Walking into an RV dealership can be intimidating. There are literally hundreds of makes and models. Every detail seems to matter: kitchen layout, bathroom details, front living vs. rear living, and then there’s the age-old debate of new vs. used.

If you’re leaning towards buying a pre-owned RV, you’re in good company. So did I. Here are some major reasons my family decided to buy a pre-owned RV.  And some tips on how to get the most bang for your buck.

You Can Save a Significant Amount of Money

This is the most obvious reason to buy used.

A lot of people save up the money to buy a used RV outright and never have a payment. Others just don’t like the idea of financing such a large amount of money and opt for something slightly older to make their payment low. I fall into the latter category.

With my family’s first RV purchase, we were completely new to RVing. We didn’t want to spend a lot of money only to find out we didn’t like it. We decided to buy used because if we changed our mind about the rig, we would not be in a large amount of debt.

We also decided to buy something with a price tag so low we could pay the RV off within a few years on a mildly-aggressive plan. The idea of paying the debt off quickly was appealing to us.

Of course, there are other things to consider when thinking about an RV purchase and saving money.

RVs depreciate. Just like cars, it’s an unavoidable fact. Buying a used RV helps combat this issue. Our first RV was 10 years old and we got it for $15,000. When we sold it the next year, it was worth the exact same amount and we were able to trade it in for more than we owed. 

You Can Renovate, Restore, and Rebuild to Your Liking

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram looking at other people’s RV adventures, you know that renovating campers is a very popular and fun activity among the RVing community.

While a used rig may not initially look attractive, there are lots of ways to transform the space into a true “home away from home.”

Here are some reasons for transforming your camper is a great advantage to buying used:

It’s a Family Friendly Activity

The kids will love to help pick out paint colors, put together the new floor, and transform the closet into a bunkhouse.

Imagine how much more fun you’ll have at the campground with your spouse, partner, or family knowing you worked on your RV together.

You Make It How You Want It

No camper is ever perfect. There’s always one little thing you’d tweak, one color you’d switch out. This is a process that usually happens over time, and it’s one of the best things about owning a used RV, because you don’t have to worry too much about how making changes will impact the price. If you choose to buy used and renovate, you can build it exactly how you want.

You can completely gut it and make a new floor plan like my friend did with her Airstream Arogsy. You can also take a simpler approach by just adding some color with pillows, a rug, and new curtains. It’s all up to you.

When we bought our 5th wheel, we changed up the entire galley. We replaced the carpet with a dark brown laminate, painted the walls and cabinets, and even built a loft for our daughter. We loved our little space.

Your Camper will be Truly Unique

It’s not a secret that RVs are mass produced. If you want something that is “just you,” buying pre-owned and renovating is definitely the way to go.

When you renovate, you’re making something truly unique to your personality or family’s style. And it’s always fun to show off your hard work at the campground and online.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to renovate your used RV, get my free book 101 RV Renovation Ideas to Go From Camper to Glamper.

Insurance is Cheaper

If you’re considering buying a pre-owned RV, chances are keeping costs low is a priority. Lucky for you, getting insurance on an older RV can be a significant way to save on your monthly RV costs.

Typically, a Class A motorhome is the most expensive RV to insure. Afterall, it’s usually rather large and has a powerful engine in it. You can expect to pay around $1000-1500/year depending on the year and features. Travel trailers and 5th wheel incur the lowest RV insurance costs, which can go as low as only $500/year.

Personally, we have a full-timers package for our 2007 Class C. This is a very comprehensive plan that covers the RV and the tow vehicle (when towed) 365 days a year. We pay only $800/year.

You Can Get Quality and a Good Price

The truth is the best RVs are the most expensive, but that doesn’t mean you should go in search of the highest price tag. There is a way to get quality and a deal when you buy an RV. 

I honestly believe buying an older luxury RV is the best deal you could ever get. 

I know a lot of RVers that have bought a 10 to 20-year-old very high-end RV and could not be happier. The rig is still in great shape as well as their bank balance. These older luxury models are often roomy, too. This means you aren’t sacrificing space to save a few bucks either.

Some examples of luxury manufacturers that are built to last

• Prevost
• Tiffin
• Wanderlodge
• Newmar
• Foretravel

If you’re thinking of buying a used RV, I hope this article helped you in your decision. See you on the road.

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What kind of used RV are you thinking of buying? Leave a comment below. 

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Kyle and Olivia live full-time in a 16′ vintage travel trailer. They left their jobs and sold everything to pursue life on the road.

Their mission is to live minimally and deliberately, by removing the clutter and fostering relations with the community and the natural world. Their current project is a renovation of a vintage Airstream Argosy.

