Spring is here, which means camping season is around the corner. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for your new or used RV:
- Plan before you purchase.
A solid pre-shopping plan prevents you from committing to more debt than you can afford. AMVIC has a helpful consumer guide on the six steps of setting a budget when shopping for a vehicle. - All-in advertised pricing is the law.
In Alberta, all-in advertised pricing is the law. This means the vehicle price you see advertised is the price you should be paying, plus GST and any costs or charges associated with financing. Be sure to take a copy or screenshot of the ad with you when shopping. - No “cooling off” period: all sales are final.
Remember, there is no “cooling off” period. If you change your mind about the RV you bought, or you are unable to make the payments, you cannot return the RV after you’ve signed the contract. Finding a better deal later does not overturn a signed contract; the automotive business where you purchased your RV still has the authority to enforce the terms. - The truth about financing: no prepayment penalties.
While an automotive business may insist on financing the purchase, you have the option to pay off the balance early. In fact, you can pay off any non-mortgage loan in full any time after you sign or make an extra payment with any scheduled payments without penalty under Section 68 of the Consumer Protection Act. - Motorized RVs have two VINs.
Always copy the Vehicle Information Numbers or VINs directly off the RV, and not from another document, which may be in error. Motorized RVs have two VINs: one for the chassis (primary) and one for the coach (secondary). The chassis includes the frame, steering and suspension, exhaust and powertrain. - Out-of-province inspection requirements.
For motorized RVs, check to see if it is from outside of the province, or was previously sold outside of Canada. Motorized RVs registered outside Alberta must pass an out-of-province inspection before the licence plate is issued.
When in doubt, visit amvic.org for useful resources including the vehicle history checklist, the service and repair estimate and authorization checklist and the all-in advertised pricing page.