Buying a camper is a great way to see the world. At the same time, there are perils and pitfalls that can arise. Here’s a few things to be wary of during the process. You want to pay close attention to the details and know exactly what you’re going to buy. Issues like knowing your budget and knowing your vehicle’s tow capacity upfront will help you avoid buyer’s remorse, and help ensure you get the recreational vehicle (RV) you want:

1. Going too small
Traveling in an RV can be a lot of fun. Yet you want to make sure you have enough room for everyone in your party. That’s why you’ll need to have an RV that can accommodate all of your traveling companions. Think about who’s coming with you on the ride. If you’re traveling as a family or making plans to bring your friends or pets along, they need a place to sleep and some room to stretch out. A trailer that’s too small can make it hard to enjoy your destinations. Look closely at the kinds of vehicles that are available. The model you pick should be large enough for each member of your party to have the room and comfort they need.

2. Forgetting tow weight
Tow weight is another important consideration. You want to make sure the vehicle you are using to tow your RV can handle the weight. This means knowing how much weight it has well before you purchase it. It also means knowing exactly how your vehicle will handle the travel trailer when on the road. Ask the dealer if you can take the RV for a road-ready test drive. It’s a great way to get a feel for the vehicle with the camper hitched on, and it’s maneuverability once you’re on the road.

3. Not sticking to budget
Budgets are important when buying a travel trailer or RV, just like any car or truck. While it’s important to have a list of features in mind to ensure you’re traveling in the kind of comfort and style you like best; it’s also imperative to have a dollar amount in mind to spend. Otherwise you could end up purchasing a motorhome or travel trailer that you can’t afford. Also, keep in mind hidden costs such as propane to heat and cool your RV, gas to tow your travel trailer, and camping fees for trailer parks and campgrounds. These will all figure into your budget for the camping season.

4. Not considering interest rates or taxes
If you don’t have enough cash upfront to afford the motorhome or fifth wheel you really want, you’ll need to get financing. In that case, you should know how much money it’s going to cost when it comes to your monthly payments. You should also know how much you’re going to pay in taxes on your vehicle well before you bring it home. This will help you make sure you’re sticking to the kind of budget you can afford comfortably.

5. Buying an RV in poor condition
It’s also important to make sure the RV you have is in safe working condition. A used RV may be a more affordable option, but make sure all the elements (i.e., awnings, electrical, tip outs, fridge, stove, propane hookups, water, toilet, and tow equipment) are in good working condition before you bring it off the lot. Even if you’re purchasing a brand new RV,  it should also be inspected before you pull it off the lot. Afterall, the last thing you want are costly repairs that can eat into your travel budget.