Whether you are contemplating an RV
purchase or an RV
lifestyle, it's critical that you know what you are
getting
into. As fulltime RVers, did a lot of research
before we jumped
in. We really talked through what we wanted, and
took steps to
"try it on for size" before we made major decisions.
Renting an
RV was one of these trial techniques.
RV Rentals are a great way to travel by RV without
actually
owning one. You can vacation, see new places and
learn more
about your RV lifestyle firsthand. It's a good idea
to rent an
RV before you buy.
Here are some tips for renting an RV:
Plan where you want to go. Consider places you want
to see, and
how much time you have. Depending on season and
popularity of
your destination, you may need to make campground
reservations.
Decide on the right mix of travel time and stopping
time. We
suggest you allow some "down" time with no
particular agenda.
Moving everyday or constantly driving long
distances, leaves
little time to relax or fully explore your
destinations.
Remember the interests of everyone going on the
trip. Perhaps
you have a mental picture of enjoying the great
outdoors,
fishing in peaceful solitude. You envision
old-fashioned good
times and bringing the family closer together.
Before you get
too carried away...make sure the rest of the family
is on the
same wavelength. Otherwise, your trip will be less
than ideal.
Consider the type of RV you want to rent. If you can
rent a
model that is similar to one you are considering for
your RV
lifestyle, your "trial" will be more realistic. Most
RV Rental
companies rent motorhomes. Class C "cab over"
motorhomes are
typical, but smaller class B (camper vans) and
larger Class A
motorhome rentals are often part of the line-up.
Pop-ups (tent campers) can be rented from many
places. Towable
fifth wheels and trailers may not be as prevalent,
but can be
found at a growing number of companies.
And many companies rent RV units designed to tow
large gear
(some brand names include Fun Mover, Toy Hauler and
Raptor),
which have space in the back of the unit for
motorcycles, ATVs,
golf carts, maybe equipment or inventory you use in
a job on the
road. More lifestyle choices!
Research RV Rental Locations: Are you going to rent
near your
home? Or will you travel to a pick up location?
What are you going to bring? This might make a
difference in
where you go, as well as where to rent. Note that
many RV rental
companies rent RV livability packages -- which
include kitchen
utensils, pots and pans, linens, towels, and the
like. Some also
rent bicycles, folding chairs and grills. And some
RV rental
companies accommodate fly/drive renters by providing
helpful
transportation from a nearby airport.
Will you need a separate car? If you do, ask your RV
rental
company if they allow you to tow one behind the
motorhome --
some companies do not permit towing, or have limited
liability.
If you do tow a car with a rented motorhome (or it's
your
car/truck towing the rented RV), educate yourself on
weight
limits and safe towing equipment. If your RV rental
agency
allows towing, they should be able to help you.
Compare -- Collect some price quotes and start
comparing. Note
what you are getting with each quote, and add in
additional
expenses you will incur, so that you have an
apples-to-apples
comparison.
Compare the things you care about:
Can you tow a car for day trips?
Does the RV rental firm allow pets?
What mileage is included? Add in
your estimated fuel expenses.
Are insurance costs included? What is covered?
What's the deductible?
Is there optional coverage
available?
Check your personal insurance policy to avoid paying
for
coverage you may already have.
What is the deposit and deposit
return policy?
Are there prep, cleaning or other
additional fees?
What type of air conditioning and
heating?
Is there a generator? Do you care?
How big is the rental RV? Does it
have slide- outs? It's good to have adequate space
for the number of people traveling.
How many does it sleep
comfortably?
Is a TV, VCR, or Tape/CD player
included? And so on.
Read the rental agreement before you book the
reservation, and
make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
Make sure you know the refueling policy for the
return, so you
don't have any surprise costs at the end of your
wonderful trip.
Pay close attention to the walkthrough of the RV.
Your rental
company should spend sufficient time with you to
explain how
everything works. They should run through things
like hooking up
at a campsite, starting the generator, how to use
appliances,
and everything else in the RV. Take notes, ask
questions, ask to
have things repeated. Know where to find the manuals
on various
components.
Have the phone number(s) for the RV rental dealer,
including a
number to use in emergencies.
If you have questions or need a bit of help on the
road, just
ask a fellow RVer. If you have never been RVing, the
one thing
that is sure to stand out is just how friendly and
helpful "RV
people" are.
Copyright 2005
Your
RV Lifestyle, all rights reserved. Reprinted
with permission.
Publication is permitted provided the resource
information at
the end of the article remains intact, and links are
live.
Please notify the author via the Contact Us form at http://www.your-rv-lifest
yle.com, providing a link to the location of
the article, or
a copy of the newsletter.
About the author:
Jill is the editor of www.your-rv-lifestyle.com
, where you can find more
advice for choosing, affording and
enjoying your RV lifestyle.
