with our choice and could have really made a mistake if we had let ourselves get caught up in the 'excitement' and had bought one earlier.

Well, you have received lots of good advice from our members. If you want more, though, consider two additional resources. One is the "Buying an RV" poopsheet that phred has prepared (http:www.phrannie.org/buyRV.html). This document covers almost every aspect you need to consider. You can also find tons of great ideas in "How to Select, Inspect, and Buy an RV" from the RV Consumer Group (http://www.rv.org) for only $34.95 for non members. This can, as phred points out, "literally save people many thousands of dollars. It should be considered a 'must have' for anyone considering buying an RV."