USEFUL THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE RENTING YOUR FIRST RV

If you’ve never rented an RV for a vacation, you really should consider this unique method of travel. Renting an RV offers the fun and flexibility of a road trip and also gives you a home on wheels wherever you go. You unpack once, you decide where you stay and how long for and also where you go!  Use these following tips to get the most from your first RV rental.

Plan Ahead

Once you decide to take an RV trip, you have to determine what type of RV you’ll rent, where you’d like to stay, and what you want to do along the way. Once you have those decisions made, you can use that information to create your budget, plan any specific activities, and meal prep. Planning your RV trip from start to finish is the key to getting the most out of your RV rental.  You can of course be spontaneous but why learn the hard way?

Because rental motorhomes and campervans are small spaces RV-ing isn’t for everyone, so you’ll want to make sure that everyone who commits will feel comfortable with this style of vacation. Talk with family and friends who are interested, then read about what to expect at your destinations so that everyone understands the plan and feels free to discuss anything they are not sure about or don’t particularly want to do.  This ensures you are all on the same page.  Living in such a small space for extended periods is a lot of fun but not for everyone so you need to be up for the experience.

Part of the planning is the actual trip itself.  Where do you want to pick up the RV, where do you want to drop it and what do you to do and go in between?  Google my maps is really good for planning trips, plus there are numerous apps you can use.  This can take quite a while with everyone contributing but once you have a plan for you trip you can then look at what size RV, budgets etc.

Take your own GPS if you are staying domestic, or if you are travelling overseas you can often pay to load an international package on your GPS but .. 2 things … depending on the length of your trip, it is usually cheaper to buy a gps when you get there or rent from the RV rental company – do the math and see what would be cheaper.  Or of course you can use your phone or an app on your phone.  Just remember though, check your routes daily and if you are going where you may not get a reception, download your maps before you head off.

Choose Destinations Everyone Will Enjoy

One of the biggest perks of renting an RV is that you can pretty much go anywhere you want. Whether it’s a national park, the beach, or staying at a luxury RV resort, make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy along the way. This means looking for activities for any kids, hiking, swimming, photography, sightseeing, exploring and ensuring there’s fun for everyone no matter your destination.

Select the Right RV to Rent

Check beforehand that you can take your RV where you want to go (as in unsealed roads, snow, on a ferry etc there will be restrictions with some of these and it will be explained at time of pick up and in the contract but that might be too late if you have already planned your trip) and also check to see if the RV you have in mind has a ‘free camping’ option – where you can go off the grid for up to 3 days using solar and gas etc.  This will also help with camp site fees and planning the trip.

Tip: Just because an RV says it sleeps six doesn’t mean it sleeps six comfortably.  If you can, do your research on line and decide which rental company you want to use and if they have a local depot, go down there, have a look through the RV’s and get a feel for which one best suits your needs and your party.  Does it have bunk beds?  How long and wide are the beds?  Does the dining area convert to a bed?  What size?  Will you need to use this bed?  Will you need to pack it up every day to use the dining area?  Does it have a Luton bed (above the driver’s cab – see pic below)?  Are you ok climbing up those steps and with the confined area.  Windows, how many, is there a breeze way, do they have bug mesh and security mesh on them, does the door also have a mesh door so you can leave the door open at night (if it’s hot) and still be secure? 

Once you know where you’re going and who’s coming with you, you can choose the right size RV to rent. You’ll need enough sleeping space for everyone, enough space to lounge around, the capacity to bring along everything you need, and it should have the right kitchen appliances for you to make meals at the RV park or campground.  And if you are planning to cook outside of the RV do they include a camp stove, table and chairs etc.  Are these included in the price or are they extras, and, how much storage space do you lose with these extra items

Many things to consider so make sure you choose well – if you are on a long road trip, squashed up on a little bed or faffing around every day dismantling beds that need to be made again at night may not be your idea of fun.  How much storage is there, inside and out – there is usually not a lot so you have to be prepared to travel light – and use fold up bags you can roll up and store for the trip.   And after all those considerations do you need more than one RV so you can all travel comfortably?

