If you’re in the market for a new or a used RV, you want to take some time and do your homework.
This class is designed to cover the classifications of RV’s, tips for choosing the right floor plan and talk about the language of RV’s. You’ll see the difference between new and used, 5th wheels or motor homes, diesel pushers or gas. We’ll also go through choosing the right floor plan and what to look for in “wow” factors that some RV manufacturers put in.
Slide rooms have become the rage in RV’s, but sometimes it gets a little confusing on what kind of room you get. We’re going to go through the different types of slides, the different floor plans, what that does for room inside, and how you use it.
For those of you who are going for a weekend, you’ll compromise some of your space. For those of us going for six to eight weeks at a time or if you’re full timing, you’re going to need a lot more room, you are going to need a lot more carrying capacity, and probably a little more power in some of the motorized RV’s.
We will talk about travel trailers and matching truck to trailer or trailer to truck. This class is designed to help clear up some of the confusion when you’re looking at buying a new or used RV.
Aside from the types of RV’s and floorplans available, there are other considerations as you’re searching. Things like understanding weight ratings, knowing what your budget is not only for the purchase but for other expenses. Other considerations are having a professional certified inspection performed, insurance, and purchasing a roadside assistance plan.
In addition to the detailed instruction you will receive, this class will provide you with several downloadable resources and helpful information to keep, including a class guide that you can follow and use as a reminder of the key points of the class instruction.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Overview of Purchasing an RV
5:34
The journey to purchasing an RV can be frustrating, because of the variety of styles, options, and floorplans. By the time you have viewed a dozen units, it sometimes can get downright confusing and overwhelming. This class will help clear up the confusion. We’ll walk you through how to select the best floorplan based on your style of camping such as short trips, extended trips, boondocking, cold weather camping or full timing. We will look at budget considerations, RV classifications, understanding weight ratings, new vs. used options, after-the-sale considerations such as insurance, having the RV inspected, and roadside assistance.
Session 2: RV Classifications
11:35
The Recreational Industry Vehicle Association or RVIA is the group that classifies RV's in their specific categories. Sometimes this gets a little overlapping and there's a lot of misinformation out in the market. In this session, we will go through those classifications which include pop-up trailers, truck campers, travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels and finally Class A, Class C, and Class B motorized units. As we examine each classification, Dave will add in bits from his experiences to help you decide between the classes for your new purchase.
Session 3: 5th Wheel vs. Motorized
6:20
Dave has been conducting the buyers' seminar throughout the country for the last 15 years and it’s very common to have a discussion with somebody who’s torn between a fifth wheel and a motorized RV. They can't quite decide which way to go because you can get quite a bit of floor plan similarities in both of those. In this session, we will discuss those similarities and provide some key insight to help make the decision between the two.
Session 4: Class C vs. Class A
5:04
When looking to purchase an RV, many RV owners want to stay with the Class C because it's a lot smaller – but they're torn a little bit on the size, so there is a comparison between a Class C motorhome or class A motorhome. In this session, we will dive deeper into the difference between the two and discuss the differences in size and some of the reasons you may be more comfortable in one or the other based on your need.
Session 5: Class B, B+, and Class C
5:34
One of the hottest classifications of the RV industry today is the Class B or the B van. Some people call it a B+. There is a lot of discussion in seminars about this where somebody wanting a very small 24-foot unit that is still fully self-contained that they can zip in and out of congested areas rather than taking a big behemoth like a class A and trying to find a place to park. There is a little bit of confusion in it because there is no such thing as a B+ in the RV classification. In this session, we will discuss the proper classifications from the RVIA and what differentiates them.
Session 6: Class A Gas vs. Class A Diesel
6:04
Several years ago, if you were trying to decide between a class A gas or diesel and you wanted to have Corian and tile and pull 7,000 pounds behind, there was no decision – it had to be a diesel. Gas chassis back then did not have the horsepower, did not have the torque and did not have the transmission that would allow you to take too much with it. In the last 20 to 30 years the competition between Chevy/Workhorse and Ford brought about better chassis, engine and transmission combinations that made the gas units much better. There are still some differences in weight capacities, handling, and maintenance that we will discuss in this session to help you decide what is right for you.
Session 7: How Will You Use Your RV?