Follow their journey at drivinvibin.com.

** Subscribe to Stories from the Road on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Play **

Some topics we covered:

• 0:56 – Airstream Argosy renovations
• 3:21 – Renovations ups and downs
• 8:14 – Free camping
• 12:37 – The Vibe Tribe
• 13:49 – RV beginnings
• 18:34 – Nomad life
• 21:40 – Favorite parks

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RVing can be so much more than taking a fun family road trip or camping off the grid under the stars. It’s more than just adventure and freedom on the open road. An RV can be the vehicle to living your life to the fullest and experiencing things you’ve always wanted to experience.

We all have a bucket list. Places we want to go, things we want to see, and activities we want to try. RVing can get you there fast, keep you comfortable, allow you to bring the whole family, and put you right in the action of completing your dreams. Here are five incredible bucket list experiences that RVing can offer you.

Live Anywhere or Everywhere

Whether you dream of living at the base of a mountain, steps from the ocean, or in New York City, it’s possible with an RV. There are campgrounds and parks all across America. In the middle of nowhere, in the heart of the city, or wherever it is you consider “paradise.”

You can stay as long as you please, or follow the good weather and change up your scenery. Imagine looking out your window and seeing the ocean wildlife, or being able to step outside and right in nature. The possibilities are endless if you have an RV as your home on wheels.

Visit Another Country

RVing around the U.S. is what many people would consider an “American dream,” and that dream has no borders. Well, technically it has two, but don’t be afraid to cross them! Canada opens up a whole new world of adventure. During the summer months, RV’s fill the roads and beautiful national parks. But we all know, even the birds, to head south during the winter.

The Baja California Peninsula in Northwestern Mexico has recently become a very popular RVing destination for Americans looking to expand their horizons. With affordable beachfront campsites on pristine beaches, it’s obvious why.

From Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas, you can even walk across the Rio Grande River and spend an afternoon in Boquillas, Mexico. So, grab your passport and get outside your comfort zone to new territory and new experiences.

Attend Concerts, Festivals, and Sporting Events

Every bucket list consists of being right in the action of a big, well-known event. For some, it’s seeing their favorite artist perform at an iconic auditorium. For others, it’s an annual festival that represents American culture and tradition. For sports fanatics, it’s about being in stands cheering on their favorite team or athlete. There’s an event for everyone and an RV to get you there.

In fact, many event centers and festival grounds allow for RV parking so you’ll be staying right on site. Otherwise, you’re sure to find a camp site close enough to put you a short drive from the event. The Super Bowl? Macy’s Day Parade? Albuquerque Balloon Festival? Coachella? MLB Spring Training? It’s your dream. Get an RV and get after it.

Experience Nature, Wildlife, and Science First Hand

RV camping can put you smack dab in the middle of nature. You can be near geysers, towering redwood trees, sandstone canyons, underground caves—the list goes on. With nature, also comes wildlife and science. While RVing, it’s always a possibility to have bears as neighbors or wake up to coyotes or even watch a bald eagle in its nest nearby.

It’s truly an unforgettable moment to encounter wildlife right in its habitat. Not only do you get to experience the benefits of being in nature, but you can also take your RV to the path of solar events and areas with optimal gazing conditions.

So, if catching a solar eclipse, meteor shower, or attending a star party, is a dream of yours, campgrounds away from all the city lights are prime locations. For best results, watch from the comfort of your RV’s roof.

Try Something For the First Time

There’s nothing more exciting than the thrill of trying something new for the first time. Whether it’s a “one and done” activity or a new hobby, RVing can take you right where you need to go to achieve it.

Certain activities are so location specific that you’ll never get to try them unless you travel to them. So if you’ve always wanted to try surfing, snowboarding, skydiving, snorkeling, and everything in between, here’s your chance.

You can park steps from the activity making it as convenient as possible. Hot air balloon ride? Check. Grape stomping at a vineyard? Check. You name it, you can find it and an RV will get you there. I hope you feel inspired to get out there and start checking off items on your bucket list.

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Don’t put off what you can do today! What bucket list experiences have you checked off while RVing? Share them in the comments below!

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Camping can be an exhilarating experience, but planning for a camping trip can feel like a chore. The goal of enjoying the outdoors, being part of nature, and returning to our campsite seems a long way off when packing, especially when worrying about what to eat and how to cook while you’re out in the wild.

Anyone who has been camping knows that the combination of fresh air and a self-made fire makes food uniquely delicious, but to achieve this you need to have some forethought and prepare accordingly.

