Rent a motor home and keep the comforts of home even on the road.
Motor homes are the most popular type of recreational vehicles (RV) and account for 90 percent of all RVs rented, says the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.Mature Outlook magazine advises people thinking about buying a motor home to rent one first to get acquainted with the unique lifestyle.
Renting a motor home is almost as easy as renting a car. There are national firms that specialize in motor home rentals, as well as local RV dealers. Travel agents sell packaged deals that can include airfare to and from the place renters pick up their motor home. Also, a unit can be rented at one spot and dropped off at another.
Rental rigs range from 17 to 35 feet and sleep four to eight people. They include a fully equipped kitchen, eating and sleeping areas, a toilet and a bathroom sink. Luxury units can also include televisions, microwave ovens, hot-water showers and stereos. Most rental motor homes have low mileage and are well maintained.
With automatic transmission and power steering available on most models, a renter doesn't have to be a wizard behind the wheel to handle a motor home. Driving one can be intimidating at first, but rental agents usually provide instructions and will go for a spin with renters before their trip.
Grades that are too steep for motor homes to climb usually are posted. If high winds make the vehicle unstable, pull over and wait them out.
Rental rates vary with the season, location and size of the motor home. For example, during the peak season, deluxe motor homes often cost from $75 to $100 per day to rent. Because of the growing demand, reservations are recommended. Generally, rentals are available by the day, weekend or week.
Private owners of RVs may offer lower rates but be sure to check on details about insurance coverage and repairs.
The firms that are listed below rent a variety of motor homes at locations nationwide:
- U-Haul International, the RV Rental Division, at 2727 North Central, Phoenix, AZ 85036 (1-800-821-2712). U-Haul is the largest chain, with 1,150 locations in the U.S. and Canada, renting 3,200 motor homes. The company offers an extensive network for emergency repairs, as well as a fly-drive program.
- The American Land Cruisers, Cruise America, 5959 Blue Lagoon Dr., Suite 250, Miami, FL 33126 (1-800-327-7778; in Canada call 1-800-327-7799). This firm specializes in fly-drive programs. Their vacation packages include prepaid campsites, sight-seeing and some meals. And, there's a 10-percent discount to KOA Value Card holders.
The Recreation Vehicle Rental Association sets standards for its members and also publishes "Rental Ventures," a guide to touring North America by motor home. For a copy send $5.00 to: RVRA, 3251 Old Lee Highway, Suite 500, Fairfax, VA 22030. In addition to the complete travel guide, Who's Who in RV Rentals, the RVRA's national rental directory is also included.
For additional sources of rental motor homes, see the Yellow Pages under the listing of "Recreation Vehicles - Renting and Leasing."