Frequently Asked Questions

A travel trailer hitches to a ball mount on the back of your truck or SUV, so a wider range of vehicles can tow one. A fifth wheel connects to a special hitch mounted in the bed of a pickup, which makes it more stable to tow and usually gives you more living space and taller ceilings — but it requires a pickup truck. Travel trailers tend to be lighter and more affordable; fifth wheels tend to be roomier and better for extended or full-time use.

A Class A is the large, bus-style motorhome with the most space and amenities. A Class C is built on a van or truck chassis and usually has a sleeping area over the cab — a popular middle-ground for families. A Class B is a camper van: the smallest and easiest to drive, great for couples and weekend trips. All three are driveable RVs, as opposed to trailers you tow.

A motorhome is self-contained and easy to hop in and drive, but you tow a car behind it to get around once you're parked, and repairs can be pricier. A towable (travel trailer or fifth wheel) is more affordable for the space, and you unhitch and use your truck freely at camp — but you need a capable tow vehicle. Most first-time RV families start with a towable for the value.

Start with how many people you're sleeping and how you'll camp. Couples often do great with a smaller travel trailer or camper van, while families usually want a bunkhouse floorplan with extra sleeping and storage. Also weigh where you'll travel — bigger units are roomier but harder to maneuver and some campgrounds have length limits. Our team can match a floorplan to your family size, tow vehicle, and camping style.

"Half-ton towable" means the RV is light enough to be pulled by a half-ton pickup like a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, or Ram 1500. It matters because it lets you buy an RV without upgrading to a bigger, more expensive truck. Always confirm the specific unit's weight against your vehicle's tow rating, since options and cargo add up.

A bunkhouse is a floorplan with a dedicated area of built-in bunk beds, usually toward the rear. It's the go-to layout for families with kids or anyone who wants extra sleeping space for guests. Bunkhouses let you sleep more people without giving up the main bedroom.

A toy hauler is an RV with a built-in garage and a rear ramp door, designed to carry motorcycles, ATVs, kayaks, or gear. When the toys are unloaded, the garage often converts into extra living or sleeping space. They're popular with outdoor and powersports enthusiasts.

These are larger units built to stay parked at one campground or property for a season or longer, with more residential features and comfort. They're great for a lake lot or seasonal site but aren't meant for frequent towing. Ask us if a destination unit fits how you plan to camp.

The "sleeps" number counts every possible sleeping spot, including convertible dinettes and sofas, so a "sleeps 8" may sleep 8 in a pinch but comfortably fit a family of 4–5. Think about how many people will sleep in real beds versus fold-outs. We'll help you read a floorplan realistically for your group.

A new RV gives you the latest floorplans, a full factory warranty, and no prior wear — at a higher price and faster early depreciation. A used RV costs less and has already taken its biggest depreciation hit, but may have wear and limited or no remaining warranty. The right choice depends on your budget and how much peace of mind you want; A&L RV carries strong options in both.

Lightweight (or "ultra-lite") trailers use lighter materials and construction so they can be towed by smaller trucks and SUVs. Standard trailers may offer more space, features, or durability at a higher weight. The best pick depends on what your vehicle can safely tow.

Check your vehicle's towing capacity in the owner's manual or on the door-jamb sticker, and remember that's the maximum under ideal conditions. For a safe, comfortable tow, plan to stay well under that limit — many experts suggest loading to no more than about 80% of your max. Account for tongue weight, passengers, and cargo, since those all count. Tell us your exact vehicle and we'll show you only units it can safely pull.

At minimum you need a properly rated hitch and ball, a wiring connection for the trailer's lights and electric brakes, and for most mid-size and larger trailers a weight-distribution hitch with sway control. Your tow vehicle also needs the right capacity for the loaded trailer weight. We can spec the correct setup for your vehicle and unit.

For most travel trailers beyond the smallest units, yes — a weight-distribution hitch spreads the trailer's tongue weight across both axles for safer, more level towing, and sway control keeps the trailer stable in wind and passing traffic. Fifth wheels don't need one because the hitch sits over the truck's rear axle. We'll tell you what your specific combination requires.

Tongue weight is how much of a travel trailer's weight presses down on the hitch — usually about 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight. Pin weight is the same idea for a fifth wheel, typically 15–25%, resting in the truck bed. Getting this right is key to safe, stable towing, and it affects which vehicle you need.

Many SUVs can tow lighter travel trailers, camper vans, and small hybrids, as long as the loaded trailer stays within the SUV's rated capacity. Larger trailers and fifth wheels generally need a pickup. Give us your SUV's make and model and we'll match you to units it can handle.

Fifth wheels require a pickup truck with a bed to mount the hitch, and larger fifth wheels often need a three-quarter-ton or one-ton truck for the pin weight and towing capacity. A half-ton pickup can pull some lighter fifth wheels. We'll confirm the right truck class for any unit you're considering.

If your trailer has electric brakes — which most travel trailers do — you need a brake controller in your tow vehicle to operate them. Many newer trucks come with one built in; otherwise it's an easy add-on. We can point you to the right setup.

