Should I Buy an RV? Here’s What I Wish I Knew First

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Published May 4, 2020 | Last updated May 5, 2026

Buying an RV can absolutely change your life.

It changed ours.

Susan and I rented an RV for 10 days and traveled through California. That trip opened our eyes to a completely different way to travel. We had our own bed, our own bathroom, our own kitchen, and the freedom to wake up somewhere new without packing and unpacking every day.

Less than six months later, we bought our first RV.

And we did it wrong.

We bought mostly on emotion. We loved the idea of RVing, we were excited, and we jumped in fast. The first time we used our RV, a broken water pump flooded it. Then we had the dreaded roof leak, which took years to find and repair correctly.

So when someone asks me, “Should I buy an RV?” my answer is not a simple yes or no.

My honest answer is this:

Buy an RV if you understand the real costs, the maintenance, the learning curve, and you will actually use it enough to justify the investment.

Do not buy an RV just because the idea feels exciting on a Saturday afternoon at an RV show.

I see way too many RVs sitting in driveways, storage lots, and backyards that barely get used. They looked like a dream when someone bought them, but they turned into an expensive monthly payment, maintenance project, or source of stress.

RVing can be one of the best decisions you ever make. But only if you go into it with your eyes open.

Why We Bought An RV After Renting First

Renting an RV first was one of the best things Susan and I ever did.

We did not start by buying. We rented an RV for 10 days and traveled through California. That trip gave us a real taste of the RV lifestyle without committing tens of thousands of dollars right away.

And honestly, those 10 days changed our lives.

We loved the freedom. We loved being able to travel without depending on hotels. We loved having our own space. We loved being able to slow down and enjoy the trip instead of just racing from one hotel to the next.

That rental gave us the confidence to say, “Yes, we want more of this.”

But here is where we made the mistake.

We let the emotion of that trip push us into buying too quickly.

We did not know enough about RV systems. We did not know enough about inspections. We did not fully understand how much maintenance matters. We did not know how many problems can hide inside what looked like a nice RV.

That is why I am a big believer in renting before buying, especially if you are brand new.

Renting will not teach you everything, but it will show you whether you actually enjoy the RV lifestyle or just like the idea of it.

There is a big difference.

The Biggest Question: Will You Actually Use It?

This is the question most people skip.

They ask:

Can I afford it?

Can my truck tow it?

Do I like the floor plan?

Where can I store it?

Those are all important questions. But the bigger question is:

Will I use this RV enough to make it worth owning?

Because RVs are not cheap decorations for your driveway.

Even if your RV is paid off, it still costs money. You have insurance, maintenance, repairs, tires, batteries, storage, campground fees, gear, fuel, and upgrades. If you finance the RV, now you also have a monthly payment.

If you only camp once or twice a year, renting may be the smarter move.

But if you plan to camp often, take road trips, visit family, travel for weeks at a time, work remotely, or make RVing part of your lifestyle, buying can make sense.

Here is my simple rule:

If you are only dreaming about RV trips, rent first.
If you are already planning real trips and know you will use it often, buying may be worth it.

Buying An RV Based On Emotion Is A Mistake

I understand why people get emotional about RVs.

You walk into a beautiful motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel and start imagining the life you want. Morning coffee at a campsite. Grandkids sleeping in the bunks. National parks. Beach trips. Campfires. Freedom.

That feeling is real.

But emotion is also how people buy the wrong RV.

They buy too much RV for their tow vehicle. They buy a floor plan that looks good at the dealership but does not work in real life. They forget about storage. They ignore tank sizes. They assume the dinette bed will be fine. They do not check the roof. They do not test the water pump, furnace, water heater, slide-outs, or refrigerator.

Then the first trip becomes a repair story.

That happened to us.

Our broken water pump flooded the RV the first time we used it. And the roof leak was even worse because water damage can be hard to find, hard to fix, and expensive if ignored.

That experience taught me something important:

The RV you fall in love with still needs to be inspected like a house, driven like a vehicle, and maintained like a boat.