How to Budget

Budgeting will likely be an ongoing process as you research all the options for each step (renting, activities, necessities, etc.), but you can start creating a budget now and adjust as you make more decisions.

As you’ll see in the following tips, your budget should include not only the RV you’ve chosen to rent, but extra fees with the vehicle, park and campground fees, amenities, and everything else along the way—where you’ll stay (e.g. National Park passes), fuel for the trip, spontaneous excursions, and meals and activities at each destination. If you want to rent a car anywhere for activities not suitable for an RV, you should plan for that, too. And always budget for miscellaneous expenses—you never know what might pop up that requires a little extra spending on or off the road – like that daily fix of caffeine!  Keep these pieces in mind as you read through the next steps.

Be Mindful of Additional RV-ing Fees

Besides the base cost of renting an RV, there are a few other costs you should know about. You’ll need to put down a security deposit upfront which is not returned until the vehicle is returned.  You’ll need insurance for your trip and due to the value of the vehicle it is best to take out the highest level you can. 

Depending on the duration or destination of your trip (e.g. out of state), there may be additional fees – also one-way fees.  Many RV rental companies do provide extra amenities but at a cost, such as linen, kitchenware, generators, propane and more. However, paying for some of the above, such as LPG, toilet chemicals etc are cheaper upfront than trying to do so at an RV park or campground, and easier.  Also, other extras like a wifi package, rental bikes and a rack, child seats etc. 

credit: Maitland Mercury

Research Specific Parks or Campgrounds

When choosing an RV park or a campground, read reviews from people who took a similar trip to the one you’re planning. You also need to check the campground ticks all the boxes for you.  Are you paying for a pool you don’t need etc, are you going to need a laundry facilities by the time you get there etc.  Does it offer a shuttle service to nearby towns or tourist attractions. 

Is there a bus stop close by if it’s a bit of a distance away from where you want to go – meaning you can set up your RV and leave it there, you don’t need to use it for transport.  You are always going to pay extra for a powered site, so if you have a van that can do 2 or 3 days off the grid, why not take advantage of that and save yourself some money.  Check prices vs location vs facilities this will help you shortlist your favourites.

There are many types of RV experiences out there. For first-time RV renters, you may want to go with the easiest and stay at a fully-serviced RV park or campground that has full hookups, a dump station, and staff on site.   If you search online for the areas you are considering and you will find a host of information on sites and options available.   You can also then check the different facilities available, so you are not paying for things you don’t need but are paying for those you do.   And perhaps also TripAdvisor for any reviews.

Also search for “free camping” – where you are allowed to camp overnight for free.  These sites do not (usually) have any facilities except sometimes public toilets but are usually in the most amazing places, but it is the responsibility of the campers to keep it pristine so please don’t empty any grey water, leave rubbish etc at these locations.  Campsites will vary in price immensely and add to that the seasonal changes so it is important you check these out if your budget is going to work. 

Expect Poor Gas Consumption

Gas mileage is not good when you rent an RV, and there’s not much you can do about it when you consider the size of the vehicle you are driving around.   The summer months see gas prices skyrocket across North America, so be prepared and perhaps consider this when you are planning your trip.  But there are some strategies to maximizing your gas mileage. You can even research cheaper places to stop for gas when you’re planning your route. Typically, gas stations along busy stretches of highway will be the most expensive – and there are apps like gasbuddy that will tell you where the cheapest fuel is near you. 

The rental company might be able to give you an idea of what kind of mpg you can expect but it varies due to the number of people in the van and also things like; the roads you are travelling, the speed you are travelling, are your water reservoirs full?  Are you using gas to drive gallons of water around?  (where you can try to empty your water daily so you are not dragging water around the place (think $$)) so always just fill up with the amount you will need for that stay and also empty your grey water before you leave.

Remember That Driving an RV is Different Than Driving a Car

Make sure you’re comfortable driving a motorhome before you rent one. Often, you can take one for a spin at an RV rental location—they’ll also want to know you’re at ease driving one before renting. Parking an RV at your destination can be tricky, too. If you’re having issues, ask for help from your fellow RVers or the park staff when you arrive.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help—the RVing community is one of the most helpful around.  I once had the park manager park an RV for me because I didn’t trust myself with all the other vans, tents, tent ropes, tables, chairs, trees and branches surrounding the location I had been allocated to park in, she didn’t mind at all.

