How to Shop for an RV by Where and How You Travel

First stop, learn what kind of traveler you are

When someone comes into a dealership to shop for an RV, the first thing I want to understand is how they plan to use it. I start asking questions like, Where are you going? How often do you want to camp? How long do you plan to stay out? Those answers give me a starting point to work with. Then I try to figure out what kind of person they are next.

Whether you’re a seasoned RV veteran or a first-time road-trip rookie, your lifestyle sets the direction for what you should travel in. And since an RV is a major investment, the right one should support how you travel, so I like learning about the customer's personality before directing them to an RV that may not fit their vibe.

What kind of traveler are you?

Before I jump right into floor plans, although I love getting into the details of all the different options and offerings, it helps to ask a few more questions. 

Here’s what I want to know:

• Number of trips per month or year
• Off-grid camping vs. full-hookup stays
• Experience level with RVing
• Who’s coming along, including kids, grandkids, or pets

Also, follow-ups include: Are you planning week-long trips or quick weekend getaways? Do you picture yourself on a mountain ridge with minimal amenities, or staying at full-service RV parks with reliable hookups?

I spend a lot of time learning about experience levels: some people are coming from tent camping. Others have owned several coaches and are trying to figure out what worked and what didn’t. Talking through what you’ve had before helps avoid repeating the same mistakes and keeps the focus on what will improve your next experience.

Families and couples approach RV shopping differently, but the convo still starts with lifestyle. If you’re traveling with kids or grandkids, their age matters more than people expect. A layout that works for a younger kid today might not work once they’re older and want their own space.

Couples traveling with pets face similar struggles. How much room do you need to move comfortably inside the coach? Does the layout support everyone traveling with you?
RVing is for everyone, but not every RV is. My goal is to understand how you live and travel first, then match the coach to that reality.

Where do you travel?

Camping along the coast in Baja, where you might be showering in the ocean and working with minimal utilities, requires a completely different setup than heading somewhere cold like Alaska. Do you want to be able to reach the side of the fly-fishing lake? Or are you trying to stay in a nice RV park with a five-star restaurant and infinity pools? There are many answers that can sway the conversation and the questions I follow up with.

That’s why I always think about climate when helping someone shop. Warm-weather travelers may need more airflow or additional air conditioning, while those planning high-altitude or winter trips might need systems that can handle colder temperatures without sacrificing comfort. These choices aren’t just about convenience. They affect safety, self-sufficiency, and the overall enjoyment of your trips over time.

Destination also influences the type of coach that makes sense. Some people want to reach remote lakes or national parks, while others prefer to stay in RV resorts with full amenities. Neither approach is better than the other, but each one leads to different decisions around size, systems, and overall setup.

What do you like to bring along?

I’ll usually ask things like what you’re bringing with you and how often you expect to carry it. Are you pulling another vehicle, a trailer, or extra gear? How much water and storage do you realistically need for the trips you’re planning?

Hobbies shape decisions, too. Many buyers hope one RV can check every box, but it helps to narrow down the most important priorities first. Maybe you need more storage space for equipment, a stronger towing capacity for a trailer, or enough onboard amenities to stay comfortable during extended trips. Identifying those priorities early helps you focus on your must-have features.

Size is another area where expectations don’t always line up. Some people feel they need the smallest coach possible for maneuverability, while others assume bigger is automatically better. The reality is, every size comes with trade-offs. 

Smaller coaches may limit storage and water capacity, while larger ones offer more room for families, pets, and longer stays. The key is finding an RV that supports your lifestyle rather than locking you into a size before understanding the full picture.

How to match your RV to your lifestyle

Shopping for an RV becomes easier when you focus on how you plan to travel. Think about your destinations, the climate, and what you want to bring along. When those answers align, it’s easier to find a coach that feels like a natural fit.

My #1 recommendation is to step into a dealership early in your search. Walk through different models, open cabinets, sit in the driver’s seat, and pay attention to build quality and feel. Seeing everything in person often changes what you thought you wanted, and it gives you a clearer understanding of what works for you.

​​If you’re ready to start narrowing down your options or need a place to start, reach out, and I can help guide the conversation.