It is not just a camper. It is a rolling home full of systems that can break.

The Real Costs Of Buying An RV

Most beginners focus on the purchase price.

That is a mistake.

The purchase price is only the beginning.

Depending on the type of RV, you may also need to budget for:

Insurance
Registration and taxes
Campground fees
Fuel
Storage
Maintenance
Tires
Batteries
Roof sealant and inspections
Water hoses and sewer hoses
Surge protector
Leveling blocks
Tools
Repairs
Roadside assistance
Extended warranty or service contract
Tow vehicle upgrades, if buying a trailer
Weight distribution hitch, if needed
Brake controller, if needed

This is where people get surprised.

They think, “Once I buy the RV, I’m done.”

Nope.

RV ownership is ongoing. You are maintaining plumbing, electrical systems, propane systems, appliances, tires, seals, batteries, tanks, slides, awnings, and sometimes an engine or generator too.

That does not mean you should not buy one. It just means you need to budget honestly.

If buying the RV stretches you so thin that you have no money left for repairs, campground fees, fuel, or gear, you are probably not ready yet.

Does An RV Save Money Over Hotels?

Sometimes, yes.

But not always.

This is one of the biggest myths in RVing.

People assume buying an RV automatically saves money because you are not paying for hotels. That can be true if you travel often, cook your own meals, stay in affordable campgrounds, and use the RV regularly.

But RVing is not automatically cheap.

Campgrounds can be expensive. Fuel costs more. Maintenance adds up. Repairs can sting. And if you financed the RV, your monthly payment continues whether you use it or not.

The biggest savings usually come when you use your RV often and replace expensive hotel stays and restaurant meals with campground stays and cooking in your own kitchen.

For us, the value of RVing is not only about saving money.

It is about having our own space. Our own bed. Our own bathroom. Our own kitchen. And the freedom to travel in a way that feels more relaxed and flexible.

That is worth a lot.

But I would not tell a beginner to buy an RV just to save money. That is too simple and often not true.

Buy an RV because you want the lifestyle and will use it enough to justify the cost.

Should You Rent An RV Before Buying One?

For most beginners, yes.

I think renting before buying is one of the smartest things you can do.

That 10-day California rental helped Susan and me realize we loved RV travel. It gave us a real taste of the lifestyle before we owned anything.

Renting can help you figure out:

Whether you actually enjoy RV travel
What size RV feels comfortable
Whether you like driving or towing
How much space you really need
Whether campground life fits you
What features matter most
What features you thought mattered but do not
Whether your spouse or family enjoys it too

Renting also gives you a chance to make beginner mistakes in someone else’s RV before you spend a lot of money.

That may sound funny, but it is true.

You will learn quickly whether dumping tanks bothers you, whether small showers annoy you, whether setting up camp feels fun or stressful, and whether driving a larger vehicle makes you nervous.

Renting is not cheap, but it can save you from making a much more expensive buying mistake. For more info about renting an RV for the first time check out our article called 21 Essential Tips For First Time RV Renters.

When Buying An RV Makes Sense

Buying an RV makes sense when you know you will use it.

Not hope you will use it.

Know you will use it.

You may be a good candidate for RV ownership if:

✅ You already enjoy camping or road trips
✅ You plan to travel several times a year
✅ You want your own bed, kitchen, and bathroom on the road
✅ You understand RVs require maintenance
✅ You have room in your budget for repairs and gear
✅ You are willing to learn how RV systems work
✅ You have a realistic plan for storage
✅ You are buying the RV for the lifestyle, not just the fantasy

That last one matters.

The fantasy is easy. The lifestyle takes effort.

You need to plan trips, maintain the RV, winterize it if needed, keep up with roof inspections, manage tanks, learn electrical basics, and fix small things that break.

If that sounds like part of the adventure, RV ownership may be a great fit.

If that sounds awful, renting may be better.

