The snowbird lifestyle can be the best way to spend retirement. You get to enjoy a mild summer with friends and family in your home state up north, and when the cold weather rolls around, you get to hop in your RV and head south to dodge the winter weather and keep soaking up the sun. While living that way can be a dream, it does take some preparation, including deciding which type of RV is best for you. Depending on the type of lifestyle you want to lead during your winters down south, some RVs may be better fitted for you than others. We’ve compiled a list of a few things you should consider when you begin your search for which RV fits your snowbird lifestyle.
Towable vs. Motorhome
We start things off with the most basic question: do you want to tow your RV, or would you prefer for the engine, cab and living quarters to all be part of the same vehicle? For first time RVers, a small motorhome like a Class B or Class C rig can be easier to drive because you don’t have to worry about the turn radius with a towable rig. Driving a larger Class A motorhome can take a little extra expertise, but you’ll have plenty of space with everything all in one spot.
On the flip side, there are some advantages to being able to tow your rig. With a towable, you can park your RV at the campground, and then use your tow vehicle to get out and explore the local area without having to unhook or go through the trouble of finding a place to park your RV at local attractions. If you plan on exploring outside of the RV park while you travel, then you may want to consider a fifth wheel or travel trailer for that reason. You’ll have to use a pickup truck as your tow vehicle with a fifth wheel, but SUVs can work for some travel trailers. With a towable, you also won’t have to worry about an RV engine issue stranding you somewhere as you’ll be dependent on your towable’s motor and not the motor in the RV itself.
Luxury vs. Simplicity
Next, you’ll want to consider how high maintenance your camping style will be. Is enjoying the finer things in life a priority for you? In a Class A rig, you’ll find every comfort and convenience of a sticks and bricks home. There’s a reason why famous musicians choose coach motorhomes as their luxury homes away from home on tour. Even some high-end fifth wheels can rival Class A rigs in terms of luxury. But if you prefer a more simplistic way of life, a lightweight travel trailer or Class C motorhome may be a better fit for you. Though these rigs can be smaller, most come packed with modern conveniences to make sure your camping experience is still an enjoyable one.
Glamping vs. Parks
You’ll also want to consider where you plan on camping during your time in your RV. If you won’t settle for less than “RV glamping,” a more glamorous version of camping at luxury RV resorts, then you’ll probably want to invest in a Class A motorhome, as many of the high-end RV resorts require a coach motorhome or have length requirements that basically rule out any other type. If you plan on spending most of your time in state and national parks, you may want to consider a small rig such as a light travel trailer, Class B or Class C rig since parks tend to have smaller campsites and some won’t allow rigs beyond a certain length.
Keep in mind that some of those campgrounds won’t have full hookups, so you may want to look for a rig with extra batteries or solar prep, as well as large holding tanks so you can last longer between trips to the dump station. The middle ground here would be setting up shop in private RV parks that may have full or partial hookups. There are plenty of travel trailers and fifth wheels that would fit the bill for this style of camping.
Comfort vs. Budget
This one isn’t so much of an either/or decision as it is figuring out where you land on the continuum. There’s a lot of gray areas here, as most people desire comfort that FITS their budget. Determining whether you fall in the absolute center of comfort versus budget, or if you lean slightly towards prioritizing one over the other will dramatically help you in determining which RV is right for you.
How to Choose the Right RV Type for Your Snowbird Lifestyle
Whether you’re into luxury and convenience or enjoy the outdoors and the simple pleasures in life, there’s an RV type that’s right for you. Luckily, we can help you sift through every type of RV here at Courvelle RV in Opalousas, Louisiana. Contact us today to get started on finding the right RV for your snowbird lifestyle!
Now that the weather is warming up and most of us are remembering what life was like pre-COVID-19, we’re getting antsy about vacations. Hitting the road can be a good idea for the economy and our country’s mental health, but traveling doesn’t come without its risks.
Due to the pandemic, many are saying that road trips will become the popular way of vacationing and travel as opposed to flying. While many health officials are suggesting to lower travel only to essential reasons, if you do decide to take that road trip after all, below are a few ways from us here at Courvelle’s on how to have a safe summer vacation.
