RV 101: Planning a
Family RV Vacation When your family goes on a camping vacation, not only do you have your own space, free of the worry about staying socially distant from others, but you also have the opportunity to find places that are sparsely populated. Gas prices are lower this summer, so that’s a big bonus when we are all watching our budget. With COVID-19 concerns on everyone’s minds, travel restrictions to other countries, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring, it’s hard to plan a weekend getaway, let alone a family vacation. Many families, looking for alternatives, are looking to RV’s. I’ve been camping in RVs for most of my life. When I was a kid, my parents had a camper that went on my dad’s pickup. As an adult, I have owned or driven everything from a 30-foot toy hauler I pulled with an F250, to a fifthwheel trailer, to a Class C motorhome. Because my kids are grown, and I mostly camp with my dog now, I currently own a tiny travel trailer that I pull with my Jeep Wrangler.
If you are considering joining the ranks of RVers, consider this: • RV dealers have seen a spike in purchases, with most RV manufacturers seeing a 30% increase in sales over 2019. • Citing Coronavirus concerns, the RV Industry Association found that 20% of survey respondents are more interested in RV travel than they are in flying, tent camping, cruises, or home rentals via Airbnb or VRBO. • In a survey of RV owners, 40% said their level of use would remain the same. And 49% said they would be using their RVs more often this year. THE BASICS If you are thinking about purchasing an RV and have never owned or driven one before, there are several things to consider. Will you want a travel trailer or a motorhome? A travel trailer is generally less expensive and easier to maintain than a motorhome. Insurance is less costly, and there is more variety
in the layout. You need to think about what you will tow it with. How many people will be sleeping in the trailer? What amenities are essential? Do you need a trailer with a generator? Do you have a tow vehicle with the capacity to tow the weight of the trailer you are interested in? For your vehicle and safety, I recommend selecting a trailer with a Gross Dry Vehicle Weight (GDVW) well below your tow vehicle’s towing capacity. Also, in many states, trailers over a specific weight require an electronic brake controller installed on the tow vehicle. You can find information on calculating how much your trailer weighs fully loaded online. THINKING ABOUT BUYING? If you plan on purchasing a motorhome, realize you will be making a hefty investment. The most basic new motorhomes start at about as much as I paid for my first home – around $70,000. Buying used is a good option for both motorhomes and travel trailers, as they tend to depreciate quite a bit, and great deals can be
LOOKING FOR A VACATION OPTION THAT DOESN’T INCLUDE HOTELS, AIR TRAVEL, OR EATING IN RESTAURANTS? CONSIDER A TRAVEL TRAILER OR MOTORHOME!
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MONTEREY BAY PARENT • august 2020
