Many times my wife said to me, "I wish I could just run away, and run, and run !" I told her,"Where would you run to?" "We just can't pick up and run just like that !"
We've been stay at homes for the last seven years. Throughout that time, we've never investigated recreational vehicles. "RVing," is something that many people dream about. Driving down the open road in a recreational vehicle with everything that we need right at our fingertips can be an unforgettable experience. Promoters of RVs say that this will make our vacations better, and enhance our life in extraordinary ways.
However, we are retired and in our 70s. We live on a very limited budget. Thus, if we are to consider the joys of the open road, we have to think about a used RV rather than a new one. Although owning an RV can be very freeing, allowing us the ability to have limitless adventures, an adventure with the bank is not one of them. Our first recreational vehicle is going to be a used one, Because an RV is both a home as well as a vehicle, we must do our research. Used RVs, in great condition, are sold everyday. The key is in knowing where to find them.
Used RVs are typically sold by RV dealers. Finding a dealer that has a good reputation for selling used vehicles is not hard to do. Searching the Web under "RVs" is a good starting place. You should ask people that own an RV if they have a dealer that they can recommend to you. Let your friends know what you are looking for. Word of mouth is an excellent way to locate a dealer who will treat you right.
RV dealers will often have perfectly good used RVs on the lot that have been traded in for bigger and better models. Find out if they have one that had just a single owner before being traded in. Be sure that you walk through the RV, that has the accessories you want, and that everything is in working condition. Don't forget to test drive it as well. Your RV dealer will help you with every step, and answer any questions that you might have.
Keeping an eye on the classifieds in your local paper can help you locate dealers that have used RVs in excellent condition. You can, of course, buy from an individual, but you lose the benefits a dealer can offer, such as any available warranty. Don't forget to check the mileage, and don't be afraid to ask to take it to a mechanic that you trust to get it checked out. A reputable used RV dealer should have no problem with your request. Be sure that you ask how much oil it uses, and how many miles you can get to a gallon of gas.
Searching the internet is also a great tool for finding a dealer that offers good condition used RVs at the right price. Sometimes traveling to check out a great deal is worth the time and money that you put into it. Take your family along with you to make sure that it is a model that they all will be happy with. You will want your family to love the RV, and be comfortable on family camping trips and vacations; their input is an important part of your decision.
Accessories and extras are the most important issues in buying an RV besides the operating condition of the vehicle. The RV must be able to sleep a minimum of two persons comfortably, since it will be used on overnighters. Other living essentials will be a fridge / freezer and a microwave. There should also be a TV, a CD/DVD player, and good quality stereo speakers.
If you are going all out to have your RV serve as a home away from home, you should check out electrical and water / sewer connectors. However, if your campground operators have these utilities in a service building / restaurant, you will not need these extras.
Finding a used recreational vehicle in great condition ss not difficult to do. Be sure that you are looking in all of the above places, and you will locate the vehicle of your dreams. That next family vacation does not have to be a distant dream; make it a reality and take your family on the best vacation they can imagine in a great used RV.
Related Articles
Get Green and Get Going: Enviro-friendly Rvs
By: Nelson Stewart | 20/02/2008 | Travel Tips
RVing isn't necessarily known as the most environmentally friendly activity on the planet, but as many RV owners can attest, living in an RV is a great way to experience our beautiful environment, and it's an affordable way to enjoy your retirement. Burning some fuel may be unavoidable, but there are many ways to lower your impact (and some that will save you money at the same time).
Motor Home - An Integral Part Of American Culture
By: Brooke Hayles | 28/10/2006 | RVs
With so many options for your motor home, you can find anything from a pop up camper to a larger one with all the comforts of home. RVs are usually easy to maintain, as long as you keep the manual handy.
Motor Home - Take These RVs Wherever You Go
By: Brooke Hayles | 28/10/2006 | RVs
A motor home is a great way to travel to and from your vacation destination. You don't have to stop for bathroom breaks or worry about gathering all your things in the morning from the hotel room - it travels with you!
Enjoy Your Coachman RV on the Road
By: Andrew Stratton | 11/12/2006 | RVs
The perfect Coachman RV allows you to travel worry free and enjoy adventure and relaxation in a stylish and luxurious home setting. This camper provides adequate space and design along with many accessories to meet all your needs.
Import U.S. Autos Into Canada To Save Cash 101
By: Terry Z. Voster | 03/02/2008 | Automotive
Here is the Canadian Reader's Digest version of buying a car in the United States for Canadians to save big money.
First do your research on the car. Next research the car on the Riv.ca site (Registrar of Foreign Motor Vehicles). By checking and verifying online Transport Canada's list of...
Some Easy Steps To Easily Help You Improve Your Gas Mileage
By: Gregg Hall | 01/04/2008 | Cars
Your tires need to also be at the right pressure or they will be causing you to lose gas mileage as well. When your tires are not to the right tire pressure then they will have to work harder to grip the ground to get the car moving.
