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What is the Best RV to Rent?
Renting an RV is a fun an affordable way to travel, but it can also be a bit of a task. From small RV rental companies to large commercial chains, the selection is enormous. There are hundreds of thousands of RVs for rent across the United States, and no two RVs are the same. And while a large selection can be a good thing, it can also mean that you’ll need to do your research. If you’re wondering how to pick the best RV, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
How to Choose the Best RV
Choosing a home on wheels is much like choosing a traditional home. You’ll need to have a good idea of the space, amenities, and features you want before you commit. If you end up with one that’s too small, you’ll feel stuffed like a can of sardines. Too big, and you’ll be paying more than you need. Whether you’re looking to buy the best preowned RV or seeking an affordable rental, ask yourself the following questions:
How many people will be traveling with you? Are you a close-knit family or a group of friends who needs their space? Some RVs, like Class Cs, offer more privacy per square foot because they have separate sleeping areas on opposite sides of the rig. Others, like Class B vans and small travel trailers, are better suited for a couple or a small family.
Will you be spending a lot of downtime in the RV, or will you be mostly outside? If you want quality time indoors watching TV or playing games, you’ll need an RV that has a big living room and a comfy dinette and sofa. The best luxury RVs will have big screen TVs and spacious living rooms – some even have fireplaces!
How comfortable are you driving an RV? If you’re new to RVing, you might want to look for models that are easier to drive, like Class Cs, Class Bs, and small Class As. Towable RVs and large motorhomes can be difficult to drive and are better for people who have experience with towing. Though, you could always take a driving class to get some practice.
Where do you plan on staying? If you rent a large motorhome or trailer, you may have trouble finding spots to camp. Some campgrounds only allow rigs under 30 feet in length. If your RV is turned away, you’ll have to stay at a campground for big rigs, which can be expensive.
Finally, what are your must-haves? All RVs have sleeping areas, kitchenettes, and toilets – but is that enough for you? Most people want a shower with enough room to move around, and a decent-sized kitchen for cooking family meals.
Where Can I Get the Best RV on a Budget?
Learning how to get the best RV deal is a balance between want versus need. You may want a big RV with luxury amenities, but can you live without it to save some cash? If you’re shopping on a budget, keep the following in mind:
Smaller RVs cost less, so rent the smallest RV you can comfortably handle. Most RVs have a bedroom in the back and one or two convertible sleeping areas in the living room. A Class C will give you more bang for your buck since it has an additional bunk over the driving cab.
Look for older RVs to find the best RV rates. Usually, anything over ten years of age will be significantly cheaper than newer RVs. But you won’t just find older RVs anywhere, since commercial rental companies only stock new rigs. Check RVshare for older RV rentals that will keep you on budget.
Towable RVs, like travel trailers and fifth wheels, are also less expensive than many motorized RVs. In fact, you can find small travel trailer rentals for under $100 per day. However, you’ll need an adequate tow vehicle to rent a trailer.
Best RV for Boondocking – What to Look For
Camping without water and electrical hookups (AKA boondocking) is something every RVer should do at least once. You won’t have to pay hefty campground costs on top of your rental price, and you’ll get to camp in beautiful, remote locations. If you’re wondering what the best RV for boondocking is, look for these features:
Trailers are great for boondocking because you can unhitch them if you need to take your tow vehicle to town for a shopping run. Plus, since trailers don’t have a driving cab, they tend to feel a lot more spacious, with more room for hanging out and relaxing.
If you can find an RV with solar panels, get it! The more you can avoid using your generator, the longer you’ll be able to stay at your campsite.
Class B vans are another excellent option for dry camping. They’re discreet, affordable, and are arguably the best RV models for gas mileage. Large vans have enough room for two to four people, and some may have showers.
Check RVshare for rigs that are specially-equipped for boondocking. Many RV owners make modifications to the RVs themselves. You may find features like upgraded generators, extra holding tanks, LED lights, and compost toilets.
What’s the Best RV for Pets?
It’s totally possible to rent an RV and take your fur-kid on vacation with you! RV manufacturers are always looking for ways to make RVs easy to clean and hard to damage. Newer RVs with vinyl flooring and leather seats are great for pets. Keep in mind that many commercial rental companies charge pet deposits of $100 or more. If you’re browsing RVshare listings, look for owners who allow pets with no deposit, or for a reasonable fee.
Finding the Best Quality RV for Your Budget
Finding the best RV models can seem like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. If you can strike a balance between needs, wants, size, and budget, you’ll come away with an affordable rental that will have everyone feeling comfortable and happy. Narrow down your list by RV types first, then look for specific amenities. And remember, the older and smaller the RV, the less it will cost to rent. Good luck!