Summer has just recently landed for us folks in the Northern Hemisphere, which means long days, lots of sunshine, dips into lakes and pools, barbecues, holidays, travel, and the season of kids tasting the sweet freedom of no school. It also means that lots of people are going to start heading off on their annual vacation, and for many families in the U.S. this signals the start of RV season.
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Over the last few years, Recreational Vehicle sales have sky rocketed. With so many Americans choosing to stay in the States and explore our own natural wonders, national shipments of RV’s for this year have risen to over 359,000 in 2024. And who can blame them? With the good weather finally here, endless miles, and 50 different states to explore, what better time than now to pack up and hit the road!
And because here at eTags we love to keep our finger on the pulse of all things automotive, we’re going to provide a fun FAQ guide for all the newbies out there to all things RV.
Q: What are the most popular RV’s for sale now?
A: There are many well-loved brands, but here are the current top five:
- Forest River
- Keystone RV
- Grand Design RV
- Jayco Inc
- Dutchmen
Q: What are the different types of RV’s?
A: There are many different models, but here are the main two when it comes to long-haul exploration:
- Travel Trailers – The most prolific of the RV family, this is the sort of living space that attaches to a tow vehicle and offers excellent comfort and mobility.
- Motor Homes – The all-in-one deal that lets you drive your home to any destination you desire without worrying about a tow vehicle.
Q: How do I know if buying an RV is right for me?
A: Chances are, if you’ve even considered the purchase, you just might be on the right path for you. But here are some points to ponder before swiping your credit card:
- How do you plan to use your RV?
- What time of year and how often?
- Will it be just for you, a partner, a family?
- Where do you plan to drive it?
If you’re new to the world of RV’s there is a strong argument for buying a used vehicle rather than a new one.
With a pre-owned RV you are likely to get a better deal, you can rebuild and refashion it to your likes, and enjoy a lower insurance rate.
That said, if you’re the kind of human who enjoys getting things that are shiny and new, the upside of purchasing an RV off the showroom floor include: all the bells and whistles (technologically speaking), no hidden maintenance or wear issues, manufacturer warranty, and the opportunity to choose custom options.
Q: Will I be allowed to take an RV for a test drive?
A: One hundred percent. A walk-through and a test drive are great ways to get a feel for the moving home you’re about to purchase. And on that note, if you have a family, friends, partner, and/or kids who will be coming along for the ride, it could be a nice idea to bring them along for the reconnaissance mission as well. Having the whole brood together in the vehicle will help you understand size and space needs, thus making your buying decision and much more practical and clear one.
Q: Will I be able to find parking for my RV?
A: Currently there are over 27,000 parking sites for mobile homes across the U.S. and Canada. Not surprisingly, many of these spots are in very close proximity to beautiful natural wonders.
Q: Will I need a special license or insurance to drive my RV?
A: In general, for most RV’s, your regular driving license will suffice. The exception is for the really big, Class A motorhomes, which can require special licensing. As for insurance, you will likely need to purchase additional coverage for your new mobile home. The best thing to do is call your current auto insurance provider and have a chat about adding your RV to your existing policy.
Q: If I buy a “fifth wheel” RV and want to tow my mobile home, can I do so with any car?
A: It will depend on your vehicle’s towing capacity. For example, you wouldn’t want to hook up a motor home to two-person smart car…this just spells disaster! But if you already own a truck or SUV, chances are you will have some decent towing capacity. Ultimately, your ability to tow will depend on both your vehicle and the size camper you have. Both manufactures (of your car and RV) should provide information regarding GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and tow capacity. Additionally, there are resources across the web that can help you figure out if your two vehicles are tow compatible.
Q: Will I need to register and affix a license plate to my RV?
A: This depends on your state of residence. In California, for example, yes, you are required to obtain a license plate for your camper. Florida also demands a separate plate for your RV.
Check with your local DMV to see if they have laws in place asking that your RV be licensed and registered.
Q: Is there an ideal time to purchase an RV?
A: Actually, yes! Like buying a winter coat or a plane ticket, the cheapest price tags come out of season. So for RV’s your best bet is to head to the showroom (or the neighbor who’s selling) during a less popular camping season. In other words: winter. And if you’re making your purchase from a dealership, you’ll find better deals, fewer crowds, and more amicable sales folks in middle of the week. So, basically, you want to find a Tuesday in February or a Wednesday in March…midweek, midwinter.
Q: If my state requires that I register my RV, do I have to go to the DMV to do this?
A: Nope! If you live anywhere that eTags services (six states and growing) we can help you get your new camper registered and ready for exploring. Simply head to our site, choose your state, and let us get that ball (or RV) rolling!
