Where to buy an RV and When to buy it
As I started this process months ago, I thought about driving across Indiana on the interstate passing RV manufacturers with lots full of chassis units, cabs, finished motor homes or trailers. No matter the size, they all looked similar - color scheme, stripes, swoops like Nike shoes, brown n tan or cream and blue. I always thought that interior designers were needed for the interior AND exterior of RVs. While they didn’t need to look like home. They could look more vacation-like. Maybe even more modern? Seemed to me they were stuck in a time-warp. And thus as I searched, I looked for something that fit my design aesthetic. Oh sure, some Class A motor homes are like mansions inside. Tufted leather seats wasn’t what I was looking for as a comfortable environment. When I discovered the Class B units it was like BINGO! Creativity and design!
For example, PanoramicRV, my first choice, Airstream, PleasureWay, Advanced RV, Humble Road, Roadtrek, and Coachmen offer excellently designed Class B interiors. Winnebegao, like VW, are more traditional.
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| PleasureWay Class B |
Factory Upfitter or Manufacturer
For ease of understanding, I am going to use the term upfitter to refer to a producer of RVs though they may refer to themselves as a manufacturer. A factory upfitter is authorized to take an existing vehicle directly from the vehicle manufacturer, make modifications such as turning it into in RV, and retain the manufacturers warranty on the vehicle itself. This is very important if you think you might need or desire a warranty on the van/truck itself. Examples would be PanoramicRV that is an upfitter for Dodge Ram Promaster Vans whereby the RV us made using a regular Promaster window van. Coachman is an upfitter for Ford Transit. Advanced RV is an upfitter for Mercedes Benz. PleasureWay offers Mercedes Benz, Dodge Ram Promaster, and Ford Transit options as an upfitter.
In addition to the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty, a quality upfitter will offer their own warranty of their upfitting work. PanoramicRV and PleasureWay each offer a 5-year warranty. Others have varying warranties from 1-3 years.
Manufacturers will produce the RV on a chassis building the box unit that sits on the chassis in their facilities. They may use a Mercedes Benz, Chevrolet, Ford, Cummins, or Dodge base engine and drive-train, but will offer their own warranty. The structural aspects of the vehicle are designed and built by the RV manufacturer, say Jayco or Winnebago, versus the vehicle manufacturer.
Custom Conversion
If you really WANT (and need) to learn more about RV design, the why you need various features, how to use various aspects of an RV, a specific van model and make, or the alternative of using a custom conversion professional/company these two resources are amazing. Check out on Facebook, websites, and You Tube videos: The Humble Road in NJ (George is simply amazing!) using either a Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Dodge Ram Promaster Van and Advanced RV, the “Mecca” in OH for upscale customized Class B on Mercedes Benz Sprinter base.
Check out their links:
George Mauro (in NJ) - George left his full-time photography career to be an ultr-detailed conversion specialist with amazing customization techniques.
- https://www.Facebook.com/humble-Road
- https://www.instagram.com/onahumbleroad/
- https://www.YouTube.com/HumbleRoad
Advanced RV (in Ohio) has an amazing design team, advanced CAD and imaging systems, a wide range of options for customization, cabinets, fabrics, colors, etc. Known for incredible quality, you can see online their videos or visit to go through the design process.
- https://www.advancedrv.com
Note: I will provide a matrix of all the Class B options and the leading manufacturers and conversion businesses in a separate post.
Used From Owner
When you see an ad online or in a newspaper/publication, be sure you check out the following before making a decision:
- make, model, year
- price they paid for it
- features of the unit
- maintenance records
- travel journal
- blue book value
- age
- condition - excellent, very good, fair, poor
- mileage
- use - boondocking, RV park, frequent vs infrequent
- interior
- appliances - working, updated, grade
- tank volume, condition
- hoses and wiring
- bugs and rodents....evidence of critters is not a good sign as rodents will get in walls, chew wiring, etc.
- smells and cleanliness
- cost to repair/clean
Take a look at the environment! Has this rig been sitting with blocks, tire covers, a cover or under a shed/roof/garage or out in an overgrown field? Is the yard well-maintained and house in good shape? Or, are you looking through a yard sale site? I say this because people generally will maintain their RV if they also have a history of taking care of themself, their home, their car, their yard.
Why are they selling the unit?
- They can’t afford to keep it or need the money, why?
- Is it being repossessed by the bank/RV Dealer or other?
- No longer using it or are going to buy a different unit, why?
- Can no longer drive it, why?
- It no longer runs, why?
