Each year millions of Americans are seen driving or pulling recreational vehicles as they discover America up close and personal. For thousands of people, RVing is a great way to discover America's natural beauty, back roads, popular attractions, small towns, and big cities. When asked what it is they like about the RV lifestyle, one gets replies such as: "We enjoy the freedom and flexibility," "It's like having a home away from home," and "We find it brings our family closer together." These are just a few of the many reasons Americans are increasingly considering camping, RVing, and other forms of outdoor recreation vital to their lives.

One purpose of this article is to share a sampling of non-technical ideas, tips, and hints regarding the process of selecting and using an RV. Hopefully, these suggestions will prove useful to both the novice and the experienced RVer considering a change of unit. As in all of life, things change. The recreational vehicle that may have been the ideal at one time may no longer suit present needs. Over the years, vast changes have been made in the comfort, ride, and reliability of RV design.

Selecting the right RV for you and your family depends upon several factors. First, you must take into account your personal needs. You should think about the type of RV you want as well as what standard and optional equipment is available from the various manufacturers. Consideration must be given to the size of the investment that you are able to make. The amount of investment is often determined by the amount of use you will get from your purchase. Your RV purchase should take into account numerous personal factors.

For many first time RVers, the decision to invest in some type of vehicle comes easily; for others it involves hours of difficult decision making. As in most new adventures, the more knowledgeable you become about RV selection and use, the more comfortable and enjoyable the experience winds up being.

Most RVers recall with great pleasure the many hours spent learning about recreational vehicle life. They tell of walking around numerous sales lots, climbing in and out of vehicles, discussing the pros and cons of various floor plans, and talking with individuals already enjoying the RV lifestyle.

The experienced RVer may be able to short-cut some of the efforts required in evaluating and selecting a new unit. However, often the fact that they are experienced enough to know precisely what they expect from a unit can complicate the selection process.

Except for buying a home, perhaps no other purchase in one's lifetime provides an opportunity for so many choices, so many options, so many decisions. Therefore, we'd like to offer suggestions to help in selecting the recreational vehicle that's right for you. Take the time to define what it is you need. Buying an RV is a major expense and warrants a serious--but fun--exploration into the world of RVing. Don't be in a hurry. It's better to go slowly than to buy the wrong vehicle or overpay for it.

Once purchased, your RV provides the perfect vehicle for escaping the pressures of modern life, for enjoying outdoor living in comfort and convenience, and for providing travel flexibility.

Perhaps one of the initial decisions to be made in selecting and purchasing an RV is whether you want to pull it or drive it.

A good way to start is to learn what vehicle designs are available. Having an idea of the basic differences, provides a solid beginning to your selection process.

Just what is an RV? As you read, talk to RVers, and research your selection, you'll hear terms like "mini," "micro," "fifth-wheel," "basement model," "pop outs" and "low profile." For our purposes here, it's helpful to define some terminology.

Recreational vehicle (RV) -- a generic term used to describe a kind of "home on wheels." RVs come in a variety of types, models, and styles. To the uninitiated--and to the professional, as well--the diversity often seems overwhelming. But, don't despair.

Click here to learn about the different types of RVs.