Ten Tips for RV Renters

Planning a road trip in the U.S. to go visit unique places or friends and family? Instead of jumping on airplanes and renting cars, you might want to consider renting an RV. If it is your first time using an RV or you are not sure how many trips you may do this way, then renting an RV is a great way to test the waters to see if you might eventually want to purchase one in the future.

RV renters get to enjoy all of the comforts of home while traveling long distances and keeping their vacation affordable. There are definately a few things that you want to keep in mind when researching your options for RV rentals.

Here are Ten Tips for RV Renters

1. Make sure to check out all of the different models available for rental at the rental locations. You want to make sure that you select the right size to fit and sleep the number traveling in your group.

2. Compare rental prices between the different rental companies. Compare the average rental price for the different companies. Also look at the prices between the different models. You don’t want to compromise on size but you may not need all of the different ammenities that some models contain.

3. Make sure to look over the contracts thoroughly and read the fine print before signing. You may even want to take the contract home and review it. You want to know all of the restrictions and rules of the contract before you sign.

4. Take great care of the RV while on the road. You want to make sure you understand what condition the vehicle needs to be returned in. Stains on the furniture and carpets will probably not be tolerated and will cost you financially.
Treat the vehicle as if it were your own and you probably won’t have any problems.

5. Make sure you bring back your RV on time. You may incur late fees that were probably referenced on your contract. If you run into problems make sure you call the company to let them know you will be delayed. Before you leave on your trip you may want to be clear on what the after hours return procedure is just in case they are closed. Some people may be having so much fun that they may want to extend their trip. Find out how it would work if you decided to do so.

6. You’ll want to know what kind of insurance you need to take care of on your end or what type the rental company may provide. Find out if you need special travel insurance, insurance for driving an RV, or additional or extended coverage in addition to what you presently have.

7. Mechanical breakdowns can occur while you are on the road. Know upfront who is responsible for covering these repairs while you have the vehicle under contract. The same goes for any kind of maintenance that is needed on the vehicle. Each company will have their own policies regarding these issues and you want to be clear on where your responsibility lies.

8. There is always the chance that you could end up involved in an accident while you are on your trip. It should state clearly in your contract whether you or the company is liable for damages and injury.

9. When comparing prices and contracts make sure that you understand things such as:
* what forms of payment they accept
* what costs are included in the basic rental rate?
* what kind of deposit do you need to make when signing a contract?
* do you need to pass any special sort of driver’s test?

10. And last but not least, if you are traveling to a distant dealer to rent an RV you will need to figure out how you are going to pick up the RV. Do they have a pick-up program or are you going to be responsible for getting yourself to the dealership and then home? Some folks are coming from another state and rental companies will have what is called a fly and drive program, where you fly in and they pick you up at the airport and then bring you right to your RV.

RV renters are encouraged to examine all of their rental options, compare prices, thoroughly read through rental contracts, use caution, and return their RV rentals on time. When following these tips it can only help to improve the quality of your RV rental experience. Not only can it help to keep the costs associated with your trip reasonable but it can help prevent any unexpected surprises.