You’re here because you want to rent an RV. But before you do, let’s talk about why renting an RV is the best way to travel.
RVs are like your own little house on wheels – but better! You can find them in all different sizes and shapes, from teeny tiny models to behemoth luxury RVs with full kitchens, showers, and even bathrooms if that’s what you are into. They come with all of the comforts of home – and then some.
Currently, as per the RV Industry Association, the number of households with RVs has risen to over eleven million, the greatest level ever recorded, with a 62% increase since 2001 and a 124% increase since 1980. The numbers are huge and indicative of the fact that more and more people are willing to use RVs for their next road trip.
But here’s the thing – if you’re new to RV rental, there are a few things you need to know before you get out there and hit the road.
Work Out a Budget
If you’re wondering, “How much does it cost to rent an RV?” then you might be thinking in the wrong direction. While the average rates depend on amenities, planning your budget will essentially save you bucks in the longer run.
RV rentals are not cheap, but they can be affordable if you plan ahead and do some research on the best time to rent, how much space you need, and what kinds of amenities you want. The good news is that there are many ways to save money when renting an RV.
Here are three tips for working out a budget for your RV rental:
- Research prices for different times of year and locations before booking your trip. You may find that rates are lower outside of busy tourist seasons or in areas where there are fewer attractions nearby.
- Look into renting used RVs instead of new ones. New RVs cost more because they include high-end furnishings and amenities like TVs and stereos that can get damaged during transit or while traveling down bumpy roads; however, used RV rentals typically have older models with fewer features but still provide everything you need.
- Consider whether it’s worth paying extra for additional features like air conditioning or satellite TV in order to save money on fuel costs by driving less frequently, which also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Get Insurance & Proper Coverage
RV rental is a great way to experience the open road and really get away from it all. It’s also a great option for those who want an affordable way to stay on the road for a long time without having to pay for hotel rooms or campgrounds. However, there are some important things you should know before renting an RV.
Between 567,000 and 587,000 RVs were shipped across the U.S. by the end of 2021, a 34% increase over the year-end number for 2020. The RV Industry Association predicts that in 2022, RV shipments will reach a record high.
While the numbers are optimistic, they also highlight the need for the safety of vehicles and individuals who are using those vehicles. That’s where insurance coverage comes in.
Even if you have homeowner’s insurance, it might not cover your RV rental, so be sure to check with your insurer beforehand. You also need to understand what type of coverage you’ll need – comprehensive, collision, or liability may all be required by different rental companies. If you don’t have any of these types of insurance on your own policy, then it’s best to purchase them before renting an RV.
The next thing you’ll want to think about is what kind of coverage you’ll need while traveling in an RV. If you have pets, then there may be restrictions on where they can go or if they can even ride in certain vehicles at all (some rentals do not allow pets). If you’re bringing food or drinks, then they will need separate refrigeration units as well (which costs extra). You may even need special equipment like water filters.
Supplies and Equipment for RV
Additionally, 84% of current millennial and Gen Z owners have stated that they plan to buy a new RV within the next five years, making this younger generation of road travelers – who frequently like additional technological and recreational add-ons—a key target for RV manufacturers.
This is found in the survey by the RV Industry Association, implying that millennials are ready to ride and experiment with different accessories of RVs.
The good news is that you don’t need to get into the details of all the different models and options out there. Instead, you just need a few simple supplies and equipment for RV rental success.
Here are some of our recommendations:
- A good battery charger – It’s important to keep your battery charged while you’re traveling so that your RV can run smoothly and efficiently. This will also help prevent damage to your batteries from overcharging.
- A generator – If you’re going camping in an area where there isn’t power available, having a generator will allow you to stay more comfortably in your RV while still being able to enjoy the outdoors.
- Water hose – You never know when you might need access to water, and if there’s no running water nearby, having this handy tool can make bathing easier.
Wrapping Up
It may be a lot to take in, but we hope you’ve gained a better understanding of why RV rental is such an incredible way for first-timers to see the country. The benefits of renting an RV are numerous because rental RVs allow you to get out of your comfort zone, explore new places, and take on new challenges. It’s also a great way to meet people and make new friends.
