It’s inevitable, every RV owner regrets the mistakes.
Even seasoned RV owners experience the unexpected.
Often simple yet unexpected surprises they regret not taking into consideration.
The best route to fewer regrets is to learn from experience.
Experience that builds wisdom.
The type of wisdom that helps us avoid looking like and feeling like a DOOFUS.
The 5 Essential Tips to avoid rv owner regret and being a DOOFUS
Essential Tip #1: Separate your desires from the needs
Spend time scanning YouTube and you’re bound to come across a video of someone who purchased a vintage RV. Often these new owners gush about their grand plans to convert the RV to the ultimate RV. Be it for camping, overland adventuring or glamping. They shoot a series of videos detailing the conversion process followed by travel adventures. Shortly after they’ve begun using the RV the modifications begin. They realize the small storage tanks need to be emptied and refilled on a frequent basis. The amount of stuff carried exceeds the storage spaces. And that the ultimate solar power system really wasn’t necessary and it consumed a large part of their budget.
These frequently first time RV owners let their dreams and desires lead and failed to identify true needs before desires.
Begin by writing down all your wants, needs and desires. Then identify which items on the list are desires and which are truly must have needs.
A small investment early on will save time, money and frustration.
Essential Tip #2: Know the costs of ownership
Vintage RVs come in all shapes and sizes and the cost of owning and maintaining vary considerably.
Even the simple things like batteries and tires vary with size. A small class B motorhome may only have 1 or 2 batteries while a large class A motorhome may have 6-10 batteries. Starting at $150 the total cost for new batteries can exceed $1500 on larger RVs.
Tires for small RVs may be available for $100-$300 but the large bus style RV tires range from $300-$700 plus installation charges.
For a large class A motorhome that needs batteries and tires expect to invest another $7000 – $10,000.
Budget first for items that may jeopardize your safety or leave you stranded along the roadside.
Essential Tip #3: Know that getting service technicians willing to work on your Vintage RV may be difficult
When performing repairs on a Vintage RV it’s common to find evidence of previous repairs. Repairs that were meant to be temporary and may not be safe for long term use. Consider that repairs completed by a service technician may cause previously made temporary repairs to fail. The liability may fall on the service technician should any harm come to RV or its occupants.
The good news is that there are competent RV service technicians out there. Know that they may be difficult to find.
Essential Tip #4: Know your limitations
While basic maintenance and repair like replacing windshield wipers, installing new TVs and patching a leaky roof are commonly completed by owners.
Crawling under a 30,000 pound RV to replace air bags presents extreme danger of injury or even death.
Always consider the risks, the value of your time and the benefits of hiring a professional.
Know when to hire a professional.
Essential Tip #5: Find your tribe
The Internet has made it easy to store, share and search through information and knowledge ounce nearly impossible to extract. There are groups, forums and websites dedicated too many of the popular brands of RVs built. I own a Blue Bird Wanderlodge which has a large following of owners both past and present. I frequent the Wanderlodge Owners Group Forum and find it a valuable resource for help and details specific to Wanderlodge motorhomes.
Take time to locate a group of enthusiasts and then study the available resources for the brand of RV you desire.
What to Expect when you buy a Vintage RV
Conquering the unknown and rv owner regret
Desire, emotions and the promise of adventure are strong motivators.
Unfortunately, waiting for the stars to align perfectly is unlikely to ever happen.
But, knowing when to stop may be the difference between regret and reverence.
Identifying your weaknesses and conquering them is easier now than it ever was.
So conquer the unknowns, make the leap and vanquish regret.
And most importantly … Don’t Be a DOOFUS!
As you grow older, you’ll find the only things you regret are the things you didn’t do.
~ Zachary Scott
