Hi,
Lots of great suggestions.
Here are mine:
- Think what type of camping you are mainly interest in doing (developed CG's vs. boondocking) and the time of year (summer vs. winter) that you want to be out. This will help you with tank sizing (bigger is better for boondocking), battery compartment space (bigger for boondocking) and insulation (remember, big windows that are pretty to look out of in the summer may be cold to sit by in the winter).
- Understand your vehicles tow and load capacity.
- Take a tour of as many manufactures factories as you can. Even those manufactures that you may not be interested in just to get a feel for how these things are made and the quality (or lack of) that goes into them.
- If you have friends or acquaintances who have a RV (of any type), discuss it with them. Go camping with them (rent a RV or sleep in a tent) and see how their rig feels to you when you go in for meals (offer to cook a meal) or to visit. If you don't know anyone, just go camping and ask those folks nearby for their thoughts (why/why not a slide? why/why not a particular kitchen or bath layout? etc.). Most of us probably think that their rig is the best....for us. But only you can decide what will work for you and this just takes some time .... and lots of looking at different rigs.
- These things are not as reliable as a car, and no matter how much you spend or what you do get, be prepared for some hiccups after you get it. If you are mechanically inclined and can do some repair work and/or modifications yourself, then great. If not, then you will want a local dealer (or mechanic) that you are be comfortable with to do the work for you.
I hope this helped a little.
Happy shopping,
Steve
