“What type of RV should I rent?” and “How do I know which RV is the right one for me?” These are some of the questions that you might ask when you’re planning to rent an RV. Choosing an RV to rent can be overwhelming and taxing especially if you’re not familiar with the different types of RVs, what their differences are, what to look for when choosing, and what questions you need to ask. I own a variety of RVs and rented them out. Even my friends who own RVs have trusted me to rent out their RVs and I am going to share the very same information I use to help both my friends and our customers whenever they need help in choosing the best RV rentals in Minneapolis, Minnesota based on needs and preference.
The first thing you need to learn and understand is the different types and classes of Recreational Vehicles. You need to know what the differences are between motorhomes and towable RVs. You also have to know what the different classes of motorhomes are as well as the different types of towable RVs. I am also going to talk about the sizes and lengths of each type of RV and why they are important information that you have to know and consider when choosing which RV to rent.
Different Types and Classes of RV Rentals in Minneapolis, Minnesota
It’s time to get to know the different types of RV rentals in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and what their classifications are. You have two options when it comes to RVs; you have the motorhomes which are where you drive and sleep in the same space and then you have the towable RVs which, from the name itself, you have to tow with your truck or SUV.
The motorhomes or the drivable RVs are classified into three: There is class A, class B, and class C. Each class differs in length and size as well as the amenities that come along with them. These can weigh between 13,000 pounds to 31,000 pounds and can be around 20 feet to 45 in length. Towable Trailers are RVs that are towed by an SUV or a pickup truck. You do not drive and sleep in the same space on towable trailers, unlike motorhomes. There are many different types of Towable Trailers, some of which are: Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up trailers, and Cab Over Camper.
Motorhomes
Class A Motorhome
The Class A Motorhomes are the biggest and heaviest type of motorhome. These are bus-sized vehicles that weigh between 12,000 pounds to 30,000 pounds and can be around 20 feet to 40 plus feet in length. They have vertical front windshields and large windows. These types of motorhomes have plenty of storage space and have a lot of room for their interior as well as sleeping space. These can sleep the most number of people among all types of RVs and have the most luxurious amenities with a full kitchen, a living area, a bathroom, and an eating area.
Class A is ideal for all types of adventures whether it be short travels or long-distance and cross-country trips.
While the size and length of this motorhome give it its great advantage over the others, this same reason also has its downside. Because of its size, it is difficult to drive and maneuver for parking, and even finding a parking location that could fit this vehicle can be a challenge. The campsites you can choose to stay with these motorhomes are limited to flat campgrounds. You also could not bring this motorhome off-road.
Another drawback for this type of motorhome when it comes to its size is the special license to drive. RVs that weigh over 26,000 pounds require a special license to drive and the only type of RVs that weigh over 26,000 pounds are Class A motorhomes. However, there are still class A’s that weigh less than 26,000 so you can easily avoid this.
Sleep: 5-12 people
Average length: 20-45 feet
Rental Cost Per Night: $170 – $300
Class B Motorhome
Class B Motorhomes are also called camper vans as they are built on van chassis. These are the smallest out of the three classes and are the easiest to drive which is why a lot of people like to rent these types. These have raised rooms so they are tall enough for a standing room.
They are smaller so they sleep fewer people and the amenities are not as luxurious. They do fit all your essentials such as beds (maybe on the smaller size) and kitchen (mostly kitchenettes) with appliances. The larger models do offer bathrooms, lounge areas, and holding tanks with considerable water tanks to contain water for your daily needs.
Sleep: 1-5 people
Average length: 16-25 feet
Average Cost Per Night: $90-$210
Class C Motorhome
Class C motorhomes have the qualities of both Class A and Class B merged into one. These are built on a standard truck chassis which makes them smaller than the bus-sized class As and larger than the van-like class Bs. Because of their size, they can easily go to places where larger RVs like the Class A won’t fit while having more space and can sleep more people than the Class B. These types of motorhomes offer similar amenities to the Class A motorhomes but on a smaller and cheaper scale-like kitchen, bathrooms, and slideouts.
This is considered the ideal RV for first-timers and a great choice for Family or group campings.
