RV Life: How To Rent An RV

Above, El Monte RV rental agency in the San Fernando Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back around 1974 or so, my parents rented a travel trailer for a trip to Mesa Verde National Park. I don't remember where they rented it from, but it was a 16' travel trailer that we pulled with our 1968 Buick LeSabre and the rental company was a small one.

Since then, there are many nationwide companies who rent trailers and motorhomes. RV Life has posted an article on how to rent an RV.

The begin it with:

Whether you’re a veteran RVer or a total newbie, renting an RV can be an excellent way to get out and see more of the world. There are many reasons to rent an RV, and it can be especially beneficial if you are shopping for a new (or new to you) RV. 

Read on to learn what you need to know about renting an RV.

To read more, go here. 

Should You Buy An Ex-Rental RV?

Anyone wanting to buy an RV may be considering a former rental RV as from Cruise America.

There are pros and cons to buying a used rental RV.

RV Travel has an article on just this subject. They provide the pros and cons one should consider.

It begins with:

In the video below, Duane, a certified RV inspector and one of my favorite RV YouTube vloggers, gives his thoughts on the pros and cons of buying a used Class C rental, like those offered for sale from Cruise America.

Cruise America is the country’s largest RV rental company. They provide a great way for people to try out the RV lifestyle before fully committing to it.

Like rental car companies, they also regularly sell off older units and replace them with newer models. This offers the public a chance to get an RV at a bargain price.

To read more, go here. 

10 Top RV Destinations Travelers Loved In 2022

Above, Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Where did RVers go this year? 

Well, a segment of recreational vehicle travelers, RVshare, provided some answers. A list of  their 10 top RV destinations in 2022 has been posted at TravelAwaits. 

The number one destination was Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

TravelAwaits begins with:

RVshare, the largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace in the world, recently released its 2023 Travel Trend Report, which revealed the top destinations for RVshare renters in 2022.

Interestingly, 20 percent of rentals were booked to attend events, such as music festivals, tailgating, and auto and aviation shows. From events to national parks, here are the top RV travel destinations for 2022 according to RVshare insights.

To read more, go here. 

What To Know Before Renting An RV

Above, a San Fernando Valley RV rental lot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With gasoline prices headed into the mesosphere (that's the atmosphere layer immediately above the stratosphere), one wonders how well the RV business is doing. Something to ponder, eh?

Well, if one is considering renting an RV for a vacation or to see if they like it enough to buy one, there are a few things people should consider before renting.

It just so happens that TheTravel has those things listed.

They begin with:

In a world where road trips are still one of the most beloved ways of traveling, it's not  surprising that there's an interest in renting an RV to get the job done. Essentially, travelers are renting a home on wheels that can take them anywhere there's a road, which is a dream vacation for many people.

With that being said, renting an RV for the first time comes with its pros and cons. The process itself of finding one can be overwhelming, and there are a few things that first-timers should watch out for when renting a vehicle for travel such as this.

To see what they are, go here.

Kiplinger: Pros and Cons of Buying an RV in Retirement

Above, The Beast in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent weeks, the media has marveled over the big surge in RV sales and rentals since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.

Many RV buyers are first-time buyers. It had been a given that most buyers are retirees. That may still be the case, but there are pros and cons in buying a recreational vehicle while in retirement.

Kiplinger has posted a discussion on those pros and cons.

They forwarded it with:

RV Dealers Association president Phil Ingrassia joins our "Your Money's Worth" podcast to break down the advantages and pitfalls of owning a recreational vehicle or RV. Also, our hosts Sandy Block and Ryan Ermey answer listener questions.

So if you are retired and are considering buying a RV, you may want to check out the discussion. Even if you aren't retired (yet), you may also want to take a good look.

To do so, go here. 

Mistakes To Avoid On Your First RV Trip

Above, The Beast at Trailer Village RV Park in Roswell, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since people are generally avoiding air travel and sea cruises due to the coronavirus, RV rentals and sales have shot up through the roof. Many of these are first-timers to the world of recreational vehicles and mistakes will be made.

