10 Questions to Ask When Choosing the Perfect RV for Your Family

The first barrier to living the RV life is discovering which type of RV is right for you

A comfortable bed to sleep in after the day spent playing at the lake? A kitchen to prepare your family’s favorite meals? A shower to clean up in after a long day on a hiking trail? A home away from home in all your favorite places?

Fifth-wheel trailer with tow vehicle at Leaf Verde RV Park in Buckeye, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Do you want a big rig or a camper van? Will you drive a Class A or a bus conversion? Should you explore a Class C, or will a travel trailer work well with your truck? In the beginning, there are lots of questions. Yet asking questions is a good thing!

Class C motorhome at Wahweap RV Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona/Utah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

You’ve decided you want to experience the RV lifestyle. Or maybe your family’s needs have changed and it’s time for an upgrade. With so many RVs to choose from it can be overwhelming. Don’t worry! Ask yourself these questions to help make the decision easier.

Travel trailer at Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Do You Have a Tow Vehicle?

If you have a tow vehicle then you’ll want to narrow your search to RVs within your vehicle’s towing capacity. Don’t forget to add the weight of passengers, cargo, and liquids to the dry weight of the RV. You don’t want to fall in love with an RV only to determine that it exceeds your vehicle’s maximum capacity to tow safely.

Toy hauler fifth wheeler and tent trailer at River Run RV Park, Bakersfield, California © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

How Many Beds Do You Require?

Sleeping arrangements in RVs range from plush king size beds to fold out beds. Think about how many your RV needs to sleep, and also the bedtime routine. Some people don’t mind turning dinettes or sofas into beds every night while others consider a designated pre-made bed for each person a must.

Truck camper at Saguaro Lake, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Where Will You Camp?

When most people think of RVing they think of campgrounds, but RVs open up a whole world of different types of adventure and exploration. Some RVs are better suited for boondocking or off grid camping with larger holding tanks and generators or solar panels. Perhaps you plan to use your RV to tailgate at sporting events. If your goal is to spend as much time as possible in national and state parks then length will be a consideration.

Boondocking near Quartzsite, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

What Amenities Do You Require?

Some buy an RV because they no longer want to sleep on the ground and want more protection from than what a tent offers. But creature comforts don’t stop at a roof and a bed. RVs are available with numerous amenities including gourmet kitchens and state of the art entertainment centers. Make a list of your most important amenities and prioritize.

Full service site including 50-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

What Activities Do You Enjoy?

Hobbies and activities will help you narrow down your RV search. Sport utility RVs, or toy haulers, provide space for ATVs, golf carts, and bikes. Since some RVs offer more storage space than others, consider where all that gear will go.

Taking everything with you! © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

How Much Space Do You REALLY Need?

This is different for every family. Do you plan to use your RV every weekend all summer or for extended trips? Or is it going to be an every once in a while outing? Do your kids need their own bedroom? Do you need your own bedroom?

Scamp travel trailer at Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

What Is Your Preferred Floor Plan?

Visit RV shows and dealerships to get an idea of what floor plan will work best for you family. Spend time in the RVs. Sit on the couches. Lay on the beds. Walk into the bathrooms. Imagine cooking in the kitchen. Ask for brochures to take home. Most dealerships are happy to let you spend time in their RVs because they want you to be happy with the RV you choose.

Teardrop trailer at Distant Drum RV Park, Camp Verde, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Consider Maintenance and Repair

All RVs have maintenance and repair issues from time to time. New models come with a warranty where manufactures and dealerships take care of the repairs for a set amount of time. Pre-owned RVs are typically sold “as-is” meaning all repairs are your responsibly.

Class A motorhome (Diesel Pusher) at Columbia River RV Park, Portland, Oregon © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

What Is Your Style of Travel?

Do you like moving every night or do you prefer to set up and stay at one campground for a while.

Airstream trailer at The Barnyard RV Park, Lexington, South Carolina © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

What Is Your Budget?

