Advice on auto rentals

[Stutch]

Hello all. Brand new to RV.net. We are in the process of purchasing a Tiffin Class A and have a question about local transportation. We envision parking at campsites and being "housebound." I know you can tow a vehicle but want would rather not.

Is there a service campsites offer (generally), or are car rental agencies readily and generally available to deliver and pickup a rental from campsites?

I realize all sites a different but just wanted to hear if anyone has had the same challenge and what the solutions may be.

Thanks,
Mike

[msmith1199]

I actually found a trick to rental cars is check the prices at different locations. And I mean for the same company. It used to be that getting a rental from a major airport was generally cheaper than other locations. That isn't the case anymore, at least not in California. We have a small commuter airport nearby and the cars are generally cheaper there.

Also most rental companies like customers to use them exclusively. So they have membership type things you can join. I have one through Avis so I always rent from Avis and I get their discount. I picked Avis because they have more locations here in California and they are at most of the commuter airports that I used to fly into when I was flying myself around. They also seem to be cheaper when I compare prices.

But like somebody else said, instead of trying to get them to come to you, just stop by the rental location before you go to the campsite and pick up a car for the wife to drive and have her follow you to the campsite.

[Mr_Mark1]

Before we purchased our Coach, we rented three times which meant renting cars too as my SUV was not set up for towing. It was spotty trying to rent in certain locations. Really, it was a headache. Enterprise will pick you up, maybe, if they have time. The wait can be long.

I just rented from Enterprise in downtown LA, they couldn't come get me. I had to walk to their location which wasn't too far thank goodness. This event had nothing to do with our RV travels but it reconfirmed that I'm SO glad that we can tow a vehicle. I don't think I would RV without one.

MM.

[2gypsies1]

If you both enjoy riding the Gold Wing I think you've solved your problem! Go for it!! Certainly better than sitting in a campground.

[demoon]

If you have a problem with Enterprise, or probably any other company, go up the ladder - don't be satisfied with the answer you got from the local agency. They want your business - corporate will climb all over the local store, plus probably try to make nice with the ticked off renter.

[johnedward]

I use tripntourpackages for car rental. As they came and pick us when we need them. You can get affordable cars and pick up facility from your desired destination.

[rk911]

dieharder wrote:
You gotta be careful relying on rentals, even with an outfit like Enterprise.

Months ahead, we reserved a car for a 4-day stopover in Davenport, FL just utside Orlando. Despite the reservation months ahead of time, we called when we arrived... nothing available. For 2 out of 4 days, no car for us. Grocery store was a hike and a half away from the KOA. We were not impressed (to say the least) with Enterprise after that one.

paraphrasing jerry Seinfeld...."rental agencies know HOW to make a reservation but not how to KEEP a reservation".

[dieharder]

You gotta be careful relying on rentals, even with an outfit like Enterprise.

Months ahead, we reserved a car for a 4-day stopover in Davenport, FL just utside Orlando. Despite the reservation months ahead of time, we called when we arrived... nothing available. For 2 out of 4 days, no car for us. Grocery store was a hike and a half away from the KOA. We were not impressed (to say the least) with Enterprise after that one.

[doxiemom11]

Don't forget to use your Good Sam Discount with Enterprise. It saved us quite a bit on a 2 wk rental last year.

[demoon]

Enterprise is by far the most non-airport available agency. Best bet is to use their web site to see if there is one near where you want to set up camp. Then call and ask about pick up. With a little advance notice they will pick you up and they will have a car. In ten years we have never had a problem. And no, we do not work for Enterprise. One point. Airport agencies almost never will pick you up.
That being said, when we retire next year we will likely start towing. Rental has worked for vacations and weekends.
As for rental price - we just rented a Ford Focus on the Outer Banks for $175 for 7 days. I also have a reservation for a three day weekend at $9.99/day. They always nail you when you rent for a period if time other than by the week, month, or weekend.

[doxiemom11]

Enterprise WILL NOT always come pick you up. It depends on how far away you are from their office, and/or some locations will not go outside of their city limits. I would locate a car rental agency near where you are going to be and pick the rental car up on the way to the campground - then return it on your way out of town.

When we were in AL, the closest location was 45 miles away. They would not go outside of their city limits. Too many carjackings in some of the big city areas, so that was a new rule.

[rk911]

bsinmich wrote:
BY RK911 before you spend dollar one on anything having anything to do with towing be certain you know your weight ratings and actual weights of the MH and trailer/MC combination. in our experience it's not at all uncommon to find motorhomes that are, essentially, overweight as they come off of the assembly line. don't assume....know.

Those days are pretty much in history. With so many people and the gov. being aware of the GVW limits I haven't seen any new RVs that can't tow.

imho you're making a very dangerous assumption. one is always far, far better off knowing exactly what their MH weighs when loaded and configured for travel as well as what their toad weighs as loaded and configured for travel rather than assuming everything will be OK.

[bsinmich]

BY RK911 before you spend dollar one on anything having anything to do with towing be certain you know your weight ratings and actual weights of the MH and trailer/MC combination. in our experience it's not at all uncommon to find motorhomes that are, essentially, overweight as they come off of the assembly line. don't assume....know.

Those days are pretty much in history. With so many people and the gov. being aware of the GVW limits I haven't seen any new RVs that can't tow.

[rk911]

Stutch wrote:
WOW... All great information. Thank you all. The major difference for us, if I read between the lines, is that the CG is not the destination but the "hotel room" for the RV. Not the the CG is unimportant in itself, but we are sightseers and like to explore. Also, I didn't mention, we have a 2002 Honda Goldwing (sort of a car on 2 wheels) and towing that would be very simple. I am tempted to buy a trailer for that for the 1st year at least.

We are very psyched about this new adventure in our lives and can't wait to explore the USA. We've been around the world a few times and now it is time to see our own back yard, Canada, etc..

Thanks all for your comments.

that analogy is pretty accurate but every now and then you may run across auto rental at the CG but only in major destinations. we've seen them in Orlando/kissimee, fl and custer, sd.

before you spend dollar one on anything having anything to do with towing be certain you know your weight ratings and actual weights of the MH and trailer/MC combination. in our experience it's not at all uncommon to find motorhomes that are, essentially, overweight as they come off of the assembly line. don't assume....know.

[Hikerdogs]

If you're planning on renting be prepared for sticker shock. We just took delivery of our 2013 Adventurer. It isn't set up to tow yet, and Ford says not to tow anything for th first 1,000 miles.

We took our first trip last week and needed to rent a car. Avis was $350.00 plus taxes & fees for a 5 day period and Hertz was about $450.00. We found a local outfit for $200.00 plus taxes.

If you plan many trips the cost of renting could easily be more than the cost of campsites. As soon as our motorhome is ready we'll be back to towing the Jeep. All the associated towing equipment cost less than $2000.00 and we've used it 7 years and over 75,000 miles. I hate to think what it would have cost to rent during that time.