Best Options For Renting a RV For a Cross Country Trip

Best Options for Renting a RV for a Cross Country Trip

If you’re considering renting a RV for a cross-country trip, you're in good company. Many people choose to rent a recreational vehicle when traveling across the country to take advantage of a number of benefits.

Reasons for Renting a RV for a Cross Country Trip

If you'd like to RV across the country, renting a rig could not only give you more flexibility for your travels but could also help you to save money. Rather than having to stop and stay in a hotel during your trip, you can instead travel at your own pace. This gives you greater control over your travels as well as helps you save money on the cost of accommodations. Traveling in a RV also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of home, including the ability to prepare your own meals. When traveling for long periods of time, such as during an RV Rental on a cross country trip, this can prove to be quite cost effective.

Furthermore, you can avoid being crammed into a passenger vehicle, which can be quite uncomfortable during long travels. Instead, everyone in your travel party can have ample room for stretching out and getting comfortable.

Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a RV for a Cross Country Trip

As advantageous as renting a RV can be for a cross-country trip, it’s important to make sure you don't make some of the more common mistakes when doing so. Many people make the mistake of thinking they should rent the biggest RV possible for a long trip. In reality, you might find better to rent a smaller vehicle, if it will accommodate the number of people traveling with you. A smaller RV is usually much easier to handle, especially when traveling on mountain overpasses or narrow, twisting roads. Additionally, a smaller RV can perform better on open highway stretches, where strong winds could have a tendency to push around your RV.

Another common mistake is not taking the time necessary to get to know the vehicle before you set out on your trip. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ll figure it out as you go. Take a few minutes to practice driving around the parking lot, reading the vehicle manual, and asking any necessary questions before you start your trip.

Avoid the temptation to bring too much stuff with you on your trip. Make an effort to only bring the basics that you will need during your travels. When renting an RV, check to make sure the vehicle comes with everything you need, such as dishes, bed linens, towels, etc. This can vary among rentals. Depending on your rental, you may need to pay an additional fee to add on such options.

Don't Overdue Your Itinerary When RVing

Also, try not to pack too much into your itinerary when planning a cross country trip. This is one of the most common mistakes, especially among those who are new to the RVing lifestyle. You will want to make sure you have plenty of time for enjoying the sights, which can be difficult to do if you attempt to pack too much into your schedule.

Best RV Rental for a Cross Country Trip

It’s essential to make sure you choose the best RV rental for a cross country trip. While there are many different types of rigs to choose from, many are more appropriate for shorter trips. For a long road trip, there are essentially two choices. They are fifth wheels and motor homes. With a motorhome, you have the benefit of a steering wheel and a driver’s area inside the vehicle. If you need to access the rest of the RV, you can do so without needing to exit the vehicle. You can also tow a car behind a motorhome. By comparison, a fifth-wheel hooks into the bed of a pickup truck. This means that in order to access the living quarters of the RV, you'll need the vehicle you're using to pull the trailer and enter from the outside.

Lots of RV Types to Consider

Bear in mind that the type of RV you choose for your cross country trip will significantly impact the comfort of your travels. By driving a motorhome, you will be able to tow another vehicle, giving you more transportation options. Since a fifth-wheel is connected to the truck you drive, you have only that vehicle as your transportation. A fifth-wheel is generally more expensive to rent, but if you don't have a truck to pull it, you'd need to also rent one, or this wouldn't be a suitable option. It’s also important to consider size. Not all motorhomes are the same size, but some have a greater length than a fifth-wheel, which could make it challenging to find a RV site capable of accommodating a larger motorhome.

When budgeting for a cross country RV cost, be aware that RVs typically rent on daily as well as weekly rates, so it’s important to be sure of the rental basis before booking a RV. The terms of the rental may vary based on the company where you're renting the rig. Some rental companies require that you pay the entire rental fee upfront along with a deposit. Most RV rentals are for round trips that require you to drop off the rig in the same location as the pickup. If you're looking for one way RV rentals for cross country trips, there are some nationwide companies that provide options for one-way trips.

RV Rental Options

One option for renting a RV for your cross country tip would be to rent from a dealer, but you might also wish to consider renting directly from a RV owner. Sites like RVShare.com make it easy for prospective renters to get in contact with RV owners who rent out their rigs when they aren't using them. Renting from an owner directly can provide a range of benefits, including the option to rent a fully loaded RV for much less money than you might expect. Remember, when renting a RV to drive cross country, make sure that you and your passengers will be comfortable both on the road and when it's time to sleep. So don't be afraid to inspect it and ask questions.

With some proper planning and research, renting a RV for your next cross-country trip could provide you with a vacation of a lifetime. While a cross-country RV trip can cost a lot of money, if you plan wisely, cook your meals, and find a good deal on a RV, you can have fun on the cheap.