Travel + Leisure has an article on five mistakes to avoid while on a first RV trip.

They begin with:

If your vacation plans have shifted this year, chances are, you've entertained the thought of taking an RV road trip. And whether you're interested in renting a motorhome for a week or investing in one for years of future travel, there are plenty of factors to consider — and mistakes to avoid — when planning a trip to ensure you have the best getaway possible.

With that in mind, we consulted the experts at Outdoorsy, a popular RV rental service, about how to plan a perfect road trip. From choosing the wrong type of RV to forgetting to pack the essentials, there are several mistakes travelers can make along the way. Luckily, Outdoorsy's cofounder and CMO, Jen Young, helped us identify five common mistakes and ways to avoid them.

To read more, go here. 

RV Life: Pros & Cons of Class C and Camper Van Rentals

Above, Class C rentals in the San Fernando Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Up front, I have never rented a Class C or camper van RV. My parents did rent a travel trailer back in the mid-1970s, but I don't recall the particulars of the rental transaction. My parents loved camping, but they were getting to the point that they put comfort as a higher priority. Tent camping was less attractive.

Two of the most popular RV rentals are Class C and camper van RVs. RV Life has an article that covers the pros and cons of renting them.

They start it with:

RV rentals make sense if the nomad lifestyle is calling your name. But the pros and cons of camper vans and Class C RV rentals—the two most common types of RVs you can book—can be overwhelming if you’re in unfamiliar territory. Here’s a closer look that can help you decide and get on the road with confidence. 

When searching for RV rentals, you’ll find plenty of small to mid-size RVs like camper vans and Class C RV rentals. Their small footprint makes it easy for RV newbies to jump into the lifestyle. They often have better fuel efficiency than a Class A motorhome, driving and maneuvering is easier for a novice behind the wheel, and campsite location choices are greater too. Campervans and Class C motorhomes let you go more places, with less money and hassle than bigger RVs. 

But as the saying goes, there’s always a catch. Book RV rentals without examining the pros and cons of the unit you picked out, and you may hate RVing forever. Here’s how to take the RV road trip of your dreams by choosing the best RV rental for your needs.

To read more, go here. 

What To Know About RV Travel

Above, The Beast at Trailer Village RV Park in Roswell, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many people are opting to travel this summer by RV instead of by airline or cruises, and some of them are doing so for the first time.

National Geographic has an article on things people should know about RV travel.

They begin with:

TRAVELERS ARE GEARING up for summer getaways, but with more than 20 states reporting spikes in COVID-19 cases in June, vacations involving air travel and large gatherings are likely to remain on hold. If you’re driven to distraction by wanderlust, here’s a tip: Take a spin in an RV. 

The pandemic has fueled interest in recreational vehicles—RVs, campervans, and travel trailers. As a result, motor home sales and rentals have dramatically ramped up. While industry-wide data has yet to be fully compiled, RV dealers that reopened in early May report monthly sales are up 170 percent year over year; bookings through rental site RVshare for the Fourth of July weekend are up 81 percent over 2019. 

What’s more, the duration of rentals has increased. “We have seen an uptick in the amount people are spending because the average rental period has increased,” says Jon Gray, of peer-to-peer booking site RVshare. “Instead of a long weekend, renters are booking for an average of seven to 10 days.”

To read more, go here. 

Advising A RV Rental Newbie

Above, an El Monte RV rental lot in the San Fernando Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My "honorary sister" and her husband are renting a 25' Class C RV next month for their daughter's wedding in Idaho. They never rented a RV before and she asked for some of my "expertise".

There have been several emails going back and forth and more will likely come to me when things pop into my head.

So that what I wrote doesn't fade into the ether, I am posting them here for those who may be renting a RV for the first time.

They begin with:

Is El Monte providing you a walk-through to explain the systems? They likely will. So, during it, VIDEO it. It will come in handy. Ask questions. When you check the level, put the level on the bottom of the freezer for the best accurate reading.

[Unfortunately, there's no walkthroughs due to COVID-19, she said.]

