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Tips to Make RV Service Less Stressful

Tips to Make RV Service Less Stressful

When it comes time to service your RV, it can be stressful. Is there any of this you can do yourself? If you do go to a service provider, how much will that end price tag be? And what if they have questions that you don’t know the answers to? It can be especially hard if you own a used RV, and aren’t sure when any previous maintenance was completed.

That’s where Courvelle’s RV can help. Below, we’re going to offer 5 tips to make RV service less stressful.

Tip 1: Record All Identifying Numbers

Whether you’re completing the service yourself, or if you’re visiting a service center, it’s helpful if you know all your identifying numbers. This includes a list of your RV’s brand names, model numbers, serial numbers, and spec numbers.

Your RV service provider will be able to utilize these numbers when locating parts, warranties, and recalls. While this may be difficult if you aren’t the original owner of the RV, most sales will include this information in the owner’s manual

By compiling this list into an excel document, you can ensure a less-stressful experience when communicating with an RV service expert or searching for a part yourself.

Tip 2: Look for Obvious Issues

If you start noticing an odd sound or strange feeling while driving, try to identify it. Complete a quick inspection of your RV, looking for leaking water, cracks, broken hardware or wiring issues.

If all else fails, try to research the issue online. While this may not give you the exact solution to the issue, you will be better informed of any issues when searching for solutions, and if you need to visit an RV service expert, you’ll be able to pass this info along to them.

Tip 3: Record Specifics

Even if you cannot find the exact issue after completing your inspection, you may be able to identify the issue by researching the specifics.

Does the problem occur every time? Does it happen when starting the RV, or after a long drive? Does it happen more when it’s cold? How might your weather conditions factor into the issue?

Thinking through these questions may help you locate the issue. If not, these factors may still be helpful when communicating with a service provider.

Tip 4: Know your Warranty

Before you decide if this issue is something you can fix yourself or if you need to employ the help of an RV service supplier, it’s important to take a moment to talk about warranties. You may have gotten an RV warranty from the dealership, but that warranty is most likely separate from the warranty extended by each appliance manufacturer.

By doing a project yourself, you could adversely impact the manufacturer’s ability to honor a warranty. That’s why it’s always important to check your warranties before jumping into a project – this also plays into the first step, record all identifying numbers. Knowing updated warranty information can help you easily decide if you need a service expert, or if you can complete this task yourself. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at some DIY service successes.

Tip 5: RV DIY Service

Any savvy shopper will find that you can get the parts cheaper online. With so many process videos and how-to articles available, it seems like we can do anything now. However, sometimes you might run across a more technical problem, and you’ll find yourself faced with the choice, “Can I do this myself, or should I schedule an appointment at an RV Service Center?”

When it comes to do-it-yourself service, the only true limit to what you can do is your level of technical ability. You have access to all of these new ideas, and we encourage you to take on new challenges such as routine maintenance and facelift upgrades with your RV. Let’s take a look below at some of the DIY projects we’ve seen our customers have a lot of success with.

 

Routine Maintenance:

We’ve seen many of our customers complete some amazing renovations on their RVs, but sometimes the unseen, routine maintenance tasks have the largest impact and can save you the most money. These projects include things like adding lubricant to your slide outs, cleaning your water heater, regularly checking and filling your tires, and minor roof maintenance. All of these actions will help keep your RV running in great condition for many years to come.

Facelift Upgrades:

One thing we love to see around here are your DIY RV upgrade photos. So many of our creative and talented customers have completely revamped their dated RVs and turned them into mod lodges or contemporary cabins. Whether you painted the cabinets and upgraded the bathroom, or if you completed a total remodel, the work you do never ceases to inspire us, and that’s why we want you to keep doing it

However, sometimes these projects can quickly get out of hand. For example, when adding solar panels and converters to your battery, it may seem easy enough. But a faulty solar panel setup can put you and your passengers in danger, which is why it’s always best to call on your local RV Service experts if you aren’t comfortable with the technical level required in your project — it may even save you money in the end.

