Here's a summary of the group's thoughts:

1. Holding Tanks -- One of the first items to consider is the convenience and accessibility of the drain system for the holding tanks. Is the system easy to reach? Are the directional gates easy to get to and to pull? Is the hose storage near the dump valve area? Is the assembly in a convenient locations for hooking-up in the campgrounds? It's advised that you actually go through the procedure for dumping the holding tanks with each brand of recreational vehicle you seriously consider for purchase.

2. Visibility -- Visibility from inside each unit varies considerably. Make it a point to sit in all of the chairs, benches and couches and check on the views. In a motorhome it's important to check visibility from both the driver and passenger seat. If pulling a unit, check on visibility from the towing vehicle. Are you able to see from all sides? Can you see out a rear window? Is the end of the vehicle visible?

3. Propane Safety -- Safety is an extremely important consideration when using propane. Check the location of the propane tank/cylinder. Is it convenient to fill? Many RVs now come equipped with electronic leak detectors. If the cylinder is removable, is it convenient to do so? Is the propane tank in a suitable location for filling and inspecting? Can the regulator be easily adjusted when necessary?

4. Dual Tire Consideration -- If the RV you purchase is equipped with dual tires you'll want to check on several items. Are you able to check tire pressure and tire tread easily on the inside tire? How can the inside dual tire be changed and replaced should a flat tire occur? Is it possible to rotate the tires with limited difficulty? When you need to fill the inside tire with air can it be done quickly and without special equipment?

5. Outside Storage -- Take a good look at the amount of available outside storage. Then, consider your needs. Will you have room to store a barbecue and the necessary supplies? Where will you store sporting equipment such as fishing poles, golf clubs, croquet sets? Is there plenty of room to store a drain hose as well as a separate compartment to store the hose for filling potable water? Can enough tools be stored to make minor repairs? What about a shovel for covering outside campfires? It might be good to make a list of outside storage items you think you might wish to take and then check the outside storage area of each RV against the list.

6. Options -- Your personal needs will dictate what equipment you will want to consider as optional power sources. Do you plan to enjoy dry camping or will you be in full hook-up campgrounds? How many batteries come as standard equipment? At some campgrounds the use of generators is restricted. Will you feel deprived without a television, microwave, blender, and toaster? Check the costs involved in the purchase, maintenance, and repair of supplemental power equipment.

7. Lighting -- It seems that very few purchasers of recreational vehicles buy them in the dark of night. Check all of the lighting sources. Are they fluorescent or incandescent? Can they be changed from one to another should you wish? How easily can the bulbs be replaced when necessary? Are the fixtures located conveniently? If you play cards or read in the evening will you have sufficient light? Are the work areas--such as in the kitchen--adequately lighted? Can you read in bed? Can you see at various mirrors? Is it possible to install additional lighting fixtures should you find it necessary?

8. Interior Storage -- Interior storage needs will differ depending on how you plan to enjoy your unit. Storage space is a very personal thing. However, it's important to remember that the way you use your RV may change over the time that you own the vehicle, so anticipate the future as best you can. Check if there's adequate closet space to hang clothing. Is the closet of sufficient height to hang clothing adequately? Are there drawers enough in the kitchen area and for personal items? Is the kitchen and bathroom storage appropriate and sufficient? Where will you put the radio and television if you take them? What will you do with pots and pans, extra food items, books, and games? Once again, you might want to make a list in advance of things you think you'll want to take and check the storage against the list.

9. Towing Considerations -- Don't hesitate to talk to several people about the special needs required if you'll be towing a travel trailer or if you might be towing a vehicle from a motorhome. Find out about the hitches that are available. Is the automobile that you have suitable for being towed or for towing? The towing issue is a critical one that is surrounded by some degree of controversy. It's suggested you talk to not only the recreational vehicle dealership but to an automobile dealer, too. It's not inappropriate to check directly with the manufacturer of the RV.

10. Price -- You'll become aware very early in the selection process that standard and optional equipment vary widely. As you obtain brochures by visiting or writing manufacturers and dealers, note the available equipment provided on both basic and fully equipped models. If price is important to you, it's suggested that significant time be spent in determining exactly what you're paying for. If you want an air conditioner or leveling jacks, for example, what do they cost if installed on the unit at time of purchase rather than later by an RV supply store? What about the cost comparison for television and a microwave?

All of this may seem a bit confusing and a whole lot of work. Take it from a seasoned RV traveler, it isn't nearly as bad as it seems. As I mentioned in the beginning, some of us "old-timers" have found that going through the selection process taught us lessons that we use over and over in our traveling experiences.

By all means have a good time while doing your selecting. It isn't uncommon for some of us to take a year or two (maybe even more) to find what we want. No two people are alike in their needs and wants. No two travel trailers or motorhomes are alike. Thank heavens we aren't all stamped out of the same mold.

Take from these suggestions what you want. Leave the other ideas behind. Whatever you do take the time to know what you are looking for in a vehicle. You are about to take off on what can be one of the most exciting and rewarding adventures of your life-- living the RV lifestyle.

I hope that you enjoy the RV lifestyle as much as millions of others do. I hope that one day we will meet on the road and you will share with me how you selected the RV that is just right for you. Until then, keep air in the tires, gas in the tank, and get those wheels movin'.

Back to Intro to RVs