Many people are avoiding air travel these days and are accessing vacation destinations by driving. Camping in parks has ramped up in popularity, and for a growing segment of vacationers, that has meant buying or renting a recreational vehicle. But before you go out and plop your money down, there are some things to think about:

• What type of RV? There are four basic types to choose from, and they vary widely in price.
• Should you buy used or new?
• Will you feel comfortable operating the RV?
• Are you prepared for the cost outlay with RVing? It may be cheaper than owning a house, but it will still cost you.

Our REALTORS® have some advice for would-be RVers. Read on.

Investing in an RV

How much will it cost to buy an RV? You can run the gamut, from a small travel trailer at a cost of $6000 or so, to a half a million dollars-plus for a deluxe mobile home. If you can afford the latter, you're probably not all that worried about the savings that RV travel affords over plane fare and hotel rooms.

These are the basic models of RVs:

• Class A motorhome. This is the gigantic bus-type motorhome we associate with traveling rock stars. They can measure 45 feet in length, and as mentioned above, cost a cool half-million or more. They have luxurious kitchens and bathrooms, comfortable sleeping quarters, as well as plenty of storage. You can certainly shop for less fancy models, but they are all gas guzzlers.
  
  
• Class B motorhomes. These are the camper vans we're seeing more of and include everything from the classic VW bus to the upscale Mercedes Sprinter. You can find a wide range of amenities and prices. On the high end, expect to pay $100,000.
  
  
• Class C motorhomes. These are usually less luxurious than Class A and are available in smaller sizes that will get better gas mileage. The camper is built into a truck chassis, so they're simple to operate. They have an over-cockpit attic space for storage or sleeping.
  
  
• Fifth wheels and travel trailers. You'll need a powerful, full-sized truck or SUV to tow one of these, but the advantage is you can unhook the trailer and drive around an area without having to tow the trailer. The best thing about these RVs is that they cost less than motorhomes. The layouts may also be very spacious. 

Should you get used or new? If you're well-heeled, go for new. Your new model may have some kinks to work out, so take a couple of short trips to find out what they are and get them fixed. But used RVs are often a good deal. Unlike a home, an RV is only going to depreciate, so the older it is, the better the deal you may get. You may have to invest in some repairs, but that could mean you get a fine RV that satisfies your needs, at a much better price than a new one will cost. Do have a trusted mechanic give any used RV a thorough going over. Look for water damage or other types of damage that someone may have tried to hide.

The Cost of RVing

RVing may save you money on vacations, but it has its own costs: gas, maintenance (RVs are notorious for water leakage), campground fees, and storage. If you store your RV, it will need a thorough cleaning to avoid mold, water damage, insect infestation, and other issues.

Looking to buy or list your home among Beavercreek homes for sale? Contact us.