Camping and RV holidays saw a 30%+ boom in 2020. It’s safe to say that it doesn’t look like that ‘take your own home’ holiday craze is slowing down any time soon. 

Many of you will be taking their first-ever RV camping trip this year. And you probably have a lot of questions. 

Whilst we can’t answer every single question you have today. We can help you solve one of the most pressing issues: Where can you find the best automotive for camping? 

What you need 

The first thing you need to establish is what you’re looking for. Do you want a large car to go ‘car camping’ in? Or do you want a car to tow your RV or trailer? Once you’ve answered that question you will find the rest of the process a lot easier. 

Car Camping

Car camping blends the rugged charm of a road trip with the luxury of being about to sleep in your own bedding. You can go where you want, and there are plenty of safe car camping parks around the US. 

Car Camping is an American tradition dating back for as long as we’ve had cars. It can be an exhilarating experience, but without proper planning, it will be unforgettable in all the wrong ways. 

The key to a successful car camping experience is to find a vehicle that has enough space for you, your luggage, and anyone else you’re bringing with you. This is the reason why #vanlife has become so popular. 

If investing in a van doesn’t sound like a good use of your money, look into picking up an SUV or Hatchback.  

A mini toy hauler is an ideal alternative for RVers who want a compact RV that’s affordable and simple to tow. Minis provide more comfort and amenities in a smaller space than you’d expect from a small trailer.

RV & Trailer Camping

As we mentioned above, last year RV Sales Burlington WA and trips were booming. More and more people are discovering the joy of being able to travel with your own possessions, to where you want, and at your own pace. 

There are two main ways to do this type of camping: with a motorhome or with a trailer you tow. 

There are benefits to both. Motorhomes are easier to insure, they’re easier to drive, and you don’t have to hook them up every morning. On the other hand, trailers allow you the freedom of taking your car out of the park. 

Obviously, you will not need to purchase a car to take with you if you chose to travel with a motorhome. 

However, your choice of trailer or RV will drastically affect the kind of car you need. If you’re looking to tow something light, like a toy hauler, then you can get away with a smaller car with a strong winch. 

If you have a heavy trailer that requires a 5th wheel winch then looking into a pickup truck or other automotives with a low center of gravity is a good idea.  

Whether you’re looking for a car to camp in or a car to tow your trailer there are many places where you can purchase both of these vehicles. 

Where to look 

So, now that we know what you need your car for, let’s talk about where you should be  looking for it. 

Over the many years that we have spent camping and looking for vehicles to take us camping we have found two great places to look for said vehicles. These two places are car dealerships and online. 

Both places have their benefits, and both have their downsides. Let’s take a closer look at them. 

Car Dealership 

We all know what a car dealership is so we’ll be brief. There’s probably 4-5 within half an hour’s drive of your house. Our top tips for buying from a car dealership are to go to one with a good reputation and to only purchase a car that has had a full service recently. 

Pros – 

• You can see the cars in person 
• You can do a test drive 
• You can often negotiate the price (at second-hand dealerships) 

Cons – 

• There may be better prices elsewhere 

Online

Online dealerships can offer you a huge amount of options. Particularly, bigger companies that have warehouses all over the country. Last year really changed the game in online shopping. Now it is possible to buy a car online and have it delivered to your door. 

Pros – 

• You can compare prices across the country with ease 
• The car can be delivered to your door 
• You’re more likely to find a bargain 

Cons – 

• You won’t be able to test drive the car 
• You won’t see the car until you buy it 
• You cannot negotiate prices (with bigger companies)

Other tips 

You should know exactly the type of trailer you are planning to tow before purchasing a car to tow it. This is the best way to avoid accidents or putting too much strain on your car. 

If you are looking to tow a trailer with your car then you will need to take out a different type of car insurance. Make sure you do this before starting your trip. 

Picking up a second-hand car that has done well on its last service can be a great way to save money.