RV Service Experts When You Need Them Most

If you do decide to schedule a service appointment instead of completing the service yourself, you can count on our expert team at Courvelle RV to offer you fare rates for your RV Service. We are conveniently located in Opelousas, LA. If you can’t find the part you’re looking for, we might be able to order it for you.

In the event you’ve decided that your RV is beyond repair, we may be able to offer you a trade-in value — feel free to search our inventory if you’re interested in upgrading. Either way, we invite you to contact us today to see how we can best serve you and your RV.

 

 

 

Tips and Tricks to Driving a Large RV

Tips and Tricks to Driving a Large RV

 So you’ve got your RV, and you’re ready to hit the road, but now that you’re behind the wheel it feels like you’re driving a bus…. and you’ve never driven a bus. The whole family is in the back, making this one of the most high-stakes drives you’ve ever taken. At Courville’s RV, we’ve been there ourselves, and we’ve watched new RV owners like you have this same feeling time and time again.

That’s why our expert team wanted to dedicate some time to create a list of tips and tricks for first-time RV drivers. Below, we’re going to share a list of ten things we wish we’d known before getting behind the wheel, so you can feel comfortable starting your new RV lifestyle.

Test Drive

In the event you haven’t already purchased your RV, take it for a test drive before you drive off the lot. Sure, you may not be 100% comfortable driving a motorhome right away, but you’ll at least know if the seat is comfortable, and the sales team can give you insider tips about driving that particular make and model.

This is especially true if you are buying a used motorhome — you always want to test drive to ensure you don’t feel anything that is “off.” And if you, personally, don’t know what something would feel like if it’s broken, consider bringing along a friend, family member, or expert who may be able to help you spot issues with the RV.

Either way, you can trust the team at Courvelle RV to help you find the right RV for your lifestyle, and we’re happy to show you our motorhome inventory.

Practice Makes Perfect

Now that you’ve selected the best RV for your lifestyle, it’s time to practice. We don’t mean getting on a busy interstate in your home town or driving down a busy street during rush hour. Instead, you should find a large abandoned parking lot or a less-frequently traveled road. Try to focus on some of the more difficult tasks such as turning or parallel parking.

Obviously, turning is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face when driving a motorhome  — your vehicle is much longer than a standard car or truck, so you’ll need to swing wide. Additionally, you may find that you have a hard time understanding your size and monitoring your surroundings. If you notice you’re having trouble, you may want to jump down to our next tip.

Just know that all of these common issues are easier to figure out when you aren’t in a high-stress situation that involves other drivers, and that’s why practice makes perfect.

Adjust Your Mirrors

Before you drive anywhere, you should take the necessary time to adjust your mirrors. While it’s not as easy to see what is behind you or even around you, the size of your vehicle makes it imperative that you find a way to do so. Ensuring you have visibility can save you and your passenger’s lives, and protect the lives of others on the road around you.

Even if you take all the time in the world, you’ll still find that you will have natural blind spots in most RVs. It’s helpful to know where those blind spots are so you can take additional cautions when merging or backing up your motorhome. If you still don’t feel comfortable, you should consider investing in back-up cameras or object sensors — we’ll discuss this further in tip ten.

Wait Your Turn

It’s important to practice patience when driving a motorhome because of your size — it’s best not to get in a hurry. However, that’s not what we’re talking about here. We want to look specifically at your turning radius so you feel confident making turns.

While swinging wide is a solid rule to follow, it’s not a fool-proof solution as you can still end up swiping a car when turning at a red light. Besides swinging wide, there are a few things you can do to have more confidence when taking turns.

  • First, you should make sure you take the turn as slow as possible. Don’t speed up just because someone is tailgating you. Taking the turn slow can save both of your lives.
  • Next, you want to know your turn radius. This will help you calculate how far you actually need to swing. You may not be able to turn into some gas stations or even at some red lights if the streets are too narrow. It’s best to have an idea of what those streets look like before you attempt the impossible turn.
  • Finally, if there is a double turn lane, you may find that you are more comfortable staying to the far-right lane to give yourself more clearance. Of course, if you are still feeling uncomfortable, you may consider adding cameras and sensors to your rig. See step ten for more information.

