How to rent an RV for your next vacation

Did you know that RV stands for recreational vehicle? The name itself suggests that these vehicles aren’t strictly intended for elderly people looking to have some fun in their retirement days. Instead, we believe that the best thing about RVs is the freedom they give you, which goes hand in hand with the nomadic lifestyle we adore so much.

However, instead of buying one immediately, we would suggest you look into renting at first. This way, you’ll know whether the RV life is truly for you before making a long-term commitment. In this article, we will go over the details regarding RV rentals, and briefly explain the essentials you should know about. Let us begin!

Determine your budget

People sometimes think that RV renting is dirt cheap, but that’s not exactly the case. Depending on the class of the vehicle, the costs can mount up fairly quickly. Furthermore, rental fees are only one part of the equation. You also need to think about the gas costs, parking fees and the maintenance costs you might run into along the way.

Take good care of your vehicle, even though it’s a rental, because you wouldn’t want to end up being stranded miles away from everyone, in an RV that won’t start. Most people go for the cheapest RV available, only to end up spending even more money trying to reach their destination. Plan in advance and stick to your budget as much as possible.

Don’t forget about the RV fees

Prior to even leaving the parking lot, you’ll have to leave a deposit up front, which fluctuates depending on the value of the caper you’ve chosen. Insurance is another must-have, as you never know what trouble might find you on the road. Naturally, if your plan revolves around leaving the state you’re in, some additional fees will probably be applied.

If you’re being serious about your trip, and you want to head out into the wilderness, also consider renting a generator, as well as some kitchenware and propane. Most companies that deal with RV renting have this service in place, and if you ask nicely, might also give you a significant discount as well.

Where can you rent them?

Peer-to-peer rentals have skyrocketed in popularity in recent times. With thousands of models to choose from, it might just be your best place to start.

Naturally, in case you want to be on the safer side, you can always go to one of the companies that specialize in RV rentals. Just be prepared to pay bigger fees in case you choose this route.

There are 3 types of RVs

Motor homes can be divided into three classes, A, B and C. In case you’re a first time renter, we wouldn’t recommend that you select a Class A vehicle, just because of its huge size and the fact that it can be rather difficult to park. Class C vehicles are a bit smaller in size, but offer a lot of the same qualities, only for a smaller price. Naturally, they are not as luxurious as the aforementioned option.

Finally, Class B vehicles are the smallest of the bunch, and are pretty much ideal for two passengers. These small vans are easily maneuverable, tend to have better gas mileage compared to the competition, and are a lot cheaper to rent.

Find some friends to come along

Living on the road can be extremely fun, but it’s even better if you have someone you can share it with. Not to mention that the costs of renting an RV go way down when split two or three ways. However, make sure you choose a proper vehicle that meets your expectations. You really cannot fit an entire family into a B Class RV, that’s for sure! Similarly, you wouldn’t want to spend big money on huge A Class vans, in case you’re traveling alone or with your partner. Some planning in advance is required, but we have no doubt that you’ll have plenty of fun, no matter which option you choose!