The main thing when you use the refrigerator, make sure it's level when stopped longer than 30 min. Also, turn on the refrigerator 8 hours before you load it. If you stop longer than 30 min., just shut it off. Then turn it on when you're ready to get back on the road.

Do you have a Campground directory?

If you see a KOA Kampground along the way,  you can grab one there free. Camping World has Good Sam ones.

Make sure you get some latex gloves for when you empty the holding tanks. Even the best of us can have a mishap. I have. Yuck!

Empty the black water (toilet) first. Then the grey water tank (bath and sink water). The grey water will rinse the hose while emptying.

If you are dry camping (no hookups), electrical appliances won't work. A generator would be needed. Battery powers only the water pump, house lights and refrigerator (even with propane).

Hopefully, a water pressure regulator comes with the rig. Make sure you always use it. It goes on the rig's intake outlet and the water hose.

If you stay at a campground with hookups. Inspect all around before driving off. It would be bad to have everything outside plugged in and you take off without unhooking. It happened to Amber and me with the awning. Luckily I didn't drive far before another camper flagged us.

Regarding generators, mine runs on gasoline from the gas tank. It has to be above 1/4 tank to work. When it gets to 1/4 tank, it shuts off so not to strand me from running out of gas.

There's an outlet inside the compartment where the power cable is stored. It has to be plugged in to power the house with the generator. For a campground with hookups, that cable plugs into the campsite's outlet. Yours will probably be a 30 amp plug. It likely has a starter button inside the house. Easy-peasy! Beware, generators are noisy! So if anyone is sleeping nearby, you'll wake them.

The generator will power appliances (coffee makers, television, etc.) and your roof air conditioner.

Signs That Summer Travel Is Rebounding

Above, The Beast at a Lava Hot Springs, Idaho KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do you really think that summer travel is rebounding?

Well, AZFamily has posted six signs that summer travel is rebounding and, in some ways, in a big way.

The article posted begins with:

(CNN) - The summer travel season, which was all but written off just weeks ago, have some peeks of sunshine after all. 

Demand is rising across several segments of the industry as coronavirus restrictions ease in the United States. While people aren't taking elaborate international vacations this year, they are renting home shares, flying domestically and even taking RVs to explore the wide open road. 

Here are some cautious signs that travel is returning:

Here's one of the signs (you'll have to read the full article to see the other five):

RVs 

RV sales and rentals are booming, with demand swelling in recent weeks. 

Enthusiasts say the vehicles are thriving because of social distancing concerns. Air and train travel have become less appealing. With an RV, there's no need to share a hotel elevator or airplane bathroom, and meals can be prepared inside the vehicle. 

Jon Gray, CEO of RVShare, laid off 10% of his staff in March and furloughed 30% of his remaining employees. Business started to pick up in mid-April as states loosened travel restrictions, and he's since brought back all the furloughed workers, and sales in the last week are more than double the same period last year. 

A competitor, Outdoorsy, said its bookings last week have grown 300% when compared with the same period a year ago. Airstream's parent company, Thor Industries, said this week that demand for its products are "very strong."

To read more, go here. 

Reinventing Vacation Travel, RVs Back In Style

Above, The Beast at Blackstone North RV Park in Fresno, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there's one thing that the coronavirus pandemic has caused, it is the big surge in RV sales and rentals.

People are skipping air travel and cruises and are looking into places closer to home by way of an old-fashioned mode of vacationing: the road trip.

It is easy to see why. Airlines and cruise ships are well-known to be virtual "petri dishes" for communicable diseases. Hotels and motels can also be sources for illnesses, depending upon how good an establishment's cleaning crew is.

I have gotten sick during air and cruise ship travels, but I never have during a RV trip. I've had my current RV (a 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R, called "The Beast") for five years.

According to Business Insider:

Travel experts expect that as people venture out again, they'll start by traveling closer to home instead of hopping on flights. And that could make the summer of 2020 the summer of RV travel. 

