Do your research before making motorhome/RV purchase
As the weather warms up, many people start thinking of summer vacations and traveling to far-off locations. For those who enjoy road trips, one option to consider is purchasing a motorhome or recreational vehicle (RV).
If you are planning to travel across the country, this purchase can be an investment, allowing consumers to save money over time on certain major travel expenses, such as lodging. For first-time buyers, however, the options and considerations can be overwhelming.
For those looking to buy a motorhome or RV, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following checklist: Check the dealer’s reputation. Find a dealer’s rating, complaint history and customers reviews all in one place at BBBHouston.org. Check that the motor vehicle dealer is registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles at txdmv.gov/dealers.
If buying from a private party, make sure to obtain all contact information. Decide how you will
use your new RV. Do you want to stay in your home area or travel the region or country? Will your trips be shorter or will you be on the road for months or a season? Do you want a home experience or something more mobile and easy to maneuver and park?
These questions are critical, as they will determine what choices you make. Options include motorhomes from 15 to 45 feet as well as trailers ranging from 19 feet up to 40 feet.
Other factors include pop-up or popout (slide) options that increase space but also costs.
Keep in mind that if you buy a trailer, this may also require the purchase of a truck capable of handling the weight and can be very expensive.
Check inside and out. Remember, the exterior of an RV is just as important as the inside.
Do a complete walk through and test every electrical feature in the RV to make sure they function well. Whether new or used, inspect the RV inside, underneath and around, looking for screws, doors, and cupboards that do not remain closed, wires or water pipes running through holes, and construction debris as a sign of sloppy workmanship.
Ask about the quality of insulation, suspension, roofing, brakes, engine and transmission. Check the warranty. Understand the warranty options offered with a new or used purchase. New RVs usually come with a one year warranty covering the entire unit.
Used RVs might come with a limited warranty, or if buying from a private party, with no warranty.
Beware offers that sound too
good to be true. When you find the make and model RV you want, do not buy it from the first dealer that offers it. Shop around for the best price and the best quality, and don’t accept “this is our lowest offer” as a reason to accept a price.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.