Know Your Size

Piggybacking off of the last tip, it’s also helpful to know the exact width and length of your motorhome. Your RV is going to be much larger than any vehicle you are used to driving, and understanding your vehicle’s exact dimensions can help prevent accidents and uncomfortable situations.

Let’s say, for instance, you wanted to stop at a fast-food restaurant or you’re going through a tunnel. There is typically a sign that tells you the height of any relevant overhang, but you may not have paid attention to them in the past. Now more than ever, you need to know your exact height.

Additionally, the width of your motor home may become a concern as some roads are significantly more narrow and may not be suited for larger vehicles. Even on the highway, if your RV is 8-feet wide, you’re already at the legal edge of the highway. This leaves limited room for any mistakes, making it even more important to pay attention while driving.

Watch the Weather

Another precautionary tip we advise is checking the weather before you hit the road. Of course, sometimes you may have to drive through bad weather. But, if you know the weather ahead of time, there may be a route you can take that will help you avoid the storm.

Every outside element you encounter when you’re already on-edge about driving may make it more difficult. If you do run into bad weather, take a deep breath, and make sure to follow the next tip on our list.

Take it Slow

We can not emphasize this tip enough — if you’re new to motorhomes and large RVs, the best thing you can do is TAKE IT SLOW. Because your ability to stop, turn quickly and react to dangerous situations is much slower in a motorhome, the best thing you can do is slow down.

Driving slower will give you the additional time that is necessary so you can react to obstacles on the road. If you are worried about other drivers around you getting frustrated at your speed, remember that you are driving slowly to help protect your family as well as the other drivers. We recommend staying in the far right lane unless you are passing, and follow the posted speed signs when you feel comfortable, but don’t exceed the posted speed limit.

Brake Early

As explained above, it will take your RV more time to slow down than an average car because you have more weight. Most experts recommend that you give yourself at least an extra six seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Secure the Goods

There is nothing worse than getting on the road and hearing a squeaky door that isn’t latched shut or having items start falling off of your shelves. That’s why it’s important to ensure your items are safely sealed and secured to prevent any movement or damage while driving.

This applies to your human cargo, too — make sure your family or travel companions understand the danger of moving through the RV while you’re in motion. Instruct all passengers to stay safely seated when your motorhome is moving, and ask passengers to buckle up when possible.

Add Cameras

Last but not least, if you find that you’re still having trouble understanding your turn radius, seeing your blind spots, or backing up, you aren’t alone. That’s why we sell custom back-up cameras and blindspot sensors. We can even help you install them on your RV. It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident when driving, and the team at Courvelle RV is here to help.

Your Louisiana RV Dealer

From all of us here at Courvelle RV, we hope this list of tips and tricks was a helpful guide to get you and yours safe on the road. If you are still feeling anxious about driving, know that you have a whole team of supporters cheering you on. If we can do it, so can you!

If you are still searching for the perfect motorhome for your family, or if you are interested in upgrading your RV for a mobile home with updated safety features, please contact us today. We’re here to help with all of your RV needs, and we’ll never pressure you into a sale.

 

 

Must Have RV Upgrades

Must Have RV Upgrades

 Whether you have a brand new RV or a used trailer that’s a bit of a fixer-upper, there are many modifications RV-enthusiasts say you can’t live without. If your RV is your main residence, you may be already too familiar with some of the struggles we list below, but hopefully, you’ll find some new solutions that may help you out along your way.

Illuminating RV Power Solutions 

Our first set of upgrades start with your power — How do you get it, how do you store it, and how do you use it? Let’s take a closer look below:

  • Solar

Whether you are a boondocker, an environmentalist or someone who just happens to not have a power hookup, adding solar panels to your RV can be a great way to create natural, sustainable energy. You can consider fixing the solar panels to your roof, or if you have space for storage, you can purchase portable solar panels that you can move outside when parked. While solar setup may cost a bit more in the beginning, it can save you a lot of money in the long run, and it allows you to be more self-sufficient by providing electricity even when you’re off the grid.

  • Converter

If you’re installing solar panels, you will also need a converter. This will help you store more electricity for longer, which allows you to spend time off the grid and still enjoy power for your must-have appliances.