"There's some indication that as we settle into a new normal, folks will forego air travel, cruises, and overseas trips in favor of destinations that are closer to home," Bob Wheeler, the CEO of travel trailer company Airstream, recently told Business Insider. "RVs are the perfect vehicle for that kind of mindset. You can move at your own pace, and bring along your own environment in which to live and cook and relax." 

RV dealers across the US are already seeing a surge in inquiries, per the The RV Industry Association, the national trade association for RV makers and suppliers. 

Mike Regan, the president of Crestview RV, told Bloomberg last week that floor traffic at his two RV dealerships outside Austin, Texas, was up 30% compared to last May. The biggest group of interested buyers and renters are people who are looking to travel by RV for the first time because of the pandemic, he said. 

To read more, go here. 

Condé Nast: How To Rent A RV

Above, a RV rental lot in the San Fernando Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have never rented a RV, but my parents rented a 16' travel trailer back in 1975 and we took it to Mesa Verde National Park. So that's the extent of my "experience" in RV rentals.

However, since many people are now looking towards buying a RV or renting one, Condé Nast Traveler has an article how to rent a RV.

They begin it with:

The possibility of renting an RV this summer trip was never in Teena Garbus’s plans. But the mother of two from Tampa, Florida, says that, after the coronavirus pandemic caused her to cancel roughly nine trips this year—including three cruises, jaunts to Disney World, Las Vegas, and New York City for Mother’s Day—the idea of an RV vacation with her family is looking better than ever. 

“Having our own private space where we can can control what comes in and out [as] we do at home is the driving force,” says Garbus, who hopes to drive to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for a week’s vacation with her gang. On the itinerary? “Hitting a bunch of parks along the way.” 

Hardly alone, Garbus is one in a tidal wave of travelers destined to try out RV vacationing for the first time this summer. According to peer-to-peer rental operator RVshare, bookings have more than doubled from this time last year, signifying a renewed confidence by travelers to hit the road. Cruise America—North America’s largest RV rental operator, with more than 120 outposts across the U.S. and Canada—also reports that domestic business is soaring, with first-time RV renters in particular causing phones to ring off the hook. And they have a lot of questions.

“Our normal call [to the reservations line] averages about five minutes,” says Michael Smalley, Cruise America's executive vice president. “Now we’re up to 10 or 12 minutes a call. It’s indicative of first-timers, they just need a little more hand holding.” 

To be sure, knowing how to rent an RV takes a tad more research than a rental car—but it’s less intimidating than most people think. To get you started, read on for everything a first-timer should know when considering an RV rental, and you'll be hitting the road in no time.

To "read on", go here. 

RV Renting: 21 Things To Know For First Timers

Above, a RV rental agency lot in California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sooner or later, we're all going to resume normal life after the lockdown/stay-at-home mode we are in now.

That means many people will want to hit the road. Some in their RVs and some renting one.

There are those who have never rented a RV before and TravelAwaits has an article on 21 things people need to know before renting one for the first time.

They begin with:

We confess: The entire TravelAwaits team enjoys daydreaming about amazing North American RV trips. But a few of us have never rented a rig before. 

While we’ve got the skinny on picking the best RV and campground for your trip and are eager to put our RV renter’s checklist to good use, we decided we needed to ask seasoned RVers for their hard-earned lessons on the things you really need to know before renting an RV for the first time. The insights they share do not disappoint.

To read more, go here. 

Will RVing Be The Hottest Trend This Year?

Above, a KOA Kampground in West Yellowstone, Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow will be May 1, that means the summer vacation season is not too far away.

But will people travel to foreign destinations for a vacation, stay at home or RV instead?

Travel experts are thinking that camping and RVing will be the hottest trend for travel this year.

This is discussed in an article in Passport Magazine.

They begin it with:

As the coronavirus outbreak winds down, everyone is thinking about their next adventure. However, many are wary of crowded spaces. A lot of travelers will be replacing journeys to big cities with trips to smaller towns closer to home. But what if there was a way to see the USA without ever stepping foot inside an airport or hotel? Welcome to the world of camping and RVing! 