Sleep: 2-8 people
Average length: 21-36 feet
Average Cost Per Night: $150 – $300
Towable Trailers
Travel Trailer
This type of towable RV is mounted on a trailer frame and is towed separately behind your truck or SUV, hence, the word “trailer”. It has a visible frame and bumper hitch at the front where it’s supposed to attach to your truck or SUV. Some of these require heavy-duty or high tow capacity trucks while there are also smaller ones that can be pulled by regular trucks or SUVs.
Instead of pulling the trailer all the time which can become a hassle, you can just set it up on your campsite or campground and then you can have small adventures during the day on your truck.
You can enjoy RV travel or the RV lifestyle with the comfort of a motorhome in the least expensive way.
Sleep: 2-12 people
Average length: 10-40 feet
Average Cost Per Night: $55- $200
Fifth Wheel
This is another type of towable RV that is larger than the others and also generally taller and heavier than other towable trailers. This is connected through a special hitch called a “jaw hitch” that is inside the bed of a truck. This makes it generally more stable while towing compared to a bumper hitch. If you do not have this specialized hitch, especially if you don’t tow large trailers with your truck, you don’t have to worry as you can actually arrange to have this delivered to your campsite for a considerable fee.
Because these are considered the larger type of trailers, they actually provide similar luxury space and accommodations to that of a Class A motorhome for a cheaper price.
Sleeps: 2-10 people
Average length: 19-45 feet
Average Cost Per Night: $65- $160
Toy Hauler
This type is a towable RV that comes with a “garage” in the rear and a large ramp door for easier access. It is named this way because it allows you to carry or bring along with you your recreational toys or motorcycles. These are also known as sport utility recreational vehicles. Toy Haulers are most commonly Fifth Wheels or Travel Trailers but there are actually also some motorhomes that can also be toy haulers but these are a rare find to rent.
Toy Haulers usually have beds or seating areas that raise and lower or fold up in the garage area. This is to allow the storage of smaller recreational toys. These trailers or campers can have your basic or essential needs while some can have very luxurious accommodations. These towable trailers are mostly large and heavy which can become its downside as it can be difficult or challenging to drive and maneuver if you’re not used to driving large vehicles.
Sleep: 3-9 people
Average length: 20-45 feet
Average Cost Per Night: $85- $250
Pop-up Trailer
These are one of the smallest towable trailers that you can rent. Because they are small they are also lightweight which means you can just tow them with your car or even with motorhomes. These are folded or compact at around a 10 to 20-foot unit while you tow them and then it can “pop-up” or raise the roof to reach 8 feet and unfold the sides to reach 30 to 30 feet long once you’re at your campsite.
With this small and lightweight type trailer, you can easily find parking spots and maneuver around even off-road.
Sleep: 2-8 people
Average length: 15-25 feet
Average Cost Per Night: $45- $160
Cab-Over Camper
The Cab over camper is another type of towable trailer. These are also commonly called Truck Campers. This camper or trailer sits right inside the bed of a full-size or mid-size pickup truck so you won’t need a hitch to pull them with.
Truck campers have limited accommodation space and storage space but they are easy to maneuver and are able to reach campsites that are along less accessible roads. RV travelers with large trailers or large motorhomes have to pass up on parks, campgrounds, and other off-road camping sites because they do not have the accessibility that a Cab Over Camper or truck camper provides.
Sleep: 1-4 people
Average length: Can add 2-3 feet over the tailgate
Average Cost Per Night: $85 -$260
Tips for choosing the size of an RV to rent
As you have just learned from the information above, Motorhomes are generally 20 feet to 45 feet long. They are measured from the front bumper to the back bumper while Towable RVs, which are around 15 feet to 45 feet, are measured from the back bumper to the front of the trailer not including the hitch.
Here are a few tips to note when you’re renting your Recreational Vehicle.
Seat Belts
Obviously, you would only need seatbelts on motorhomes and not on trailers as you would not drive them. While not every state requires seat belts inside of a motorhome, you would still want to prioritize safety and make sure every member of the camping trip is safely buckled in, may it be family or friends,
RV Length
The larger the RV the more sleeping space you have for additional camping companions such as family or friends. If you’re not camping with a large group and still want to enjoy a spacious bed and not have to convert couches to sleep on, then the large motorhomes or trailers are for you.
