When planning your summer vacation, consider renting an RV or camper. Over the past few years, camping has become more appealing as a vacation option and caused a massive rise in RV sales and prices. RVs and campers allow vacationers to travel and see multiple sights – while maintaining a private space. You should consider many factors before renting an RV, especially if it’s your first time.
Here’s some tips to help you get the most out of your RV rental and make sure your vacation goes off without a hitch:
Get to know different RV classes. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is what kind of RV you want to rent. Towable RVs – often called campers – offer one option, but you can also consider a motorized RV, which comes in three classes, A, B, and C. In either case, you’ll want to consider the type of transportation you’ll need, whether it’s a vehicle to pull your camper or something to tow behind your RV and use after it’s parked.
You generally don’t need a special license to drive any RVs, but there are significant differences in how each class drives. Class A RVs are the largest and can measure up to 45 feet in length. They are also the hardest to maneuver because of their large size, so this may not be suitable for someone who has never driven an RV before. Class B RVs fall between 16 and 22 feet long and best suit couples or individuals. They are also the easiest to drive since they handle large trucks or vans. Class C RVs fall in-between the other two, usually sleeping four to six people and measuring 21 to 35 feet long.
Once you’ve decided what kind of RV suits you and your traveling companions, you can narrow your search to specific models within a class. Knowing what type of RV you’ll rent will help you plan other aspects of your trip.
Budget your trip. Depending on the size of the RV, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300 per night on average for your rental. Luxury Class A RVs can cost considerably more per night. However, coming up with a trip budget involves much more than just the rental price per night of the RV. You’ll also need to factor in insurance, gas, campground fees, food, and any additional activities you have planned for your trip. In addition, RV rental companies often allot you a certain number of miles and generator time and you’ll be charged additional miles or time if you exceed their designated amounts.
Choose a booking company. Once you know what kind of RV you want to rent and how much you can spend, you can browse options with different booking companies. Here, too, you have several options. Some booking companies own their vehicles and offer standardized rates and experiences. Others work more like Airbnb; they have various RVs owned and leased by individuals. Policies vary from business to business, and while some companies include mileage and insurance in their booking price, others offer them as add-ons that must be paid for separately. Be sure to read up on each booking company’s policies and review past customer reviews before you do business with them.
Check each company with BBB at bbb.org. You can also use BBB’s search option to find companies that offer RV rentals.
Take a walkthrough. When you find an RV or camper you’re interested in renting, taking a walkthrough tour is essential. Not only will you be able to see if the RV measures up to its online description, but you can also learn how to operate the RV. Take advantage of a walkthrough to find out how the generator and electrical hook-ups work, how to dump water tanks, how to operate the awnings, and any other basic functions you need clarification on.
Purchase insurance. Your standard car insurance policy usually covers campers but you’ll want to check with your insurance company to confirm coverage for both campers and RV rentals. If you don’t have coverage or insurance isn’t included in the basic price of your RV rental, be sure to purchase it separately. Most states require at least liability insurance for motorized RVs. A good insurance policy will give you peace of mind and protection in case of accidents, bad weather, or theft.
Plan your route. Start planning your route by deciding where to park your RV during your journey. If you want to park at a U.S. National Park, you must book well in advance, sometimes a year or more. You’ll also need to book for state parks and privately-owned campgrounds in advance. If you are new to driving an RV, you might want to choose pull-through parking spaces instead of spaces you’ll have to back into. In addition, some hotels and other tourist destinations offer RV parking for visitors.
After you know where you’ll park, double-check your chosen route to ensure it doesn’t include any narrow roads, low bridges, or tunnels that the RV won’t fit in or under. Keep the height of your RV in mind when you make pit stops, too. First-time RV drivers sometimes forget common low clearance situations, such as fast-food drive-throughs.
Know what to bring. Amenities vary from one RV to another, so make sure you know what’s included before you start packing. Some booking companies include sheets, utensils, and cookware, while others don’t. Knowing what is included will help you avoid packing non-essentials. Packing a tool kit and a first aid kit is a good idea if these aren’t already on board the RV.
Learn to set up campsites. Many seasoned RV renters advise arriving at your campsite early. It’s much easier to park and set up electric and water hookups with plenty of daylight. Read the RV manual before your trip to understand how to hook up at a campsite and how to dump wastewater. Remember that dumping wastewater can be a messy experience, and many campers prefer to pay for on-site dump services. This may be a preferable option if your campground provides this service. Other campers use public restrooms and showers to avoid dumping waste at all.
Your local BBB can be reached at 423-266-6144 or tngabbb@chattanooga.bbb.org.
Michele Mason is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga