You're ready to jump into the RV lifestyle with both feet and own your first recreational vehicle!

There are many avenues you have to shop for the right RV. You can buy a brand new one or used from an RV dealer.

The best fair market value, however, can (normally) be found through a private party seller. At the moment though, it's a seller's market and those prices might be higher than normal.

If it's your first RV, it can be a tad intimidating to buy a used vehicle from a stranger. How do you know you're taking all the necessary steps?

First, Know What You Want

The first crucial step in how to buy a used RV from a private party is knowing exactly the type of RV for you.

RVs come in different classes, so first learn which RV class is right for you.

There's only so much online research you can do though. It's a good idea to visit an RV dealership to look at the selection of different types of RVs or attend a local RV show, to settle on which class is best for you.

You'll want to examine if the RV provides enough space and if you like the bathroom and the layout. You'll get a sense of the type of amenities that come with it, and whether you can feel comfortable driving it.