Take your RV
If you already have your own RV, now is the time to de-winterize her and take her out for a spin. If you don’t have your own RV, that’s not a problem. We have rigs
When choosing your destination, finding somewhere outside is the safest bet, because the virus doesn’t have as much of a chance to spread in the outdoors. When you’re vacationing in an RV, you have control over nearly everything – cleanliness, who comes in and out, etc. Use this to your advantage!
Find wide open places to go to
Because of social distancing, finding destinations that are wide open is your best bet right now. If you’re going to brave the outdoors this summer, stick with it and choose somewhere like Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, etc. More rural places might be the best places right now, and chances are, you haven’t been. This is the perfect time to add them to your bucket list. You’ll be able to mark them right off!
Have a Plan
We’re sure you normally plan your vacations and trips, but it’s pretty important now more than ever to ensure you have a detailed plan of how you’re traveling and stick to it. Each state is opening at different times right now, so it’s critical to know where you’re going, where you’ll be stopping for breaks, how you’re getting there, and what you’re doing once you arrive.
It’s also a good idea to keep up with current events and happenings in and around your destination. COVID-19 outbreaks could be higher, lower, increasing, or decreasing where you’re going, so keep track of what’s happening there.
Limit your amounts of stop and opportunities for contact
Even if you plan on driving your own vehicle, you’ll have to come in contact with the outside world eventually. To be prepared, bring hand sanitizer, masks, anti-bacterial wipes, or even your own hand soap to truck stops or visitor centers.
If you’re still a bit worried about venturing out, we understand. You have a few other options. Some people find lots of comfort in planning vacation months or even a year or two in advance. Now might be the best time ever to plan that vacation ahead of time so you’ll always have something to look forward to once the pandemic begins to slow.
Now that you’ve got a few ideas on ways to stay safe during your vacation, it’s a good of a time as ever to disconnect with the digital world and reconnects with who and what matters. We can all be guilty of working late or being buried in social media. Use this time to take your rig out in the middle of nowhere (or a campground) and connect with your family. Although some state and national parks are still closed, many are beginning to open back up. Just be sure you keep a safe distance between you and other hikers, bikers, etc.
Right now, RVing is probably one of the safest ways you can take a quick weekend, weeklong, or however long vacation, regardless of if you rent or take your own rig. We hope these ideas help you put the right precautions in place for your next vacation. We’re always here to help you with any of your RV needs, especially during these times. We’re ready to get out and enjoy Mother Nature, too! As always, reach out to us for any questions you may have.
Whether you’re an RV novice or professional, every RVer needs to know the basics of rig maintenance. We all make mistakes, but we want to tell you some that we’ve made over the years, and why we’ll never make them again!
Not checking tires before each trip
This is a simple step that should be performed every single time you pack up and move campsites. There are several little steps like this that really need to be done, so a great idea is to make a quick checklist for each time you relocate. Especially if the weather changes along your trip, checking the tire pressure is critical in ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
Not slowing down for curves
You may think you’ve found the right speed right before taking a curve, but you’re probably going a bit faster than you need to be to handle it safely. Taking turns too quickly can not only put you and others in danger, but it can absolutely total your RV or travel trailer if it flips over. For this type of accident to happen, one of three things probably took place: the person was driving too fast, the trailer fishtailed, or the wind was blowing too hard. In other words, those road signs that caution you to slow down because of a sharp turn? Though most of us ignore them in our car, it’s a different story when driving your motorhome. Pay attention to these signs and you’ll be golden!
Skimping out on a backup camera
We know purchasing an RV is a big decision, and we know it can be expensive. But, backup cameras are essential to safety these days. They can save so much money down the road by being able to see yourself backing up. Who knows what you could possibly back into without them! If they’re available for added safety and security, why not use them?
Leaving your RV uncovered
This could be considered more of an opinion, and it also depends on what kind of rig you have. For the most part, if you decide to cover your RV during the off season, you aren’t running as much of a risk as leaving it out in the elements. All it takes is one busted pipe or hole in the roof in the dead of winter for it to start draining your pockets.
