Advice For First Time RV Renters
Advice For First Time RV Renters
Five Tips For First Time RV Renters
By D.S. Mitchell
Try an RV
After a couple years of COVID-19 lock down, masking, and social distancing, Americans are ready to move. Everyone I talk to is going somewhere, anywhere, this summer. If you are considering renting an RV and hitting the U.S. highway I guarantee you will have a great time and a totally unique experience. My Uncle Norman had a lovely Class A motorhome and he used to take me and my dog Lilly along on many of his adventures. Here are a few things I learned from those days.
Big to Small
Class A: Basically means large and luxurious. Despite being the size of a bus most do not require special licensure to drive.
Class C: Smaller than the Class A vehicle, the Class C rigs offer good space and are easier to drive than their larger cousins. They frequently have a front end that looks like the cab of a van or pickup truck.
Class B: Are the smallest and are often called “camper vans”. These vehicles are short on space and can feel a bit cramped but for those of us sick of social distancing, a Class B vehicle might be just what we’re looking for. These RV’s are easy to drive and park and have good fuel economy.
How About Towing?
Although you give up space, travel trailers are usually cheaper to rent. Fifth wheel trailers can be quite nice but require a truck with a special tow hitch to haul. One of the benefits of towing your housing is that you can detach your truck to run around once you’ve reached your destination. A big disadvantage is that while traveling you will lose passenger space, no passengers are allowed in a moving trailer.
Campsite Tips
When reserving a campsite ask for a “pull through” site. You might pay a couple dollars extra but you won’t have the challenge of backing into your assigned space. Also, if you can, get a paved site. Paved sites tend to be more level and require fewer vehicle adjustments.
Connections
Water, electric, and sewer hookups are typical at private campgrounds. Larger campgrounds with showers and restrooms eliminate the need to hook up your RV’s water and sanitation system.
Going to Grandma’s
If you plan on visiting a friend or relative and intend to stay in your RV while parking in a neighborhood, make sure you check local rules and regulations. Many cities and Homeowners Associations forbid such visits. If you can legally visit and stay in the RV you will need a generator to run a power cord from the house. Electricity from a standard outlet may not power your A/C.
