You’ve seen big, beautiful RVs on the road. You’ve heard your friends, family members and neighbors bragging about long vacations they’ve taken to popular landmarks. You’ve probably even dreamed about disconnecting from your ordinary life for a few days or weeks to take the road trip of a lifetime. What you may not have done yet is looked into just how easy and affordable it can be to rent an RV these days.
It’s time to discover the best tips and tricks for getting where you want to go in an RV that you love. Following just a few savvy suggestions can help you maximize your vacation time and enjoy a stress-free, fun trip to a destination of your choice.
RV Rental Tips
What are some of the best tips for renting an RV? The importance of picking an RV that actually fits your needs cannot be stressed enough. Don’t try to squeeze into an RV that’s too small for your family or that doesn’t have the features you need to enjoy life on the road.
One important tip is to splurge just a little bit to get an RV that has a kitchen if you’ll be on the road for more than a few days. Having the ability to store food and prepare quick meals from anywhere is such an advantage when you’re trying to cover a lot of miles on the road. You’ll be able to save time and money when your family can whip up easy meals and snacks without stopping at restaurants all the time.
While it’s important to make sure you have an RV with the right amount of room, it’s also important not to overdo things. You don’t want to choose a vehicle that’s simply too big for you if you’re not completely comfortable driving an RV on the road yet. There’s always the option to look for a smaller campervan or a trailer to help you enjoy more room without becoming overwhelmed by your responsibilities as a driver.
RV Rental USA Tips
There are some smart RV and campervan rental tips to follow if you’re heading to attractions located in the United States. Here are some things you should know:
- Campsite rates can be based on the size of the parking bay you need
- Quieter, shadier campsites can cost more
- You may be able to book a special space that allows for more maneuverability when entering and exiting with your RV
Some people pick out campgrounds simply by glancing at maps and choosing whatever happens to be in a convenient location along their driving route. However, you may want to do a bit more research to make sure a campground actually has the amenities you’ll need to feel comfortable. Be sure to look at photos and reviews before you book your campsite. You may be able to find a great campground with amazing views if you’re willing to drive just a few miles out of your way to get there.
Know The Differences in RV Rental Options
You wouldn’t book a flight without comparing airlines or reserve a hotel room without knowing about a hotel. However, many people simply jump at the first RV they see when looking for rentals. Do you know the difference between a Class B camper and a Class C motorhome? The truth is that you’re probably not ready to book your RV if you don’t know the styles and models that are actually available to renters. RVs can range from luxurious tour vans with flat-screen televisions and bars to modest folding trailers with simple awnings and loft sleeping areas. You can easily become familiar with the different options out there by browsing listings and taking virtual tours using your phone or computer.
Remember Your Entire Budget When you Go RVing
You’ll also want to make sure your budget includes everything that goes along with planning a road trip before you start booking reservations and making payments. While campgrounds are significantly cheaper than hotels, they aren’t free. A few weeks or months of staying at campgrounds can add up to a lot of money if you’re not careful. You should also try to estimate the cost of meals, gas, tolls and entry to attractions while creating your budget.
Of course, the biggest factor you’ll need to figure out is how much the total cost of your RV rental will be. You can usually find a very reasonable daily rate when booking an RV rental on a peer-to-peer website. Be sure to inquire about receiving a reduced daily rate if you book a long-term rental for more than two weeks.
It’s also smart to make sure you book your RV through an established rental agency that will offer you some support and protection. It may be tempting to book directly from owners using online ads or forums. However, this method leaves you vulnerable to scams or unfair contracts. You’ll also be on your own if you require some sort of assistance while you’re on the road with your rented RV. It’s far better to connect with owners by browsing listings on a peer-to-peer rental website because you’ll be provided with a secure payment method and around-the-clock roadside assistance.
First Time RV Rental Tips
Are you looking for motorhome rental tips for first-time renters? One of the most important things you can do as a first-time RV renter is to make a checklist. Here are some of the general items that can be very important when you’re driving, sleeping and living in an RV during a trip:
- A garbage can
- A laundry bag and detergent
- Extra drinking water for cooking purposes
- Indoor and outdoor cooking utensils
- A can opener
- Eating utensils, dishware and cups
- Ice chest or cooler
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Dish soap
- Blankets, linens, sleeping bags and pillows
- Towels, wash towels and dish towels
- Broom with dustpan
- Matches
- Extension cords
- Earplugs for passengers
- A rope to use as a clothesline
- Flashlights, headlamps and spare batteries
- A bristled doormat for the exterior of your RV
You may be able to use items you already have at home, borrow items from friends, purchase new items or simply ask the RV owner or dealer you’re renting from to charge you a small fee for an essentials package. The time to start making your list of essentials is long before you’re actually ready to pick up your RV and hit the road.