Kitchen Items to Bring Along

No matter where you go camping or the number of people with you, there is some basic kitchen gear that everyone will need:

• Grill and fuel
• Fireplace grate (for cooking over a fire)
• Cookware (pots, bowls, plates)
• Cast iron skillet and griddle
• Cooking utensils
• Cutting board
• Matches or a lighter
• Foil

Additional items you may consider include:

• Coolers
• Roasting utensils
• Plastic storage containers
• Biodegradable soap and sponges
• Trash bags and paper bags
• Camp tables

Plan Your Meals

One of the necessities of camping is to create meals with a no-waste philosophy or at least as little waste as possible. Limitations on the food items you can take with you when camping encourages creativity in crafting tasty meals that use your items wisely. Here are some tips on how best to use what you have, without needless waste:

1. Use up the items that spoil easily first (fruits, veggies, and thawed meats).
2. Make a large meal with soon-to-expire items and save the leftovers for the next day.
3. Throw leftover scraps of meat and vegetables into the skillet with eggs to create a hearty breakfast.
4. After a day of hiking, swimming, or canoeing, few will want to spend hours preparing a meal, so make smart use of aluminum foil. Put leftovers combined with corn, seasoning, butter, and even potatoes in an aluminum foil wrap and let it cook all by itself on the fire.

Camping Food Hacks

While planning your meals and bringing along all the proper items will set you up for success, there are still a few things to keep in mind. Here are some special tips:

• Eliminate egg breakage by putting your eggs in a plastic bottle. Close the top and make sure it’s kept cool. You can just pour the contents into the pan for cooking when you’re ready.
• Orange muffins campfire style: Bring muffin batter with you in a plastic storage container. Also bring oranges along and use them for a meal, but save the halved peels. Pour the batter into the peels and cook them by placing them on a grill over the fire.
• Coffee without the coffeemaker: If you hate the taste of instant coffee and want the “real thing,” just put enough coffee grounds for one cup in a coffee filter and tie it at the top with floss or fishing line. You have now created a coffee-bag. It’s like a teabag for coffee.
• Camping-worthy mac and cheese: Make up the mac and cheese before you leave, coat foil pie tins with cooking oil and put the mac and cheese in them. Wrap very tightly with aluminum foil. When the fire is down to hot embers, put the wrapped tins on just long enough to heat up and melt the cheese (about 8-10 min). Check on the tins frequently because temperatures can vary.
• Put your favorite seasonings in straws and label them. Then seal them up top and bottom with a lighter. Snip when ready to use, and save on time and packing space.

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Do you have any camping cooking tips you want to share? Leave a comment below.

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Continuing on their five-month trek up the West Coast, Crazy Family Adventure stops in San Francisco. There the family crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, visits the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Google Headquarters, Land’s End, Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir Woods National Monument, and much of the city.

You can learn more about the whole family on their blog.

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Route 66, the iconic “Mother Road,” winds its way from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.  If you don’t have the time to drive the entire route, why not take on this icon of American transportation history in bite-sized pieces?  We’re going to help you do just that with a series called Get Your Pics on Route 66 in hopes that you’ll capture some great memories and images as you explore this little slice of Americana.  Here’s the final installment on California:

Ever since John Steinbeck made reference to the “Mother Road” in Grapes of Wrath, Route 66 has enamored many a wanderer.  And what better place to dream about hitting the open road than California? Here’s an overview of all 270 miles of Route 66 through the Golden State:

Needles

We pick up the pavement in Needles, California after crossing the Arizona border. Much of Route 66 has disappeared into the desert here, as the newer Interstate 40 bypassed the towns that grew along America’s highway, but Needles holds a few relics from the past, including the Route 66 Motel.

The sign was recently refurbished by a Route 66 fan, and although the motel remains, it is currently being used as apartments. So you’ll have to move on down the road, exiting off I-40 to some of the original highway just east of Essex.

For 75 miles you’ll encounter several empty settlements, but none as interesting as Amboy.

Amboy

Almost qualifying as a ghost town with only 4 living inhabitants, Amboy is a most unusual stop along The Route. Sitting squarely in the middle of the Mojave Desert is Roy’s Motel and Café—an abandoned motel that has stopped time in its tracks.

The retro sign attracts numerous Route 66 fans, but you will be mesmerized by what you’ll see inside the front desk building, as well as the bungalows at the front of the property. The night bell still exists at the front door, but the check-in counter and lobby look just as they did in the early 1960s, with flower bulb lights, burnt orange furniture, and room assignment sheets still pigeon-holed on the wall. It’s as if the front desk clerk stepped out for a smoke and never came back!

