Summer Trip - Rent or Buy?

If you buy used, heed all the usual advice about buying new tires if over 5 years old by DOT codes on tires, have brake system checked and serviced including brake fluid flush, have engine cooling system serviced, make sure that the house battery(s) is good and that converter charger etc. is working properly when plugged into shore power and that generator starts and runs properly and powers the roof AC and microwave. Make sure that the dash AC cools properly and awning unfurls and stores properly. Make sure that fridge, water heater and fresh water pump and holding tank valves work and that you have properly fitting sewer hose and separate water hoses for filling fresh water tank and rinsing black water tank and sewer hose. Take a comprehensive too kit with duct tape, baling wire and digital multimeter. If you buy new make sure everything works and allow time to get factory defects fixed by usually slow dealer service department. Expect at least a 2-week delay for fixes before starting on your trip. Try to buy from a reputable dealer. Make a check list of things to take and to do before leaving. Don't take too many clothing items but have rain ponchos and warm jackets on hand. Use a GPS and have maps/AAA "trip tiks" for planning. Find RV parks with vacancies before dark. Change lanes using your mirrors and watch out for small cars and motorcycles in your "blind" spot. Pull over and let cars and trucks pass when it is safe, use lower gears on grades to save brakes and don't let "local yokels" push you into taking curves too fast for your comfort and safety. RV's are heavy and top heavy and knocked around by crosswinds and passing semis. Rear springs are stiff and give a harsh ride on concrete highways. Best to make rest stops every 100 miles or so.