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

Finding the perfect RV rental might sound daunting for your first camping trip but it can honestly make your life so much easier.

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. You also won’t have to be concerned about what you will be sleeping on or the quality of your pillows and bed linens. Bed bugs – forget about it! You will know exactly what your sleeping arrangements are from the outset!

Get Started

So, where do you start? 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 because you will find matching like for like is 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 and 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 motor homes (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 big is your budget?

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 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, stocking up on non-perishables at the outset, means you won’t pay high prices at 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 motorhomes come in many sizes and may be fueled by diesel or gas. They generally include large living spaces and quality fixtures and fittings.

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 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. Truck campers are another option. They have all the required amenities, and installed 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.

Overall, renting an RV couldn’t be simpler. Booking through a reputable company like RVshare.com gives you the added benefit of roadside assistance and 24-hr travel concierge. You also have peace of mind that you only pay for the time you use the RV. Your booking is also backed by a $10,000 guarantee. With thousands of RVs to choose from for as little as $100 per day, what are you waiting for it’s time for you to go and find the perfect RV rental for your first camping trip. After that, all you need to do is take good care of your RV; just by searching for good camper maintenance to keep it in top condition!

Regards, Park Ranger