If you and your family have decided to purchase a new or used RV, congratulations! It’s a great decision and one that will lead your family on many adventures and create some great memories.
Choosing the right RV features for you and your family is a big decision. Although Albany RV doesn’t sell RVs anymore, our experienced service professionals are experts at RV care, upgrades, and customizations, and we understand what RVers love about their RVs. We know the must-have features that both new and used RV owners love. Here are seven things to look for when you purchase your RV.
1. Ample Storage Space
When traveling in an RV, you want to have enough storage space to bring everything you need with you. How much storage? That will depend on different factors, including how many people are traveling, how long your trips will be, your preferences, and your needs.
If you’re traveling with the whole family or a group of friends, you’re going to need enough space for not only the people but all their stuff. Similarly, the longer your trips, the more food and supplies you’ll need to bring along. Think about how tightly you’re willing to pack your things and how much storage space your towing vehicle has.
Factor all this in as you consider the storage capacities of the RVs you’re looking at. You want enough storage to travel comfortably but not so much that you end up with wasted space and extra weight.
2. Modern Entertainment Systems
RVs have changed quite a bit over the past few decades, and it’s all about the technology. Road trips are no longer just about looking out the window and playing the license plate game. Nowadays, especially if you have children, you want to be connected. You want to be able to check the map or play your music, watch movies or other videos, or play video games. You may even want Wi-Fi so you’re able to work from the road or stream your favorite shows.
Consider your technological needs—and desires—and make sure the RVs you look at have modern entertainment systems that meet them. Many of the new RVs come with smart capabilities, meaning you can control a lot of the RV’s features right from your phone. If that’s something you’re interested in, make sure it’s on your checklist.
While new RVs are likely to have the latest technology, if you’re buying used, you may want to pay extra for media capabilities or consider making upgrades.
3. Off-Grid Capabilities
Is your dream to RV across the country and be able to pull over into the middle of a desert or forest for a while? If that sounds like you, you’ll want to purchase an RV that has off-grid capabilities. You might want to look at features such as solar panels or a solar-ready roof, LED lights, a sportsmen’s rack, or vent fans.
You will also want to check out the kitchen to see if the size of the sink, range, and fridge will suit your cooking and storage needs. Consider the bathroom and shower situation too. You want facilities that will be sufficient when you’re far away from everyday amenities like showers and flush toilets.
Off-road tires, larger holding tank capacities, and raised axles are also ideal features that will make dry camping or other long stretches more comfortable.
4. Pet-Friendly Features
We know that pets are an important part of the family. If you plan to travel with your furry friends, there are a few features and accessories that can make it a little more convenient. Some RVs come equipped with exterior leash latches or interior hidden food dishes that you can tuck away when it’s not feeding time. Some also come with kennel space or dedicated pet beds. If you’re planning to travel frequently with your pet, you might want to keep such amenities in mind for them.
Think about whether the RV has carpeting or not. While carpeting is a nice surface to walk on, it may be difficult to keep clean if you have pets. Additionally, see if the heating vents are on the walls instead of the floor to allow your pet more space.
5. Rear Observation Camera
Attaching a travel trailer to your vehicle can be intimidating. It can also make backing up more challenging since your car’s rear observation camera is blocked, making it difficult to see behind you. Thankfully, RVs can come with them too. They offer clear visuals, a wide viewing angle, and night vision. While towing down the highway, you can see the traffic behind you and check on the storage rack/ladder for security. Rear observation cameras will also allow you to drive in reverse with ease and peace of mind, and are a must.
If rear observation cameras aren’t already part of the package, this is a feature you won’t regret having installed by an RV service like Albany RV.
6. Climate Control
Climate control is a top concern for many RV owners. As summers get hotter, you may want AC, and heat can keep you warm on cool nights and extend your camping season into less temperate times of the year. When you’re looking at RV models, find out if these features come standard or cost extra.
You’ll also want to pay attention to how much power the air conditioner or heater uses and how quickly it will heat the space during colder months. Additionally, check whether you can run the RV HVAC on battery power. You should keep in mind that climate control systems need a lot of power, which is not a problem if you’re planning on visiting RV campsites that have full hookups. If you’re planning on being primarily off-grid, you may want to invest more in solar panels or batteries.
7. Security
Safety should be a priority when choosing your RV. Some security features may be included, while others can be purchased separately. At the very least, you’ll want smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a fire extinguisher. Trailer hitch and tire locks are essential too. Ensure there are locks on all the RV’s doors and windows. Exterior lighting can make your trailer less tempting to thieves or vandals, and motion sensor lights are great if you don’t want to leave lights on all night. Paying attention to these features will help you choose the best new or used RV, but if you aren’t finding exactly what you’re looking for, you don’t have to settle. At Albany RV, we can help you install the accessories and make upgrades that will fit your RV lifestyle. Contact us today or visit us in Albany, OR. Tell us exactly what you’re looking for, and we’ll help you customize your RV so it’s just right for you and your family.