When You Should Not Buy An RV Yet

There are times when buying an RV is probably the wrong move.

You may want to wait if:

❌ You have never camped or rented an RV before
❌ You are buying only because of one emotional trip or RV show visit
❌ You are already stretched financially
❌ You do not know where you will store it
❌ You are unsure your vehicle can safely tow it
❌ You hate maintenance and repairs
❌ You only expect to use it once or twice a year
❌ You think RVing is always cheaper than hotels
❌ You and your spouse are not on the same page

That last point is a big one.

Do not buy an RV unless both people are genuinely on board.

RVing can be wonderful, but it also involves decisions, setup, driving, dumping tanks, repairs, travel planning, and unexpected problems. If one person is excited and the other feels pressured, the RV can quickly become a source of stress.

Pros Of Buying An RV

The biggest benefit of owning an RV is freedom.

You can take off for a weekend, visit family, explore new campgrounds, or plan a long road trip without booking hotels every night.

You also get to travel with your own stuff. That may not sound like a big deal until you experience it.

Having your own bed, your own bathroom, your own coffee maker, your own clothes, your own food, and your own space makes travel feel completely different.

Another big benefit is flexibility.

Bad weather? Change plans.
Do not like a campground? Move.
Want to stay longer? Extend the trip if you can.
Need a break from driving? Pull into a campground and rest.

You can also cook your own meals, which can save money and make travel easier, especially if you have dietary needs or just get tired of restaurants.

And for pet owners, RVing can be a great way to travel with pets instead of boarding them or finding pet-friendly hotels.

For us, RVing became more than a way to travel. It became part of our life.

Cons Of Buying An RV

Now let’s be honest.

RVs break.

Sometimes it is something small. Sometimes it is expensive. Sometimes it is frustrating because you are supposed to be relaxing, but instead you are troubleshooting a water pump, slide-out, leak, battery issue, furnace problem, or electrical mystery.

Our first RV experience taught us that quickly.

A broken water pump flooded our RV the first time we used it. Later, we dealt with a roof leak that took years to fully track down and repair.

Water is one of the biggest enemies of an RV.

That is why maintenance matters so much. You need to inspect the roof, check seals, watch for soft spots, look for stains, and pay attention when something smells musty or feels off.

Another downside is depreciation.

Most RVs lose value over time. They are not investments in the financial sense. You may sell it later and recover some money, but you should not expect to get back what you paid.

Storage can also be a hassle. Not everyone can keep an RV at home. Storage lots cost money, and if the RV is not nearby, you may use it less.

And then there is driving or towing.

Some people love it. Some people tolerate it. Some people hate it.

That is another reason renting first can be so helpful.

New Or Used RV: Which Is Better For Beginners?

There is no perfect answer.

A new RV gives you the latest features and usually comes with a warranty, but new RVs can still have problems. In fact, many new RV owners are surprised by how many warranty issues show up during the first year.

A used RV can save you money, but only if it has been maintained properly.

A poorly maintained used RV can become a nightmare, especially if there is hidden water damage.

If you buy used, I strongly recommend getting a professional RV inspection before you buy. I would much rather pay for an inspection and walk away than buy an RV with hidden damage.

And if you buy new, I would still inspect everything carefully before signing final paperwork.

Do not assume new means perfect.

It does not.

How To Know What Type Of RV To Buy

Beginners often start by asking, “What is the best RV?”

That is the wrong question.

The better question is:

“What RV fits the way I will actually travel?”

A motorhome may be best if you want something self-contained and do not want to tow a trailer. But motorhomes have engines, drivetrains, and more expensive mechanical systems to maintain.

A travel trailer may be best if you already have the right tow vehicle and want to unhook at the campground. But towing takes practice, and you need to match the trailer to your vehicle correctly.

A fifth wheel may give you more space and better towing stability, but you need a capable truck and the right hitch setup.

A small camper may be easier to tow and store, but it may feel cramped on longer trips.