Win Cheap, Win Big With X5 Reverse Auctions
By: John X5 | 06/05/2008 | Online Business
In this current day and age of technology, we all know what benefits come with online shopping. We all love the flexibility of sitting at our computers, booting up the Internet and browsing sites like Target.com, eBay.com and Amazon.com just to get our daily fix of online shopping. To some extent, this was how shopaholics are born! We cannot help but be glued to our screens eagerly awaiting the next bargain to fall upon our laps. Once we see it, we rejoice at the savings that we would enjoy upo
Kelley Blue Book Selects Ford Flex as One of the Top Best Vehicles Built for Road Trips
By: Anthony Fontanelle | 23/05/2008 | Cars
The selection for this year’s Kelley Blue Book’s (kbb.com) “Top Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles” has been announced yesterday. Automotive specialists and a panel of editors from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named the 2009 Ford Flex one of its “Top Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles.”
Latest RVs Articles
Shopping For Portable RV Generators
By: Charles Cox | 29/08/2008
There are certain things you should consider before shopping for a portable RV generator. And for goodness sakes, do not buy the first or cheapest one you come across.
Paintless Dent Repair From - Gateway Pdr Training
By: Chris Westmeyer | 29/08/2008
So, made your mind or still in confusion. Gateway Dent promises to take out the best in you. Just make your mind fast and be one of the pride and integral part of this amazing institutions.
Wealthy Affiliate Sensation- Make Money Online in No Time!
By: Valeri Tkatchenko | 26/08/2008
Start making money right from the comfort of your own home as Wealthy Affiliate University Takes you through the steps to learn how to make money online, Wealthy Affiliate Is Unique and even offers one on one personal coaching! Visit it today and be amazed.
Wealthy Affiliate Sensation- Make Money Online in No Time!
By: Valeri Tkatchenko | 26/08/2008
You too can be a part of a multi billion dollar internet world and start making good money online by working from home... Start With Wealthy Affiliate University
On the Road With Used Rv’s
By: Groshan Fabiola | 19/08/2008
Transportation is a big part of daily living. Every now and then, we move from one place to another. We move out of our house and board a bus, trains or a cab to get to work, to do business, to relax and everything else. One the other hand, we return home through the same mode of transportation
How to Create Content for My Website
By: Wazir Singh | 06/08/2008
So what is all the talk about having a lot of "content" on my website? And what is "content" exactly? And how will it help my business grow and prosper? I get these questions from my internet students all of the time. Let me say this…Having a lot of great content is one of the key ingredients to those websites that are successful and profitable.
Vital Considerations When Entering The Caravanning World
By: Thomas Pretty | 03/08/2008
Advice to buyers on what factors should be a vital part of considerations when looking at new caravans.
Preparing Your Rv for Winter
By: gregchapman | 28/07/2008
Owning an RV certainly comes with as many responsibilities if not more than in owning a vehicle. Failing to winterize an RV can cause unpleasant surprises come spring. If lines aren’t properly flushed and systems cleaned out, freezing temperatures can cause expansion and damages, leading to contamination and costly repairs.
More from Bob Carper
Big Brother Is Watching You - All About Surveillance Cameras
By: Bob Carper | 27/12/2007 | Electronics
George Orwell's creation of "Big Brother" in his novel "1984"is very evident. Indeed, the very essence of Big Brother is the hidden surveillance camera. Here is an insight into everything we have ever wanted to know about hidden surveillance cameras.
Taking Movies Of Trains With A Digital Camera
By: Bob Carper | 21/11/2007 | Electronics
For rail enthusiasts, photography has reached a new and exciting level. Instead of going out and taking pictures of trains, we can now go out and take videos of trains where they can be e-mailed all over the world. The digital camera has become the railfan's best friend out on the high iron.
Using Webconferencing To Hold Family Get-Togethers
By: Bob Carper | 14/11/2007 | Electronics
With the advent of VOIP based telecommunications over the internet, it is now possible to have world-wide family reunions. Gone are the high costs of travel and the high costs of international long distance calling. This article shows how it is done.
A New Need For Secure Webconference - The Rising Prices Of Energy
By: Bob Carper | 08/11/2007 | Networking
The price of energy is on the rise once again. Gasoline is over $3.00 a gallon. Not only is this price expected to stay up there, but it may even go up to $4.00 a gallon or higher. A more expedient way must be found to bring people together for conferences. Webconference technology is here now to solve the problem. . .
Global Outreach Through Secure Webconferencing
By: Bob Carper | 25/10/2007 | Business
How do we all get together to discuss problems and explore new business opportunities? It is just too expensive and too time consuming to fly any more, even on short hop flights. Secure webconferencing could change the way we do world-wide business. This article presents several examples of how global outreach might take place.
Secure Webconferencing In Corporate Communications
By: Bob Carper | 25/10/2007 | Communication
Secure webconferencing is indeed the way of the future. Its ultimate success will lie in how much corporate executives can implement cost cutting measures, and how rapidly the joys of flying and staying in posh hotels can be de-glamorized. This article provides an overview of how important is the role of web conferencing in the need for an increased level of corporate communications.
Going Through The In Basket And Getting Rid Of The Junk
By: Bob Carper | 12/10/2007 | Spam
One of the most burdensome and time consuming chores we face is going through the e-mail in basket. President Truman once said The Buck Stops Here. Now we have another term to describe our e-mail system, which is The Junk Stops Here. How to get rid of the junk is a very important issue for information processors.
Planning Ahead To Beat the High Cost of Heating Your Home
By: Bob Carper | 05/09/2007 | Home and Family
The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. Autumn will soon be here. In order to keep warm and not lose money, it is time to plan for the heating season
Automotive 
