RV FEATURE
JOIN GROUPS AND FORUMS
The internet is full of good and useful information about RVs of all types , but there is nothing quite like talking to the owners themselves . There are still a few good caravan and camper forums that are focused on Australian RVs , but there is a growing number of dedicated groups on Facebook from where you can also get a wealth of information .
Facebook groups tend to be divided into four categories :
1 . General caravanning and camping groups that cater for all types of RVs and related subjects . Some of these are huge , with the popular groups sporting membership numbers of over 100,000 . They are great for searching for general information but , due to the sheer numbers , they have their fair share of less helpful members . If you want a wide range of opinions , they are ideal .
2 . Groups dedicated to specific brands and , in some cases , specific models from the same brand . These tend to be smaller groups and the information they share is very specific . That said , the members will have more knowledge about the brand and type of RV you ’ re interested in . The smaller membership numbers mean the trolls have generally been weeded out so you ’ re more likely to receive friendly and useful responses to your questions .
3 . Groups that focus on a certain aspect of the caravanning and camping lifestyle . There are groups dedicated to subjects such as offroad caravanning , RV electrics , tips and tricks , DIY , caravanning with kids or dogs , full-time travellers … the list is almost endless .
4 . Finally , you should look for the ‘ buy , swap and sell groups ’. These have become immensely popular as it is free to advertise in these groups . They will give you a good idea of what is available on the secondhand market as well as an indication of what the price range for a specific brand and model might be .
HIT THE STREETS
Finally , now that you ’ ve got a good idea of what ’ s on the market and the sort of RV that will suit your needs and travelling style , it ’ s time to get out there and have a physical look at what ’ s available .
You should check out the secondhand lots as well as RVs that are up for private sale . Take the time to go over everything inside and outside the unit .
Try to imagine what it would be like to live in and with the units you look at . Think about what equipment and gear you will want to take with you and imagine storing it in the various compartments . You would be surprised at how little storage some RVs have . If you ’ re looking at a private owner ’ s RV , ask them where they store things .
You should also ask how everything operates and what special features are fitted . If it ’ s a camper trailer , ask them to show you how to erect and pack it away . If it takes an hour to set-up and pack away , the novelty will wear off very quickly .
Next month , we will go through what you need to do when you ’ ve decided on a specific unit to purchase : what checks to make , what to ask the seller for , and how to get on the front foot in terms of making the actual purchase proceed as quickly and painlessly as possible .
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