Renting an RV, Motor Home, Camper or Trailer

Even with high gas prices, RV or motor home vacations still remain a great vacation value. You do not need to own an RV to experience the joys of camping. There are many RV rental options available. Many families rent RVs year after year and never buy one. Families enjoy the RV lifestyle because it gives them freedom to travel at a their own pace and it brings them closer. They also enjoy the comforts of RVs and how economical they are for family vacations. You can go roam where you please, yet you can sleep each night in your own bed. Traveling by RV you avoid the cost of air travl, and you get to avoid the joys of airport crowds and lines. No more do you have to pay for overpriced hotels, or spend the night in a dingy dirty motel. You also don't have to pack or unpack luggage.

Travel by a rental RV is also economical. While the initial cost of rental may seem expensive, when you look at the money you will save on hotels, restaurants, and air travel, the cost of a rental RV is not all that high. If you compare the cost of a two week vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida, you will see that an RV may cost you 25%-50% less than staying in a hotel, and then you can factor in the savings on food costs as well.

There are many RV rental companies. The main two national companies are El Monte RV and Cruise America. Many smaller companies also are in certain areas.

Decide on a Type of RV

Choosing the right size of RV, motor home or camping trailer to rent is dependent on a few factors. Usually, the bigger the RV, the more expensive it is, and the more it will cost in gas. But you get more space and more comfort. You should consider your vacation budget when renting an RV. Don't spend so much on the rental that you don't have any left for gas, food and entertainment on your RV trip. Here are some different types of RVs, motor homes, and travel trailers.

Travel Trailers

Consider your tow vehicle, the wear and tear on your tow vehicle, and storage costs.

5th Wheel Trailer or Fifth Wheel Trailer

Large Split-Level floor plans. Needs to be towed with a pickup truck. Can sleep six or more.

Toy Haulers or Sports Utility Trailer

Built-in garage for hauling motorcycles, ATVs and other sports equipment. Convert at destination to sleep up to eight.

Conventional Travel Trailers / Conversion Camper Trailers

Wide range of floor plans and sizes with homelike amenities. Can sleep up to 10.

Pop Up Tent Trailer or Folding Camping Trailer

Folds up for lightweight easy towing. Fresh-air experience with some RV comforts. Some sleep up to eight. From $6,000

Motor Homes

Consider Gas Prices, Storage Costs, engine maintenance, license fees and the fact you may have to tow a vehicle to your destination if you want to do any sightseeing.

Class A

This is the largest and most luxurious of motor homes. It is truly a home away from home, fully loaded and equipped for any trip or for full time living. The Class A is built from the frame up on a chassis specially designed for an RV.

Class C

This type of motor home provides most or the conveniences of a Class A motor home in a smaller version and at a substantially lower price. It is usullay is built on a van frame with an attached cab.

Class B (Van Conversions)

A Class B motor home is essentially a cargo van that has been converted into a motor home. It usually includes sleeping and eating quarters, and sometimes it will have a bathroom.

Do not try to see everything on your vacation. Always limit your driving to four hours a day, especially traveling with children. Be sure your children have activities to keep them busy during the drive. Remember to be safe too. You are not driving a car. You are driving a big heavy vehicle. Remember that it will take longer to stop. Always leave a large space cushion between you and the car in front of you. Most importantly, have fun!

Happy Camping!