Here are some tips to consider when you look into RV rentals for your vacation choice:
1. Where do you plan to go?
When you pick a destination, get a feeling for the number of miles you might be traveling, of the sights you plan to see, and of the possible campsites or RV parks that would be available on the way.
My suggestion is initially plan on only traveling 300 to 400 miles a day. This will allow you to not get too tired, arrive early enough to have daylight when you make camp and not stress the RV too much in case something may wear out or break.
2. Meal Planning
Counter space, storage space, refrigerator space will be limited, sinks are small, and stovetops are small. Plan on every few days stopping at a local grocery store, and stock up on fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, bread or any other item that you quickly use up. While driving, make simple meals like sandwiches or cold cuts, fruit, or other quick to prepare meals. There will be plenty of time to cook full meals after you are in camp.
3. What Size of RV?
You will need enough room inside for everyone to sleep, and to sit while still having some room to move around. Then consider room for the clothes, toys, books, CDs, bags, sports equipment, and other things you want to bring with you.
Finally, parking a large RV can be difficult to negotiate at some campsites. If very large, some campsites will not take them. Check this out with the campsites you are planning to use for the maximum size RV they will accept.
4. Budgeting for RV Rentals for Vacation
When you look online or visit an RV rental location, you will get a rough idea of what it will cost you. As an example budget for a Class C RV that can accommodate two adults and two children:
Assumptions:
a. Daily rent fee: can range from $30 to $60 a day depending on how fancy the RV is. For budgeting, let’s say $35 a day.
b. Daily Insurance fee: if you pay as you go, can be $9 to $15 a day. Let’s choose $10.
c. Gas cost: is about $3.35 to$3.50 now. Let’s choose $3.50.
d. Mileage is on the average 8 to 10 miles per gallon. Let’s choose 10mi/gal.
e. Incidentals: renting 4 camping chairs and a table.
f. One time fee of $200.
g. RV prep fee: say $100.
h. Deposit can be $1000: refundable upon return, so no need to include in budget.
g. Food for 4: let’s budget for $50 a day, with a no frills menu.
i. For campground fees: a typical fee is $35/night full hookups included.
j. For park fees, amusement fees, entertainment, budget $25 a day unless it is a special park like Disneyland.
In Summary
Ok, so now lets sum all of this up in a daily cost plan.
Assume you travel 400 miles a day and camp each night in a new campground.
- The RV rental = $35
- Insurance = $10
- Cost for gas: ( 400mi/10mi/galX$3.50 gal ) = $140
- Campground cost = $35
- Food cost = $50
- incidentals = $25
Daily total estimate = $295
In total for a vacation then,
- For a 10 day vacation, basic cost is $2950
- In addition, up front fees are $300
- Give yourself a buffer budget of $550
- Another “emergency repair “ of $500
Vacation total cost:$4300
5. Reality check and last points of advice
Compare this cost against using the family car or truck and staying at low cost hotels/motels or buying an all inclusive vacation package to a specific location like Disneyworld. The main difference of course is you can go to a lot of different places on the RV rental vacation. Just depends on your time and money.
Final Advice:
If you decide to do this then be sure to:
a. Check on the reputation of the rental company. Some have poor response to road emergencies, other have poor upkeep of the unit. Others often do not prep them well.
b. Be aware, Rental vehicles are not necessarily treated well and could develop engine as well as tire problems. Be prepared
c. Check if pets are allowed.
d. Check on cost of repairs if they ever need to be done and where.
e. Always read the fine print of the contract
f. Allow plenty of time to return the rental otherwise there may be an hourly charge.
g. Find out how complaints, refunds are handled.
If all of that checks out to your satisfaction, then go rving !
Have a blast and be sure to take a lot of pictures to share with others when you return from your adventure !
