Have you decided that it’s time you bought a recreational vehicle? Congratulations! You’re going to love the cozy and secure accommodations that you can take pretty much anywhere the roads go. Having an RV can simplify travel, make your vacations more cost-effective, and it can seriously upgrade your camping trips, too.

Not sure where to begin? The RV market is vast, so it pays to be informed. Because of the expenditure, you also want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Here at Schwab's RV World in Leduc, Alberta, we’re more than happy to assist you in the shopping process. Here are some important considerations you’ll want to mull over while you search for the perfect RV.

How Do You Camp?

First, think about how you and your family prefer to travel and camp. Start by figuring out how many sleeping berths you need on a regular basis and look for a model that has one or two more so you can bring the occasional guest. You will also need to think about the types of amenities that will best suit you.

Most RVs will come with a bathroom, a bedroom, a kitchen and a living room, although these vary widely in size and quality. More luxurious and well-appointed RVs will be equipped with fancy features like additional private rooms, residential-style kitchen appliances, secondary bathrooms and multiple entertainment centers.

Where Will You Go?

Now it’s time to think about where you wish to camp or travel in your RV. One factor that can change your decision is the climate. Here in the province of Alberta, we experience fairly temperate summers with the rare hot day, but our winters can be downright brutal. What this means for you is that you’ll need a well-insulated RV if you intend to travel during the fall and winter months so that you can stay warm. And you'll likely want some form of a heater on board, too.

If you prefer to dry camp out in the middle of nowhere, then you will need an RV that can provide you with enough water and power for a significant length of time, which means larger water tanks and maybe even solar panels for a secondary power source. Camping at campgrounds will grant you access to water and power hookups along with sewage facilities, which means you won’t need to think as much about where you'll get those supplies.

If you plan to travel in inclement weather, you'll want an RV that’s easier to drive in snowy or rainy conditions, and you may want one with a lower profile to avoid swaying in high winds.

What Can You Afford?

Finally, you’ll need to think carefully about your budget. It’s best to assemble a thorough budget before you even start shopping, because this will help you to avoid RVs that you know will be more than you can spend. Don’t just factor in the sticker price of the RV when making your budget, either; you’ll need to also consider accessories, insurance premiums, registration fees and maintenance costs. If you would really like to save money, shop for smaller RVs that are more compact or look into used models, which will be significantly cheaper than new models right off the bat! 

We hope this guide helps you to make a wise purchasing decision on your first or next RV. Visit us in Leduc today to check out our current stock of new and used RVs for sale. You can also discuss financing options with our capable staff. Schwab’s RV World proudly serves the city of Edmonton, Alberta.