You have a few options if you want to cover your RV (and your savings account). You can rent a storage facility, or you can purchase a cheap awning or garage for storage at your own house. If you choose to buy your own, you might want to consider buying a large tarp for extra coverage!
Neglecting to winterize
Let’s say you do find a place to store your RV for the winter, and you even by a cover for it. You still need to winterize your rig to make sure the pipes don’t bust. Walking into that after a long offseason is not the best way to start the RVing season off right! You’ll need to take care of this before the temperatures begin to drop before freezing.
Leaving without necessities
This is especially true if you’re boondocking or traveling to a place with little to no civilization. It’s so crucial to bring a few mandatory items with you so you aren’t stranded in case something happens. Here’s what we’re talking about:
First aid kit.
A set of basic RV tools.
Air compressor that is powered by a cigarette lighter.
Dump hose.
Water pressure regulator.
A paper (yes, paper) map.
Loading you RV down with too much weight
Your RV is there to hold all your things, but we tend to forget how quickly all our items add up, and before we know it, we’ve loaded down the rig with too much weight. Remember that less really is more when RVing and to keep the weight evenly distributed inside. Only pack what you need, and leave the rest up to nature.
Buying thick toilet paper
Sure, this is a luxury in your stationary house, but packing the wrong toilet paper in your RV could mean a backup in the pipes. We most certainly aren’t suggesting you bring along the thinnest, cheapest you can find (this is 2020, after all), but we’re saying to maybe leave the luxurious toilet paper at home, and bring a brand your RV can handle. There is a special kind of RVing toilet paper that is biodegradable and dissolves quicker.
Not routinely checking for water damage
Water damage can ruin everything from the inside out. And at a rapid pace! No reason to check for leaks before and after each trip, but get into the routine of checking before and after each season. Water can easily get anywhere, and it’s usually a massive headache for most RVers.
At Courvelle’s RV, we think there isn’t one answer for the best time to buy an RV. Most people will say fall and winter are usually the times where you’ll get treated like a celebrity if you walk into an RV dealership ready to buy an RV – not with us.
We always have great deals on our RVs and motorhomes on our lot, so it can be difficult for us to tell you exactly when to buy an RV! We are aware of the important factors that play into buying one, such as price. But, when what’s most important is different for everyone, there’s no certain answer.
The best time to buy an RV is whenever you decide you’re ready. We think there’s really no answer to when the best time to buy one is because we have the best deals all year round for you.
In the long run, buying an RV in the fall or winter will definitely save you some cash. This is because the seasons for RVing are usually spring and summer. Because RVs are cheaper in the winter doesn’t mean there aren’t other factors to think about. When you buy an RV in the winter, chances are you won’t be using it till it gets warmer. The first thing you should think about before purchasing an RV during this time is where you’ll store it. If you have space at your house, you can store it in the driveway. But, it won’t be shielded from the weather.
Another option is to purchase a place to store it. This is probably the best idea, but it will run the whole cost of the RV up, which is not why you bought the RV in the winter, right? Here are a few other costs you might not think about if you choose to buy in the winter:
• Insurance costs – why begin to pay for insurance when you don’t plan to use the RV? • Maintenance costs – the same idea here. Why pay for maintenance when the RV is simply sitting in storage?
If you don’t buy a storage unit, this means you’ll have to store it out in the elements. Have you considered whether or not you live in a harsh climate? Does it snow in your area? If so, you’ll consistently be wiping loads of snow off your motorhome, and you’ll have to check the roof in the spring to make sure there aren’t any new leaks.
While some states allow for you to not have your RV insured during the offseason, others require insurance year-round. Insurance for RVs usually isn’t expensive, but it is something to think about.
If the price of the RV is one of your main concerns, then buying an RV in the winter is definitely your best bet! Here are a few of the perks.
More options
Simply put, you’re going to have more variety when you buy in the winter. Dealerships will have older models as well as brand new models out. And, not as many people are out shopping for RVs during this time, so lots will be fuller.
More time to learn about your new RV
Buying an RV at this time gives you a few months to learn the ins and outs of your RV. You can test it out in your backyard by having a few overnight test runs to make sure you have what you need for your upcoming trips. You’ll even have time to practice parking before trying to park in a crowded campground.