Don’t Stress About RV Hookups

RV hookups confuse many new RVers, and they differ depending on what country you are in, but they’re not as tricky as you might think.  The customer service agent when you collected the vehicle will explain how you do it, plus they usually include instructions in the vehicle (and some have videos on the tv on the operations of the vehicle) and if you are still unsure ask another camper, as we said before, campers are such a helpful friendly bunch, they are always happy to help.  Don’t connect to hookups if you’re unsure—you could blow out the RV’s electrical system.  Once you have done it a couple of times you will be fine, it’s just the first few times it can be daunting especially as the different sites will have different set ups.

Do be vigilant when you pack away – check and double check you have packed everything away in the right storage container, don’t leave anything plugged in, or adapters in sockets.  Roll cords and tubing up tidily or it will just be a nightmare trying to unravel it next time you need to get it out.  A little bit of OCD at pack up pays dividends at next set up time – even use a check list for this, this can make or break your holiday if you leave things behind … or drive off still hooked up – don’t laugh it happens. Or can’t work out where the beeping is coming from? Check your step by the door, it’s probably still out!

credit: outdoorsy

Prepare for an ‘Interesting’ Experience ….

Emptying an RV toilet will not be a highlight of any RV rental experience but you will be pleased to hear it’s easier for the waste water.  If your RV rental company offers dump services, or your RV park or campground does, you could decide to pay for it. It might be worth the expense depending on how much you have used it. If you opt to do it yourself, ask for help if you need it, watch online videos, and be prepared for things to possibly go wrong.  

Just remember to empty frequently then you are not running the risk of an overflow/leak from the toilet, nor are you carrying dirty water around with you. Pic below of emptying toilet cartridge – easy, make sure you put it back properly and use the chemicals required. If you have a direct hose for emptying the toilet (USA) be sure to use enough water to avoid it blocking up – opposite to cartridge toilets, too much water with cartridges can cause overflows and leaks.

You could consider going not using the bathroom for the trip by using public restrooms and showers at your campground or RV park etc.  It means you don’t get the dump station job, but it also means you are not really enjoying the freedom of RV-ing.  Just don’t let the kids over flush the toilet to avoid leakage back into the van!  The toilet cartridges are pretty easy to empty though of course no one in your group is going to stick their hand up for that smelly task … might need a roster!   Make sure you keep a supply of disposable gloves at the ready. Emptying toilet cartridge pic to the left, pretty straight forward. Make sure you put it back in properly and use the chemicals required.

Budgeting With Meals

Depending on your budget, eating can be one of the easy ways to control your spending.  If you are travelling on a small budget, you can buy food from the grocery store to make your own meals – be it cooking in the RV or outside on a campfire, BBQ or on a gas stove.  Or if you have the budget, eat out and try the local specialties.

Some parks will also have BBQ facilities so you can also use those.  Your motorhome will come with a refrigerator and usually a little freezer compartment and you will have electric hook ups and often an option to turn it to gas if you are free camping to save your power – and of course your second battery to keep it working whilst you are driving.  Buy your snacks and drinks ahead so you don’t feel the need to keep stopping for refreshments every time you get the munchies or are thirsty. But as you are on this adventure, why not get into camping mode and have a look at some quick and easy RV cooking tips.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Finally, get on your way! Enjoy the experience and everything that comes with renting an RV for the first time. You may discover you love it and end up travelling to a lot of countries and RV-going your way around them.

While it may not appear be the cheapest way to travel, when you consider it includes your vehicle rental, your accommodation and allows self-catering (far cheaper than eating out) it is actually not  it expensive either.  Plus of course it offers you the chance to get away from day-to-day life, vacation differently than you’re used to and experience adventure you wouldn’t get from other forms of travel.

Anything you are not sure about, you will find it on youtube – first time RV-ing, first time driving an RV, emptying the waste tanks … you question it, the answer are there.

HAPPY TRAVELS!