We surprised our family with an RV getaway, during the Memorial Day Weekend of 2017, and had quite a blast of a mini-vacay. If you’ve never rented an RV for a vacation, you might want to consider this unique method of travel. Renting an RV offers the fun and flexibility of a road trip and also gives you a home on wheels wherever you go. Use these tips to get the most from your first RV rental.
Plan Ahead
Determine what type of RV you’ll rent, where you’d like to stay, and what you want to do along the way. Once you have those decisions made, you can use that information to create your budget, plan any specific activities, and meal prep. Planning your RV trip from start to finish is the key to getting the most out of your RV rental.
Determine Your Group
RVing isn’t for everyone, so you’ll want to make sure everyone who commits will feel comfortable with this style of vacation. Talk with family and friends who are interested, and then read about what to expect at your destinations so that everyone understands the plan.
Choose Destinations Everyone Will Enjoy
One of the biggest perks of renting an RV is that you can pretty much go anywhere you want. Whether it’s a national park, the beach, or staying at a luxury RV resort, make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy along the way.
Budget Accordingly
Start by creating a budget and adjust as you make more decisions. Your budget should include not only the RV you’ve chosen to rent, but extra fees with the vehicle, park and campground fees, amenities, and everything else along the way.
Be Aware of RV Fees
Besides the base cost of renting an RV, there are a few other costs you should know about. You’ll need to put down a deposit upfront, you’ll need insurance for your trip, and depending on the duration or destination of your trip (e.g. out of state), there are additional fees. Many RV rental companies also provide extra amenities at a cost, such as linens, kitchenware, generators, propane, and more.
Research Specific Parks or Campgrounds
When choosing an RV park or a campground, read reviews from people who took a similar trip to the one you’re planning.
Remember That Driving an RV is Different Than Driving a Car
Make sure you’re comfortable driving a motorhome before you rent one. Often, you can test drive one at a dealership or even take one for a spin at an RV rental location—they’ll also want to know you’re at ease driving one before renting.
Save Money by Bringing Meals with You
One of the easiest ways to save money while renting an RV is by making your meals. Your motorhome will come with a refrigerator, and if you have a generator or use electrical hookups, you’ll be able to keep your food edible. Consider stopping at a grocery store or Walmart on your trip to get refrigerated items. Bring your snacks, drinks, and meal prep breakfast, lunch, and dinner for your trip.