Just as there is an RV for every lifestyle, there is an RV for every budget. Decide on a budget before beginning your search. Pre-owned RVs are a great option for a limited budget.

Taking it all with you at Whispering Oaks RV Park, Weimar, Texas © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Buying an RV will be one of the best decisions you’ll make for your family. At the end of the day or a long weekend, spending time together and creating memories are what is important and that will happen in any type of RV.

Worth Pondering…

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.

—John Ruskin

Getting Started RVing

Chances are you’ve seen an RV out on the road and wondered: What’s it like to own one?

What are they like on the inside? Can your whole family fit? RVing with Rex has all those answers, and then some.

RVing is a lifestyle, a way of life. And we’ll help you get started.

Taking delivery of a new motorhome and moving from the “old” to the “new” © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Why RV? A life of adventure designed completely by you and for you. That’s why people RV. Maybe you should, too.

The comforts of home in an RV © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

One of the best parts about RVing is taking the comforts of home wherever you go. From the bedroom to the bathroom to the kitchen to the entertainment center, all the familiar things you know and love are right there with you on your journey.

Many RVs now offer a king size bed © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Off-the-grid doesn’t have to mean on-the-ground. There’s a reason even the smallest RVs include a bed. Because you should never have to sacrifice a good night’s sleep, even on the most rugged of adventures.

Many RVs include master bedrooms with queen- or king-size beds.

One Word: Hallelujah

The basics and more… © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Easily one of the most enjoyable comforts of RVing is the on-board restroom. Toilets, vanities, and showers with hot water will transform your camping and traveling experience. You might never look back.

From simple to luxurious.

The comforts of home may include a microwave and residential refrigerator © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Just the basics.
If you only need the essentials, you’re covered.

Clean and modern.
Many RVs include sleek vanities and showers.

Just like home.
Still others take bathrooms up a notch for the utmost in luxury.

Two lounging chairs, computer desk, pull-out table…all the comforts of home © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Comfort. Food.

Today’s RVs are equipped with kitchens that might rival the one you have at home, with stone countertops, stainless appliances, ample storage, tile flooring, and easy cleanup.

Everything you need, plus some things you didn’t expect.

The luxuries of home with 50-amp electric service, city water, sewer, and cable TV. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Hot and cold.
All the appliances you need, from ovens to stoves to refrigerators to coffee makers.

Luxury in the galley. Stone countertops, solid wood cabinets, and stainless steel finishes.

Smart pantries. Make the best use of your space with pull-out pantries.

Connecting with nature at Vista del Sol RV Resort near Bullhead City, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

No one’s bored on board. Connecting with nature and the family doesn’t have to mean disconnecting from everything else. RVs have all the technology you’ve used to at home, from TVs to music systems, and all the ports and plug-ins you need.

A beautiful setting at the Lakes and Gulf Resort in Chowchilla, California © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Let technology enhance your trip. Screen time. Play music, watch TV and your favorite sports teams, and play video games.

Inside and out. Exterior entertainment centers lets you bring the party outside.

Looking to go small? On option is the Scamp. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Charging. Charge your devices using built-in USB ports in the wall.

Storage. Go ahead and bring it.

You might be surprised at how much you can take with you, and how little you have to leave behind. RV storage is smart, efficient, and everywhere you look.

Fifth wheel trailers are available in a wide variety of floor plans and amenities © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Every inch is thought out. Exterior compartments.
Store your gear, tools, toys, and luggage.

Bedroom.
Under the bed, raised cabinets, and even closets.

A travel trailer at Whispering Hills RV Park near Georgetown, Kentucky © Rex Vogel, all rights reserve

Kitchen and bath. 
Ample storage for supplies and food.

Worth Pondering…

No matter where we go in our motorhome, that sense of independence is satisfying. We have our own facilities, from comfortable bed to a fridge full of our favorite foods. We set the thermostat the way we like it and go to bed and get up in our usual routine.