Campers and RVs have been around for a long time. Covered wagons pulled by horses were technically the first campers ever. While the history of the RV is somewhat up for debate, the Smithsonian states that the first RV was unveiled in 1910 at Madison Square Garden in New York. It was called the Touring Landau. It was quite luxurious for the time and even included a sink with running water. It was for sale at $8,250 dollars. 

From there, the industry was off and running. As America developed its roadways and as National Parks were instated, the drive for adventure had people hitting the road in record numbers. From Dutchmen to Airstream and Winnebago, RVs and campers were suddenly everywhere, and in recent years, they’ve started to make a massive comeback. 

Camp company KOA states that millennials are bringing back the RV life. Whether it’s buying their own or renting RVs and campers through sites like Cruise America or RVshare, the old notion that RVing is only for snowbird retirees has gone out the window.

To read the full article, go here. 

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A RV?

Above, a RV rental dealer in Van Nuys, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some people may be considering buying a RV, but don't know what kind they may want. Considering the huge investment RVs cost, it may be wiser to try out a rental RV first.

But how much does a rental RV cost?

Fortunately, Travel Daily News has all of the answers in an article they posted.

They start with:

Organizing a trip across the country can be stressful, but the end result is well worth the effort. An RV road trip can be a way to see the world and spend time with loved ones.  

However, setting up a road trip though takes a lot of planning and research. First of all, the RV itself is a major investment. It is essential to select one that fits your needs and stays within your road trip budget. 

So, how much does it cost to rent an RV? Know that there are always affordable options for you to take the road trip of your dreams.  

Here are some expert tips on how to select the perfect RV for your cross-country adventure. Be sure to keep these in mind when shopping around. Rather than be taken advantage of by unfair prices, be your own expert on RV rentals with this easy guide. 

Weigh the pros and cons of an older RV

If you are setting out to buy a top of the line RV, thinking that new means better, think again. There are plenty of older models that may not have new flashy features but can get you where you’re going conveniently and comfortably. These older RVs can save you hundreds of dollars in rental fees. Compare prices for new and old vehicles at  https://www.stayontrails.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-rent-an-rv . 

When opting for an older RV, the only downside is that there could be more wear and tear to the vehicle. This is why it is important to check all of the important parts on these models to ensure that they are up to your standards. While longer trips may mean you want a trustier newer model, an older RV could be just what you need for short trips.

To read more, go here. 

Travel Trailers and Class C Motorhomes Top Rentals

Above, a RV rental dealership in Van Nuys, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel trailers and Class C motorhomes lead the pack in popularity for RV rentals according to a Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) press release in PR Web.

They wrote:

Conventional travel trailers and Class C motorhomes will, once again, be the most widely available RV product types, according to the new survey by the RV Rental Association (RVRA). 

Conventional trailers are expected to account for 52 percent of this year’s rental fleet, up from 51 percent in 2018, while Class C’s will account to 34 percent, up from 32 percent in 2018, according to the 109 RV rental operators responding to the survey. 

“Because pickup trucks and SUVs capable of towing many travel trailers are some of the most popular vehicles in North America, it’s no surprise that towable RVs are popular with renters,” said Scott Krenek, RVRA Chairman and owner of Krenek RV Super Center in Coloma, MI. “The RV rental market is healthy and has the potential for more growth. That’s why so many RVRA members are looking forward to a great summer.” 

Consumers can access the complete list of RVRA member companies at http://www.rvra.org.

To read more, go here. 

Simple Tips To Get Into RV Travel

Above, The Beast at Los Banos KOA in Northern California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Think about getting into RV travel? 

If so, but need some tips on how to go about it, an article in the New York Times will be a help in getting there.

They begin with:

Recreational-vehicle travel is on the rise and not just with baby boomers. With the growth of peer-to-peer rental companies like RVShare and Outdoorsy, R.V. travel has become more accessible — and more appealing — to vacationers of varying ages and budgets. 

