How to Rent an RV in America
Warm summer days and the natural splendors of America are the RV's best friend. Anyone planning on traveling in America during the summer season should seriously consider renting an RV. Enjoy the independence and family-closeness that an RV encourages as you travel around America.
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Things You'll Need
- Driver's license
- Proof of insurance
- Major credit card
- Foreign passport (for non-U.S. citizens)
Instructions
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Determine the exact dates and times that you will be renting an RV. Plan the exact locations that you will be visiting on your trip so you have an estimate of the mileage of the journey. This information is often requested by many RV dealers before you rent an RV.
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Make an online reservation with a national RV company. Reserving an RV through a national RV company gives you access to national assistance if there is a mechanical problem with the RV. Some of the major national companies in America include Cruise America and El Monte RV.
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Consider making an RV reservation with a local RV company if you are going to be traveling locally. The local RV company may have better rates and lower fees than a large national company.
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Upon reserving an RV, you will be asked for a down payment of several hundred dollars (as of 2010) that will go toward the overall rental payment. When you pick up the car, you need a driver's license, a security deposit and proof of insurance.
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Prepare your driver's license, proof of insurance and a foreign passport (for non-U.S. citizens) to show to the RV office at the time of pick-up. You may want to pay an extra insurance fee or coverage fee from the RV company in the case of an accident.
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Pay the security deposit at the time of the RV pick-up. Pay any extra fees for services you want. For example, if you want to have more drivers for the RV, you will need to pay a fee for each driver of the RV. You may also need to pay a pet fee or extra fees to add cookware and sleepware for your RV.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the renter's contract for all the fees and conditions associated with renting an RV from the RV company before making a reservation and paying the security deposit.
Most RV companies require the driver to have a major credit card with a certain amount of credit available on that card.
Some RV companies require employee references to rent to certain drivers.
There are possible fees associated with renting an RV you want to be familiar with before reserving an RV. There may be charges for using the RV generator, not emptying the fuel tanks, extra drivers, post-trip cleaning, and even mileage itself.
If you are planning to have someone from the ages of 21 to 24 drive the RV, plan on paying an extra fee for that driver.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit motorcoach,motorhome,rv image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com rv on highway image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