The right RV is the one that matches your budget, travel style, tow vehicle, storage situation, and comfort needs.

Do not buy based only on looks.

Buy based on real use.

My Simple RV Buying Checklist For Beginners

Before buying an RV, I would ask these questions:

Have I rented an RV or camped enough to know I like it?

How many nights per year will I realistically use it?

Can I afford the RV plus repairs, insurance, storage, gear, and campground fees?

Where will I store it?

Can my vehicle safely tow it, fully loaded?

Does the floor plan work with the slides in and out?

Can I access the bathroom and refrigerator during travel stops?

Is the bed comfortable enough for real trips?

Is the shower usable?

Is there enough storage?

Are the tanks large enough for how I camp?

Has the roof been inspected?

Are there any signs of water damage?

Have I tested every major system?

Would I still buy this RV if I were not excited today?

That last question is powerful.

If the answer is no, slow down.

Should You Buy An RV Or Keep Renting?

Here is the simplest way I can say it.

Rent if you are still testing the lifestyle.

Buy if you already know you love it and will use it often.

Renting is great for occasional trips, first-timers, and people who do not want maintenance or storage responsibilities.

Buying is better for people who want to travel regularly, personalize their RV, keep it stocked, and make RVing part of their normal life.

There is no shame in either choice.

The mistake is buying before you know which one fits your life.

Is Buying An RV Worth It?

Yes, buying an RV can be worth it.

But it is only worth it if you use it.

An RV sitting unused in the driveway is not freedom. It is a payment, a storage problem, and a maintenance project.

An RV you use often can create some of the best memories of your life.

Susan and I still believe RVing is worth it, even after the water pump flood, the roof leak, the repairs, and the lessons we learned the hard way.

But I would never tell someone to rush into it.

Rent first if you are unsure.
Buy carefully if you are ready.
Inspect everything.
Budget honestly.
And make sure the RV fits your real life, not just your dream version of it.

Final Thoughts: My Honest Advice Before You Buy

If you are asking, “Should I buy an RV?” I would not start at the dealership.

I would start with a rental, a budget, and a serious conversation about how often you will actually use it.

RVing can be incredible. It can give you freedom, adventure, flexibility, and memories you will never get from a hotel room.

But RV ownership also comes with repairs, maintenance, learning curves, and costs that beginners often underestimate.

We bought our first RV because a 10-day rental trip changed our lives. I am grateful we did it.

But I also wish we had slowed down, learned more, inspected better, and bought with less emotion.

That is the advice I would give any beginner:

Do not buy the dream.

Buy the RV that fits your real life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying An RV

1. Should I buy an RV if I have never rented one before?

I would rent one first if possible. Renting gives you a real feel for driving, camping, setting up, dumping tanks, and living in a smaller space. It is much cheaper to find out you do not like RVing during a rental than after buying an RV.

2. Is owning an RV cheaper than staying in hotels?

Sometimes, but not always. RVing can save money on hotels and meals if you travel often and cook in your RV. But you also have fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, campground fees, storage, and possible loan payments. Do not buy an RV only because you think it will automatically save money.

3. What is the biggest mistake beginners make when buying an RV?

The biggest mistake is buying based on emotion instead of real-world use. A floor plan can look great at the dealership but be frustrating on the road. Beginners also underestimate maintenance, towing limits, storage needs, and the importance of checking for water damage.

4. How often should I use an RV to make buying worth it?

There is no perfect number, but if you only plan to use it once or twice a year, renting may make more sense. If you plan to camp regularly, take longer road trips, or use the RV as part of your lifestyle, buying becomes easier to justify.

5. Should I buy a new or used RV?

Both can work. New RVs may have warranties but can still have problems. Used RVs can save money but may hide water damage or poor maintenance. Either way, inspect the RV carefully before buying. If you are unsure, hire a professional RV inspector.

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Related Reading:

• 21 Essential Tips For First Time RV Renters
• Is It Cheaper to Rent an RV or Stay in a Hotel/Airbnb?

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