How To Rent an RV

Smelly hotel rooms. Hard beds. Carrying luggage in and out every day. Miles to drive to see the sights. Or…

Setting up a tent in the rain. Sleeping on the ground. Stashing your stuff in odd corners of a tiny tent. But the sights are right there, if you could straighten your aching back to look at them. Or…

Your own space. Your own beds. Your belongings stowed neatly for the length of your vacation. AND, the sights you came to see right at your doorstep.

Renting an RV can be comparable in price to staying in motels—and less then staying in higher-end lodges and resorts.

1. Decide where you’re going. You can save money on your rental by picking up your RV closer to your destination, not to mention the cost of gas to feed a larger engine than your daily driver. In many cases, large rental companies will let you pick up in one city, and drop off in another.
2. Count your passengers. Rental RVs are sized by the number of people they can accommodate in berths (beds). Some of those beds have a secret identity by day as dinettes or couches. The more people in your group, the larger RV you will require. And note that the RV will magically shrink if you’re all stuck inside on a rainy day, so either be prepared for coziness or go a little bigger.
3. If possible, try one on for size. If you’ve never RVed, take an afternoon to see what typical RVs are like. You can go to a local dealer, or go to a regional RV show. If possible, take everyone you’ll be traveling with, close the door and pretend you’ll be spending a lot of time in there (it always rains on my vacation). Knowing the suitable types and sizes of RVs will help once you start your search.
4. Go online and get some prices. You can search using your favorite search engine, using terms like “RV rental” combined with the name of the city or destination you plan to visit. Alternately, you could find a list at RV association websites. Many RV rental websites will give you online quotes.
5. Make notes or a chart detailing the RV models and prices that most interest you. Many rental sites provide floor plans and 3D cutaway views to help you choose.
6. Ensure you’re insured. Get details of exactly what is included in the rental—especially insurance. Your regular automobile insurance will not cover a rental RV, but, like car rental companies, RV rental companies will sell you insurance coverage. Beware of extras like security deposits and mileage charges. Renting in the off or shoulder season can be cheaper.
7. Listen carefully and make notes when you pick up the RV—the rental company will give you a whirlwind tour showing how all the systems work. A few may give you a printed manual, but don’t count on that.
8. Solve your problems. If you have trouble, most rental companies have a phone number you can call. Or you can ask the campground manager, or talk to your neighbors. You’ll find that RVers tend to be very helpful.

An RV vacation can save money, help you relax and create great memories. Odds are that you’ll be hooked—before you know it, you’ll be looking for articles on how to buy an RV of your own.