- Someone passed in the family of they inherited it, estate sale
Dealer New or Used
RV Dealers and their salespersons, like car sales, are working on commIssion. The more volume they sell, the more supported they are by the manufacturers and upfitters. Many manufacturers and upfitters sell direct and consign some units to authorized dealers. Used vehicles being sold by a dealer may or may not have a warranty still valid from the manufacturer of upfitter.
Considerations when going to a dealer:
- makes and models does the dealer carry or have on order
- what do they show you on their website? Available units, photos, videos?
- where are they located
- what do they offer in terms of getting you there, pickup/delivery, incentives
- warranties and guarantees (from whom? vehicle Or manufacturer or upfitter or dealer)
- service plans
- parts and accessories
- winterization and storage
- service options onsite
- manufacturer training of their service personnel
- manufacturer awards and endorsements
- sales incentives, seasonal options, post RV show options
- reputation and reviews
I searched to see where my closest RV dealer was... 3 hours away! No repair nearby. Then I searched to see what dealers in the USA had Roadtrek and PleasureWay Class B RVs, early contenders for me. I found inventory in Gainesville FL and Milwaukee WI. Gainesville folks would bring the RV to you, fly you there, walk on water to help you. They were great! The Milwaukee option responded to my email but told me when I asked why the screens/blinds were noticeably installed backwards (I viewed his walk-thru of the RV on the dealer website) that the manufacturer was right and that is how they go (reverse from logic). I subsequently went to a users group on Facebook only to discover that a huge percentage of owners had them changed after purchasing the RV. There were owners who drank the Koolaid and thought they were right from the start. I felt that the dealer just didn’t want to have to switch them. Surely most dealers want your business and it was clear this salesman wasn’t eager to help. It is a shame as they aren’t far from where my daughter lives. The location was surely an option.
USA or Canada
During a global pandemic we have both manufacturing slowdowns and shortages but we also have a closed border. Both PanoramicRV (Montreal) and PleasureWay (Saskatoon) are in Canada with Canadian dealers. PleasureWay has a dealer in Kalispell, Montana and units are available through other dealerships in the USA. PanoramicRV has a few dealerships in Canada as well and a new office in Plattsburgh NY just south of Montreal.
Considerations (no matter where you buy it) are the need to accommodate for:
- warranty
- currency exchange rate
- taxes
- registration and licensing
- delivery
- warranty repair/services
- orientation
- technical support
Rentals (dealers, owners, stays)
Are you sure you want an RV? Try it, you’ll like it! But what if you don’t like it? Rent from an RV dealer, rent from Advanced RV in Ohio, rent online from RV owners or stay at an RV motel like the Airstream Motel In California. Check it out! Can you be with your spouse and kids in that small of a space without killing each other? Stuck hundreds of miles away from home and in a location without a cell signal, can your teens survive? Can you miss the weekly hockey game or your favorite football team on game day? Do you like to read? Do you need space to spread out in bed! Can you cope with dumping your own shit? Sorry!
I have personally lived in some small spaces with limited facilities. Having lived in China, a developing country, I feel like I can live anywhere but I do prefer not being outside in a tent alone. If a partner or family were along, a tent would be ok. How many people do I plan to have In my Class B? 1-4 and if 4 we will bring bikes and spend outside time. If weather is yucky? We love coffee shots, museums, bookstores, bowling, and we will play cards and games. I think we are ok for a reasonable time. Will you be ok in the size of RV you desire? Why not rent one and try it out?
Options in addition to your local dealer:
- https://www.RVShare.com
- https://www.CruiseAmerica.com
- https://www.Outdoorsy.com
- https://www.Gorvrentals.com
- https://www.RVtrader.com
When to buy?
Seasons matter!
Northern States have summer RV weather and Southern States have winter RV weather.... an in between it varies!
Production Year
Like cars, last year’s production run will be less expensive than the upcoming models. Every dealer and manufacturer wants to unload inventory. If all things are equal in terms of what you want, shop! See if you can get a discount on last year’s model, a showroom sample, a dealer vehicle (they used minimally), a factory sample, etc.
Currency Exchange Rate
Watch the Canadian-USA currency exchange to see if the dollar is strong to buy in Canada or for Canadians if the Canadian dollar is strong for a US purchase. Weighing and balancing taxes and fees is important in the process.
Note: As I purchase my RV from a Canadian company, I will add more here! Experience the real thing....coming soon!
