Buying Your First RV in Idaho? Here's Everything You Need to Know.

What Are the Different Types of RVs, and Which One Fits My Life?

If you've started browsing RV dealer lots around Boise and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, you're not alone. Most first-time buyers walk in knowing they want "an RV" but don't realize there are six fundamentally different kinds, each built for a different type of traveler.

Here's the honest breakdown, the way a Treasure Valley dealer would explain it to you over coffee:

Travel Trailers

The most popular choice for first-time buyers in Idaho, and for good reason. Travel trailers are towable, come in every size from 16 to 38 feet, and work with a standard hitch on the back of your truck or SUV. They range from ultra-lightweight couples' rigs under 3,500 pounds to family bunkhouse models with outdoor kitchens. Because you unhitch at camp, your truck is free for day trips, which matters when you're exploring places like Idaho's state parks and forest roads.

Fifth Wheels

Think of a fifth wheel as a travel trailer's bigger, more stable sibling. It connects with a special hitch mounted in your truck bed (you'll need a 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup). The trade-off is worth it: fifth wheels tow more smoothly because the weight sits over the rear axle, and you get significantly more living space, including raised front bedrooms and tall ceilings. They're the top pick for extended trips, snowbirds, and anyone considering full-time RV living in Idaho.

Toy Haulers

If your weekends involve dirt bikes at Idaho City, ATVs in the Owyhees, or kayaks on the Payette, a toy hauler is purpose-built for you. The rear garage section drops down into a ramp, and when your toys are unloaded, it converts into extra living space or a patio. Available as both travel trailers and fifth wheels.

Class A Motorhomes

The largest option, built on a bus or truck chassis. You drive it like a large vehicle, and many owners tow a small car behind for errands at camp. Class A's are ideal for long-distance touring, full-timing, and people who want a true "home on wheels" experience. They're the most expensive option but offer the most living space.

Class B Camper Vans

Built on a cargo van chassis (think Mercedes Sprinter or Ram ProMaster), these are the most nimble option. You can park them anywhere a van fits, which makes them excellent for Idaho backcountry access and exploring mountain towns. The trade-off is limited interior space. They're best for solo travelers and couples who prefer to spend most of their time outdoors.

Class C Motorhomes

The "Goldilocks" of motorhomes, built on a truck chassis with a distinctive overcab sleeping area. Easier to drive than a Class A, more livable than a Class B. Many Idaho families start here because they offer good sleeping capacity, are relatively easy to handle on mountain roads, and don't require a separate tow vehicle.

How Much Does an RV Actually Cost in Idaho?

The sticker price is just the beginning. Idaho first-time buyers are often surprised by the true cost of RV ownership, so let's lay it all out honestly.

Purchase Price

A brand-new travel trailer suitable for a family of four typically starts around $28,000-$35,000 at most Boise-area dealers. A quality used one in good condition can be found for $12,000-$22,000. Entry-level pop-up campers and A-frames start under $15,000 new. On the other end, a new Class A diesel pusher can run $300,000 or more.

Idaho Sales Tax

Idaho charges 6% sales tax on RV purchases. On a $40,000 travel trailer, that's $2,400. If you trade in a vehicle at an Idaho dealer, the trade-in value is subtracted before tax is calculated, which can save you a significant amount. If you purchased from an out-of-state dealer, you'll owe this when you title and register in Idaho.

Registration and Title Fees

Idaho requires both a title ($14 plus county admin fees) and an annual RV registration sticker. The RV sticker fee is based on market value: $8.50 for the first $1,000, then $5 per additional $1,000 of assessed value. Motorhomes use a 50% valuation factor, so a $100,000 motorhome is assessed at $50,000 for the RV fee. A $40,000 travel trailer costs roughly $204 for the first year's RV sticker, decreasing as it depreciates. Motorhomes also pay standard vehicle registration based on age ($65-$92).

The Costs Most People Forget

Budget for these annual expenses on top of your payment:

Use our Idaho RV Purchase Estimator to get a detailed breakdown of your out-the-door cost including Idaho sales tax, RV program fees, title, registration, and dealer fees. It also estimates monthly payments at current rates.

Can My Truck or SUV Actually Tow an RV?

This is the question that should come before you fall in love with a specific trailer, but most first-time buyers do it backwards. Here's how to get it right.

Every vehicle has a maximum tow rating set by the manufacturer. But your real-world safe towing capacity is lower than that number, because you have to account for passengers, cargo, tongue weight, and gear. A good rule of thumb used by experienced Boise dealers: keep your loaded trailer weight at 80% or less of your truck's max tow rating for comfortable, safe towing, especially on Idaho mountain passes where altitude and grades take a toll.

Common Tow Vehicles and What They'll Pull

Keep in mind that GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is different from dry weight. The dry weight on a spec sheet doesn't include water, propane, food, clothes, or gear. A travel trailer listed at 5,200 lbs dry weight could easily weigh 6,800 lbs loaded for a trip. Always use GVWR for your calculations, not dry weight.

Should I Buy New or Used for My First RV?

This is one of the most debated questions in the RV world, and the honest answer is: it depends on your budget, your mechanical confidence, and how much hand-holding you want from a dealer.

The Case for Buying New

A new RV comes with a manufacturer's warranty (typically 1-2 years on the structure, 3 years on appliances), and you know exactly what you're getting. You can choose your floorplan, colors, and options. Dealers like Bish's RV and Camping World Meridian offer extensive walk-throughs for new buyers where they teach you every system before you leave the lot. For nervous first-timers, that warranty safety net and dealer support is genuinely valuable.

