Planning family vacations with kids can be tough. You want to balance something that the adults are going to enjoy, especially since you’re the ones footing the bill, but you also want it to be good for the kids. There are also a lot of logistical considerations. Traveling with kids can be tough and exhausting, so minimizing logistical problems is always good, and of course, budget and managing expenses are things to keep in mind as well.
Families are increasingly finding that renting an RV works well for their needs. So what should you know more about renting an RV for your next family trip? The following are some tips and things to keep in mind.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
When you rent an RV for the first time, particularly if you’re traveling with your family, it can be tempting to want to rent the biggest one you can find. That’s usually not a good idea, however. It’s better to choose a smaller RV that will fit your needs but also won’t be so difficult to drive along winding or mountainous roads.
Bigger RVs can be tough to handle and maneuver, particularly if this is a new experience for your family.
Know the Types of RVs
There are so many options of different RVs you’ll come across, but these vehicles can be broken down into some general categories. Class A RVs are like buses, and they’re the longest and often most luxurious option. Class Bs are usually converted vans, and Class Cs are built on the chassis of a truck. Travel trailers are towable which can be great if you have younger kids who need to be in safety seats while you’re on the road.
Fifth wheels are also towable, and they go over the axle, so they’re easier to tow for most people than travel trailers.
Know What You Want
Just as is the case with renting a hotel room or other types of lodging for a trip, renting an RV leaves you with a wide variety of options, ranging from simple, barebones RVs to very luxurious models. You need to decide what’s important to you before renting, and what you can and can’t live without. A lot of this will also be guided by your budget, but if you at least have a list of must-haves, it’s going to make the rental process go faster.
Dealer or Peer-to-Peer Network?
Even just a few years ago if you were going to rent an RV, your primary option was only going to a dealer. Now, however, there are peer-to-peer sites that let owners rent out their RVs directly, and it’s a great option. You’re often going to be able to have more vehicles to choose from, and you’ll get a much better price. The peer-to-peer RV renting options are definitely worth considering.
During the rental process, you can also communicate directly with the vehicle owner with any questions or concerns you might have.
As a final note, once you know the basics, have fun choosing the right RV for your family’s big adventure.
Lissa Crane says
This is a great idea, especially for a fairly big family like mine. I like knowing the options, this is very helpful!
Sara Zielinski says
These are great tips for renting an RV.