9:03
One of the most important factors, other than a budget, in choosing the right RV floor plan or the right RV itself is to know how you're going to use the unit. If you camp only on short weekends, what you can put up with over that weekend is totally different than being out 6 to 8 weeks or even 6 months on the road. Considerations such as where you are going to sleep, do you have to fold down a bed every night, storage considerations for how much stuff you need to bring, and much more. In this session, we will talk about those things that you may not have considered to help you understand what your unique needs are.
Session 8: Boondocking
5:07
More people are boondocking or getting off the grid and taking their RV's in the backwoods, down to the beach or places where they ATV. Because these are often remote, they are not relying on electricity, water, and sewer. If your planning any type of boondocking or dry camping, choosing an RV will need to have some special considerations to make it work in those remote areas. In this session, we will discuss battery needs, solar, water, and more.
Session 9: Choosing the Right Floorplan
11:40
Whether you are looking for a travel trailer 5th wheel or motorized Class A or C there are some considerations when it comes to choosing the right floor plan. In this session we will discuss slide rooms, bedroom configurations, camping with kids or guests, and having a second bedroom or bathroom area. A floor plan can make a huge difference in making everyone's camping experience enjoyable. We’ll discuss many of the available options so you can decide what is important to your camping style.
Session 10: Budget
10:09
One of the most-asked questions in buyer seminars are: What should I offer for this RV; how much should I discount; what's the markup on these? Since there is so much variation in the market that can only be answered by researching that coach. Every RV has an MSRP and is going to have a sticker in it that says here is the base price with all the options in it. When you start looking at used RV’s you will need to go by the NADA book that the dealer has or that you can get online or even go to RV trader and see what their selling for in general. The purchase price, however, is not the only budget consideration when making your purchase. In this session, we will discuss the purchase price along with the other things you need to consider when making your decision.
Session 11: Understanding Weight Ratings
5:56
Whether you're buying a travel trailer, a fifth wheel, or a motor home, it’s important to have a good understanding of weight ratings before you ever hit the road or purchase that unit. In this session, we will dive into the weight ratings and why they are important. We will talk about where to look for the weight capacities and what things to consider ensuring you are safely within the limits and the importance of weighing your RV.
Session 12: RVIA Certified Technician Inspection
34:58
It's ironic that people today would never buy a home without having a home inspector come in and take a look at the roof, the appliances, the foundation, and all that stuff – yet they buy a used RV and drive off the lot without ever thinking anything of it. Most consumers have that truck and automobile mentality, but we have the same issues in an RV as a Home. There are windows, we have sealants, we have wood and fiberglass, and drive it 70 miles an hour down the road. In this session, we brought in an RVIA Certified technician to discuss the importance of a qualified RV inspection and what they are trained to look at during their inspection.
Session 13: Insurance
2:18
No matter what type of RV you get, after the sale it's important to find an insurance company that is familiar with or specializes in RV's. Your home and auto company may be able to provide you with coverage, but that coverage may not be the same as the coverage you can get from a specialty insurer and may be much more expensive. In this session, we will look closer at the insurance aspect to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Session 14: Roadside Assistance
2:42
Mechanical breakdowns are inevitable while traveling and each type of RV has a specific way in which it needs to be towed. It is important to make sure that you are getting the right service provider that understands your RV and how to tow it safely. In this final session, we will discuss the things that you should consider when shopping for a good roadside assistance provider.
Meet the Instructor
2:03
Learn more about your instructor, Dave Solberg.
Bonus Insights
3:51
Get more insights from your instructor.
Your Instructor
Dave Solberg
Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.
Bonus Material
Class Guide PDF
Download this detailed supplement and keep as a reference for the key aspects of purchasing an RV
Types of RVs PDF
Print this reference sheet to see examples and terminology of the various types of RVs available
Budget Considerations PDF
Use this printable reference to help think about key budget considerations of buying an RV
Weights Defined PDF
Refer to this printable guide for a summary of the terms and meaning related to the capacity of an RV
Inspection Checklist PDF
Use this printable checklist to help your process of assessing an RV before purchasing
Pros and Cons of Diesel PDF
In considering a Diesel vs. a Gas RV, here are some things to think about
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of RV Lifestyle & Repair to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great RV videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of RV Lifestyle & Repair. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on RV Lifestyle & Repair, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and RV Lifestyle & Repair contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to rvrepairclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from RV Lifestyle & Repair from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVlifestyleandrepair@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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