What To Look For When Renting An RV

There are a lot of reasons someone might consider using an RV for traveling.

An RV allows you to have control over your days, stopping when and where you want for as long as you want to stop there, resulting in greater flexibility as you travel.

In addition to this, an RV allows you the basic comforts you wouldn’t be able to get from an ordinary vehicle. You will be able to store clothing and food and avoid public washrooms. You will be able to cook your meals (and save money on eating at restaurants). It also can double as a comfortable place to sleep, helping you save money on hotels, or providing a place to rest if you’re far away from civilization.

The following will explore the various factors you need to keep in mind when choosing an RV to rent. There are countless options available when it comes to renting an RV and not all of them are going to be necessary or suitable for all trips and social groups. Of course, if you will be traveling with other people, make sure to get their input on the below decisions before you make them.

Understand Your Needs

Before you look into renting an RV, you’re going to need to have an idea of what your trip entails. How far will you be traveling and how many people will be coming with you?

What is the weather going to be like as you travel? What activities do you intend to participate in? Will you be parking in places without electrical hookups and, as a result, will need to rent a generator as well?

Make sure that you and your travel companions are aware of your needs before you begin looking to rent an RV. Some travelers are going to need more space than others. Some travelers are going to have health or dietary needs that will require extra storage space. Some travelers are going to use more water than you first realize.

It is also a good idea to discuss with everyone what the purpose of your trip is going to be. Why is everyone going on this trip? Do they have somewhere to be or are they just trying to get away from the bustle of their regular lives? Are they in it for the health benefits and so view the journey as the most important part? Or, are there specific sites they want to see?

It is also important to gain an understanding of everyone’s expectations about the trip. What does everyone expect as far as the ratio of time spent driving to time spent wandering on foot after the vehicle is parked? How often and for how long does everyone want to stop? Answering these questions will help you gain a better understanding of what you and your traveling companions need from the vehicle you rent.

Kind Of RV

You’re probably going to start by narrowing down what kind of RV you want to rent.

Most of the time, RVs available to rent fall into two broad categories. There are towable RVs which include travel trailers and fifth wheels. Travel trailers come in a variety of sizes (usually providing space for groups of three to six people) and can have kitchenettes and bathrooms. Fifth wheels are often bigger and have more add ons and extensions which make fitting bigger groups inside more comfortable.

The second type of RV is a motorized RV. This category can include Class A motor homes (which are the biggest and offer the most features). It can also include Class C motor homes which are smaller and often more affordable, while still having many features.

Size Of Your RV

This is one of the most important considerations.

You need to know that just because an RV says it sleeps five, this does not mean that it sleeps five comfortably. Make sure to take everyone who will be traveling with you to look at the RV. Get everyone to lie down and move about inside at the same time to get an idea of what you’re in for.

The size of the RV you rent will also be determined by your comfort as a driver (and the comfort of everyone else who will be driving). Whether you’re looking for a small RV to rent or a big one, make sure everyone who will be driving test drives the vehicle and is okay with parking it. Driving an RV is not the same thing as driving a car.

Additional Costs

You are likely aware of the initial cost of renting the RV and the amount you’re going to need to spend on gas as you travel. Beyond these costs, there are other financial elements you need to consider. Foremost, campgrounds often charge a parking or camping fee. In addition to the price of a place to park your RV overnight, you may need to purchase RV insurance. Often towable RVs are covered by your standard car insurance policies, but motorized RVs will likely require you to secure additional insurance. Depending on where you rent, there might be security deposits, taxes, and optional items to rent alongside the vehicle.

A road trip can be a life-changing experience that bonds you closer to those you’re traveling with. It can broaden your mind and give you a whole new understanding of a country and culture. Driving through a land lets you see how people really live, not just what is put on display for travelers at tourist destinations. You will be able to witness the full force and beauty of nature.

Of course, an RV is going to help you accomplish all of these aims by providing you with a place to sleep and somewhere to store your belongings. An RV is going to get you from one place to the next. This being said, an RV is not everything you need. Your mindset while road tripping is going to make all the difference. Try to give yourself time away from your electronic devices and keep your mind open to all of the possibilities.