Top 20 Tips for Renting an RV
There are many benefits and tips for renting an RV. For one, you’ll have all the comforts of home while being able to explore new places. RVs are also great for families or groups of friends, as you’ll have plenty of space and privacy. Plus, RVs come with many amenities that you might not find in a hotel, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. And if you’re looking to save money on your vacation, RV rental can be a great option, as it’s often cheaper than staying in a hotel. Whether going to your favorite yearly festival like Burning Man, Coachella, SXSW, or a must-go sporting event like NASCAR, an RV rental is a fantastic choice.
With rising gas and travel costs, more and more people are hitting the open road in RVs these days. Motorhome rental rates tend to be much lower than if you were to rent a hotel or home. If you’re thinking of renting an RV for your next vacation, here are a few tips for renting an RV.
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- Pick the Right RV Rental Platform
- Research the Different Types of RVs
- Check for RV Delivery Options
- Reserve Your RV Rental Early
- Read What’s in Your RV Rental Package
- Make Sure You Have Damage Protection
- Choose Roadside Assistance
- Reserve Your RV Rental Early
- Plan Your Route
- Only Bring as Many People are Your RV Seats
- Rent a Pet-Friendly RV
- Reserve Emergency Funds
- Bring a Map
- Thoroughly Inspect Your RV Rental
- Secure Loose Things
- Drive Slowly and Always Double-Check
- Keep Vehicle Height and Length in Mind
- Consider Fees and Costs
- Book Destination Spot in Advance
- Try an RV Trip Planner App
Pick the Right RV Rental Platform
Picking the right RV rental platform can make all the difference in your experience. At RVnGO, renters can choose between potentially hundreds of available RV rentals in their area. As a person-to-person RV platform, RVnGO connects you to real hosts across the US. RVnGO also hosts plenty of helpful articles and guides for renting RVs and for RV-friendly events like NASCAR races. RVnGO has all you need to find and book an RV rental. You can get started quickly by creating a free account at RVnGO.com today. From there, you can start browsing available RV rentals in your area and begin planning out your next RV vacation. One of the best tips for renting an RV is to stick with an affordable and trustworthy rental platform like RVnGO.com.
Research the Different Types of RVs
An important part of any motorhome rental is knowing what you are looking for. Not all RVs are the same, and even RVs within the same class can differ in amenities, features, and length. So, doing research on your RV rental of choice before reserving it is important. That way, you do not rent a vehicle expecting certain things it does not provide. Knowing the difference between the different classes is a great first step toward finding the right RV for your trip. Click here to read up on the differences between class A and class C RVs.
Check for RV Delivery Options
A convenient way to get your RV rental to you is to pick delivery. Keep in mind that not every vehicle will have the option of RV rental delivery. There will also be some limitations to how far the RV delivery can be. At RVnGO, you can filter out rentals that do not offer delivery by selecting the “deliverable” option on the search results page. Hosts will typically have varying delivery fees so make sure to check the rental description. You can also always contact the host by sending a message if you have any questions.
Reserve Your RV Rental Early
Rentals can sell out fast. Rather than waiting until your event or vacation is a week away, plan out your trip months in advance. Find the right RV for your trip and reserve your spot as soon as possible to avoid missing out on your dream RV rental.
Read What’s in Your RV Rental Package
RV rentals can differ when it comes to available options and packages. There can be options and add-ons you may want for your vacation or RV trip like an add-on trailer or bike racks. Be sure to click on RV results that interest you and read the description, fees, and add-ons carefully.
Make Sure You Have Damage Protection
Damage protection is important for being covered in case of an emergency. Luckily, if you are renting with RVnGO, then you take advantage of our comprehensive RV damage protection coverage. Other RV rental sites don’t offer the same level of coverage as RVnGO and because they hide the details it can be very confusing.
RVnGO’s comprehensive coverage covers the Guest and the Host up to $1 million for liability and up to $200,000 in Property Damage for exterior damage to the rented RV (which includes interior damage only where it is the result of an accident where insurable exterior damage occurs). The RVnGO coverage only applies to the rental period.
Choose Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance coverage is a type of insurance that may cover the cost of tows, tire delivery, jump starts, and other services that you may need while on the road. At RVnGO, you can sign up for roadside assistance for your RV rental for only $12 a night. RVnGO RV rental roadside insurance includes:
- 24/7 RV Support for breakdowns, including over-the-phone troubleshooting and roadside or campsite repairs.
- 24/7 Tech Support for operating issues and questions (support for a full range of questions, from how to turn on the microwave to how to operate your leveling system).
- On campsite service coverage.
- Mobile mechanic, winching, and tire delivery and assistance services.
- Free Towing up to $350, to the nearest service facility.
Reserve Your RV Rental Early
As gas prices rise and events are coming back across the nation, many people are making plans to rent RVs and travel the country. However, it’s important to keep in mind that RV rentals can book up quickly, especially during peak times. So, if you’re planning to rent an RV in the coming months, make sure to reserve your rental early.
