Prior to buying a Travel Trailer keep in mind that there are quite a few myths that revolve around Recreational Vehicles. It’s always a good idea to have your eyes wide open before making a major purchase on a travel trailer. So what are the common travel trailer myths?

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  1. My Dealership won’t let me purchase an RV that I am unable to tow with my current vehicle.  False – The Dealership is trying to sell you an RV. Most of the folks selling the RVs do not know how much your vehicle can tow. This is something you need to know before buying an RV. You need to know your Payload, Axle Gearing, and engine size (to name a few). Once you have these you can make an informed decision.
  2. A new Travel Trailer will have no issues. False – Travel Trailers are not built by robots (like automobiles). The RV industry builds trailers by hand. It is unrealistic to think that a new travel trailer will not have some issues. This is why we recommend using it often during the warranty period. You may hear folks on-line refer to a “Shake Down Trip”. They are talking about discovering (shaking out) all the issues with a new trailer.
  3. If I buy a new Travel Trailer I don’t need to have it inspected.  False – Years ago this might have been true – but not anymore. This is a huge investment, so before you sign any paperwork please have your unit independently inspected. The inspection process provided by an independent inspector will be much more in depth than your dealership. The cost of an independent inspection is relatively inexpensive, given the purchase price of an RV. This will help you minimize issues from #2 above. For more information on inspections click here.
  4. I can tow without any special hitch for my Travel Trailer. False – You will need a weight distribution hitch. The hitch needs to be rated for the weight of the trailer you plan on towing. To tow without weight distribution is endangering yourself and others.
  5. All Travel Trailers are manufactured exactly the same. False – While the manufacturing processes are similar, the materials that are used vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. So before you buy do your research on how the frame and walls are constructed; and how well the manufacturer stands behind their product. Almost everything you need to know can be found on the internet.
  6. My Travel Trailer is like a car, the warranty covers everything during the warranty period. False – You are responsible for many parts of the trailer during the warranty period. Case in point: It is your responsibility to periodically inspect the roof to make sure that there are no voids in the sealant. If you find voids, you will need to apply sealant or have your dealership perform this repair. Not taking care of your RV may void the warranty.
  7. Most RV campgrounds are horrible and over-crowded. False – While there are always campgrounds that are sub-standard there are many other campgrounds that are beautiful. Always look online and at reviews in order to minimize a disappointing camping trip.
  8. The only good RV is a “insert type of RV here”. False – Whether it is a Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Class A, etc., base your purchase on only one thing: Does it fit the needs of what you and your family require. That is the most important prerequisite. If you don’t follow this rule you will probably be purchasing another RV really soon.
  9. Travel Trailers can’t have a residential appearance on the inside. False – While there was probably some truth to this claim years ago, it certainly isn’t true anymore. Many RVs look like small houses on the inside with residential cabinetry, furnishings, and all the amenities. Almost all have Microwaves, Ovens, flat screen TVs, Cable Hook ups, Large Bathrooms etc. There is a reason some folks refer to it as Glamping (not Camping).
  10. Travel Trailers are extremely expensive.  False – Travel Trailers have a wide range of pricing based on size and amenities. If you want to save a lot of money , look for a used model and save on all the depreciation you will experience buying new. In addition, buying a used model may have the advantage that all of the”bugs” have been worked out. An independent inspection on a used unit is also a good idea.
  11. Camping in Travel Trailers is only for retired folks.  False – A typical travel trailer owner is 49 years old. In fact, more RVs are owned by people between the ages of 35 to 54 than any other age group. The population of young people camping is growing every year.
  12. It is Cheaper to just stay in a Hotel than to travel in an RV. False – In fact a recent study found that Travel Trailer vacations cost less than other forms of vacation travel even after factoring in fuel prices and the cost of the RV. This study found a savings of anywhere from 34 to 53 percent for travel trailer owners.

Hopefully these points will help dispel a few of the common travel trailer myths that exist. Having a travel trailer can be a wonderful experience. Like everything else in life; plenty of information always leads to better decision making.