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what are the pro's & con's of renting an rv?

hounddogboy
Explorer
Explorer
I'm thinking of renting a class B or C rv. This would make it my first time driving a vehicle like this, other than a u-haul.
I'm looking for any warnings, tips, suggestions, etc. before i do so.
just in case.

thanks
24 REPLIES 24

2gypsies1
Explorer III
Explorer III
Keep in mind for a Class C that the rear will be wider than the front - easy to clip a tree or whatever. Have fun!
Full-Timed for 16 Years
.... Back in S&B Again
Traveled 8 yr in a 40' 2004 Newmar Dutch Star Motorhome
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

dsomonster
Explorer
Explorer
We rented for 3 years before taking the plunge.

Pro's:
1. You get to experience RVing before making a huge investment.
2. Learn RVing ins and outs on someone else's rig.
3. After your trip, you give it back. The problems you experienced during the trip are no longer yours to deal with.

Con's:
1. Renting is EXPENSIVE! They charge for everything.
2. You USUALLY are not allowed to tow with a rental unit. Some places block off the hitch or pull it out completely.
3. Who knows how other renters lived in that RV?

All I can say is don't rent from an individual unless there is some kind of road-side assistance. I always rented from the big companies, just in case stuff hit the fan while on the trip.

Just me $0.02. Hope it helps.

-Ron in SoCal

hounddogboy
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks everyone. this has helped out a lot in my research.

RambleOnNW
Explorer II
Explorer II
We used to rent for several years before buying and rented a variety of Class C's from 24 to 32 feet.

Pros

Get RV experience without a huge investment. 1 week total cost comparable to renting a decent vacation home + driving your car somewhere. But mobile instead
Get to try out various models
No need to store or maintain RV or think about when not using
Not insuring RV when not being used
Always got to take the dog
Worked well when we wanted to RV 1 or 2 times/year. Later when we wanted to go more we bought

Cons

Auto insurance policy no longer covered RV, had to buy daily insurance from RV rental place

How well maintained are the RVs? Other renters make a lot of mistakes and are careless so there may be hidden damage. We had rigs where the brake light came on when pressed, toilet leaked on floor (previous renter drove over something and tore off black tank, not correctly repaired).
With our own rig we know exactly how it is maintained.

Have to schedule in advance for peak season

Have to eat cleaning charges since no desire to clean when getting back from trip. Usually did a quick clean on interior but exterior cleaned only 1-2 times.

Need a 10 day rental to allow for pickup and return days, loading and unloading, to yield 7-8 days of travel

loading/unloading quickly is a chore

How are water hose (bought own) and sewer hose?

Don't know exactly which motorhome or what condition you will get when rental time arrives, rental place may substitute another unit...got a 32 foot one time when we wanted a 26 foot.
2006 Jayco 28', E450 6.8L V10, Bilstein HDs,
Roadmaster Anti-Sway Bars, Blue Ox TigerTrak

go_wild
Explorer
Explorer
Con - I found that most dont allow dogs in the RV. (so make sure you vaccuum it out good if you bring a dog...).
2007 Jeep Commander 4X4 HEMI
2010 Jayco 17Z

TheFitRV_James
Explorer
Explorer
The costs of renting an RV were the main reason we bought one!
By the time we added up the daily rental fees, and the mileage fees, insurance, and the fuel costs, it just wasn't worth it.

It might have been foolish, but we instead bought a used Sprinter Class B and have never looked back. Still lovin' it!

Best of luck to you whatever you decide.
2003 Forest River MB Cruiser - Completely rebuilt in 2012
Follow our adventures on our blog, The Fit RV!

colochoclab
Explorer
Explorer
Lots of good stuff already said!

Our 1st rv trip was in a 25ft C from Cruise America. We learned SO much on that trip that, as was said, we were hooked! The unit we rented was nearly brand new with 15K miles on it. It pays to ask, don't settle for a tired horse. They tried to put us in a older, warn out unit, but we refused!
You will learn your own pros and cons as you go. That was part of the fun! It wasn't cheap to rent, lots of extras and add-ons especially if you don't have your own gear!
2008 Nissan Titan LE Crew 4x4
'06 Jayco JayFlight 29FBS
'11 Bayliner 180ob
'99 Seadoo GTS
Member titantalk, seadooforum, benzworld.org

My Chocolate Labs "Snickers", "Reese" and "Hershey"(Passed)

"I asked God for a true friend: He sent me a Labrador Retriever."

Veebyes
Explorer II
Explorer II
A great way to get a taste of RVing. The add ons add up but you can bring your own or start with a trip to Walmart.

Between picking it up & stocking it the first day is a write off as is the last day packing up & returning it making a one week rental pretty much a waste of time & money.

Pick the rental company carefully & read up on all the details first.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter

2007 Alpenlite 34RLR
2006 Chevy 3500 LT, CC,LB 6.6L Diesel

Ham Radio: VP9KL, IRLP node 7995

Shot-N-Az
Explorer
Explorer
Pro/Con, you decide: There is an extremely high likelihood that your rental experience will be followed closely by a buying experience.

paulcardoza
Explorer
Explorer
Con - You will need deep pockets as renting an RV is very expensive!
Con - You get it empty and have to return it clean and empty. That's a lot of work.
Pro - You use it and then hand it back when done.
Pro - Great way to figure out if RV'ing is for you.

I would try to negotiate the rental so that you can pick it up late in the day before you leave and not be charged for that day. That way you can fill it up in the evening and head out the next morning - day one of the rental. Can't hurt to ask.
Paul & Sandra
Plymouth, MA
2014 Heartland Cyclone 4100 King

D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Explorer
We have rented twice, both times in AK. The first time I just picked out a company listed in AK magazine the second time the DW did some research. The first rental was a good rig, Rockwood C, brand new but missing a door on the pass through and BBQ and chairs were extra and a bunch of other stuff. The second time the rental was fron Great Alaskan Holidays, and everything was included in the Winnie we got. The DGKs pulled the socket and plate for the power 12vdc outlet out of the wall. I pointed this out to thegal when she was inspecting on our return. They didn't charge us for the repair. They kinda help you get rid of extra food when you return, some went to a young kid doing his Missionary work for his church and some went to the food bank. The second rental was great and we highly recommend them.
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to go". R. L. Stevenson

David Bishop
2002 Winnebago Adventurer 32V
2009 GMC Canyon
Roadmaster 5000
BrakeBuddy Classic II

noe-place
Explorer
Explorer
The other folks have given quality advice. When DW and I decided to start rving back in the 90's we rented a small C and went to Yellowstone. The rv had NO owners' manual but he rental agent had gone over the basics so I knew how to fuel up, dump, utilities hook up and the rest. Don't sweat these small details and concentrate on having a good trip. Lots of luck....

path1
Explorer
Explorer
Want to see the "pro's" look at the pic's of people renting. Look at all the smiles. They don't care about date codes on tires, windows leak etc...
We enjoy talking with people in rentals, (we also own a ex-rental but don't hold it against or for anybody). Many that are renting are visting from other country's and very interesting people.
2003 Majestic 23P... Northwest travel machine
2013 Arctic Fox 25W... Wife "doll house" for longer snowbird trips
2001 "The Mighty Dodge"... tow vehicle for "doll house"

lakeside013104
Explorer
Explorer
A good way to get your feet "wet" on an adventure of a lifetime. RVing.....

Go for it and have fun.


Lakeside

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