way2roll wrote:
4 bikes at the outset is going to be tough as most racks only hold 2-3 bikes. I would look into finding them closer to a destination.
I had not considered this. Can we have a rack on the roof? Is it legal?
way2roll wrote:
Dirt roads - if you want to go off roading in an RV, you will likely need one specific to that. No rental company will allow you to take any RV off road. The insurance prohibits this. That said, if you want to do that sort of thing, rent a vehicle that makes this possible. A 4 door jeep- something like that. Seating for 6 might be tough and remember you will need child seats - this is also recommended for the RV as well.
We were advised a Jeep but seating 6 is a constraint so we are favouring mountain bikes with child seats.
way2roll wrote:
Generally speaking, a Class A rides better than most Class C's. There are exceptions to every rule of course, but for the rental ones we are talking about, yes. A diesel Class A will offer the best ride of all. It has to do with the chassis they are on. Class A's are pretty easy to drive as well although initially some find them intimidating. The higher view of the road and driver position make them pretty easy to drive.
Good to know. Our concern is more about flexibility and practicality (as in where to find parking when we do short visits to restaurants or attractions) rather road driving agility.
way2roll wrote:
Your last point delves into mechanics of the RV. Yes you can carry water on board. Tanks vary in size but the avg is 50-100 gals of water. They are self contained, meaning they have a generator for electrical appliances and the lights and other things run on battery power, replenished by the generator or plugging in at a campsite (shore power). On the road with the generator on, you can run the central AC, TV's etc. The water pump provides water. And your grey and black tanks handle waste. It should be noted though that resources are not infinite. 6 people using the bathroom and showering, water etc will not last as long as you think. You will need to dump the tanks at least once on your trip and likely replenish your water. However, at a campsite (provided it has full hookups) you can turn off the water pump and hook up to the campsite's pressurized water, turn off the generator and plug into electric as well as dump your holding tanks. Whoever you rent from will go over al the details of how to manage this, and of course we are here on the forum to answer questions as you go ;-)
We appreciate the forum's helpfulness!
We will also add to the checklist the need to replenish the water supply and to dispose of waste.
Check list:
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1. Check for hidden costs as cleaning fees, full tank fees, mileage, etc.
2. Remember to buy provisions before starting.
3. Remember snacks for little ones (we may not be able to stop when they are hungry).
4. Consider renting a car nearby or consider renting mountain bikes?
5. We should not go on US holidays: higher prices, lesser choice.
6. Ask for TV with Netflix/Hulu?Vudu
7. Class A rides nicer than C
8. Pots & pans, utensils, flat ware, bowls, etc.
9 How do we launder clothes? Camps have these facilities. Remember to plan for it
10. Grilling equipment
11. Ask for an RV with rack for bicycles
12. Plan for sleeping/parking (RVParky+AllstaysApp+ParkadvisorApp)
13. Check driving license requirements (https://www.motorhome-usa.com/driver-license-rv-rental-usa)
14. Downhill: use the driving cautions of my age (low gear, not brakes)
15. Mountain bikes: check rental vs purchase prices
16. Two days between water refill and waste disposal
