Buying an RV? Expert Tips from PJ at Princess Craft RV

Buying an RV? Here’s What Every First-Time Buyer Needs to Know Before You Sign the Papers

Buying your first RV is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Should you buy new or used? How much can your vehicle safely tow? Are dealer prep fees normal? And how do you know if you’re buying the right camper for the way you actually travel?

Those are exactly the questions we tackle in our latest Girl Camper Podcast episode with PJ Buerger, owner of Princess Craft RV and the newest member of the Girl Camper community. With nearly 30 years of experience helping campers find the right RV, PJ shares practical, honest advice that can save you money, reduce stress, and help you buy with confidence.

Whether you’re just starting your RV journey or thinking about trading up, this episode is packed with information you’ll wish you knew before walking onto a dealership lot.

Prefer to watch? You can also catch the full interview on the Girl Camper YouTube channel, where Lesa and PJ dive even deeper into the RV buying process.

https://youtu.be/ERavLwxpD5Y What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Instead of focusing on sales pitches, this conversation is all about helping buyers make smart decisions.

Some of the topics we cover include:

• The biggest mistakes first-time RV buyers make
• How to know if a dealership is really working for you
• Why asking the right questions matters just as much as getting the right answers
• New vs. used RVs and how to decide which is the better value
• Understanding dealer prep fees and what they should actually cover
• When negotiating makes sense and when it doesn’t
• The best times of year to shop for an RV
• Why your towing capacity isn’t as simple as the number in your owner’s manual
• What support you should expect after you drive your new RV home
• PJ’s advice specifically for women buying their first camper

One Piece of Advice That Really Stood Out

One of PJ’s best tips had nothing to do with RVs.

Before you start shopping, pull out your calendar.

Instead of buying for the trip you might take someday, buy for the trips you’re actually planning during the next year.

It’s easy to imagine grandkids joining every weekend or month-long adventures across the country. The reality is often much different. Buying the RV that fits your real camping lifestyle today usually leads to a much happier ownership experience than buying for “what if.”

It’s simple advice, but it completely changes how you evaluate floorplans, storage, sleeping arrangements, and tow vehicles.

Towing: Don’t Just Trust the Brochure

Another highlight of the episode is PJ’s explanation of RV weights.

Many buyers rely on brochure weights or assume that if their vehicle is rated to tow 5,000 pounds, they should shop for a 5