Shopping for a RV

   So today we went RV shopping. Well not really shopping to buy but shopping for the things we would need, things we would like to have, and things we definitely did not want. When you do this I suggest you take a note pad and pen and a camera to record things that are important to you. You are going to want to act like you already live in the RV that you are in at the time.

   Sit at the table or dining booth to see how easy it is to get in and out. Are the chairs or cushions comfortable? How about the recliners? Leather or fabric, rocker or swivel or both. Can the television be seen by sitting on the couch and recliners? Look at the overhead lighting, is there enough? Are they in the right places. I hate trying to read a book without enough light to see.

   Are you a gourmet chef? How's the layout? Can you reach all of the cabinets and refrigerator? Is there sufficient storage for food items? Do you even have a pantry? One of our primary concerns. Now take a look in the bathroom. Step in to the shower, act like you are taking a shower. Do you have to duck your head when stepping in? Do you bump your elbows? Is the sink even big enough to spit into?

   Next comes the bedroom. Don't think because you only spend time sleeping in there it's not important. You still need some storage space. I feel at a minimum you need a dresser, end table, and at least one wardrobe. Just about every RV we've looked at so far has a hookup for a washer and dryer in the closet. I believe that's a lot of wasted space. Some people wouldn’t think of going on the road without a washer and dryer. Personal preference is all I can say about that. One thing that really bugs me is having to do the sideways shuffle to get into bed. That's when you need to turn sideways to walk around the bed. That's bad, but try to make a bed when can't even get to the head of the bed.

   Don't forget about storage. If you are going to become fulltimers you'll need extra storage space. Make sure when you're looking at RV's you look for all the storage areas available. Starting in the living room make sure the couch is a hide-a-bed and also has a drawer under it. The entertainment area should have lots of cabinets around the television, some units even come with a pull out desk which has some storage. Above the couch and recliners should be a set of cabinets to hold all kinds of stuff.

   Kitchens can be awfully small and that goes for storage also. Hopefully the kitchen will have a set of drawers at least and one large drawer for pots and pans. You'll need a pantry, got to keep your canned goods somewhere. One with slide out racks are the best. Most RV's have a two bowl sink at least with a cover to increase counter space which is always in short supply in any RV.

   Don't forget outside storage. If you are looking at a Class A motorhome than basement storage should not be a problem for you. Class C's can be a whole different story. Very little storage at all. Most 5^th. Wheels will have one large basement storage compartment that can be gotten into from both sides. One other area you should consider for storage is your tow vehicle or a towed vehicle. Both of these have storage space that can be used when you are pulling the vehicle or in the back seat of your tow vehicle. The longer you travel the more storage solutions you will be able to find.