Is buying an RV actually worth it? Is spending time traveling America’s highways and camping in public campgrounds really a good idea? It is interesting to hear what people have to say. Search the internet and you will find opinions on both sides. But know there is a way to figure things out for yourself without having to rely on so many outside opinions: ACT it out.
A pretty good post published by the Your RV Lifestyle website encourages people to investigate the concept of RVing based on the ACT principle. ACT stands for:
- Ask yourself what you want
- Check things out
- Try it on for size.
That is not bad advice. You can read different opinions and watch videos all day long. But until you make a concerted effort to experience it for yourself, there is no real way to know if the RV lifestyle is right for you. In addition, following the ACT example will help you to understand that there is more than one way to enjoy the RV lifestyle.
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What do you want out of it?
Anyone can go to an RV show and plunk down a hefty deposit without really understanding what they are getting themselves into. According to the good folks at AirSkirts, this is a bad idea. The owners of the Connecticut-based RV skirting company are RV owners themselves, so they know a thing or two about it.
They recommend asking yourself what you want to get out of your RV. Are you just a weekend warrior looking for an alternative to hotel rooms and expensive restaurants? Perhaps you are the type of person who likes to spend all summer traveling. Maybe you’re even a snowbird or someone looking to live full-time in your RV.
Asking yourself what you want sets the stage for how much you should spend on an RV. It also gives you a starting point for taking the next step, which is checking things out.
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What can you learn before you buy?
The RV lifestyle comes with a steep learning curve. It is so steep that you will not be able to learn everything before you make a purchase decision. Still, you should learn as much as you can. For example, there are different classes of RVs. In your average campground, you will find everything from class A motorhomes to the smallest teardrop or tent campers.
You will also want to learn as much as you can about repair and maintenance, insurance costs, what public campgrounds are like, and so forth. Everything you learn should be relatable back to what you want out of your RV.
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Are you ready to try it?
Once you’ve accumulated a significant amount of knowledge, ask yourself if you are still ready to give the RV lifestyle a try. If so, there are multiple ways to do it. First, you might know someone who already owns an RV. Ask to borrow it or see if you can accompany them on their next trip. In the absence of such an opportunity, RV rentals are available all across the country.
A rental will give you the opportunity to go out and try it on your own. No worries if you’re not confident in your abilities. RV rental companies take good care of their customers. You’ll be fine.
Assuming you make it through all three of the ACT steps and still think investing in an RV is a wise idea, you are probably a good candidate for the RV lifestyle. If not, there might be something else out there more your speed. That’s okay. RVing isn’t for everyone.
