Skip to main content
WHY BUY FROM Recreation USA? CLICK HERE TO SEE WHY RECREATION USA HAS A 4.7 ★★★★★ RATING!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Recreation USA

Welcome to the Recreation USA FAQ page! Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned RVer, we know you have questions. We have compiled the top questions we hear most often to help you make informed decisions.

Table of Contents

Category 1: Buying Your First RV

Category 2: Financing & Insurance

Category 3: Towing & Setup

Category 4: RV Systems & Operation

Category 5: Service & Warranty

Category 6: Recreation USA Specifics & Closing

Category 1: Buying Your First RV

1. What is the difference between a Travel Trailer and a Fifth Wheel?

A travel trailer attaches to your tow vehicle using a bumper-level hitch and can be towed by a variety of SUVs and trucks. A fifth wheel attaches to a special hitch mounted inside the bed of a pickup truck. Fifth wheels generally offer higher ceilings, more stability while towing, and multi-level floor plans, while travel trailers are more versatile in size and tow vehicle options.

2. What is a "Destination Trailer" or "Park Model"?

A Destination Trailer (often similar to a Park Model) is designed to be parked in one location for an extended period, such as a seasonal campsite or vacation property. They typically feature sliding glass patio doors, residential-sized appliances, and higher ceilings. Crucially, they are not designed for frequent towing. Unlike a travel trailer you might tow every weekend, a destination trailer is meant to be towed once to your site and left there for the season or permanently.

3. Do I need a special driver’s license to drive or tow an RV?

In South Carolina and most of the United States, you do not need a special license for personal use of an RV, regardless of size. However, if you are driving a very large motorhome (over 26,000 lbs), some states may require a non-commercial Class B license. Always check the laws of your home state.

4. What does "unloaded vehicle weight" (UVW) mean?

UVW is the weight of the RV as manufactured at the factory. It includes full fuel, engine oil, and coolants (for motorhomes) but does not include cargo, fresh water, propane, passengers, or dealer-installed accessories.

5. What is "Gross Vehicle Weight Rating" (GVWR)?

GVWR is the maximum permissible weight of the RV when fully loaded. This includes the vehicle's own weight plus all fluids, cargo, passengers, and optional equipment. You must never exceed this weight for safety reasons.

6. How do I know if my truck can tow a specific RV?

You need to check your truck’s Towing Capacity and Payload Capacity. Towing capacity is the total weight your truck can pull, while payload capacity is the weight your truck can carry (including the tongue weight of the trailer, passengers, and cargo in the truck bed). We can help you calculate this at the dealership to ensure safety.

7. What is a "Toy Hauler"?

A toy hauler is an RV (travel trailer or fifth wheel) that features a garage area with a ramp door in the rear. It is designed to transport motorcycles, ATVs, or golf carts. The garage area often converts into extra living or sleeping space when the toys are removed.

8. Can I trade in my current RV?

Yes! At Recreation USA, we accept trade-ins. We will evaluate your current RV based on its age, condition, market demand, and NADA value.

9. Do you sell used RVs?

Yes, we carry a selection of pre-owned inventory. All used units undergo a safety inspection to ensure systems like propane, electrical, and water are functioning correctly before sale.

10. What is the best time of year to buy an RV?

Fall and Winter are often great times to buy as dealerships look to clear out current year inventory to make room for new models. However, we offer competitive "Internet Pricing" year-round.

11. Do you offer delivery if I can't pick it up?

Yes, we can arrange delivery of your new RV to your home or a campground. Delivery fees vary based on distance. Please ask your sales representative for a quote.

Category 2: Financing & Insurance

12. How much of a down payment is typically required?

Most lenders look for 10% to 20% down. However, for well-qualified buyers with excellent credit, we sometimes have programs that require zero or very low down payments.

13. How long are RV loan terms?

Because RVs are often larger investments than cars, loan terms are longer to keep monthly payments affordable. Terms typically range from 10 to 15 years, and can even go up to 20 years for loans over $50,000.