  • Batteries

If you notice that you aren’t holding enough charge when you’re running off of solar or battery power, you may consider upgrading your existing batteries with lithium batteries. Lithium batteries will hold a longer charge which allows you to spend more time on the road, and less time plugged in.

  • Electric Thermostat

By updating your old thermostat to a new, electric model, you will get more precise control over your RV’s temperature, which may also save you money on cooling and heating expenses.

  • Light Bulbs

When you upgrade your RV’s light bulbs to LED instead of incandescent, you’ll conserve 90% more energy, and you’ll save money on new light-bulbs because LED bulbs have a 22-year lifespan. These LED bulbs are also recyclable, dimmable, and they produce little inferred light.

  • LED Strip Lighting

If you need additional lighting for hard-to-see areas around your RV, consider purchasing some inexpensive, LED strip lighting. Under your bed, in a storage compartment, around your outdoor awning — there are no limits to what you can illuminate with LED strip lighting.

  • Vent Fans 

Your RV’s vent fans can become dated and worn, and they may not be circulating air in your RV properly, or even worse, they can be circulating dust, mold, bugs and other toxins around your home. You can easily refresh these fans with energy-efficient vents that will help keep your RV fresh.

RV Space-Saving Designs

 

One of the most difficult parts of RV living is the space – from counter space to cabinet space and all of the every-day storage challenges you encounter in between. We’re going to take a closer look at some of our favorite RV storage solutions:

  • Counter Extensions 

RV space is an issue, and there are no special exceptions for the kitchen. However, a collapsible counter extension could be just the solution you need. Great to use as a cutting board or just a little extra space to place your bowl until you need it, this counter extension is one of our favorite kitchen solutions.

  • Spice Storage 

The next on our list of favorite kitchen solutions would have to be a herb-storage rack. Whether you place it on the inside of your cabinet door, or as an attachment underneath your cabinet, there is sure to be a better way to safely store your herbs and spices.

  • Dish Drying Rack 

Many RVs don’t have a dishwasher, and you may find that you don’t have designated space to dry your dishes. A rollable, metal dish rack is the perfect solution for dish drying when you need a portable option.

  • Trash Bin 

Last but not least on our kitchen hacks, you’ll find a space to store your trash bin. You can add a sliding rack in a cabinet, or even attach a trash can to the inside of a cabinet door. Either way, a secure trash bin is sure to prevent frequent spills and fight clutter.

  • Shoe Rack 

With a smaller closet and no formal entry, you may struggle to find a place to properly store your shoes. We like wall-hangers by the entry for a space saving solution that doesn’t move when you hit the road.

  • Bumper Rack

Looking for bike, kayak, or cooler storage? If you don’t have a pull-behind car, a bumper rack may be a great solution for your RV’s outdoor storage.

All the Comforts of Home — RV Edition

Even with more energy-efficient, longer-lasting electric solutions and space-saving storage, you may still miss some of the comforts of home. But living in an RV doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable and stylish. Below we’ll list some inexpensive upgrades to maximize your comfort in your RV:

  • Mattress 

Not a fan of your thin and springy mattress? Trade it out! There is no harm in upgrading your mattress to something more comfortable. Just make sure it’s the right size for your space.

  • Shower Head 

Is shower pressure an issue? It might be your shower head. Replace your outdated shower head with a high-pressure system to get the shower of your dreams.

  • Floors 

Give those grungy, outdated floors a facelift with laminate wood. This quick refresh will lend your RV a whole new life.

  • Backsplash 

Peel and stick tiles are an easy way to give your kitchen a quick and simple upgrade. Simply clean the walls and stick them on to bring your kitchen into the 21st century.

  • Stabilization 

Rocking and swaying when you’re trying to sleep? That’s no way to live. Add an additional stabilization jack to your RV for peace and tranquility as you move around your parked RV.

  • WIFI 

Even though some parks advertise free WIFI, you may have trouble getting signal in the park. If you’re someone who relies on WIFI, you may consider buying an extender or on-the-road WIFI device that will support a data plan.

  • Back-Up Camera 

This is your home, and you need to protect it whether you are in motion or not. A back-up camera is a great way to give your driver the resources to successfully get from point A to point B. If your RV didn’t include a backup camera, it’s easy to install an after-market model.

