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If you’re planning to travel in a rental RV this summer, there are many things to learn, like how to choose the right camper, budget for the trip, and operate the rig. Any seasoned road tripper will tell you it takes time and a couple of rentals before you get everything right. Luckily these tips will make your RV rental journey easier come summer. Below, we’ve compiled 5 tips for renting an RV this summer.
By the way, if you travel with your four-legged friends, you need a way to ensure they stay comfortable inside the RV when you’re out and about. Waggle Pet Monitor is a smart temperature monitor you can bring to keep an eye on the temperature and humidity inside the RV. It alerts you when conditions are unsafe for your pet or when your rig loses power.
Choose the Right RV for Your Lifestyle
The first step you need to take is to familiarize yourself with the various types of RVs. Generally, they are divided into motorized and towable units.
Motorized RVs
Commonly known as motorhomes, these are the RVs that you can drive. They are split into three categories.
Class A – They are the largest, most spacious, and most luxurious RVs. They resemble a bus.
Class B – Also known as campervans, they are the smallest motorhomes and the easiest to maneuver. They are essentially a van that has been converted into residential living space.
Class C – These RVs fall somewhere between Class A and B both in size and comfort. They are built around a truck or van frame and are known for their distinct over-cab sleeping area.
Towable RVs
Also known as trailers, these are non-motorized RVs. You pull them behind your car instead of driving them. The most common and versatile types are travel trailers, the largest are toy haulers, the most spacious are fifth wheels, and the smallest are pop-up campers and teardrops.
If you’re traveling as a couple, a Class B may serve you best due to its small size. Class C motorhomes offer the perfect balance for families with decent living space and all essentials on board.
Although Class A is a great option for those who want to travel in style, it’s the hardest to maneuver due to its giant size, so it’s not suitable for someone who has never driven an RV before.
Budget Wisely
Before you start hunting for a rental RV for your summer road trip, get to know how much a rental will cost you. According to Go RV Rentals, the average daily cost to rent an RV is $183 for all RV types and pickup locations.
Specifically, a Class A will cost $300 per night, a Class B $238, while you’ll have to part with $215 for a Class C. Towables are the cheapest, with travel trailers costing $116 a night and pop-ups as low as $91.
That’s not all. There are other costs beyond the daily rental rate. If the RV owner doesn’t offer unlimited mileage, you’ll need to budget for fuel, insurance, food, campground fees, and even excess mileage fees. Some other expenses include pet fees, cleaning fees, and a security deposit.
Reserve the Right Campground
If you have a campground in mind, confirm whether they allow the type of RV you plan to rent. Some campgrounds and RV parks have surprising rules that could catch you off guard. Some have size restrictions, some only accept luxurious Class A RVs, while others only allow new rigs to stay on their property.
Preferably, book a campground that has full hookups and some activities to keep you occupied. If you opt to camp in a non-traditional camping site, make sure your rental RV has boondocking capabilities. Most importantly, reserve the campground many months in advance.
Plan Your Routes
The route you use will ultimately determine how much you spend and how much fun you have. Ideally, the route you pick shouldn’t have narrow roads, steep grades, low bridges, weight restrictions, propane restrictions, or tunnels that your rig can’t fit through.
Use a route planning app to discover the fastest, safest, and most fuel-efficient routes to get to your destination. Some RVing apps will also help you save by suggesting the cheapest gas stations or free camping sites. Others will help you discover less-known but magical attractions when passing through an area.
Ask the Owner to Give You a Walkthrough, then Practice Driving
Before you set off in your rental RV, there are a few things you need to learn. First, the owner needs to give you a walkthrough of the camper so you can know how the different systems work. That includes things like setting up hookups, dumping water tanks, operating the AC and awning, converting the beds, and using kitchen appliances.
Apart from learning the various systems, you need to practice driving, backing up, and parking. Look for an empty parking lot and practice maneuvering the camper. When you finally hit the road, drive slowly, take your time on turns, brake early, and ask for help when parking or backing up.
Happy Summer Travels
If you’re thinking about taking a vacation in an RV rental this summer, make sure you pick a rig that suits the size of your group and travel lifestyle. You’ll also want to budget for every expense, select the right campground, and plan your route carefully. And before you head out, learn how to drive and use every component of the camper.
