Is RVing Right for You?
Thirty million Americans have discovered the joys of traveling by RV. If you're not already one of them, you may be wondering, Is RVing right for you? Here are some questions to consider when making up your mind about RVing. Will an RV be too hard for me to take care of? The mechanics and maintenance of an RV can be easily learned. The key is your willingness. While to some owners, maintenance may be a nuisance, to others an RV is like a hobby. They enjoy doing their own regular maintenance, and see each problem as an opportunity to learn more about the vehicle. Where will I keep it? You will need to have or arrange for a suitable place to store the RV when you are not traveling in it. Many people can accommodate one on their home property. Some people park their RV in a rented storage facility, a rented area at a campground or a designated parking area at their condominium complex. Will I be able to drive an RV and find my way around? Millions of people drive RVs. They learned how from other RVers, their RV dealer or a driving school. As for navigation, learning what the symbols mean on maps will help you find your way around. A global positioning system can help you stay on course. If you get lost, keep calm. Read a map or ask for directions. Should I start RVing now or wait until later? RVers come in all ages, from children camping with their families on weekends to retired full-timers. The flexibility of RVing fits many stages of our lives. Can I afford an RV? New RVs can cost $3,500 to $18,000 for a folding camping trailer, $3,300 to $25,000 for a truck camper. $9,000 to $76,000 for a conventional travel trailer and $23,000 to $98,000 for a fifth-wheel travel trailer. Motorhomes range from $37,500 to $900,000. In each category you'll find at least one type of RV that's not all that expensive. According to a vacation cost comparison study by PKF Consulting (an international travel and tourism research firm), RV owners can spend up to 70 percent less on RV trips compared to taking similar vacations by cars and planes, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants, even factoring in ownership costs. Average daily campground fees are $23 compared with average hotel costs of $92. You can find good values in used RVs. A preowned unit is likely to be one-third the cost of a similarly equipped new unit. You'll be glad to know that the interest on a home equity loan for an RV purchase is tax deductible when the RV is considered a second home (if you don't own two homes already) and it has a kitchen, bed and bath. Is RVing right for you? You'll enjoy RVing if you like setting your own schedule, avoiding airport hassles and bonding with your family and friends in the casual atmosphere of a trailer or motorhome and at campgrounds. RVing allows you to be yourself, experience nature, go to the refrigerator or bathroom when you want and sleep in your own bed. With an RV, you can take along ATVs, bicycles, motorcycles or golf carts, and you don't have to leave pets behind. RVs can offer wheelchair lifts or ramps, wide entrances to roll-in showers and other custom accommodations. Renting an RV for a week is a great way to experiment with RVing. Don't make a negative judgment based on one excursion, however. The pleasures of RVing become greater with repetition. In the end, your feelings about RVing and your family's attitude will determine whether RVing is right for you.
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