You’ve decided that you want to get your feet wet in the world of RVing, and you want to begin by renting before you make that big investment. Good choice! RV rental is an excellent way to find out if you are cut out for life on the open road. It is also an opportunity to try out various makes and models to test the possibilities for when you are ready to choose your own.

Where do you begin?

There are two avenues to pursue as you consider your rental motor home vacation. First, decide where you want to go, and get the maps and atlases out to chart your journey. Then, find an RV dealer who has rental RVs.

There are many RV rental agencies. They are easy to find on an Internet search engine. The most common rentals are class C motor homes because they are the easiest to drive and offer sleeping space for a family of six. They come in several lengths, usually between 20 and 30 feet long. Others are available at some dealerships. Find a dealer who rents your preference.

What do you need to know about the rental dealer?

You want to find an RV dealer with a good reputation – something that you can also assess on the Internet. Make sure you understand what is required of you, and what you can expect from the dealer. Be certain you have copies of all of the documentation about costs, fees, and deposits.

Compare total prices among RV dealers. Find out what your responsibility is in the event of any breakdowns. Check to see if you need to purchase insurance. Many states require that you be at least 25 years old to rent a motor home, and that you have a major credit card. Of course you need a driver’s license.

What do you need to bring with you?

Generally you need to bring your own bed linens and towels. This may vary from dealer to dealer, so check with your company to be sure. Usually, the rental company will have a housekeeping kit that includes all you will need for the kitchen and for eating meals.

Most RVs have all of the amenities of home, but in a more compact form. Take care that you do not overload your rented rig. It will cost you more in fuel expenditures, and could be potentially dangerous.