Buying an RV is a complex emotional decision. The decision has financial, technical and personal preference elements. What type of RV you want? How big should it be? What do you want it to look like? In addition, the answers to these and other questions may not be the same for all those involved in the buying decision. Some buyers focus on the technical aspects and others focus on appearance aspects while still others may focus on the financial aspects.

Renting an RV as an alternative to buying is not high on the list of options for most who are considering this form of travel and vacation. Some buyers want the sense of ownership that comes with buying an RV (even if the bank is the real owner). Some buyers want to make modifications that make the vehicle uniquely theirs. Others do not want to have the hassle of planning ahead far enough to guarantee a reservation is available when they want to go. Some look at the RV as an investment and tax saver.

The financial costs associated with owning and renting an RV include the purchase cost, rental costs, fuel, campground, storage, insurance, maintenance, depreciation and cost of money costs.

The analysis also does not include the cost of your personal time associated with owning an RV. The basic question asked is – Will you use your RV enough to make it economically worthwhile to purchase an RV rather than rent?

Source : http://www.rversonline.org/RentvsBuy.html