Remember that Luvs diaper commercial? “You live and you learn, then you get Luvs.”
It’s the same in the RV purchasing world! You might have done some pre-buying research and thought you knew exactly how you would use the RV and then found out really quickly that those things didn’t matter so much.
Or, you bought the RV in a moment of excitement without really thinking it through as to whether or not was a good fit. Which is what happens a LOT. The neighbor put a for sale sign in the window of theirs or you drive by on the way home from a trip and see one for sale on the side of the road that is just begging to be bought by you. We have all done it!
This will be my 4th purchase in about 7 or 8 years.
I used to wonder why people were buying and selling so quickly and especially newer rigs. I thought: are they already bored or figured out they don’t like RVing? No! They have figured out that the RV they have does not meet their needs or they are coveting the neighbor’s across the street, which is EXACTLY what happened to us on purchase number 3.
By the way, that Class C motorhome has served me well and I LOVE Jamboree so much. However, it’s time for a change due to my evolving RV career and how I want to use it now. So, I came up with a list of things I will be looking out for this time.
Queen Bee’s working wish list for next RV:
- A refrigerator that runs on 12V (batteries) in addition to the other sources. Or better yet, a residential style refrigerator that will operate on an inverter when not connected to shore power.
- Any kind of leveling system other than manual. I’ve been doing the orange stacking blocks for years and it’s time to upgrade.
- Above average kitchen counter space. The Jamboree has spoiled me here – it’s awesome! I use every inch of it when prepping food. And I keep it cleared off and clean in between which just feels spacious to me.
- Separate bedroom area from main living quarters. I have my Mom or brother with me on occasion and I like being separated from the other person at night. It makes both of us feel like we can relax and have a moment of privacy.
- No wet bath. That is a bathroom where the shower is in the same space as the toilet and sink. I have never had one and when I see them on an inspection, I am confirming that I do not want one. I have seen the wet bath that you actually have to step up and over the side of the shower at least 6 inches just to use the toilet and that is not a match for me.
- No under counter microwave. I am not a fan of having to do gymnastics to look at the features on the control panel or observe my food. It grew old really quickly!
- No oven. In fact, I have been leaning towards using a portable induction cooktop anyway. I always have my electric skillet with me and bring the slow cooker or InstaPot frequently, too. The current convection/microwave that I have did not really get much use, because it tended to heat up the inside of the camper which was no fun in summer.
- A comfortable jackknife sleeper sofa. Gonna test this out before it ever leaves the dealership or store (in case I purchase a true residential piece of furniture). My current sectional is super comfortable as a sofa, but not so much as a bed.
- Some type of pantry. Enough said.
- Vinyl or laminate flooring. Don’t care if there is zero carpet. Vacuuming is for the birds.
- Large exterior cargo bins. RV #2 had really small cargo doors and it was difficult to get anything in and out of those.
- Electric fireplace. This is not a dealbreaker. However, I brought my oil radiator on many trips and that was plenty warm without running my actual furnace. I’ve inspected several RVs with the electric fireplaces and they really do a good job of warming up the whole place. Plus they look cool!
I could go on and on with a wish list of things like lithium batteries, a water station that includes winterization bypass valves, wifi booster, a residential style kitchen faucet and showerhead, and an enclosed underbelly which would all be really nice!
I’m grateful now having a bit of experience under my belt to really get a feel for what I do and don’t want or need. Stay tuned…..purchase #4 is around the corner in Fall of 2021!
