Have you ever thought about renting a RV?
People may rent a RV for many different reasons. Some may rent a RV to see if they like it before they buy it. Others would rather not deal with the storage and maintenance of a RV and would rather rent.
Whatever your reason, here are the steps to rent a RV and a few of our tips
Step 1: Select your Destination
The possibilities are endless! If you need help identifying a campground or mapping out a route, Clubhouse Vacations is here to help!
Step 2: Select a Date
As long as you are not camping during the winter when the temperature drops below freezing, anytime is a great time to go camping!
Step 3: Select between a Motorized RV or Towable Travel Trailer
Once you have a destination pick out and the dates you want to travel, you need to pick the type of RV to rent. Since there are many types of RVs to pick from, check out our blog post (HERE) on the different types of RVs and the pros/cons of each.
When renting a motorized RV, the RV is your vehicle to explore the area. Once you are parked and set up at the campsite, you won't have a vehicle to make a quick trip to the store unless you want to break down your campsite.
When renting a towable travel trailer, you want to make sure you have the vehicle equipped to tow the RV. Towable RVs normally require a 7 way Trailer Connector & Brake Controller (Fifth Wheels require a special hitch to be installed in the bed of a truck).
If you don't want to worry about driving or towing the RV, some owners offer delivery and set up for an additional charge!
Tip #1: If you will be traveling out of state or will be renting the RV for more than a long weekend, we suggest asking the owner to see the RV ahead of time.
Highly recommend requesting to see the RV before confirming the reservation and paying the deposit. A lot of owners won't mind giving you a tour and letting you check out the RV before your trip.
Tip #2: Find out what supplies are included.
Every owner will provide different supplies inside the RV. Make sure to find out if linens, pots/pans, plates/cups and utensils are included inside the RV as well as camping chairs, grills, etc. outside the RV!
Tip #3: Check to see if the RV is pet friendly.
Most RV owners will allow you to bring your pets, but they may charge an additional fee.
Tip #4: Be prepared for extra fees!
Outside of the nightly fee, you could be charged an additional fee for insurance, cleaning, mileage, generator hours, pets, refundable security deposit, etc.
When renting a motorized RV, each owner will allocate a certain number of miles and generator hours to include in the nightly rate, and anything over that will be an additional charge. Make sure to calculate how many miles you plan to travel so you know if there will be an additional charge once you return.
Tip #5: On the day of pick up as well as the day of drop off, allocate extra time for the walk through and packing/unpacking.
When picking up the RV, prepare extra time for the owner to walk you through how everything works and where everything is located. Also, if it's a motorized RV, make sure to practice driving it. Once you pick up the RV, you will want to take the time to pack the RV with all your clothes, supplies and groceries.
At the end of the trip, you will need to unpack and tidy up before dropping the RV back off to the owner. Also, once you drop off the RV, the owner will probably want to do another walk through/final inspection.
Tip #6: Take notes on how to operator the RV.
Every RV is different. The best owners will have an instruction manual that explain how the RV works. If you are new to RVs, let the owner know so they can explain all of the RV systems in more detail. Yes, you will need to know how to empty the holding tanks........
Tip #7: Make sure you know the length and height of the RV.
It is important to know the length of the RV when making reservations at campgrounds to insure the RV will fit in the campsite. You also want to know the height of the RV so you can clear bridges and overhangs without damaging the RV.
Tip #8: Take your own video/pictures of the RV before departing.
If there was an issue with the RV when you return it, you will be able to easily identify if you caused the problem or if it was previously damaged.
Tip #9: Keep track of any issue and let the owner know once you return.
The owner may not personally use the RV in between rentals and it is helpful to know if something is broken so it can be fixed before the next renter uses it.
Tip #10: Take is slow and have fun!.
Traveling in a RV is very different and there will be a learning curve. Just like with any trip, there will be bumps along the way. Take your time and enjoy the journey! Camping is such a fun way to travel and explore our great country!
Don't forget, Clubhouse Vacations can help plan your next RV Vacation including helping you find the right RV rental!
Message us for more information ClubhouseVacations@gmail.com