It’s easy to get excited about the prospect of buying an RV or trailer. If you don’t do research beforehand, it can be easy to jump right into shopping. However, not planning in advance may mean you make a mistake, or don’t get the best deal possible. Consider these common mistakes so you’re able to make the best decision.

1. Buying an RV in bad condition
Buying an RV can open up a whole world of travel for you and your family, but it’s important to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition before hitting the road. The condition of your RV can also impact your safety, so ensure that the vehicle you purchase is in a safe condition to avoid encountering any problems.

2. Not considering tow weight capacity
Before you make any purchase, you should be aware of all the details — and recreational vehicles are no exception. Ensure you know the amount of weight your vehicle can pull. A vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can carry safely. The lower the number, the heavier the load it can handle. Before making an RV purchase, ensure that your vehicle’s towing capacity is able to pull the full weight of the RV.

3. Not budgeting
Budgeting is key when purchasing any large item. If you don’t set aside a budget before beginning your search, it’s easy to get carried away with features and extras, making your purchase more expensive than expected. Once you have a budget in mind, stick with it. This will help keep things in perspective when you’re shopping for your new home on wheels.

4. Buying too small
When you’re looking to buy an RV, it’s easy to get distracted by special features, and forget to prioritize vital aspects such as size. Purchasing an RV that is too small could lead to cramped family vacations without enough storage space. Plan ahead for how many people and how much gear you’ll need to fit into your RV.

5. Forgetting about interest rates or taxes
While purchasing an RV can be very exciting, you should never forget to calculate interest rates and taxes before finalizing anything. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, thousands of people end up unable to afford their new vehicle due to hidden fees. By taking just a few minutes to consider interest rates and taxes when researching your next purchase, you can save yourself a lot of future trouble.