Occasionally, you may factor camping trips into your holiday period plans. However, pitching up a tent gives you the chills, yet you don’t want to spend a night in a hotel.
It leads you to rent a recreational vehicle (RV). An RV can have its challenges, but it can give you the flexibility and mobility you desire with a good plan and preparation.
RV Rental Tips
Even if you may encounter any challenges, taking an RV holiday can still be fun, not to mention it’s cheaper than staying at a hotel. The tips below can come in handy to help you have a memorable RV vacation.
Size and Type of RV
There are two types of RVs available; a motorhome and a travel trailer. Camper Champ and other similar rental services can help you determine the RV size and type you want.
A motorhome means you can drive it, while a travel trailer means you need to hook to a vehicle and tow it. However, your vehicle needs to be powerful enough to tow the trailer. The option you take can depend on your destination or if you intend to drive into cities.
If you intend to visit nearby cities during your holiday, a travel trailer can be a good option. It is because you can detach the trailer and drive the vehicle. On the other hand, if you want the passengers to enjoy the comfort of the RV during a trip, then a motorhome fits in your list.
Even though it may be cheaper to rent a travel trailer, you may incur extra expenses if you have to rent a towing vehicle. However, you can save on the rental fees if you have a sports utility vehicle (SUV) that’s powerful enough to tow.
The number of people you intend to use the RV also determines the size. A motorhome, for example, has class sizes A to C. Class A are the largest, and Class C is mid-range. Class B, also known as sleeper vans or campervans, is the smallest.
Plan the Trip but Be Flexible
Most campsites and RV parks can fill up over the weekends, so you may need to plan your route well and book in advance. However, you need to note that you will be slower than your usual driving speed when driving an RV. Therefore, you may have to make unscheduled overnight stops at other RV parks or campsites.
Some RV parks don’t allow same-day bookings, and thus you need to consider making prior bookings as per the route you intend to use. You can boondock between the RV parks you book if water and fuel capacity allows.
Boondocking means you park your RV at a location or RV park without a fee. It’s important to note that a boondocking area may not have amenities available at campsites or RV parks.
Therefore, you may not empty your waste tank or fill your clean water tank. It means you need to boondock after an RV park when you have enough clean water and wastewater tanks aren’t almost full.
Know the RV Water Tanks
Typical RV water tanks are clean, gray, and black. The Clean water tank is what you use on the RV to shower or wash dishes.
Gray water is the water that drains from all other drain systems except the toilet. The black water, also known as wastewater, is everything that flushes down the toilet.
You should ensure to empty the gray and wastewater tanks at RV parks with dump stations during your stops. Additionally, fill up your clean water tanks each morning.
Emptying and filling up the tanks ensures that you can safely boondock if you need to. However, you should note that more water in the tank means you get less fuel mileage.
Check the Height and Width of the RV and Blind Spots
When driving a small car, you don’t necessarily need to consider its height or width. However, an RV can be too tall under some bridges. You should, therefore, be alert of any height limits on the roads.
Moreover, RVs will always be wider and may pose a challenge, especially when driving through the back roads. Thus, you need to ensure you can navigate through these roads without causing accidents.
In addition to the width, the design of the RV also means you can only use the side mirrors. It means that you have a larger blind spot than a regular vehicle. Thus, before driving, ensure that you position your side mirrors well and note any blind positions.
Be Attentive During the Tour
For every RV rental, it’s standard for the owner to give you an orientation tour around the RV.
Even if you use a recreational vehicle regularly, no two RVs can be the same. Therefore, you should pay attention to the tour and take notes where possible.
An RV can be enjoyable when you know how to operate the different functionalities and also if you know when the tanks are full or how to empty them safely.
Plan on Fueling
An RV has large tanks that can take 10-15 minutes to fill up. Furthermore, RVs aren’t fuel-efficient.
It, therefore, means you will spend more time at gas stations than you would on your regular vehicle. Thus, you need to factor the fueling time into your itinerary, depending on your route.
Keep the Floors Dirt-Free
Choosing an RV means that you are considering hiking at some point in your trip. Hiking can get your shoes too dirty and muddy.
Therefore, consider keeping the shoes outside when you return to your RV. It helps keep the floor clean and avoids foul smells inside the RV.
Privacy
Check with the owner of the RV if the windows are tinted. Tints on the windows help your privacy during the night when you have to turn the lights on.
If the windows aren’t tinted, you can tape a towel or sheet over the windows.
Prepare an Emergency Contact
For unforeseen circumstances like tire issues or mechanical failures, ensure you get emergency contact information.
You can check with the owner if they have an in-house or a contracted emergency response company. Additionally, you can get contacts for the local authorities for any eventuality. It can help put your mind at ease and help you enjoy your RV holiday.
Get Insurance Cover
Just like any other vehicle, driving an RV may involve accidents. Thus, you should get a comprehensive cover in case this happens.
Most RV rental companies can help with insurance purchases when you pick up the RV. Such convenience can help you save time and be cheaper when you go through the rental company.
Conclusion
In summary, RV trips can’t compare with your ordinary vacation trips. On a usual vehicle trip, you may only need to book a hotel and arrive on the same day with all amenities ready for you.
However, RV trips can take more considerations. The tips above can help you enjoy your rental RV vacation.
Overall, don’t be shy to ask the owner any other lingering questions you may have.