Lowest Priced Trailer and RV Service Provider in Opelousas, LA 

 

Located on I-49 near exit 15, Courvelle RV is here to service your travel trailer, fifth wheel or motorhome no matter where you purchased it. We also have a great selection of RV parts and RV accessories in stock to get you back on the road quickly when it matters most. For all your RV needs, please call or stop in to visit us just south of Opelousas, Louisiana.

 

 

 

Shopping Used: Motorhome Red Flags

Shopping Used: Motorhome Red Flags

Buying a used RV is no minor decision but is an incredibly smart move because it saves you so much money. That’s why they’re such a great option out there for a wide range of customers. But, that doesn’t mean every used RV you come across will be a great buy. Some older rigs don’t have the necessary technology for today, and they might not be up to par as far as safety goes. The staff here at Northgate RV is ready to help you find the right one for you and your family.

Some RVers like the idea of buying an older or used RV because they feel they were constructed better and withhold more weathering than newer models in addition to being less expensive. Or, people buy them because they are particular to a specific brand or year and don’t mind to spend the money to renovate or refurbish. These are all great ways of thinking about used RVs, but it’s still important to do your research and be well informed on whichever used RV you plan to purchase.

There are many things to consider when shopping for a used RV. There are a lot of things that can go wrong, so it’s important to be armed with as much information as you can on the process of buying a used motorhome. Below, we discuss a few things to consider when looking at used RVs, and we discuss some of our major used RV red flags.

Look for any signs of mold or water damage

Even if you don’t see any immediate signs of water damage on the interior of the rig, mold usually means there are leaks and other plumbing issues. Take a flashlight with you and open up all the cabinets, check the walls, corners, the caulking in the bathroom, and every nook and cranny you can to ensure there isn’t mold or signs of leakage. If the cabinets or closets feel warm, it’s a possibility there’s mold growing.

No service or maintenance records

This might be one of the biggest red flags we can give you! If the seller can’t produce legit and consistent records of when the rig was in the shop, who knows the work was even done? And by who? It could mean the only work that’s been done on it was performed by the owner. If this is true, it may be out of warranty.

If the seller claims there are no records, you can more than likely find the information you need by searching for the VIN number on the internet.

Mileage

High mileage is one thing, but too few miles can also be an issue. It could mean the right hasn’t been on the road long enough to know if everything works properly.

There should be at least a few thousand miles on the RV. For a maximum, it really depends on the year.

Check the roof

Gently walk on the roof of the rig and make sure it’s sturdy and doesn’t give. If you can feel too much give, it might be rotting.

Closely inspect the floors

Similarly to the roof, you’ll want to make sure there isn’t too much give on the floor. Walk heavily or even jump in a few spots to test for yourself. Make sure you don’t see any brown spots, as these are never a good thing to see.

Walls

If there are spill or grease stains on the walls, it could mean the RV simply was never cleaned or taken care of. If it’s dirty on the inside, imagine the current condition under the hood. More importantly, water stains are a rather certain indication of mold behind the walls.

Tires

If there’s a noticeable about of tread left of the tires, they’re probably okay. But, depending on how old they are, they could by dry rotting right in front of you. Check around the sidewalls for cracks before you buy them. New tires are expensive for any vehicle, but RVs tires cost a pretty penny. Having to buy new tires could cost you what you’re saving on another part of the rig, so always check tires!

When searching for a used RV, you’re really looking for any signs of mold, and you’re making sure the rig is still sturdy and stable. Water damage isn’t always obvious or apparent, so knowing exactly where to look for these signs will help you get the best bang for your buck. It could look like a great deal at face value, but if there’s water damage, you might just be wasting your money.

If you’re in the market for a used RV, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look through our available RVs available right now. You can contact us and one of our staff members will be your trusted guide in choosing the RV that you’ll fall in love with over and over.

 

 

RV Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

RV Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

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.

What are your best tips for RV maintenance and upkeep? Let us know in the comments below.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Courvelle RV for any and all of your RV questions and concerns!

 

Best Time of the Year to Buy an RV

Best Time of the Year to Buy an RV

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!