An RV is more affordable than you might think, but it’s still a sizable investment. It makes sense that you’ll consider the ways to lower your monthly payment, and you should start by asking an RV expert about financing opportunities. However, if a friend or extended family member offers to share in the cost of the RV in order to share the motor vehicle for your separate vacations, consider the pros and cons of such an arrangement.

Can You Agree on the Model?

If both you and the other person interested in the RV have larger families, take a look at the spacious designs of the new fifth wheels for sale. If one of you has one or no children while the other has multiple, you might not be able to agree on the right size model. Having a spacious cabin is a plus even for those traveling without a large family, but that adds to the cost of the vehicle and your partner might not agree to split half of the cost. If you think it’s fair for the person who’ll use it less often or has a smaller family to pay a fraction of the cost, get your agreement in writing.

Who Will Own It?

It may be possible for both you and your partner to officially co-sign the loan for the RV, but it’ll probably have to be registered in one of your names. You can also have only one of you sign the loan and make an agreement that your partner will pay you directly on a regular basis. If your partner isn’t officially on the loan, though, he could stop making payments and it’d be difficult to go after him for them, so make sure you have everything in writing and approved by a lawyer. Whichever of you officially owns it has the potential to sell it off and pocket them money whenever you want, so the partner who’s just using it will probably not want to pay as much or will want her contribution protected in a contract.

Who Will Use It?

What if you both want to use the RV during the same week? (Particularly if you both have kids and a break from school is coming up?) It may be better for one of you to own and pay for the RV and for the other to pay you a rental fee when she uses it, and only when you’re not using it first.

If sharing the RV with another family is the only way you can justify the expense, it’s possible such an arrangement could work out for you. However, it’s also likely you’ll wind up arguing and breaking up a long-time friendship over miscommunications and late payments. Trust your gut when it comes to inviting someone else to co-opt your RV, as there are ways to afford it on your own with the help of an RV sales expert.