For most standard RVs and towable trailers, a regular driver's license is all you need. A few very large motorhomes or heavy combinations can require a special or non-commercial class license in some states, so check your state's rules for the specific unit.

Dry weight is the unit's weight from the factory with no water, gear, or passengers. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum the loaded RV should weigh. GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the max for your tow vehicle and trailer together. These numbers keep you towing safely — we'll walk you through them on any unit.

Yes — RV financing works much like an auto loan, just with longer terms available because the amounts are larger. You'll typically put money down, then make monthly payments over the term, with your rate based on credit, loan amount, and length. A&L RV works with multiple lenders to find the right fit, and you can get pre-qualified before you shop.

RV loans are often longer than car loans — commonly 10 to 15 years, and up to around 20 years on larger, more expensive units — which keeps monthly payments manageable. A longer term lowers your monthly payment but increases total interest, so we'll help you weigh the tradeoff.

There's no single cutoff — financing is available across a range of credit profiles. Stronger credit (generally mid-600s and up) earns the best rates, while a lower score may mean a larger down payment or higher rate. Because A&L RV works with several lenders, it's worth applying even if you're unsure.

Often, yes. A&L RV works with multiple lenders, and options may be available even with less-than-perfect credit, sometimes with a larger down payment. The best move is to apply and let us shop it for you.

Down payments commonly run around 10–20% of the price, though it varies by lender, loan amount, and credit. A larger down payment lowers your monthly payment and total interest and can help with approval. We'll help you find a payment you're comfortable with.

Yes — getting pre-qualified or pre-approved tells you your budget and payment range before you fall in love with a unit, and it speeds up the buying process. You can start our secure online credit application from the Financing page. It's quick and puts you in a stronger position.

Yes — A&L RV accepts trade-ins, and your trade's value can be applied directly toward your next RV. Value depends on the year, brand, condition, and current market demand. Bring it by or send details and we'll give you a real number; in many cases a trade can also reduce the sales tax you owe on the new purchase.

Yes. If your trade is worth more than you owe, that equity goes toward your new RV. If you still owe more than it's worth, that difference can often be worked into your new financing — we'll walk you through the numbers honestly.

Prices range widely by type: smaller travel trailers can start in the low teens, family bunkhouses run into the twenties and thirties, and large fifth wheels and motorhomes go well beyond. On A&L RV's value brands we price aggressively and show the number right on the listing. Tell us your budget and camping style and we'll show you the best-value units that fit.

No hidden games at A&L RV — we'll give you a straight, all-in number so you know your true out-the-door price. Ask and we'll break down every line.

An extended service contract (sometimes called an extended warranty) covers repairs to major systems after the factory warranty ends, which can save a lot on an RV's many components. Whether it's worth it depends on the unit and how you'll use it. We'll explain what's covered so you can decide.

It's simple: browse inventory online or visit a store, tell us your budget, tow vehicle, and camping style, and we'll match you to the right floorplan. From there we handle financing options, your trade appraisal, a full walkthrough of the unit, and delivery or pickup. Our goal is a straightforward, no-pressure experience.

Yes — many customers start (and sometimes finish) the process online, and we work with buyers across our region. We can handle paperwork remotely and arrange delivery or pickup. Reach out and we'll walk you through the process for your situation.

On our value brands, yes — we show real discounted pricing right on the listing. On certain premium brands, the manufacturer sets strict advertising-price rules, so the lowest price appears once you request it. Either way there are no hidden games — ask and we'll give you a straight, all-in number.

Yes — a deposit can hold a unit while you finalize details or make the trip in to see it. Reach out to your nearest store for current deposit terms and to reserve one.

Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and if you're financing, income and residence information; if you're trading, bring your current RV's title and payoff info. We'll tell you exactly what you need when you schedule.

Often, yes — if we don't have the exact brand, floorplan, or color you want, we can frequently locate it at another A&L RV location or place a factory order. Tell us what you're after and we'll track it down.

Yes — before you drive away, we walk you through how your RV's systems work, from slide-outs and awnings to water and electrical, so you leave confident. First-time buyers especially appreciate this.

New RVs come with a manufacturer's warranty covering the unit's structure and components, with lengths and terms that vary by brand. Many buyers also add an extended service contract for longer protection on major systems. Our team will explain exactly what's covered on any unit.

Some used RVs still have remaining factory coverage, and extended service contracts can often be added for extra protection. Coverage depends on the unit's age and history. Ask us about any specific unit.

Yes — and on all makes and brands, even lines we don't carry. Our service department handles warranty work, repairs, maintenance, and seasonal service across all of our locations. And if you bought your RV from A&L RV, we'll take care of your warranty work — at whichever of our locations is most convenient for you, if needed. Contact your nearest store to get on the schedule.

Yes — and not only on the brands we carry. Our team handles warranty work on all makes, including units you purchased from another A&L RV location — we'll still do the warranty work for you at another of our locations if that's more convenient. Bring us the details and we'll coordinate the claim.

Contact the service department at your nearest A&L RV location and we'll get you on the calendar. Booking ahead is smart during the busy spring and fall seasons.

The big ones are inspecting and resealing the roof and seams a couple of times a year to prevent leaks, checking tires (RV tires can age out in about 5–7 years regardless of tread), servicing wheel bearings and brakes, and keeping up with appliance and battery care. Seasonal winterizing and de-winterizing matter in colder climates. A&L RV's service team can handle any of this.

Inspect the roof and all seals every three to six months and reseal as needed, since sun and weather break sealant down over time. Catching a small gap early prevents expensive water damage down the road. We can inspect and reseal it for you.

RV tires typically age out in about five to seven years regardless of tread depth, because the rubber degrades from sun, weight, and time sitting still. Check for cracking and the manufacture date, and replace on age, not just wear. Ask our service team if yours are due.

Contact your nearest A&L RV store about parts, supplies, and accessories to keep your RV road-ready.

Run a quick pre-trip checklist: tire pressure and condition, brakes and brake lights, all running and signal lights, the hitch and safety chains, slide-outs fully in, the awning secured, propane off for travel, the water system, electrical connections, and a balanced load. A five-minute walk-around prevents most roadside problems.

Winterizing protects your plumbing from freezing by removing all water from the system — draining the tanks and water heater, then either blowing out the lines with air or running RV-safe antifreeze through them. Done wrong, a hard freeze can cause expensive damage, so many owners have it done professionally. Ask our service team about winterizing.

De-winterizing means flushing out any antifreeze, sanitizing the fresh water system, checking for leaks, testing appliances and batteries, and inspecting seals and tires before your first trip. It's the perfect time for a service check-up, and our team can handle it for you.

Store it clean and dry, ideally covered or indoors, with tanks emptied, batteries maintained, and tires protected from sun and flat spots. In cold climates, winterize before storage. Proper storage protects your investment and resale value.

Start by matching a floorplan to your family size, budget, and tow vehicle, then plan an easy first trip close to home to learn your RV's systems. Don't over-buy on your first unit — many first-timers begin with a manageable travel trailer. Our team specializes in getting first-time buyers set up right, from the walkthrough to the checklist.

Your RV has a fresh water tank for clean water, a gray tank for sink and shower drainage, and a black tank for the toilet. You fill fresh water and empty gray and black at a dump station using a sewer hose. We cover all of this in your delivery walkthrough.

A 30-amp RV runs on a single power leg and suits smaller units with one air conditioner, while a 50-amp RV uses two legs for much more capacity, needed for larger rigs with multiple ACs and more appliances. You'll want to match your RV to the right campground hookup. Ask us what your unit uses.

Control moisture by using roof vents and fans, running a dehumidifier or moisture absorbers in storage, wiping down condensation, and keeping seals in good shape so no water gets in. Good airflow is the key. Regular seal inspections help a lot.

Yes, many people do — just choose a unit built for heavy use (often a larger fifth wheel or motorhome), confirm the campground or property allows full-time living, and set up the right insurance and address logistics. Tell us it's for full-timing and we'll steer you to the right units.

Beyond the RV, the essentials are a drinking-water hose, a sewer hose and fittings, a surge protector, leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and basic tools, plus your kitchen and bedding. Start with the basics and add as you learn your style. Ask our team to help you get set up.

A&L RV is a family-owned dealership with eight locations: Columbia, Murfreesboro (Christiana), Sevierville, Johnson City, and Jackson, Tennessee; Lake Park, Georgia; Greenville (Chocowinity), North Carolina; and Richmond, Virginia. That footprint lets us move inventory between stores to find the exact unit you want.

A&L RV carries a wide lineup, including Grand Design, Brinkley, and Alliance; the full Forest River family (Flagstaff, Rockwood, Wildwood, Salem, Cherokee, Coachmen, Palomino, Prime Time, and East To West); plus Keystone, Jayco, Dutchmen, Heartland, CrossRoads, Highland Ridge, K-Z, Starcraft, and Venture; and motorhomes from Thor, Newmar, Tiffin, and Winnebago. From budget-friendly travel trailers to premium fifth wheels and motorhomes, we carry it.

With eight locations across four states, we can transfer a unit to the store nearest you and arrange delivery. Ask us about getting your RV to you and we'll give you the options and a quote.

Yes — A&L RV is a family-owned dealership that's been serving RV buyers for over 30 years. That means real relationships and long-term service, not a big-box experience.

Yes — alongside new units, A&L RV carries a selection of quality pre-owned RVs across our locations. Browse our used inventory online or ask about current availability and any remaining or added coverage.

Yes — A&L RV accepts trade-ins and consignments, and can work with you if you're looking to sell your RV. Reach out to your nearest location and we'll walk you through the options.

A&L RV is a family-owned dealer with over 30 years in business, eight locations across four states, a huge selection from budget to premium brands, aggressive value-brand pricing we show right on the listing, and full service and support after the sale. We aim for a straightforward, no-pressure experience built on long-term relationships.