RV Shows
Throughout the year, in the USA and Canada (except during covid19) there are RV Shows big and small. Getting inside a variety of rigs to sit, feel touch, lay on the beds, etc. .... it is the best way to comparison shop. And, if you order from the show there is often a discount and better yet, buy the show display unit! If you know what you want, contact the company in advance and negotiate. Or, if you see something you want at the show and it isn’t sold yet, BUY IT! How much can you expect to save? 15-20% .... would that be worth it?
Popular RV Shows in the USA:
(details will be added once dates are announced for 2021... most conventions and shows repeat each year around the same dates)
AL - January - Mobile
AL - February - Huntsville and Birmingham
AK - April - Anchorage and Fairbanks
AZ - January - Quartzsite
AZ - March - Scottsdale
AZ - TBD - Phoenix, Tucson, and Glendale
AR - January/February - Little Rock
AR - February/March - Hot Springs
CA - January - Pleasanton
CA - March - Sacramento and Bakersfield
CA - October - Fontana
CO - January - Denver
CO - February - Colorado Springs and Loveland
CO - March - Colorado Springs and Denver
CO - April - Colorado Springs
CT - February - Hartford
FL - January - Tampa, Fort Myers
FL - February - Jacksonville, West Palm, and Ocala
FL - June - Tampa
FL - TBD Fall - Tampa, West Palm, Ft Walton Beach
FL - October - Jacksonville
GA - January - Atlanta
GA - September - Atlanta
GA - TBA - College Park
ID - January - Boise
IL - January - Schaumburg and Chicago
IL - February - Rock Island and Rosemont
IL - March - Bellville, Peoria, Loves Park, Springfield
IL - September - Arlington Heights
IN - January - Indianapolis and South Bend
IN - February - Ft Wayne and Indianapolis
IN - April - Elkhart
IN - August - Elkhart
IA - January - Des Moines, Council Bluff, Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids
IA - February - Des Moines
IA - March - Cedar Rapids
KS - January - Valley Center and Wichita
KS - February - Overland Park And Topeka
KY - January - Louisville
KY - February - Lexington
LA - January - Houma and Lake Charles
LA - March - Kenner
LA - TBA - Lafayette
ME - April - Auburn
MD - February - Timonium
MA - January - Boston
MA - February - Worcester and West Springfield
MI - January - Grand Rapids and East Lansing
MI - February - NovI
MI - March - Flint, Battle Creek, Port Huron and Traverse City
MI - September - Novi
MI - TBD - Marquette
MN - January - St Paul
MN - February - Duluth, St Cloud and Minneapolis
MN - April - Minneapolis
MS - February - Biloxi
MO - January - Springfield and Kansas City
MO - February - St Louis
MO - March - Springfield
MT - January - Billings
MT - February - Billings
MT - TBD - Bozeman, Billings, Helena and Great Falls
NE - January - Lincoln
NV - March - Reno
NV - TBD - Reno
NH - March - Bedford
NJ - January - Edison
NJ - February - Atlantic City
NJ - TBD - Wildwood
NY - January - Hamburg,
NY - February - Suffern
NY - March - Syracuse and Plattsburgh
NY - TBD - Troy and Syracuse
NC - January - Charlotte and Greensboro
NC - February - Fletcher and Raleigh
ND - March - Fargo
OH - January - Columbus and Cincinnati
OH - February - Columbus
OH - September - Middleburg Heights
OK - January - Oklahoma City and Tulsa
OK - February - Lawton and Oklahoma City
OK - July - Tulsa
OR - February - Salem and Eugene
PA - January - Pittsburgh and Allentown
PA - February - Erie, Harrisburg, Altoona and Oaks
PA - March - York
PA - September - Hershey
RI - February - Providence
SC - January - Greenville
SD - March - Sioux Falls
TN - January - Knoxville and Nashville
TN - TBD - Chattanooga
TX - January - San Antonio, Fort Worth, Austin and Longview
TX - February - Houston, Odessa, Round Rock, Dallas and Austin
TX - TBD - Bobstown
UT - February - Sandy
UT - TBD - Sandy
VT - February - Essex Junction
VT - TBD - Essex Junction
VA - January - Chantilly and Virginia Beach
VA - February - Richmond
VA - March - Fredericksburg
VA - TBD - Richmond
WA - January - Spokane and Tacoma
WA - February - Seattle
WA - April - Monroe and Puyallup
WV - January - Huntington
WI - January - Milwaukee, Green Bay and Madison
WI - February - LaCrosse, Oshkosh and West Alias
WI - March - Wausau
WY - May - Lander
RV Shows in Canada By City:
January - Toronto, Halifax and Calgary
February - Edmonton and Ottawa
March - Montreal, Winnipeg, Moncton, Kitchener and Quebec City
October - Toronto
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