1. Make a budget and stick to it.  Know your financial limit before you start looking and don’t go over it. It’s very easy to get excited in the moment and spend more than you had planned.

2. Research the camper model. It really pays to do your homework. Find out common complaints, typical repairs and price points. The internet is your friend on this one.

3. Get on the forums. Learn from other people’s experiences. It’s one of the few places you can find unbiased opinions. Good place to start: http://www.rv.net/forum/

http://www.irv2.com/

http://www.rvnetwork.com/

4. NEVER BUY ON IMPULSE! Don’t let the excitment of a possibly good deal make you make an impulse buy. Research and a through inspection always pays off in the end.

5. Use your own mechanic  Trust me, you’d rather spend an extra hour taking the camper to your own mechanic then spending the next few years in and out of the shop.

6. Inspect the owner, as well as the camper. Don’t buy a camper from someone you don’t trust. Would they tell you about something wrong with the camper without you asking? If it doesn’t feel right, walk away.

7. Be careful about financing with the RV dealer. Check all options before signing up for a payment plan with any RV dealership.

8. Be ready to walk away. Don’t feel obligated to make a purchase you’re not sure about. There are always more small campers out there.