Buying an RV? Expert Tips from PJ at Princess Craft RV

## Buying an RV? Here’s What Every First-Time Buyer Needs to Know Before You Sign the Papers Buying your first RV is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Should you buy new or used? How much can your vehicle safely tow? Are dealer prep fees normal? And how do you know if you’re buying the *right* camper for the way you actually travel? Those are exactly the questions we tackle in our latest Girl Camper Podcast episode with **PJ Brueger**, owner of Princess Craft RV and the newest member of the Girl Camper community. With nearly 30 years of experience helping campers find the right RV, PJ shares practical, honest advice that can save you money, reduce stress, and help you buy with confidence. Whether you’re just starting your RV journey or thinking about trading up, this episode is packed with information you’ll wish you knew before walking onto a dealership lot. **Prefer to watch?** You can also catch the full interview on the Girl Camper YouTube channel, where Lesa and PJ dive even deeper into the RV buying process. https://youtu.be/ERavLwxpD5Y ## What You’ll Learn in This Episode Instead of focusing on sales pitches, this conversation is all about helping buyers make smart decisions. Some of the topics we cover include: - The biggest mistakes first-time RV buyers make - How to know if a dealership is really working for you - Why asking the right questions matters just as much as getting the right answers - New vs. used RVs and how to decide which is the better value - Understanding dealer prep fees and what they should actually cover - When negotiating makes sense and when it doesn’t - The best times of year to shop for an RV - Why your towing capacity isn’t as simple as the number in your owner’s manual - What support you should expect after you drive your new RV home - PJ’s advice specifically for women buying their first camper ## One Piece of Advice That Really Stood Out One of PJ’s best tips had nothing to do with RVs. Before you start shopping, **pull out your calendar.** Instead of buying for the trip you *might* take someday, buy for the trips you’re actually planning during the next year. It’s easy to imagine grandkids joining every weekend or month-long adventures across the country. The reality is often much different. Buying the RV that fits your real camping lifestyle today usually leads to a much happier ownership experience than buying for “what if.” It’s simple advice, but it completely changes how you evaluate floorplans, storage, sleeping arrangements, and tow vehicles. ## Towing: Don’t Just Trust the Brochure Another highlight of the episode is PJ’s explanation of RV weights. Many buyers rely on brochure weights or assume that if their vehicle is rated to tow 5,000 pounds, they should shop for a 5,000-pound trailer. In reality, there are several different weight ratings that matter, including dry weight, cargo capacity, tongue weight, and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). PJ also explains why looking at the actual weight sticker on the RV is much more accurate than relying on brochure specifications. It’s one of those details that can make a big difference in how safely and comfortably you tow. ## Why Your Dealership Matters One message came through loud and clear: **You’re not just buying an RV. You’re choosing a dealership relationship.** A good dealership doesn’t disappear after the sale. They answer your questions. They walk you through your camper. They help you when something isn’t working. They pick up the phone after you’ve left the lot. PJ encourages buyers to read reviews, ask questions, and choose a dealer they trust, even if that means driving a little farther to make the purchase. ## About PJ Brueger and Princess Craft RV PJ Brueger has owned Princess Craft RV for nearly three decades and has built a reputation for specializing in lightweight travel trailers, teardrops, truck campers, and many of the smaller RVs that are especially popular with solo travelers and couples. She also hosts the popular RV Small Talk podcast and produces some of the industry’s most detailed RV walkthrough videos. If you’re shopping for a new RV and live in Texas, or you’re willing to travel for the right dealership experience, Princess Craft RV has locations in: - Round Rock (Austin area) - Katy (Houston area) They also work with customers across the country and offer RV delivery options, making it easier to purchase the camper you really want, even if it’s not close to home. ## Thank You to Our Sponsors A special thank you to the sponsors who make the Girl Camper Podcast possible. RV Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding helps campers upgrade one of the most overlooked parts of any RV: the mattress. Their custom RV mattresses are available in dozens of sizes, heights, and firmness levels, helping you sleep better wherever the road takes you. Use code GIRLCAMPER at check out to receive 30% off any of their mattresses. We’re also grateful to Progressive Insurance for supporting this episode and helping RV owners protect their adventures with specialized RV insurance coverage. Check them out for all your insurance needs. ## Listen or Watch the Full Episode Whether you’re buying your very first camper or thinking about your next upgrade, this conversation is full of practical advice you can use before you step onto a dealership lot. 🎧 **Listen to the Girl Camper Podcast** on your favorite podcast platform. 📺 **Watch the full interview** on the Girl Camper YouTube channel to hear all of PJ’s stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insights. And if you enjoy the episode, we’d love it if you’d subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another camper who’s dreaming about their next RV adventure.