Campground rates are much cheaper
Ever camped during the winter months? If you have, you know it’s one of the best times to go if you can stand the harsh weather. Campgrounds and parks are nowhere near as busy, and rates are usually much lower during the offseason. If you’re new to camping, this might be the best time to start due to the small amount of people camping.
Trade-in value is higher
This is true because your RV becomes less valuable as each day passes. So, the quicker you can trade your RV in right after the season is over, the better. You’ll get more money for it. Trade it in a few months earlier and you won’t have to worry about as much depreciation.
We know it can be overwhelming when it’s time to buy or trade-in your RV. But, the best time to buy an RV is really up to you and whenever you’re ready. Decide what matters most – price, depreciation, etc., and then make a choice. And remember – we’re always here for you!
Buying an RV is a massive decision to make, and there are so many factors to consider. Choices like the size, brand, model, the price and even the state in which you’re shopping all must be thought through before pulling the trigger.
In this blog, we’ll talk about buying an RV out of your own state and whether it will be a smart choice in the long run. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it can seem a hassle just to get an RV – especially if it’s states away! The main reason most people don’t mind to travel states away for the RV of their dreams is the excellent customer service they’ve received from the RV dealership they’re buying from.
Keep reading to learn more about why we think it’s absolutely worth buying an RV out of state!
Initially, we know we’re an honest dealership and will give you the best price we can on our premium RVs. Here at Courvelle’s, we also offer trade-in and consignment on your current RV, so you’ll get the most for your trade when you choose us. And, you’ll be able to drive off in your brand new RV right away!
Once you started your research on finding your dream RV and finally purchase it, you might start to realize you pay more attention to other RVs on the road. If you take a look at the license plates, you might also notice many of them say, Montana or South Dakota. This is simply because the states do not charge sales tax, and many RVers choose to register their rig in these locations to avoid paying it.
When you choose Courvelle’s, no matter where you come from or have far you’ve driven to come to us, we’ll make you feel like family right away. Because we’re family-owned, we understand the importance of customer service, and that’s what sets us apart from the rest. We encourage you to come to see what all of our customers around the world travel to see us for, as you won’t be disappointed. We’re the most honest RV dealership you’ll ever come by, and our online testimonials show that.
We don’t sell anything but premium RVs on our lot, so you can rest assured you’re getting the highest quality rig for your budget. The minute we get them in, we detail them so they’re ready to go to the lot so you can have the biggest selection possible.
We understand we’re making some big claims, here. But, talk to Mr. Courvelle himself and you’ll see why we’re so confident! Give us a call today to make an appointment, and if you aren’t absolutely satisfied with your experience with us, we’ll buy your ticket back home. We’re here for you, so we want your trip to see your RV to be well worth it. You won’t find this offer anywhere else!
New or Used?
When debating whether or not to buy out of state, one of the most important questions to ask yourself is if you’re buying new or used. Shopping out of state could save you a significant amount of money if you plan to purchase a new RV.
Find a trusted dealer
This is critical early on in the RV shopping process because you want to find someone you can trust to give you honest feedback about the rig you’re looking to purchase. We have so many great deals our lot that you might not even need to look outside the state of Louisiana. Because we have lots of options, this means we’re able to keep our prices affordable to you.
So, is buying an RV in another state worth it? The answer is absolute “yes!” If you’re considering buying a new, luxury RV, it might be worth it to save the money you’d pay on sales tax. But, if you’re wanting something used, affordable or vintage, it might not give you the biggest bang for your buck. What matters is that you find the RV dealership you trust with the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff out there.
It doesn’t matter what kind of RV you’re searching for – travel trailer, class C, toy hauler, pop up expandable, etc. We have what you’re looking for. If you aren’t in the state of Louisiana, we know coming to visit us is a long trek. But, because of our extensive inventory and knowledgeable staff, your trip will be well worth it.
If you have more questions about whether or not it’s worth it to buy your dream RV in another state, contact our friendly staff so they can advise you on the right decision. Click here for more information on why we think it’s worth it to travel for the RV of your dreams!
As always, give us a call here at Courvelle’s RV in Louisiana, or stop in and say hello.
