Mom declared the family should buy an RV and now everyone’s in a joyous, manic frenzy. Congratulations and welcome to the fold. However, once the euphoria wears off, it’s time to get busy finding the best recreational vehicle for you. What’s it going to be - fifth-wheel, travel trailer, truck camper, or one of the endless possibilities in the motorhome sector? Just how does one narrow down the field consisting of hundreds of floor plans and brands from a seemingly ever-growing list of builders? Here’s some thoughts to start-off the process.

1. Is RVing Right for You?

Frankly, sometimes a little enthusiasm is a dangerous thing. Sure, the thought of loading up the kids, the family pooch, and a month’s worth of canned hams to journey to Parts Unknown is a seductive fantasy. Who doesn’t daydream of such escapes from time to time? But is RVing what you really want? How do you know? Do you like camping? Have you spent the night in an RV before? Several nights? Did you rent that motorhome first to see that you really do enjoy the lifestyle or borrow your mother-in-law’s fifth wheel for the weekend? Hey, I don’t want to throw the proverbial wet blanket over anyone’s entry into the club, but we’re talking about too many zeroes in the price tag and way too much garage space with such a purchase not to be exactly sure. A recreational vehicle is many things, but an impulse buy it isn’t. Get some experience with the RV life under your belt before opting for the big expense.

2. What’s the Budget?

Careful deliberation has yielded the same consensus as before: you want an RV. Good, we’re glad. It’s time to come up with an acceptable figure in mind as to what you’re willing to pay for one. (Isn’t this always the case?). What can you afford? The question is not nearly as difficult as you think. All it takes is some number-crunching. Talk with your the spouse, peruse the stock portfolio, or give and take with the accountant (or is that your spouse, too?) to determine an acceptable down payment and a monthly finance payment. Or, were you planning on paying for the thing in cash, Mr. Gates? While it’s surely tempting to swing for the fences for that first purchase, it’s always wise to hedge towards the conservative side until you get more than just your feet wet. Unless you’ve spent a good deal of time walking the walk traveling by RV, chances are you won’t exactly know what kind of RV is right for you. This takes time. Trading up rigs is the rule rather than exception to most RVers, something you can always do later.

3. Head count

Who’s coming along on all these little adventures? If it’s just you and the Mrs., virtually anyone of the gazillions of product offerings will do, from pop-ups to diesel pushers. However, expect the number of possible suitors to shrink as the headcount grows, with only the largest Class A’s and fifth wheels able to handle larger families of, say, seven or more. Two points to remember: since it’s unsafe and illegal to transport people in the trailer, your tow vehicle, whatever it might end up being, must be able to accommodate the entire crew in transit. Secondly, make doubly sure whatever RV(s) you favor provides enough sleeping space for every member of the party. Some manufacturers are notoriously optimists regarding sleeping capacities, assuming that kids and adults can cram into any type of sleeper sofa, dinette/sleeper, or reclining chair. For their credit, many manufactures have designed ingenious ways to get more out of less, including bunk and triple bunk beds and any number of convertible furnishing come bedtime. The size of one’s group will also ultimately determine the rig’s length. Looking to cram six people in a 22-footer? Sorry, folks, it’s just not gonna happen.

4. What’s the Plan?

Are you looking for a vehicle capable of year-round adventures or just one to whisk you and yours away to Disney World during summer vacation? Is it your intention to pilot your new purchase into the remote backwoods or mostly highway transport? Are you hoping for the ultimate tailgating machine, a multi-purpose vehicle for running errands and getaways alike, or something that’s going to log tens of thousands of miles per year as part of your full-timing plan? Not every RV is built for every role. Factors such as size, weight, floor plan, and whether or not it has four-wheel drive, proper insulation to handle weather extremes, or enough storage and amenities onboard to fulfill your traveling hopes determine an RV’s capabilities.

5. Motorized or Towable?

For most, this is a fairly easy decision. Many prospective buyers already know what kind of RV they prefer, in terms of motor or none. On one hand, a motorized vehicle almost always costs more than a towable of similar dimensions. You can blame that pesky engine for the price escalation. However, factor in the cost of buying a new tow vehicle – assuming you don’t already have one – and the price for towables fluctuates dramatically. Trailers are generally roomier, with no footage taken up by the cockpit (which is dead space once the destination is reached) or the engine. Engine-free life also means fewer run-ins for maintenance or service, which puts the motorhome owner in a spot of having to lose both their vheicle and living quarters for any length of time. The engine and cockpit still limit designers to the diversity of floor plans on the motorhome side. Not true for travel trailers, for instance, which seem to take great pleasure in mixing things up. Still, there are folks who dread the thought of towing, preferring an all-in-one vehicle for their driving occasions. Besides, towable owners must spend their driving time confined to the tow vehicle. Not so with the motorhome owner, who can spread out on the couch, watch TV, microwave a burrito, or whatever. And who wouldn’t delight in riding high, looking eye-to-eye with the truckers, magnificent views in every direction. So, which kind do you prefer?

6. Sorting the “Non-Negotiable’s”

What must your new RV have onboard? A washer/dryer for those messy teenagers? A dinette for family meals instead of a j-sofa? Must it include a large kitchen for that traveling gourmet? What about storage? Just how much do you need? Is a queen-size bed a must or can you make due with a double if that makes the bathroom a little roomier? Or maybe bunk beds are the ticket? Of course, with the advent of sport utility trailers (SUT’s), complete with cargo area and ramp to load and store anything from motorcycles to sand rails, you might demand the Harley’s come along for the ride. And let us not forget the new trend of his and her bathrooms, which are saving marriages daily. Is one in your future? Amazed by slide-outs and need one, two, three, four – or, dare we say it! – five? Dr. Phil calls these kind of must-have’s “deal-breakers.” (I promise, that is the last Dr. Phil reference in the article). Just what are your non-negotiables? Make a list and don’t waiver. In some cases, you might be able to find key items in the aftermarket, such as that all-important plasma TV. Others, such as a high-grade of insulation, location and number of bathrooms, and room layouts, you’re simply suck with.

7. Thoughts On Construction

You might care less about a rig’s roof materials or whether the exterior consists of fiberglass or aluminum. The fact that the RV’s shell is wood may mean less to you than who won this year’s NBA All-Star game (FYI-the Western Conference did). Perhaps the type of engine, chassis, or transmission has no bearing on your motorhome decisions whatsoever. Or, after a careful examination of what’s what in the marketplace, such building practices and construction might become paramount in your buying decision.

8. New or Used?

Are you a bit of a risk-taker or someone who likes to play it safe? Is getting the best deal the most important thing or is it getting a stack of warranties and that new RV smell? New or used RVs each come with their share of pros and cons, as you’re no doubt aware. New products cost more, for starters, but assuage owners buying doubts with warranties and, well, newness. New buyers are able to find just about whatever they want in the world of new vehicles, unlike those favoring trade-ins and consignments who must “take what they can get.” Assuming you want to throw a little caution to the wind, however, a used, sorry, “pre-owned” coach can net buyers a tremendous deal. You can thank our old friend depreciation for that. Still, when you buy somebody else’s coach you buy – potentially – their problems. If going the used route, make sure to have the vehicle inspected by a third-party source, assuming you can’t spot trouble on your own.

9. Walking the Walk

Time to hit the streets and kick some tires. Visit as many dealers as you can to see learn the market. The objective is not to buy but see what’s out there. RV shows are invaluable in terms of the wealth of information and products found under one roof, even if you have to travel a ways to find them. (Visit www.rvia.org for a list of shows near you). Once there, grab brochures, record prices, tour vehicles until you’re near collapse. Then repeat. Ask loads of questions. What are the salespeople saying? More importantly, what aren’t they saying? Consider your RV education ongoing. When you see a cool rig at the travel plaza, (politely) bug the owners about what they like and dislike about it. Read RV publications – such as this one – for articles on the latest entries into the market. A good RV buyers’ guide, which showcases who’s making what in the industry, is a must. Forgive the shameless plug, but Woodall’s produces a great one. If you’re really hooked, most manufacturers offer free tours of their assembly process. This is a great way to see the ins and outs of a potential purchase, built from the ground up.

10. The Final List

You know what RV you need. A careful examination of the industry, which is not a quick or easy thing, has proven fruitful in terms of what manufacturers, brands, and floor plans you prefer. The RV industry is probably too big and diverse to be able to limit the field to just one RV you’re looking for. However, if that’s the case, it’s time to visit some sellers and start hashing out deals. Otherwise, time to shorten the shortlist by letting the finalists duke it out. Factor in costs, amenities, room configurations, and the overall feel of each of the finalists. In short time, a victor will emerge. One always does.

Brent Peterson is an avid camper and RVer. His most recent book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to RVing,” was published last spring.