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The demand for RVs is on the rise as of late. And while that uptick in popularity may have you thinking about buying an RV for yourself, there are some things worth keeping in mind. Especially if you’re hoping to buy an RV on a tight budget. RVs can be pretty costly, so when purchasing one for yourself, it pays to do your due diligence first.

RV driving down Parks Highway, Alaska
RV driving down Parks Highway, Alaska | Edwin Remsburg/VW Pics via Getty Images

Start pinching pennies if you want to buy an RV

These days, a well-equipped RV can be pretty expensive. That’s why, if you’re thinking of buying an RV anytime soon, we recommend starting to save for it sooner rather than later. And if you have yourself convinced that you can’t afford to pinch pennies in the name of an RV? Think again. Determine how much you want to spend on an RV, and consider drafting a budget that allows you to contribute to your RV fund.  

Of course, there are other ways to save too. Rather than buying at the height of the RV season, trying buying at the end of the season instead. According to Trip Savvy, the middle of the fall can be an excellent time to buy an RV if you’re on a budget. You might also consider making the trek to the dealership once the winter weather has set in. 

Practice the art of shopping around

Are you loyal to one car dealership? Probably not. When it comes to buying an RV, you shouldn’t be loyal to a specific dealer either. Instead of sticking to one RV dealer, practice the art of shopping around. Visit RV dealers in other areas. Take a look online. Outdoorsy even recommends checking out Facebook Marketplace. Really, just shop around. Loyalty only goes so far when shopping for an RV, and if you’re hoping to get a great deal, it pays to explore your options. 

Don’t convince yourself that you need to buy a new RV

You might be thinking that it makes more sense to buy a new RV rather than a used one. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you’re shopping for an RV on a budget, your wallet isn’t going to be happy with the price tag of a new RV. 

According to Trip Savvy, buying used is a great way to control how much you’re spending when it comes to RVs. Plus, by buying used and spending less upfront, you’ll have more money to invest in your home away from home down the road.

Save those Insta-worthy upgrades for later

We’ve all seen the Instagram photos. You know the ones we’re talking about too. Those perfectly shined Airstreams with their rustic interiors and eye-catching upgrades. And while it might be tempting to buy an RV that’s stock full of those very same Insta-worthy upgrades, you would be better off saving them for later.

Waiting for the right deal will be worth it

In the end, buying an RV on a budget means waiting for the right deal. Now, that might take some time, but we promise that it will be worth it in the end. You might feel bad walking away or find yourself growing impatient while waiting for the right deal to come along, but you will feel happy and accomplished once you’ve found an RV that fits your needs and works with your budget.

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