05/19/12

You can always add expensive RV accessories later. A patio awning shades the RV's curb-side wall and creates an outside living area. Window awnings do a dynamite job of preventing the heat of the sun from radiating through the glass. But look around, while most RVs are equipped with a patio awning, many RVers seem to survive just fine without the window awnings. If you come to the conclusion that window awnings would be worth the expense, you can always add them later.

A clothes washer/dryer is an expensive convenience. It will also take up storage space and add to the weight of your rig. Most campgrounds have a laundry room with coin-operated machines. If the RV has a cabinet plumbed to accept a washer, you can always add one later.

Solar panels use the power of the sun to charge your RV's batteries. That's great if you intend to spend a great deal of your time without an electric hookup. But many RVers spend only two or three days at a time camping self-contained. Their coach batteries are usually quite adequate for their needs. And it would not cost very much to install an additional battery or two if desired. You might consider buying an RV that is prewired for solar panels. That way you can always add the panels if you think you need them.

A generator consumes about a gallon of fuel an hour, is noisy and emits a smelly exhaust. But it will charge your batteries and, unlike solar panels, can create a sufficient amount of electricity to operate your air conditioner(s). This is a close judgment call. Many trailer owners seem to do without a generator, but most motorhome owner prefer not to.

Leveling jacks are a wonderful convenience. Press a button and the RV is leveled and stabilized. But RVers have been leveling their rigs with lengths of lumber for decades. Besides, even with automatic jacks, it is occasionally necessary to use a board or two to bring your rig to an even plane. Go for it if you can, but these wonderful devices, which can be installed later, are not necessarily a necessity.