Take control of your vacation with an RV rental that allows you to stop when and where you want. Whether you’re planning your journey in a camper van, travel trailer or a Class A motorhome, having a terrific RV vacation starts with the planning. Everything from the route to take to what snacks to pack must be included in the planning process, but one of the first items to top the list should be selecting the right RV rental company.
RV Rental Agency Customer Service
The best RV rental companies in the USA prioritize customer service just as much as they do the quality of their vehicles. Excellent customer service upfront means you are able to quickly and effectively find answers to your questions and to book your RV rental. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll be assured that you can reach help in case you encounter problems; when planning your RV rental, ask the RV company representative about emergency support and services offered.
Motor Home Selection from the Best RV Rental Companies
RVs are classed based on their size and the number of passengers that can be comfortably accommodated, but not all rental companies will have all classes and features you may want available. Most motorhomes range from 15 feet to 40 feet long, and they can sleep up to seven passengers, although some options can accommodate 10 or more. Before you find an RV rental business, it is a good idea to know what size you need and what features you simply cannot do without.
Class A motorhomes are some of the largest available. Measuring up to 40 feet in length, these vehicles can sleep five to seven people and most resemble a conventional home. Most contain a kitchen, a living room, bedrooms and a bathroom.
Class B RVs are among the smaller types of all-in-one RVs, often called camper vans. They measure 15 feet in length, and two passengers can comfortably travel in these compact motorhomes.
Units also include a hidden bed in order to allow two additional guests overnight accommodations. Often the least expensive option, Class B motorhomes can park in smaller spaces and can be more comfortable to drive for new RVers.
Class C motorhomes measure about 30 feet in length. They can sleep five to seven people, but not as luxuriously as a Class A unit. Because they are somewhat smaller and can have fewer amenities, these motorhomes can make a great mid-range choice.
Travel trailers and fifth wheel trailers provide additional RV rental options, but these choices require you to have a vehicle with a trailer hitch and enough horsepower to tow it. On the upside, with one of these models, you’ll be driving your own vehicle, with your knowledge and comfort about handling, gas mileage and maintenance. You’ll maintain the highest level of control against mechanical problems.
RV Rental Business Amenities and Extras
Beyond deciding on the class of RV you want to rent, you should have a good idea of the additional features you need to survive your trip in style. Do you want leather seats and air conditioning throughout the unit, a fully operational kitchen with appliances and cabinetry or an entertainment system with flat-screen TVs? Other details to consider are how many people you need to seat, whether you need a washer and dryer and if you are planning on taking pets along for the ride.
Comparison Shopping for an RV Rental Company
Once you have an idea of what type of vehicle you want to rent, you can start comparison shopping. It is important to compare similar RVs with the same amenities in order to get the greatest understanding of how you can save and which amenities or schedules provide the greatest costs or benefits. You could go for the largest RV rental company in the USA to find a wide selection of vehicles available, or you could opt for a peer-to-peer rental on a large website to make a personal connection and benefit from extra cost savings.
Peer-to-peer websites also allow you to comparison shop between individual models, easily and instantly. You can browse through the different types of RVs available near your destination and learn more about each of the options available, from pricing to amenities and extras.
RV Rental Companies in the USA
There are different contracts and processes when you work with different RV rental companies in the USA. Make sure you read your contract carefully and know all the terms because it is a binding legal document. While one company may charge a flat rate per day, the next may charge a flat rate plus mileage.
Your agreement should also include the condition in which the motorhome should be returned in order to receive a full refund of the deposit, but, in general, you should expect to return the vehicle damage-free and clean. This may mean taking time to clean the carpets before returning. The pick-up and drop-off times are likely to vary as well, and this can mean an additional day of rental if you want to leave early or return late.
Some RV rental companies also offer one-way rentals, which make them a great option if you are moving or plan to travel home by plane. Additionally, ask the companies you inquire with whether it is cheaper to drop off the RV at one location over another.
RV Rental Agency Reputation
Whenever doing business with a new company, reputation is a good indicator as to how well your own experience with the RV rental agency will go. Look for a company that can offer quick replacement or service in the event of a malfunction, or opt for a personalized option and check your roadside assistance package. In most cases, either a company that is local to where you are traveling or a nationally recognized business could help you in case of difficulties, or you could work with your insurance or automobile association membership plan.
When you have completed your homework and gathered your quotes, you can then reserve an RV with the confidence that your friends and family will reap the benefits of your labors on your great RV vacation. Be prepared to enjoy America on the open road as you take charge of your vacation with RV travel.