Use the the
worksheet below if you need help in
determining the type of RV that will be perfect for
you.
RV Planning
Worksheet
This
worksheet will help you determine how, when and where you want to
use an RV. This information may help you minimize costly mistakes. (
Print This .pdf file)
1.
Will you be towing something with the RV?
Yes
No
If you plan to tow a boat, a car, a snowmobile,
a dune buggy, etc., towing a travel trailer or
fifth-wheel won't be practical.
2.
Number of people using the RV? __________
Regular
basis:
Adults
Children
Occasionally:
Adults
Children
If your children
are very young, the answer to the "children"
side of the question should be straightforward.
If you have teens, however, the question arises
regarding how often or, more importantly, how
long will they be interested in RV trips? Try to
be realistic and not allow "how you would like
things to be" overcome your knowledge of "how
things are." If you have any doubts, put older
kids under "occasionally."
3.
Types of use planned?
Weekend
camping
Vacation
trips (two weeks or less)
Tailgate
parties (sports events, etc.)
Day
trips (beach, picnics, etc.)
Extended
travel (more than 2000 miles or two
weeks)
Extended
use, without travel
Use as
second car
Question 3 gets to the heart of the matter. Your
answers here will dictate in large part the type
and size of RV that will be appropriate for you.
In most instances, several or even all of these
categories may be checked off. If so, establish
your priorities. What will be the RV's primary
use? It may help you to number the selections
above, putting the most important one first.
4.
Types of camping planned?
Remote
(no facilities)
Primitive (minimal facilities)
RV parks
(full facilities)
This question requires a bit of self-analysis as
to just what kind of camping you really like and
realistically will do. Clearly, remote camping
is not for everyone. Would you be willing to
simply drive down a little side road, find a
wide spot and pull over for the night? More
importantly, would you and/or your family be
comfortable with that type of camping? Primitive
campsites, such as those in national forests,
are some of the prettiest available, but they
generally have size restrictions and few or no
hookups.
5.
What are your hobbies, interests, sports?
A.
___________________________
C.
___________________________
B.
___________________________
D.
___________________________
As you list these, consider the amount of
storage space each one might require.
6.
What accommodations will you make to store your
RV?
In yard
On street (local regulations)
Storage yard
(monthly rent:
$_______)
Sometimes this question is overlooked. If you
haven't had any experience in this area with a
previous RV, you might have to do a bit of
investigation into parking regulations where you
live, dimensions of space available for parking,
and/or the cost of storage.
7.
If you decide to purchase an RV, what is an
affordable price range? $_________
What monthly payment can you afford? $_________
Not all of us can simply draw out of a savings
account the entire price of an RV and pay for it
right up front. In fact, some of us don't even
know the price range we can afford, but we do
know how large a monthly payment we can handle.
To help you determine your requirements, ask
about "Financing Your Fun" While the interest
and term listed are real payment amounts, they
are presented only for planning purposes to
establish a relationship between monthly
payments and total RV cost.
Personal Needs
When evaluating size requirements for your RV, consider privacy of
the occupants as a major factor. Time spent in the unit is another
important item. For very short periods of time, most of us can
tolerate too little space. But as time periods extend, the amount of
space required by each person increases -- both in the area of
comfort and privacy, and also when it comes to storage.
Short-term use, such as day trips or tailgate parties, doesn't call
for a great amount of space, but it does mean a minimum amount of
setup will be a real advantage. Extended travel has very nearly
identical requirements as short-term use, but with economy of
operation and driving ease added. As the time of use increases, the
number of people who will use the unit on a regular basis starts to
be a more important factor. Also, the style of camping you are
interested in will have a bearing on size. If you're interested in
backroads and out-of-the-way campsites, a large-size RV can be a
hindrance.
If you have checked extended periods of use on your worksheet
(Question 3), this will affect size as much as any other single
factor. If this includes periods of time beyond a couple of months
at a stretch, for all intents and purposes it is the same as
full-time living. In general, this kind of use will call for the
largest RV you can afford. If your RV must also serve as a second
car, that will affect the type and size you select. In this case, a
large-size RV definitely will be a detriment in urban traffic. (Any
of the trailers will allow the tow vehicle to be used as a "second
car".)
As you start to narrow down the RV categories, be sure to check our
glossary of RV terms. You will need to address such details as
floorplan and storage space (inside and outside) requirements, and
the degree of self-containment. Full self-containment simply means
being able to park without any outside facilities or hookups. This
would include full bath facilities; adequate freshwater supply,
along with black- and gray-water holding tanks (black for the
toilet, and gray for the wash basin, sink and shower); propane tanks
to power the refrigerator; stove and furnace; plus 12-volt battery
power for the lights, exhaust fan(s) and furnace blower. A generator
is usually considered part of a complete self-containment package.
While total self-containment is not absolutely necessary, it is
certainly nice to have.
As you define your various requirements and consider your financial
situation, the type and the size of RV that will meet your needs
will become more clear. Then it's simply a matter of selecting the
style and brand you like best -- and start smart shopping to put
yourself on the road for years of enjoyment in your new lifestyle!