Over the last six months, Outdoorsy’s bookings have shot up more than 300 percent among global users, the company said, with half of those users under the age of 40. Similarly, Kampgrounds of America’s latest North American Camping Report noted millennials and Gen Xers now account for 70 percent of R.V. users. 

If you’ve never traveled by motor home or R.V., or thought it wasn’t for you, here are a few tips to set the wheels in motion.

To read more, go here. 

Affordable RV Travel

Above, campers at Lava Hot Springs/City Center KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If traveling around in an RV appeals to you, but you wonder how affordable it is, TravelPulse has some tips on how to save money.

They begin with:

Many people love RV travel because of the freedom it inspires. 

You can pack up and head out wherever you want. You can drive longer than you planned, stay somewhere new or drive all night. You aren’t bound to hotel reservations or other travel plans. You can go where the road takes you, or heck, you can go absolutely nowhere. 

Unfortunately, RV travel isn’t cheap. A new RV can easily cost $50,000-$100,000 or more. Renting an RV lets you escape the long-term costs of ownership, but it’s not inexpensive, either. For example, a five-night stay in a $99 per night rental could cost around $800 if you drove 600 miles and paid a mileage rate. 

If you want to enjoy the freedom of RV travel without all the costs, consider these tips to save some cash.

To see what the tips are, go here. 

Start Your Own RV Adventure

Above, The Beast at Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Prices, along with demand, are going up for vacations involving plane fares, hotels and attractions. Going on vacation in a RV may be more of a fit for your budget.

Digitl Journal has an article with five tips on getting started for a RV vacation.

They begin with:

MISSION, Kan., Nov. 29, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (Family Features) If you’re looking for a way to get away without the hassle of planes, hotels and an exorbitant travel budget, a recreation vehicle may be just the answer. 

Whether you're traveling with family, your significant other or several generations of family and friends, these tips from world-renowned auto travel expert Alan Taylor can get you on your way to an unforgettable RV vacation adventure.

I'll give away one of their tips:

3. Try it before you buy it. There’s no better way to try before you buy than by renting an RV. Many people rent RVs simply for a change of pace by taking a trip to a special event or destination. You can rent near home and journey to your final destination or fly and pick up your RV at the other end. More than 460 national chain outlets and local RV dealerships rent RVs, including state-of-the-art, late-model-year units. A growing number of campgrounds offer on-site RV rentals, as well. 

Most RV rental companies offer housekeeping packages (dishes, pots, pans, bed linens, etc.) for a fee, or you can bring your own. Even if you’re driving or towing an RV for the first time, features like automatic transmissions, power steering, large external mirrors and rearview cameras make it easy for inexperienced drivers to adjust to the difference in size, height and weight.

Above, a RV rental business in Van Nuys, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Tips For Renting A RV

Does RV traveling sound interesting to you, but you don't have the immediate funds to buy one or not sure you'd even like it?

Above, rental RVs at El Monte RV in Van Nuys, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's a way to find out if you'd like the "RV lifestyle" without having to buy one. Rent one! There are a number of RV rental companies available. Two of the biggest are El Monte RV and CruiseAmerica.

The We3Travel blog has some good tips on renting a RV.

They begin with:

I’ve never rented an RV or even driven in one, so when an idea came up recently to take an RV road trip next year, it got me thinking. I realized I wouldn’t even know where to begin with the what, where, when, or hows of renting a recreational vehicle. When full-time RVer Gaby Cuda from “Catch the Cudas” offered to write a guest post about tips for renting an RV  I thought, right on, now maybe I can learn something too! I hope you found this as helpful as I did in evaluating the different options. 

Traveling in an RV (recreational vehicle) is an exhilarating and unique experience – road trips are full of twists and turns (literally) and always end up being a blast. For those of you who have never RVed before: you should try it out as soon as you can! There’s nothing better than exploring the country with all the creature comforts traveling along with you. 

If you’ve been dreaming of RVing, I have great news for you: you don’t have to buy an RV to do it! Renting an RV is simple, safe, and affordable, and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about it right here.

To read more, go here.