14. Is RV interest tax-deductible?

In many cases, yes. The IRS often considers an RV a "second home" if it has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities. You may be able to deduct the interest on your loan. We recommend consulting a tax professional for your specific situation.

15. Can I get financing if I have bad credit?

We work with a variety of lenders who specialize in different credit profiles. While a higher credit score yields better rates, we do have options for "challenging" credit situations.

16. How does RV insurance differ from auto insurance?

RV insurance covers unique risks like "vacation liability" (if someone gets hurt at your campsite), personal effects (your clothes and gear inside), and full replacement cost options. Standard auto policies rarely offer this level of protection.

17. Do I need insurance before I drive off the lot?

Yes, you must provide proof of insurance before taking possession of the RV. We can recommend insurance providers who specialize in RV coverage.

18. What is GAP insurance?

Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) covers the difference between what you owe on your loan and what the insurance company pays out if your RV is totaled or stolen. It prevents you from being "upside down" on a loan for an RV you no longer have.

19. Do you offer extended warranties?

Yes, we offer Extended Service Contracts that cover mechanical breakdowns after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. These are highly recommended as RV repairs can be costly.

Category 3: Towing & Setup

20. What is a Weight Distribution Hitch?

A weight distribution hitch spreads the tongue weight of the trailer across the axles of both the tow vehicle and the trailer. This keeps your truck level, improves steering control, and is essential for towing travel trailers over 5,000 lbs.

21. What is "Sway Control"?

Sway control is a device (often integrated into the hitch) that uses friction to prevent the trailer from swaying side-to-side due to wind or passing semi-trucks.

22. Do I need a brake controller?

Yes. Most travel trailers and fifth wheels have electric brakes. A brake controller is a device installed in your truck that sends a signal to the trailer brakes when you step on the truck's brake pedal. Many modern trucks have this factory-installed; if not, we can install one for you.

23. How do I level my RV?

You should use leveling blocks under the tires to get the RV level side-to-side before unhitching. Front-to-back leveling is done using the tongue jack or landing gear. Many modern RVs now come with auto-leveling systems that do this with the push of a button.

24. Can I tow a boat behind my fifth wheel?

This is called "triple towing." It is legal in some states but illegal in others (including many on the East Coast). It also requires a specific license class in some jurisdictions. Check the laws for every state you plan to travel through.

25. What are "slide-outs"?

Slide-outs are sections of the RV wall that extend outward to increase interior living space. They are operated hydraulically or electrically. Always ensure you have enough clearance outside the RV before extending them.

Category 4: RV Systems & Operation

26. What is the difference between 30-amp and 50-amp service?

30-amp service is standard for smaller RVs and typically supports one air conditioner. 50-amp service provides significantly more power and is necessary for larger RVs with two or three air conditioners. You can use an adapter to plug a 50-amp RV into a 30-amp pedestal, but you will be limited on how many appliances you can run simultaneously.

27. How does the refrigerator work while I am driving?

Most RV refrigerators are "two-way" (gas/electric). When you are driving, you can switch it to "Auto" or "Gas" mode to run off your propane tanks. 12-volt residential style fridges run off the battery bank, which is charged by your truck while towing.

28. What is a "Grey Tank" vs. a "Black Tank"?

The Grey Tank holds water from your sinks and shower. The Black Tank holds waste from the toilet. Always dump the black tank first, then the grey tank to help flush out the sewer hose.

29. How often do I need to dump the tanks?

This depends on usage and tank size. A family of four typically fills tanks in 2-4 days. You should only dump the black tank when it is at least 2/3 full to ensure gravity creates enough force to pull all solids out.

30. Do I need a generator?

If you plan to camp where there are no electrical hookups ("boondocking"), you will need a generator to run 110v appliances like the air conditioner, microwave, and TV. The battery will only run lights and the water pump.

