Shopping for an RV? Don't overlook the “fitting test”

You're thinking about buying an RV, should you go with new or used, big, small or somewhere in between? An RV show is a good place to start looking to get an idea of what you like before you buy.

Whatever type of RV you're thinking about, there are a few “rules of thumb” that will help you avoid making mistakes when shopping. The primary rule I want to address in this article is what I call the “fitting test.”

The main reason you get “fitted” for a tailored garment is to make sure it fits your body. The same holds true when shopping for an RV. Be sure to test everything with your body before you buy.

Let's start at the RV entrance since you'll be frequently using this main, yet ofter overlooked, feature. Be sure the entrance is wide enough for you to easily enter and exit and make sure you don't hit your head on low overhanging cabinets. Make sure the steps are deep and wide enough to accommodate your feet. Can you easily open and close the door once inside, or do you have to stoop down in an uncomfortable position?Once inside sit on the furniture (all the furniture) and stay there for a few minutes. Do you like to nap on the couch? If so, stretch out and see if it “fits” your body. Notice where the television is located and make sure you will not need to go to the chiropractor from watching it sideways.Whether it is a dinette or a table and chairs be sure to sit at the table with your legs under the table. Do your knees hit a pole or the person across from you? Is the table at the correct height for comfortable eating? Are there electric outlets nearby in case you want to plug in your computer? Will the chairs be comfortable enough to play a few games of dominos with your friends? Can you easily reach the cabinets over the table?The galley configuration is driven by personal taste, but make sure you stand at the counter and pretend you are doing the dishes. Is there enough room for the dish rack? Is there enough counter space for food preparation? Are there enough electric outlets? Are the drawers full extension and is there enough room in them for your preferences? If a conventional oven is important to you, does it have one or does it use a combination microwave/convection oven. Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are large enough for your family. It can be difficult to replace a small refrigerator with a larger one after the RV is built, so be sure to get the right sized refrigerator when you purchase the unit.Moving to the bathroom it is important for you to actually take your shoes off and stand in the shower. Do you have enough room to turn around and is the spray nozzle located at a comfortable level? Actually lift the toilet cover lid and sit down. Is it too low or too high and is there clearance for your knees? Is the flush mechanism easy to reach and is the toilet paper dispenser in a good location?When it comes to the bathroom sink make sure it has enough counter space to accommodate you needs. Are the electric outlets conveniently located? Is the mirror at the correct level for doing hair and makeup or shaving? Can more than one person be in the bathroom at once?

Move the fancy pillows out of the way and lie down on the bed. Is it comfortable enough or will you need to replace the mattress. Close your eyes and pretend you are getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Did you hit your head on the overhanging cabinets or stub your toe on the corner of the bed frame? Are the light switches easy to reach? If you're looking at a camper or a class B with an cab-over bed how easy is it for you to get in and out? Get in and out of bet a couple of times on each side to see how it feels. Next check out the closet space. Is it deep enough and wide enough to accommodate your clothing? If there are drawers are they full extension and are they deep enough for your needs?
Close all the curtains and day/night shades and turn on all the lights. Is there enough light for your comfort?

If you're looking at a motorhome try swinging the passenger and driver seats around converting them into living room furniture. This will open up the unit making it more comfortable. Sit in both the driver and passenger seats and operate the seat controls. Since you will be spending some time in these seats make sure you are comfortable! Motorhome seats can usually be moved several inches but will require drilling new holes in the floor. So, if your knees are too close to the dashboard check to see if you can move the driver seat back without conflicting with a slide-out or other obstacle.

There are other things you will want to check but the “fitting test” is critical to your comfort and enjoyment of the RV.

Finally go outside and go through the routine of connecting the hook-ups. Put on the sewer hose, pull out the electric cord and attach the water hose. Do you have to be a contortionist to get it all hooked-up? Lower the leveling jacks and in the case of a travel trailer operate the hitch jack. Are the storage compartments easy to use? Make sure everything passes the “fitting test' before you buy.

Helping you get the right “fit” for your RV – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing