A beginner’s guide for the RV living
**As written for The Safe Driver**
The United States is a beautiful place to live freely, and few things will give you quite the same feeling of freedom as a recreational vehicle. When you’re on the road in an RV, the whole country is yours to explore. Almost everywhere that you go, you’ll find safe places to settle down in comfort for the night. In the morning, you’ll be free to roam once again. Here’s how to become the RV owner that you deserve to be.
Selecting Your RV
So, you want to own an RV — great! But you have a big decision ahead of you, because not all recreational vehicles are the same. There are actually many different types.
To determine which recreational vehicle is right for you, you’ll need to start by thinking about your plans: What’s your budget? Do you own a powerful vehicle that can tow a camper or travel trailer, or are you going to want a recreational vehicle that tows itself? How much room do you have? How rustic will the locations that you visit be?
With that information in mind, head to a dealership and examine some different options, including used options. Don’t be afraid to make multiple visits before you decide. Do research on the internet, learn everything you can, and don’t make a purchase until you’re sure about what you’re doing.
Protecting Your RV
As any new owner of a recreational vehicle knows all too well, RVs do not come cheap. That’s part of why it’s so important to protect your vehicle after you buy it.
That means investing in a quality RV warranty. Manufacturer’s warranties and dealership warranties can be great, but don’t neglect other options. Some companies specialize in extended warranties. You’ll also need RV insurance, just as you would need car insurance.
A well-maintained RV is a safe RV. Be sure to invest in RV maintenance and RV repair. You may not always know where the nearest repair shop is, but you should do your best to keep track of your options as you plan your trip. If you don’t have a wireless connection and don’t know of any RV repair shops in the same zip code as you, you’ll be in trouble — so plan ahead and know where to find reliable RV repair services no matter where in the United States you are.
Remember that RV repair costs go up when you neglect basic maintenance. You’ll get more out of your RV, camper, or travel trailer if you bring it in for maintenance regularly — before things go wrong.
Power, Plumbing, and the Planet
When you camp out with your vehicle, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay thanks to the luxurious systems built into these impressive vehicles. But you should think about how you’re powering your comfort systems when you’re on the go!
Generators are a classic choice, but they’re not your only option. You could supplement your energy supply with solar power systems, for example.
You may already be familiar with solar panels from their common use by residential properties. In places like the State of Arizona, also known as the Grand Canyon state, homeowners are turning to solar panels in order to increase their home value and enjoy financial incentives like federal tax credits and State of Arizona tax credits. It’s easy to see how labor costs and other expenses work out when you’re selling excess energy back to the electrical company and enjoying Arizona’s state tax credit. Solar panels in Arizona just make sense for homeowners, but do these systems also have something to offer RV mobile homeowners?
Generally speaking, yes! Stocking up on energy in battery storage on sunny days is a great way to stash energy for the near future. Energy usage is a problem on the go just as it is for homeowners, so consider making smart use of renewable energy sources while you’re on the go in your RV. As you explore stunning vistas and National Parks, it’ll make you feel better knowing that you’re doing your part to ensure that these incredible scenes are preserved for the next generation of outdoor explorers.