The small buildings next door have been used more recently for art displays. The doors are normally always unlocked, yet the bungalows are not disturbed by passersby. When not utilized as a gallery, these structures remain empty and dated.

Roy’s Motel lies just behind the bungalows, and it, too, is empty but undisturbed. You can, however, find a few human beings at the café/gas station, but don’t wait to get to Amboy to fill up your tank, as gas is usually priced in the stratosphere here!

Just down the road is the Amboy Crater, an extinct volcano that gives the surrounding hills their color. Black lava flows scar the land, and you can see the crater from Roy’s parking lot.

Barstow

If you continue following the old Route west you will pass through several towns that no longer remain—towns with names like Bagdad, Siberia, and Klondike.  Keep pushing through the desert to arrive at Barstow and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum.

Located in one of the original Harvey House restaurants, the museum holds memorabilia from the Route 66 era, when hitting the road was a favorite pastime. You will find rotating art exhibits that capture the Mother Road in a variety of mediums, collectible vehicles that once cruised the famous highway, and historic signage, among other things.

After you’ve absorbed copious amounts of transportation nostalgia, stick with Old Route 66 out of Barstow as it arches toward the south to Oro Grande.

Oro Grande

Although Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch wasn’t in existence during Route 66’s heyday, it stands today along the highway in Oro Grande as a testament to man’s creativity. It also addresses the old adage “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

As a boy Elmer Long watched his father collect colorful bottles as they explored the desert together. At the death of the elder Long, his son inherited the large collection and decided to institute a different form of recycling. He turned the castoffs into a unique “forest” of bottle trees, and watched visitors along the Mother Road stop and enjoy the vibrant colors as sunlight lit up over 200 installations. The wind whispers through the containers, creating soulful tunes for visitors enjoying his unconventional art gallery.

The Bottle Tree Ranch is opening daily from sunrise to sunset and is free, although Elmer does accept donations.

Victorville

Just a few miles on down The Route is Victorville and the California Route 66 Museum. As we’ve seen thus far in the “Get Your Pics on Route 66” series, almost every state along the highway has their own museum honoring the history of transportation. California is no exception.

This collection of travel memorabilia includes a 1950s diner, a VW “Love Bug” that traversed the Mother Road, and interactive exhibits galore. The museum hopes to highlight the cultural influences that Route 66 had on The Arts, architecture, communities, and commerce. I’d say they’ve done a great job!  You’ll have to decide for yourself, so be sure to enjoy a well-deserved stop at this venue.

San Bernardino

The city of San Bernardino holds several vintage pieces of the Route 66 legend. From retro motels like the Lido and Palms to one of two Wigwam Motels still in existence, the relics from the Mother Road are scattered throughout the area. In fact, so many of these lodges are still in operation today, either as overnight motels or apartments, you will think you hit a time warp and were catapulted into the 1950s as you cruise town!

Even the McDonald brothers knew the importance of the highway to the local economy when they established the first McDonald’s restaurant in the world here back in 1940. Today the site has become the McDonald’s Museum, exhibiting everything from $.15 hamburgers to Ronald McDonald and Happy Meal toys.

On your way out of town, be sure to visit the Santa Fe Railway Depot. It’s another Harvey House location that has been entirely renovated, retaining its Mission Revival style architecture.

Rancho Cucamonga

Heading west from San Bernardino, the towns begin to run into one another, but you will want to slow down for a vintage gas station in Rancho Cucamonga. The Cucamonga Service Station was recently restored to its 1915 appearance, winning the 2016 California Preservation Design Award.

The station is over 100 years old, and the attention to detail during restoration included two vintage Richfield gas pumps, along with historical paint colors and signage. The building is now used as a visitors center for Route 66 enthusiasts and travelers.

Santa Monica

Finishing your journey across California will lead you from Rancho Cucamonga through several communities like Pasadena, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. Not much of the Old Route has survived there, but the true end of the line for America’s Main Street culminates in Santa Monica, California. The early terminus for the highway was once at the crossing of Lincoln and Olympic Boulevard in the 1940s, but a more recent alignment of the Mother Road brings her travelers fittingly to the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean.  Capture that final picture of the highway sign that ends (or starts, depending on your direction of travel) your adventure!

Completed Journey

If you have followed our trek along Route 66 from Chicago, you’ve now completed one of the best-loved journeys in America. I, like so many others, harbor a fond affection for this ribbon of pavement that links our country to the landscapes and people on its periphery. I hope you’ve found some enjoyment in venturing through the eight states that continue to welcome travelers on Route 66.

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You can drive the rest of Route 66 with our other “Get Your Pics on Route 66” articles. Read the entire series.

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