Quit my job, Traveling for 1 year
Hello, I recently resigned my corporate position, and my wife and I have decided we want to take a RV trip around the US starting from Cleveland Ohio. We only want to spend $20,000 on an RV, bec...
Forum Discussion
In trying to keep with your $20K budget for an RV you should seriously consider a small travel trailer. We started out, about 20 years ago, with a brand new 20 ft. trailer. At that time it cost around $10K. Good ones are more than that now. But rather than go new I think if you spend some time looking (Craig's List, RV dealers, newspapers, or driving along the highway) you can find a nice 3-5 year old travel trailer in the 20'-24' range. One of these units would cost approximately $7K-$11K. You might find a better deal because lots of RVers buy too small of an RV the first time and then want to upgrade. These are the travel trailers you should look for. The remaining money should be spent on a good used SUV or half-ton pickup. You can stay under that $20K figure and have two good reliable vehicles.
Don't let anyone talk you into a pop-up. A travel trailer affords you an already set up unit with a bed, kitchen, bathroom, etc. Also, having a tow vehicle that you can tour areas neighboring your campground makes getting around so much easier than trying to find a place to park a motorhome. Plus a pickup or SUV gives you some additional space for storing/hauling camping/hiking gear, firewood, lawn chairs, or some other useful items you'll need for a long-haul trip.
One thing I've always looked for when trying to find a good used vehicle is that the owner/seller is someone that really cared for the vehicle they're selling. They should have receipts for worked done, good tread on the tires, and a good overall knowledge of the vehicle. Make sure the tires aren't cracked on the sidewalls, the valve stems on the tires don't have little cracks, check to see when the bearings were last greased. Have the seller walk you through the vehicle, especially travel trailers, showing a willingness to educate you on how things operate.
Remember, you will be traveling with a small child and your young wife. Nothing spoils a trip like a breakdown a long way from home. Do your homework and understand what it will take to head off on the road for an extended period of time. Good luck!
Don't let anyone talk you into a pop-up. A travel trailer affords you an already set up unit with a bed, kitchen, bathroom, etc. Also, having a tow vehicle that you can tour areas neighboring your campground makes getting around so much easier than trying to find a place to park a motorhome. Plus a pickup or SUV gives you some additional space for storing/hauling camping/hiking gear, firewood, lawn chairs, or some other useful items you'll need for a long-haul trip.
One thing I've always looked for when trying to find a good used vehicle is that the owner/seller is someone that really cared for the vehicle they're selling. They should have receipts for worked done, good tread on the tires, and a good overall knowledge of the vehicle. Make sure the tires aren't cracked on the sidewalls, the valve stems on the tires don't have little cracks, check to see when the bearings were last greased. Have the seller walk you through the vehicle, especially travel trailers, showing a willingness to educate you on how things operate.
Remember, you will be traveling with a small child and your young wife. Nothing spoils a trip like a breakdown a long way from home. Do your homework and understand what it will take to head off on the road for an extended period of time. Good luck!