The Case for Buying Used

RVs depreciate fast. A 3-year-old travel trailer often sells for 30-40% less than its original price. You can get significantly more RV for your money. Dealers like Leisureland RV and Uncharted Recreation are known for inspecting and reconditioning their used inventory. A used RV from a reputable Boise dealer is a very different experience than buying from a stranger on Craigslist. You still get a dealer inspection, often a limited warranty, and financing options.

The Smart First-Timer Move

Many experienced RVers, and honest dealers, will tell you: your first RV probably won't be your last. You'll learn what you actually need versus what you thought you needed after a season of camping. That's a strong argument for buying a quality used RV for your first rig, using it for a year or two, then upgrading with confidence. You'll lose less to depreciation, and you'll make a much smarter second purchase.

Which RV Is Best for Families? Couples? Boondocking?

The "best" RV depends entirely on how you camp. Here are the most common profiles we see in the Boise market and what works for each:

Best for Families with Kids

A bunkhouse travel trailer (28-33 ft) gives kids their own sleeping area in the rear while parents get a front bedroom with a door. Look for models with an outdoor kitchen, which keeps the mess outside and doubles your cooking space. Brands like Jayco Jay Flight, Keystone Bullet, and Forest River Wildwood are popular at Boise dealers and offer multiple bunkhouse floorplans under $40K new. Bish's RV, Bretz RV & Marine, and Camping World typically carry the widest family-oriented inventory.

Best for Couples and Weekend Warriors

A lightweight travel trailer (18-24 ft) or a Class B camper van keeps things simple. Shorter trailers are easier to tow, easier to back into campsites, and cost less to store. Couples don't need bunks. Look for rear-bath or rear-kitchen floorplans with a single slide for extra room. Happy Camper RV Sales and Leisureland RV carry a strong selection of compact trailers and A-frames.

Best for Boondocking and Off-Grid Idaho Camping

If you're heading to BLM land near the Bruneau Dunes, dispersed camping off Highway 21, or forest roads in the Boise National Forest, you need an RV designed for self-sufficiency: solar panels, lithium batteries, larger fresh water tanks, and a shorter wheelbase for tight roads. Look at overlanding trailers, pop-up truck campers, or off-road-rated travel trailers. Leisureland RV carries MDC and other off-road-focused brands not found at the bigger chain dealers.

Best for Snowbirds and Extended Travel

A fifth wheel or Class A motorhome gives you the residential-style space you need for weeks or months on the road. Insulated underbellies, washer/dryer hookups, and full residential refrigerators matter when you're living in your rig full-time. Dennis Dillon RV and Bretz RV & Marine carry the higher-end brands like Keystone Montana, Grand Design Solitude, and Alliance Paradigm that are built for extended use.

What Should Idaho Buyers Think About That Other States Don't?

Buying an RV in Idaho isn't the same as buying one in Florida. The terrain, climate, and camping culture here create specific requirements that generic "RV buying guides" on national sites won't cover.

Mountain Passes and Altitude

Idaho camping means towing on steep grades. Highway 21 to Idaho City, Highway 55 over Horseshoe Bend Hill, Highway 75 to the Sawtooths: these are real mountain roads. Your engine works harder at altitude, your brakes work harder on descents, and wind through canyons can push a tall RV around. This is why the "stay at 80% of your max tow rating" advice matters even more here than in flatland states. A transmission cooler and trailer brake controller are essentials, not optional add-ons.

Four-Season Capability (and the Winter Question)

"Four-season RV" is one of the most misleading terms in the industry. Very few RVs are genuinely built for sustained cold below 20 degrees. In Idaho, what you actually need depends on your camping season. If you're a May-through-October camper, any RV works fine. If you want to camp near McCall in January or attend winter rallies, look for enclosed underbellies, heated tanks, dual-pane windows, and a furnace rated for the square footage. Ask the dealer specifically: "What's the lowest temperature this RV is rated for?"

Storage Matters Here

Most Boise-area RV owners store their rig for 4-6 months of winter. That means winterization is mandatory. Pipes freeze and crack if you skip it. Budget for both storage costs and professional winterization (or learn to do it yourself). Some dealers, like Bish's RV, offer free annual winterization for customers who purchased from them. Ask about this before you buy.

What Should I Look for When I Visit a Boise RV Dealer?

Walking onto a dealer lot for the first time can feel intimidating. Here's what to pay attention to, and what to ask, so you walk away informed instead of pressured.

Questions to Ask Every Dealer

"What is the total out-the-door price?" This should include prep, PDI (pre-delivery inspection), documentation fees, and any dealer-installed items. Some dealers advertise low base prices but add thousands in "market adjustment" or mandatory accessory packages. Ask for the full breakdown in writing. Our Idaho RV Purchase Estimator can help you sanity-check the numbers before you walk in.

"What does your post-sale service look like?" The dealer relationship doesn't end at the sale. Ask about service wait times, warranty work turnaround, and whether they have a dedicated RV service department. Our dealer comparison page breaks down service ratings for every major Boise dealer.

"Can I do a full walk-through before I sign?" Every reputable dealer should demonstrate every system: water, electric, propane, slides, leveling, awning, appliances. If a dealer rushes you past the walk-through, that's a red flag.

"What do I need to know about towing this specific unit with my vehicle?" A good dealer will look up your vehicle's tow rating and confirm compatibility. A great dealer will also discuss weight distribution hitches, brake controllers, and Idaho-specific towing considerations.

The 5 Stages of Buying Your First RV

Every first-time buyer goes through roughly the same journey. Understanding where you are helps you make better decisions at each step.

Quick Answers to Common First-Timer Questions