The following ideas are meant to be practical and realistic. Each suggestion has come from my personal RV experiences. Dozens of helpful campers have shared their thoughts and ideas with me over my more than 25 years of RV travels. Many well-informed professionals in the industry, along with articles from numerous fine recreational vehicle publications, have taught me a great deal about the RV lifestyle and about the selection process in particular.

During an interview with Joe Wagner, owner of the RV Connection in California, Wagner stressed that the selection of an RV involves many, many choices. "There are literally thousands of options that a buyer has to face," says Wagner. "But in the final analysis, the more information the buyer has, and the more research that has been done, the better consumer he or she will be."

Set up a large file or storage container (box). These containers are inexpensive and easily found in discount and office supply stores. You'll be using the container and adding to it as your selection process continues. You are about to make a rather substantial commitment in both time and money. However, don't stop having a good time while you're going through the process. Storing the information in one place improves the outcome and reduces some aggravation when it's time to refer back to some special bit of information you've acquired.

List on paper some ideas of what you think you want and need in an RV. Early on you may not really know a lot of specifics. Leave plenty of room to add to the list as you explore.

• Anticipate how you will be using your RV. Will you be using it on weekends mostly? Long or short trips? Full time? How you will use your RV should have a major impact on what style and model you select to purchase.
• How many many people do you expect to use the RV at the same time? Is its primary use going to be by one person or several? What is the age range of individuals using the unit?
• What type of camping do you enjoy? Will you want to camp as a self-contained unit (dry camping)? Do you anticipate using full or partial hookups most of the time? Are you anticipating the use of private resort campground facilities?

By now you should be getting a fairly good picture of what you feel about how you will be making use of your RV. At this point you have no doubt determined a few of the things that you want to look for and consider as you actually visit RV showrooms. Having defined some of your needs, perhaps its time to begin gathering some specific information.

Does it sound strange to advise you to take a few hard earned dollars ($4 or $5, perhaps) and buy some stamped post cards? It isn't strange at all. Their use will no doubt be one of the best investments you make during the next phase of the selection process.

Take off to the nearest library. Ask the library staff to help you locate books, consumer and buyers guides, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, and other available information about RVing and the RV lifestyle. Don't forget to take a notebook along in order to take as many notes as possible! Also, take some of the post cards. As you read, take notes and send for information from manufacturers and dealers who advertise their product.

One overlooked item in many consumer publications is the Reader Service Card. This card allows you to circle numbers and send for additional information regarding products and services which interest you.

PLEASE don't remove any item from a library publication without first asking for permission from the librarian. Remember, you can always photocopy the Reader Service Card and mail it in an envelope, if necessary. As the information begins to arrive, look it over and file it away for further reference. (You may already be looking for a larger file cabinet or cardboard box!)

Ask Other Rvers

RV owners tend to be a friendly bunch. Therefore, take some time to visit places RVers congregate. Take the time to talk to them about their suggestions for buying an RV. Do you have a private or public campground nearby? What about a rest area or truck stop? Check your telephone book yellow pages under "Campers," "Campground," and "Camping." Check the parking lots of shopping centers and grocery stores. Go anywhere that you can take time to visit with an RVer.

Many people use their home-on-wheels in order to get away and enjoy their privacy. Many more like nothing better than to talk to others about the RV lifestyle, their likes and dislikes about various recreational vehicles, and what it's like to enjoy the spontaneity and comfort of RV travel. You may have to spend time looking at pictures of the grand children or petting the family pet, but isn't it worth it?

Professional Organizations

Groups such as the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association present camping and recreation open houses in major cities throughout the United States. By all means, attend one. These shows provide an opportunity to make dozens of contacts to help you learn more about RVs. In one morning or afternoon you'll have the opportunity to view the exteriors and interiors of hundreds of units from many manufacturers and dealers.

Ask questions based upon your previous research. You can compare heating and cooling systems, construction, interior and exterior features, and you'll have a chance to meet consumers like yourself. Some of the best selection input is shared by people in attendance at these shows. You'll no doubt come home tired and exhausted, but you'll be on your way to becoming a first-rate consumer.

Dealers

Another major source of information is a local recreational vehicle dealer. Perhaps you've given some thought as to the pros and cons of purchasing a new or used unit. Rarely will you be able to see used units at RV shows or read about them in RV publications. However, many dealers stock both new and used units on their lots. This is a good opportunity to talk to someone about new vs. used.

Remember that you will be talking to sales people. They earn their living by getting you to buy what they have to offer. Hopefully, you will find a sales person with whom you are comfortable. If you don't, go somewhere else! It's your money and you have a right to spend it as you wish. Don't buy on impulse.

If a salesperson tries to push you, find another salesperson. If the dealership makes you uncomfortable, find another dealership. Most dealerships have several styles and models of RVs from which to choose. Be sure to compare apples to apples, as the old saying goes. Compare travel trailers with other travel trailers and campers to other campers. Ask questions, take notes, pick up manufacturer's brochures, and go home and compare your wants and needs to what you have seen.

At the dealership you'll no doubt have one of your first opportunities to drive an RV. If you're a novice buyer. driving a recreational vehicle is an important step in the selection progress.

Rentals

Driving an RV isn't difficult, but it certainly is different. Many people feel comfortable from the beginning; others don't. Automatic transmissions, power brakes and steering are practically standard equipment in most new RVs. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has produced an excellent book on RV driving in cooperation with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. Safety in RVs, A Moving Experience, is available at no charge by writing to AARP Fulfillment, 1909 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20049.

In order to test your wings consider renting an RV for a weekend, week or longer. Currently, 400 national rental chain outlets and 300 local RV dealerships nationwide offer vehicles for rent. Although the motorhome is the most popular rental unit, it's possible to locate rentals of travel trailers as well.

Another source for RV rentals is your local newspaper classified section for private individuals who rent their own RV and for commercial rental dealers. RV rental dealers offer their customers instruction in operating rental units. In addition to allowing non-owners to experience RV travel, rentals help prospective buyers determine which type of unit best suits their needs.

Tour the Plant

One of the most interesting and informative ways to check out what an RV is all about is to take a tour of a manufacturing plant. Many manufacturers will gladly arrange a tour for you. Locate a plant near your home or in a city where you might be traveling. Check telephone directories under the listing "Recreational Vehicles," or call a dealer for a referral. Call the manufacturer and make an appointment. Ask if you can bring the entire family. Will you be accompanied by a sales person or a company representative? Will time be allotted for questions? Are you able to inspect the units in the production line and/or at the end of the process? Touring and seeing the construction of recreational vehicles provides an invaluable opportunity.

During you're tour, you'll get a good idea of a unit's fabrication and the specifics of its construction. Here is your opportunity to check wiring, engine, insulation, and additional features of construction.

Southern California offers several RV plant tour options, as does Elkhart Indiana, undoubtedly ther RV capital of the United States.

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RV's: Words of Wisdom