| You've been considering the purchase of an RV, | | | | rides over the truck bed, isn't as tall as the rest |
| but now, with gas prices so high, maybe you're | | | | of the trailer. One nice thing about fifth-wheels is |
| re-considering. While you want to evaluate any | | | | that they turn and corner in a shorter radius than |
| vehicle purchase, here are a few things you may | | | | standard tow-behinds. |
| not have thought about Recreational Vehicles. | | | | Then there are the motorized RVs, typically called |
| First, there is an RV for any spending level. You | | | | motorhomes or motorcoaches. The nice thing |
| can find tent trailers for a few hundred to a few | | | | about these is that, when you pull over to camp, |
| thousand dollars, depending on whether you want | | | | there's no getting out or setting up. You just |
| new or used, and the size and options included. | | | | unbuckle your seatbelt and you're ready to go. |
| And you can find mega-RVs that cost more than | | | | However, with a tow-behind you're not devoted |
| some houses. Find an RV that meets your | | | | to your engine-you can get a new car or truck |
| requirements for comfort and roominess. Most | | | | and still keep your trailer. With a motorhome it's all |
| models come in several trim levels, so if you're | | | | or nothing. Some people tow a small car behind |
| looking for a new RV, you can weigh the benefits | | | | the motorcoach so they can get to the grocery |
| of the various options against the costs. But | | | | store without taking the RV. |
| remember that there are many used RVs out | | | | Of course, since the engine is included, a |
| there that are very well cared for, and you may | | | | motorcoach is typically more expensive than a |
| be able to find one that's just a few years old | | | | trailer or fifth-wheel. But don't forget to consider |
| and save yourself some money. | | | | the cost of the tow vehicle into your calculations. |
| But what kinds of RVs are there to choose | | | | After deciding what type of RV you want and |
| from? In the broadest sense, there are | | | | the price you're willing to pay, it's time to start |
| tow-behinds and fifth-wheels, which have no | | | | looking! Don't discount an RV that's a few years |
| motor as part of the RV, and motorhomes, which | | | | old. Remember, few RVs are used on an ongoing |
| have the motor as an integral part. | | | | basis. The vast majority get taken out only a few |
| Tow-behinds can include tent trailers, which are an | | | | weeks or months of the year. |
| excellent way to try out RVing. They're very | | | | Many banks offer financing for RVs-check with |
| reasonably priced and lightweight. You can find a | | | | yours first. Sometimes with an attached checking |
| tent trailer light enough to tow behind almost any | | | | or savings account, they'll lower the interest rate |
| vehicle. Tent trailers set up (and down) in a | | | | a bit. Belong to a credit union? Some of them |
| matter of minutes, and the "tent" part of it is | | | | offer RV financing as well, often at better rates |
| watertight these days, so there's no more | | | | than the banks or savings and loans. You may |
| worrying about water coming through to drip on | | | | find a special financing deal on a model offered |
| your forehead. | | | | through the dealer. |
| Tow-behinds can also include teardrop trailers | | | | With any type of financing through any source, be |
| (think "I love Lucy"), standard recreational trailers, | | | | sure to read, read, read that contract. Question |
| and also the newer "toy hauler" trailers, with | | | | anything you don't understand. Make sure the |
| which you can bring along everything, including the | | | | interest rate, term, payment amount, and any |
| kitchen sink. Teardrop trailers are not as | | | | other important aspects of the loan are clearly |
| lightweight as a tent trailer, but they are pretty | | | | outlined on the note you'll sign. Get a copy of the |
| light, mostly because they aren't all that large. The | | | | contract right there, when you sign. You'll protect |
| interior is typically reserved for sleeping, with the | | | | yourself from later hocus-pocus by anyone else. |
| kitchen facilities on a fold-down tail in the rear. | | | | Call several places and get firm quotes on rate |
| Standard trailers come in a huge variety of | | | | and terms. If you'd prefer to deal with Lender A, |
| lengths, from twelve feet or so to well over | | | | but Lender B is a quarter-percent lower with the |
| thirty feet. You can find models with just the | | | | same terms, call up Lender A and let them know. |
| basics to ones with options you hadn't even | | | | You'd be surprised how often Lender A will meet |
| imagined-and, of course, prices to match. The | | | | or beat Lender B's offer in order to get your |
| "toy hauler" models are very similar, but many of | | | | business. |
| the interior features like beds and sofas fold or | | | | An RV offers you flexibility in your travel plans, |
| otherwise stow away so that your ATVs or | | | | and the comfort of being able to stay in familiar |
| motorcycles can come along for the ride. The | | | | surroundings. Your family can spend time |
| floors typically have recessed D-rings for | | | | together, and you're not worried about creepy |
| strapping your toys down. | | | | hotel rooms or third-world food. You'll create |
| The final type of tow-behind is a fifth-wheel trailer. | | | | memories that will last forever, and family ties |
| These hook into an adapter in the bed of your | | | | that will bind. |
| truck, rather than on a ball on the bumper. This | | | | So get out there, explore the world of RVing. |
| can make the overall length a little shorter, | | | | You'll be glad you did! |
| although the front of the trailer, the part that | | | | |