RENTING AN RV

RV rental has become a popular alternative for many outdoor enthusiasts. You can rent anything from a pop-up camper to a luxury motorhome to accommodate whatever your recreational interests or business needs.

People rent RV's for a variety of reasons such as vacation, special events, tailgating at NASCAR races, sporting events, and festivals, hunting season, business travel and temporary office space. Renting is a cost effective alternative for the casual RVer. Another reason to rent an RV is to simply "test drive" the RV lifestyle and to try various types of RV's before actually buying one. Like always, actual experience is worth its weight in gold.

RV's provide the freedom to travel just about anywhere you can imagine. They are fully self contained and enable you to set up "camp" even in the most remote areas without sacrificing your comfort. They are fairly easy to operate and most of them don't require any special Driver's license.

You can rent various sizes of motorhomes, travel trailers, truck campers, conversion vans or pop-ups.

Vehicle types

The RV market is segmented into two main categories: Motorhomes (RVs built on a motor vehicle chassis) and Towables (designed to be towed by a motor vehicle).

Towables

Travel Trailer 

A vehicular unit, mounted on wheels, designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreation, camping or travel use. The size and weight as not to require special highway movement permits when towed by motorized vehicles, and with a living area of less than 220 square feet, excluding built-in equipment (such as closets, wardrobes, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures) and bath and toilet rooms.

Conventional Travel Trailer - Ranges typically from 12 to 35 feet in length and is towed by means of a bumper or frame hitch to the towing vehicle.

Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer - This unit can be equipped the same as the conventional travel trailer, but is constructed with a raised forward section that allows a level floor plan. This style is designed for towing by a vehicle equipped with a device known as a fifth-wheel hitch.

Folding Camper Trailer - A vehicle portable unit mounted on wheels and constructed with collapsible partial sidewalls that fold or collapse for towing by another vehicle and unfolds at the campsite to provide temporary living quarter for recreational, camping or travel use.

Motorhomes

 Motorhome

A vehicular unit built on a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis, primarily designed or altered to provide temporary living quarter for recreational, camping or travel use.

Conventional Motorhome (Type A)  The living unit has been entirely constructed on a bare, specially-designed, motor home vehicle chassis. Class A motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious of the three motorhome classes, selling for an average retail price of $130,000.

Van Camper (Type B)  A panel-type truck to which the RV manufacturer adds and two of the following conveniences: sleeping, kitchen and toilet facilities, 110volt hook-up, fresh water storage, city water hook-up, and a top extension to provide more head room.

Mini Motorhome (Type C)  This unit is built on an automotive manufactured van frame with an attached cab section having a GVWR of 6500 pounds or more, with an overall height of more than eight feet.? The RV manufacturer completes the body section containing the living area and attaches it to the cab section.

The most popular type of RV to rent is the Class C motorhome. They are compact, easy to drive and provide many amenities. Amenities include beds, bathroom and shower facilities, kitchens with microwaves and refrigerators, air conditioning and heat, etc. They come with just about everything you'll need. Supplies such as dishes, pans, utensils and linens are usually included (usually for a small fee). Full operation instructions are usually given prior to departure.

Making a Reservation

It is recommended that you reserve or book your RV rental well in advance. Summer season rentals get booked quickly in many areas of the country - especially those near popular motorcar racing and / or sporting events.

Pre- Rental Information

Obtain as much information about your potential rental vehicle as possible. The more information you have about the RV, and its related costs, the easier it will be to make a decision. Make sure the size and layout of the RV is appropriate for the type of camping trip you are planning and for the number of people you will need to accommodate. Find out what amenities the RV contains - generator, roof air conditioning, sleeping areas, microwave, TV/VCR, etc. Obtain complete documentation on rental rates, mileage rates and miscellaneous fees, generator fees, preparation fees, cleaning fees, reservation fees, housekeeping kits, etc.) Also inquire about the required security deposit and cancellation policies. Obtain details about breakdowns and expense reimbursements.

Rent from a reputable RV Dealer or RV Rental company.

Your choice of Rental Company can make the difference between having an enjoyable vacation vs. a vacation full of frustration and disappointment. Cruise America is a leading rental company. They have more than 160 rental centers in the United States, Canada, and Alaska.

Read and understand the contract before you sign it - Be prepared with a valid credit card to secure your deposit and expect to complete a rental application.

Confirm that you have adequate insurance coverage on the RV rental. Ask your Insurance Agent if you are covered for RV rentals. If not, you will have to obtain independent coverage from the rental agency. In either case, make sure you clearly understand the policy coverage items. Pay close attention to the policy details and limitations.