How To Find Your Perfect RV Rental For Your First Camping Trip

Renting an RV might sound daunting for your first camping trip but it can honestly make your life so much easier. But, how can you find your perfect RV rental?

For starters, think about how much time goes into packing for a camping trip. If you plan to visit several locations, you would have to go through that whole laborious process several times over. Whether you intended to stay in tents, cabins, or even hotels. Take note: one of the most beautiful things about camping with an RV is that you only have to pack once.

Besides the time you save by packing only once, renting an RV means you also benefit from having all the comforts of home right there with you: food, toys, bikes, etc. Also, you won’t have to be concerned about what you will be sleeping on or the quality of your pillows and bed linens. You won’t have to worry about bed bugs or even bedmates! You will know exactly what your sleeping arrangements are from the outset!

Want to Find Your RV Rental? Here is Where to Start.

So, where do you start when looking for an RV rental? First of all, you should make a plan and include the following: How many people are traveling? Where do you plan to visit and how long will you be away for? These questions are important for selecting the right vehicle.

How much space do you need?

Just like when choosing a tent or a hotel room, the number of travelers is an important factor in deciding what size vehicle will be right for you. The general rule of thumb with camping is to choose a vehicle that sleeps more than your number of travelers. You will find it will still be a bit of a squeeze. So, for a family of four, you would be more comfortable in an RV that sleeps six or seven.

How many miles will you travel?

Besides sleeping, your family will want to explore. Knowing your travel itinerary at the outset is vital in determining your expected mileage. RV rental companies usually specify a daily mileage allowance that is included in the rental fee. They will charge per mile for any additional mileage. To budget accordingly, it is also helpful to assess your fuel costs at the outset. You will get the best mpg from trailers and small motorhomes (up to 15 mpg). Class A and Class C motorhomes are not as fuel efficient, so presume 7-10 mpg when estimating fuel costs.

How much are you willing to spend to find your RV rental?

If you are on a tight budget, you may have to make some sacrifices. Comfort is important but the duration of your trip can help determine the size of the vehicle you really need. In order to save a few dollars, it may be prudent to make do with a smaller vehicle for short trips. For longer trips, a bigger RV may be more appropriate so you would need to look for other ways to economize. For example, you could spend some nights in the parking lot of a big box store, or you could cook more and eat out less.

The food supplies you take with you can help you budget. Obviously, unless you’re planning on driving through the desert, you will never be too far from a store. However, if you stock up on non-perishables at the outset, you won’t be stung by sticker shock in some far-flung destination.

Choose from different types of RVs 

Wherever you are in the country, renting an RV is easy Once you have made your plan, check out the different RVs available nationwide. Websites like RVshare.com make this process easy. Browse at your leisure and choose a vehicle from either a private owner or a dealership.

Class A

Class A motorhomes are available in a range of sizes and may be fueled by diesel or gas. They generally include large living spaces and quality fixtures and fittings.

Class C

Class C motorhomes are medium-sized and are easily recognized by the sleeping area over the driver’s cab. This design creates a more spacious living area. Although not as big as the Class A, the living quarters, kitchens and bathrooms are adequate. Depending on the make and model of your car, it is possible to tow a vehicle behind these motorhomes. This is a great idea for sightseeing once you reach your desired location. However, check with your car manufacturer before attempting this.

Class B

Class B motorhomes are much smaller and the vehicle is more like a converted van. Passengers are able to stand up in a Class B motorhome but the facilities are much more compact. The kitchens are small and the bathrooms are designed as three-in-one facilities that include a toilet, a washbasin, and a shower. On the plus side, Class B motorhomes are easy to drive and park (removing the need to tow a car), and are much more fuel efficient than Class A or C.

Opt for the best of both worlds

If you already have a fuel-efficient vehicle and prefer to retain the flexibility of having your own car without towing it, you may be more interested in a travel trailer, a truck camper or a fifth wheel. Travel trailers are non-motorized RVs that you tow behind your car. This kind of RV is available in a variety of sizes and designs and can include all the luxuries of a small condominium.

To rent a truck camper, you need to have a truck because these RVs, which have all the required amenities, are quite literally loaded onto the back of a truck. A fifth wheel is a larger variation of a truck camper so you would also need a truck to rent one of these.