How to Rent an RV for Camping

While some people prefer roughing it when they go camping, others enjoy the outdoors with a modicum of comforts. An RV allows you to explore the wilderness, without the hassle or expense of a hotel, while it provides a few amenities to make your camping trip more comfortable. You can rent one from any number of dealers across the country, though it pays to know what you need beforehand.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine your space needs. You will need room in your RV for everyone to sleep comfortably (adults need at least 6 feet of space to be comfortable). You should also determine how much cubic feet you will need for camping gear and what kind of luxuries (such as a running shower or satellite dish) you want.

2. Research the RV options for the location you intend to visit. Some camping sites do not allow RVs, and other sites may only have specific areas where RVs are allowed. You also want to make sure there are proper water and electrical facilities (if necessary) for your RV.

3. Locate a reliable RV rental facility near you. Major RV rental companies, such as Cruise America, offer a wide variety of options, but smaller local companies have a number of decent models for rent as well (see Resources below). The Recreational Vehicle Rental Association can help you find a dealership near you.

4. Check costs and pricing options. You should know how much you intend to spend and what kind of vehicle is feasible for your price range before you rent it. You may also want to look into fractional owning, which works like a timeshare condo, allowing multiple owners to pool their resources to purchase a single RV (this option works well if you spend a lot of time camping).

5. Examine the vehicle carefully before you rent it. Perform a test drive and check to see that all the vehicle's bells and whistles are working properly. You also want to learn where everything is and how to use it before you get behind the wheel.

Tips & Warnings

• Though smaller vehicles tend to have fewer amenities, they are also cheaper and easier to operate. If you don't have a lot of experience driving an RV, you may want to rent a smaller one when you go camping.
• Some RVs are trailers that are designed to be towed behind another vehicle. If you wish to rent this kind of RV, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped (both in terms of engine power and towing capacity) to handle it.

Resources

• The Recreational Vehicle Rental Association for information on locating RV dealerships.
• Cruise America to rent an RV.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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on 12/16/2008 You can find RV's to rent by using RVAnytime.com. www.rvanytime.com