Rightsizing

Rightsizing is a kind of new buzzword being tossed around in corporate circles and by the RV industry.  It is often a polite way to disguise downsizing, which is often the case in the business world.  While RV manufacturers wrestle with demands for ever more amenities, higher performance, and better fuel economy, they try to create new packages under the title rightsizing.  By utilizing lighter materials and improved drive trains they have, to some extent, succeeded, but you still won't find humongous luxury motorhomes getting compact car fuel economy, though some smaller diesels are pushing 20 mpg these days, rivaling the impressive fuel economy of the 1960's Corvair powered Ultravans.

Rightsizing is perhaps an even more important concept for consumers.  Buying more or less RV than you need -- or want -- is not a good value nor a good investment.  The key is matching your unit to your needs -- and your budget. You might save a lot of money buying a 19' class C mini motorhome but it won't be of much real value if your family doesn't fit in it comfortably.  A big luxury RV might seem desirable until you discover it doesn't fit where you have to park it, it costs a fortune for insurance and fuel, and it is too big to go some of the places you want to go.

Rightsizing might mean adding a utility trailer or a small travel trailer instead of buying a bigger motorhome.  Take a look at why you need a bigger unit. If it is only to haul more "stuff", either lighten your load or get a utility trailer.   If you need more beds, perhaps an inexpensive travel trailer will fill the bill without giving up the comforts and familiarity of your current motorhome.  We found that our Smuggler toyhauler made a good extra bedroom for some of our boys on our dirt bike outings.  Small travel trailers (or even tent trailers) are pretty inexpensive and could provide significant additional living space in camp without a large investment.   A properly equipped travel trailer would also expand your other conveniences giving  you more cooking space, a second bathroom, more fresh water, and additional holding tank capacity.  Just make sure your motorhome has sufficient Combined Vehicle Weight Rating to handle the trailer.

Rightsizing for tent campers might mean changing the size of their tents, adding tents, or changing the number and content of the tubs of supplies they bring along.   It may also be applied individually to each outing.   Having the right size tent for the number of people on any given trip is going to make it more convenient and more comfortable.   You don't need that big family tent for a couples outing.

Sometimes rightsizing may mean downsizing.  As the kids leave home, you may not need a big bunkhouse RV or huge family tent anymore.  When you retire your budget and your travel plans may change. Your interests and activities may be different.  Match your equipment to your current needs, wants, and budget.

Very often rightsizing means upsizing.   As you mature and your wants and/or needs or family grows, you may need a bigger RV or a bigger tent, or an extra tent or extra beds in a travel trailer to pull behind your motorhome. 

Make it right!