Living the RV Dream: A Beginner’s Guide to Renting Your Adventure on Wheels
The open road, the freedom to explore, the comfort of a mobile home – the allure of RV travel is undeniable. It’s a dream that resonates with many, myself included. While owning an RV might seem like a distant aspiration, the accessibility of RV rentals is making this dream a reality for a growing number of people.
I’m not alone in my curiosity. A recent survey by the RV Industry Association revealed that a staggering 50% of Americans express interest in experiencing an RV trip within a year. Interestingly, the desire to travel by RV far outstrips the actual ownership numbers. This gap is precisely where RV rentals shine.
Think of it as the Airbnb or Vrbo of the open road. Platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy connect potential renters with RV owners, offering a diverse range of options to suit every travel style and budget. Alternatively, companies like Cruise America provide rentals from their own fleets. Intrigued, I decided to delve into the world of RV rentals firsthand, and here’s what I discovered.
Choosing Your Perfect Home on Wheels
The world of RVs is vast and varied. You’ll encounter everything from compact teardrop trailers ideal for minimalist adventures to sprawling Class A motorhomes that rival small apartments in terms of space and amenities. Before diving in, consider two fundamental questions: how much space do you truly need, and what are you comfortable driving or towing?
Asher Cousins, the owner of Bozeman RV Adventures in Montana, whom I rented from via RVshare, emphasized the importance of driving experience. He cautioned that Class A motorhomes, while incredibly spacious, can be challenging to maneuver due to their size. For first-timers, he recommends starting with smaller Class C motorhomes, which resemble U-Hauls with an over-cab bunk, or even Class B camper vans, known for their agility. These options are generally easier to handle and less intimidating for those new to the RV lifestyle. They often lack complex systems like hydraulic leveling, simplifying the overall experience.
For my own adventure in the Yellowstone area, I opted for a 2017 Jayco White Hawk travel trailer. However, I chose not to tow it myself. Given my lack of experience and the potential challenges of navigating a national park with a trailer in tow, I specifically sought out a rental with destination delivery – a convenient search filter available on RVshare. This service essentially transforms the RV into a ready-made home base, waiting for you at your chosen location. As Cousins explained, it’s ideal for events like concerts or family reunions, eliminating the need for extensive RV knowledge. It’s a mobile house that meets you where you need it, a hassle-free solution for beginners.
Navigating Costs and Considerations
The cost of renting an RV varies significantly based on several factors, including the RV type, location, rental duration, add-on services like delivery, and fees related to insurance. RVshare estimates that the average rental ranges from $150 to $200 per night, encompassing taxes and fees.
Beyond the rental rate, remember to factor in related expenses like fuel and campsite fees. Larger RVs often require larger and potentially more expensive campsites at RV parks.
One potential surprise for renters lies in post-trip fees. Owners may assess these fees upon the RV’s return for reasons such as vehicle damage, unpaid tolls or traffic violations, and exceeding allotted mileage or generator usage, according to RVshare. To mitigate any potential disputes, I took a meticulous approach, documenting the condition of the RV rental at both drop-off and pick-up with photos and videos. I also made sure to thoroughly clean the RV, carefully followed all checkout instructions, and waited for Cousins to complete his review before finalizing the transaction.
While RVing isn’t necessarily cheap, renting an RV can often be more economical than booking multiple hotel rooms, especially for larger groups. My rental could comfortably sleep up to six people, while some Class A models can accommodate as many as ten. Moreover, the ability to cook meals in the RV can lead to significant savings compared to relying solely on restaurants.
Embracing the Mobile Lifestyle
Having only experienced tent camping in the past, stepping into a spacious RV with a memory foam bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom with hot showers, and climate control felt like a luxurious upgrade. Although the model I rented was a few years old, it was comfortable, clean, and provided everything I needed for my short trip.
Of course, no adventure is without its minor hiccups. I encountered a slight issue with the tub draining on the final day, but Cousins promptly responded and helped me troubleshoot the problem. RVshare also provides 24/7 roadside assistance, an RV tech hotline, and a mobile mechanic, all included in the upfront rental fees. These support systems provide peace of mind and ensure that renters have access to assistance if needed.
Overall, my experience was so positive that I’m already contemplating renting a motorhome and embarking on a multi-destination road trip. As Cousins aptly put it, "It all depends on what you want out of your adventure – if you want a trailer as a base camp with a rental car that you can explore the surrounding area (with) or if you want to be mobile, stay in a different spot every night.”
Renting an RV opens up a world of possibilities, offering a unique and flexible way to explore the country. It’s an experience that’s undoubtedly earned a spot on my ever-growing bucket list.
