Tips for Buying an RV from a Rental Company

You’ve scoured the internet and read all of the recommendations on where to buy an RV from a rental company. Make sure you get the right one, though! There are plenty of questionable companies that sell second-rate RVs. Make sure you look beyond the pitchforks and ask to see references before making a deal with any company—even if they offer a low price. Ask for stand-alone photos, not just from an online gallery. Check out their history, track record, and management team to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth in terms of customer service and quality control regarding maintenance needs, repairs, and updates. If an RV rental company has any bad or disappointing experiences with previous customers or clients, it could have a negative affect on future business. Your final decision should come down to trustworthiness and customer service rather than cost or location. Check out reviews online first and meet with owners in person before signing any contracts or giving final approval on payments.

KNOW THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RVS AND THE DIFFERENT REPAIRS YOU CAN EXPECT

Before you sign a contract, make sure you know the types of RVs available, the repairs they’re capable of, and the expected life of the unit. You should know the following: Type – The most important factor when deciding between an Airstream and a Fifth-Wheeler is the type. There are several different types of RVs, and you need to know which one you want. You don’t want to be stuck with a lemon if you buy the wrong type. Repairability – Some RVs are completely unrepairable. These are specialized and specialized uses, called “off the grid,” make them not very attractive choices for long-term stays. If you plan on staying in the same place for any length of time, you should definitely consider a more Reputable brand. Expected Life – This is pretty self-explanatory. Most things wear out. You don’t want to be stuck with a unit that will only last as long as you are prepared to maintain it.

ASK TO SEE REFERENCES BEFORE YOU SIGN A CONTRACT

You don’t want to get stuck with a bad deal or a lemon if you don’t know what you’re getting into. Before buying an RV, call around to several different rental companies to find out what others have rented from them, and what they recommend. Read and ask questions about references. You should get at least two references before making any kind of contract with a rental company—and especially one you’re just starting out with. Get at least three before moving forward with a final contract.

DON’T BE CONVINCED BY DEALER OFFERS

If you see a dealerships or manufacturers promoting an “open box” or “used box” deal, RUN. There are tons of bad options out there. You might think, “Well, it’s cheaper than buying it new, so it must be fine.” But remember, you’re bringing a new machine home, and it’s not good enough just to drive away in it. It needs to be in good working order. A bad deal could include: No documentation of the work being done. You don’t know what was done, when it was done, or why it was necessary. No receipts. You don’t know what was paid for the machine, and you don’t know if it was a complete sale, trade-in, or lease. No maintenance records. These are the equivalent of a sales receipt, but you still don’t get them.

You’ve scoured the internet and read all of the recommendations on where to buy an RV from a rental company. Make sure you get the right one, though! There are plenty of questionable companies that sell second-rate RVs. Make sure you look beyond the pitchforks and ask to see references before making a deal with any company—even if they offer a low price.