So, you’ve decided to buy a camper. That’s exciting — and we’re big fans of that decision. RVing opens the door to more time outdoors, more flexibility, and a whole lot of great memories. Before you head out to look at your first rig, here are five important things to think through.
- Create a “Must-Have” List
It’s easy to fall in love with a camper on the lot. It’s shiny. It smells new. The price seems right. But before you start shopping, sit down and ask yourself: What do we truly need?
- Do you need a full bathroom, or would a smaller setup work?
- Is a full-sized refrigerator important?
- Do you need dedicated sleeping space for kids?
- Is counter space a priority?
Sometimes a camper checks most of the boxes but misses one important item — and that one missing feature becomes something you wish you had every single trip.
Camping is supposed to be relaxing. Starting out already planning your “next camper” isn’t the goal. Stay true to your must-haves.
- Be Realistic About How You’ll Use It
Think about how you’ll actually use your camper — not just how you imagine using it.
Are you heading out with kids and dogs? You’ll want practical sleeping space. Are your kids older? They may not camp with you as often and are fine taking the couch when they visit. Are you camping with other camping buddies? You may need a comfortable gathering area for rainy days. Is a layout with good kitchen space or a roomy dinette more important then hauling your toys in the camper?
Getting advice from experienced campers is incredibly helpful. When we first started shopping, we thought we needed a camper that slept nine. After talking with more experienced RVers, we realized our older kids didn’t want to sleep inside with us. What we really needed was a layout that allowed us to cook comfortably and gather together when the weather turned.
The right layout depends on your real habits, not the brochure version of camping.
- Buy With the Long Term in Mind
Campers depreciate — often faster than people expect. It’s tempting to think you’ll trade in a few years, but the reality is that many RV owners are “upside down” on their loan for much of the financing term.
If you’re financing, understand:
- How long your loan is
- How depreciation affects resale value
- What your realistic ownership plan looks like
Buying a camper you plan to enjoy for years often makes more financial sense than constantly upgrading.
- Know Your Tow Vehicle
Before you even start shopping, know your towing capacity. Do not rely solely on a dealership’s quick lookup. Look up your vehicle’s:
- Tow rating
- Payload capacity
- Hitch rating
- Gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
Then do the math. Your camper’s “dry weight” is not the weight you’ll tow once it’s loaded with water, gear, propane, and supplies. Getting this wrong can mean safety issues, expensive upgrades, or even needing a different vehicle.
A little research up front saves major headaches later.
- Consider the Age of the Camper
Buying used can be a smart way to enter the RV world — especially since new campers depreciate quickly.
However, keep a few things in mind:
- Some seasonal campgrounds and RV resorts require rigs to be under 10 years old.
- Financing terms are often better for campers under 5 years old.
Hiring an independent RV inspector is well worth the investment. An inspection can identify water damage, structural issues, roof problems, and other hidden concerns before you take it down the road.
Final Thoughts
Buying a camper should be fun. It’s the beginning of something that can become one of your favorite hobbies.
- Take the time to think through what you truly need.
- Talk to experienced campers.
- Ask questions to experienced campers.
- Do the math.
The goal isn’t just to buy a camper — it’s to buy one that fits your life and makes camping easier and more enjoyable for years to come.