Plan Your Route
Nothing is worse when driving in an unfamiliar area in a rental than unintentionally getting lost. A great way to avoid that issue is to plan your routes. Make sure to include bathroom breaks, attractions, fueling stops, and great food spots. Keep in mind which roads and routes are best for driving larger vehicles like RVs or 5th-wheel trailers.
Only Bring as Many People are Your RV Seats
For safety reasons, you should never rent an RV and bring more people than can be safely seated. That means everyone must be able to put on a seatbelt. Not having a seatbelt can be hazardous not only to the individual but to other passengers in the vehicle.
Rent a Pet-Friendly RV
If you have a pet, you’d love to bring along with you on your RV rental adventure, then consider getting a pet-friendly rental. While typically a little more expensive, nothing can replace having your furry friend along for the ride.
Reserve Emergency Funds
When you rent an RV, it’s important to have an emergency fund in case of any unexpected repairs or problems. This fund should be separate from your regular savings account and should only be used in case of an emergency. Unforeseen situations can arise at any time. Part of ensuring you have a smooth RV rental experience is preparation. Emergency funds for things such as repairs can make all the difference.
If you have an RV rental damage protection policy, it may cover some of the costs associated with an emergency, but it’s always good to have a reserve fund just in case. How much you should have in your emergency fund will depend on the size and type of RV you’re renting, as well as the length of your trip. A general rule of thumb is to have at least a couple hundred dollars in your emergency fund.
Bring a Map
Many people have grown to rely on high-speed data and GPS tracking to get around cities. However, the further you get away from major cities, the less likely you will have access to these convenient technologies. Some RVs may have satellite internet, but you may find that reliability becomes an issue. That’s why, in addition to GPS, you should also keep a physical map for directions!
Thoroughly Inspect Your RV Rental
Part of the RV rental process is inspecting your rental before taking it out on your trip. Make sure to thoroughly inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle. Instead of videos, take pictures of the interior and exterior. Be sure to document any damages or issues. If there are any issues with pre-existing damage, you can easily provide evidence as to the condition of the vehicle. It will be difficult to prove the damage was not caused by you if you do not properly inspect and document the condition.
Secure Loose Things
One tip for renting an RV that many new RVers can forget is securing your items. While parked and set up, you do not have to worry about items falling, you will when driving. Make sure your hanger bays and compartments are secure and won’t open during driving. You could have items fall and break or, in a worst-case scenario, something fall could injure you or a passenger. Some tips for securing things include using Velcro strips, non-slip maps, clearing off counters, using hooks, and storing items in plastic bins.
Drive Slowly and Always Double-Check
Driving an unfamiliar vehicle can be anxiety-inducing. A great tip for renting an RV is to drive even slower than you think you need to and to double-check. If your vehicle does not have a camera for backing up, then you should have another passenger’s help. Driving slowly and double-checking when reversing and turning can help keep you safe. When driving a vehicle with so much weight behind it, you must keep in mind that stopping will be slow. Avoid going over the speed limit and pay attention whenever turning or merging into lanes.
Keep Vehicle Height and Length in Mind
An easy-to-forget factor in renting and driving an RV is height and length. Certain bridges and areas may not accommodate tall vehicles like RVs well. Many camping spots at national parks or sporting events will have limits on how long an RV can be. Make sure to cross-reference your RV destination and their rules on RV dimensions. You do not want to make it somewhere just to realize your RV cannot enter.
Consider Fees and Costs
When picking the right RV rental for your next trip, always keep in mind any additional fees or costs. Depending on the host, RVs may have fees for things like smoking in the vehicle. To avoid unexpected fees, make sure to read the rental agreement and keep in mind any fees or costs that may come up.
Book Destination Spot in Advance
As a rule of thumb, you should probably reserve your RV rental around the same time as you reserve your camping spot or tickets. Events can sell out quickly and the last thing you want is to have an RV rental and no destination. Make sure to book your RV and destination spot well in advance to help ensure your RV experience goes smoothly.
Try an RV Trip Planner App
A great tip for renting an RV and planning your next vacation is to use an app. There are multiple apps that help RV renters plan trips to destinations and map routes! These apps make it simpler to plan out stops, destinations, camping spots, attractions, and more. Apps like RV Trip Wizard, RV Life Pro, and The Dyrt are fantastic options.
Rent With RVnGO Today
Looking for an RV rental? RVnGO has you covered! We offer a wide selection of RVs for rent, from Class A motorhomes to smaller travel trailers and 5th wheels. We’ve got something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a luxury RV or a more budget-friendly option.
Renting an RV is a great way to travel the country and see new sights. It’s also a great option for families or groups, as it provides more space and amenities than a traditional hotel room. Plus, RVs come with all the comforts of home, so you can enjoy your vacation without having to worry about finding a place to stay. In additon, RVnGO’s RVnGROW program donates to have one tree planted for every transaction on the platform.
So, what are you waiting for? Rent an RV with RVnGO today!
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