31. How do I get hot water?

Your RV has a water heater that runs on propane, electricity, or both. For the fastest recovery (hottest water), turn on both the gas and electric switches simultaneously.

32. What is "Winterizing"?

Winterizing is the process of removing water from the RV’s plumbing system and replacing it with non-toxic RV antifreeze to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during cold months.

33. Can I use my RV in the winter?

Yes, but most RVs are not "four-season" ready by default. You may need heated hoses, tank heaters, and skirting to prevent freezing. Some models come with "Arctic Packages" that include better insulation and enclosed underbellies.

34. What maintenance does the roof need?

You should inspect your RV roof seals (lap sealant) every 90 days. If you see cracking or peeling, you must reseal it immediately to prevent water damage. Water damage is the #1 enemy of RVs.

Category 5: Service & Warranty

35. Does Recreation USA have a service department?

Yes, we have a full-service center staffed with certified technicians to handle warranty work, repairs, and routine maintenance.

36. What is covered under the Manufacturer's Warranty?

Most new RVs come with a 1-year limited "bumper-to-bumper" warranty and sometimes a longer structural warranty (e.g., 3 years). This covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover routine maintenance or damage from neglect.

37. Can I get my RV serviced at any dealership?

While you can go to other dealers, priority is almost always given to customers who bought from that specific dealership. We highly recommend servicing your RV where you bought it for the fastest turnaround.

38. How often should I repack my wheel bearings?

We recommend repacking wheel bearings every 12 months or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Failure to do this can lead to axle failure on the highway.

39. My slide-out is stuck. What do I do?

Check your battery first; a low battery is the most common cause. If the battery is full, look for the manual override (usually a crank or a nut on the motor) to bring the slide in manually so you can get to the service center.

40. Why does my RV smell like rotten eggs?

This is usually a sign of a propane leak. Turn off the propane at the tanks immediately, open windows, evacuate the RV, and do not use any electrical switches. Call a technician. (Note: A failing battery can also smell like sulfur, so check your battery box too).

41. Why is my water pressure low?

Check the campground spigot first. If that is fine, check your water filter (it may be clogged) or the screen on your city water inlet.

Category 6: Recreation USA Specifics & Closing

42. Where is Recreation USA located?

We are located in Longs, SC, conveniently serving the Myrtle Beach area and beyond.

43. Do you charge "Hidden Fees"?

We pride ourselves on transparency. We will clearly outline the price, tax, title, and any documentation fees. We do not tack on surprise "prep fees" or "freight fees" at the last minute.

44. Can I sleep in my RV on your lot before I leave?

We often allow customers to stay for a "shakedown" night on our lot or at a nearby partner campground to ensure everything is working perfectly before they head home. Ask your sales rep for details.

45. Do you offer RV storage?

Please contact our office for current availability on RV storage solutions.

46. What brands do you carry?

Our inventory changes frequently, but we typically stock top brands like Forest River, Keystone, Palomino, and more. Check our "New Inventory" page for the latest list.

47. Can I order a custom RV?

Yes! If you don't see the exact floor plan or features you want, we can order a unit directly from the manufacturer for you.

48. Do you provide a "walk-through" orientation?

Absolutely. We will never let you leave the lot without a certified technician showing you exactly how to operate your slides, awnings, tanks, and hitch. This usually takes 1-2 hours.

49. Is there a referral program?

We appreciate your business! Ask our sales manager about our referral program rewards for sending friends and family our way.

50. What happens if I have a problem while traveling?

If you have an Extended Service Contract, many include 24/7 roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage. You can call the support number provided in your paperwork to find the nearest authorized service center.

51. Why should I buy from Recreation USA?

We are a locally focused dealership that prioritizes relationships over transactions. We offer competitive pricing, a transparent buying process, and a service team dedicated to keeping you on the road. We don't just sell RVs; we sell the lifestyle.

Connect with us!