Larger RVs offer a more homey comfort, and luxurious even. Most comes with large kitchens along with full-sized appliances sometimes with washers and dryers. The obvious downside of renting a large RV is also its large size. Longer RVs are more difficult and challenging to drive and parking spaces that allow for them are also limited which means your destinations or the campgrounds you can choose from are also limited.
The smaller RVs offer limited sleeping space as well as less grand amenities. However, that does not mean uncomfortable camping situations as you still have your essential needs. Choosing the smaller types of motorhomes or trailers can actually be safer and more comfortable for you or your family.
RV Size
Choosing an RV to rent based on size would depend on the number of family members or the number of people in your camping group.
If you’re a couple or only camping with one other person, you can rent an RV that’s 15 feet to 25 feet and already be comfortable like a Class B motorhome or a pop-up trailer. But that’s not a limit. You can rent any type of RV that you prefer.
If you’re traveling with around 3 or 5 other people, either with family or friends, you can rent 20 feet to 40 feet long RVs and you should be traveling in comfort. Again, this should not limit you from renting the largest and most luxurious RVs. However, it would not be ideal for you to rent smaller-sized RVs.
If you’re going full travel team mode with 6 or more people, then we recommend renting the larger type RVs that are 30 feet to 45 feet in length. With a large family or group, you’re going to need all that space and sleeping capacity in order to comfortably travel and enjoy your camping adventure.
Camper Delivery
If you’re planning on renting a Trailer or Camper, consider having it delivered. These are very helpful when you’re worried about driving a motorhome for the first time or using your car to tow, or if you do not have the type of truck required to tow. You can have your RV delivered to your campsite and arrive there ready to enjoy your camping moments. Some deliveries are free but delivery charges usually
There are companies that will deliver the RV and set it up at a campsite for you. Some deliveries are free but the regular delivery fee usually includes a flat fee plus an additional per-mile cost. They would average at around $50 to $100 for the first 50 to 100 miles and then an additional $2 per mile after that.
Summary
We have explained the different types of RVs, how they are different from each other, and why their differences matter. We hope that you learned from the information that we have shared with you and this help you with your RV renting decisions in the future, whether it is your first time or not.
RVs have been getting pretty popular lately especially after the pandemic hit.
A way to go and enjoy the great outdoors while keeping a social distance.
RV travel is actually one of the safest ways to travel these days. You can keep your distance from other people and you have your own kitchen and bathroom so you can limit the stops you have to make on your travels.
Since you came across this article, something may have piqued your interest in RVing.
If you have not tried road tripping on an RV yet then this may be your sign. You do not actually have to own an RV to be able to experience RV traveling. RV Rental is a great option. Like anything else that we do for the first time, renting your first RV may come across as overwhelming.
But don’t worry! We got your back.
If you’re thinking about going out on your first RV adventure, we have gathered the basics to guide you on picking the perfect RV that’s fit just for you.
Getting to know the different types of RVs
It is a common misconception that most RVs are similar and only offer little differences when it comes to their types. There are a number of many different classifications. Each RV is different and one may be more suitable for your needs than the other. There is definitely no one size fits.
Why is it important to understand the difference you ask? Each type of Recreational Vehicle offers different types of experiences. From the amount of space they offer, how many people can fit and sleep in, to the type of amenities that are included in the RV such as fully functional kitchens, whether you want the luxurious RV lifestyle or just the simple traveler type?
Below you will learn the details of each type and how different they are from each other, especially with their sizes and what type of amenities they offer.
Class A Motorhomes
This is your all-in-one quality and luxury vehicle that has everything you need for your RV camping trip. This is the biggest and heaviest type of motorhome, ranging from thirteen thousand to thirty thousand pounds and twenty-one to forty-one plus feet in length, which means it has plenty of storage space and a roomy interior.
These are mostly equipped with a full kitchen, a bathroom, a living area, an eating area, and a large sleeping area with bedrooms and couches that can fold into beds and can sleep two to seven people which makes it perfect for families or groups of friends. Others actually have multiple slide-outs or full-length slide-outs for added space and have plenty of storage compartments for luggage and other personal belongings needed for an extended trip.
Some Class A motorhomes even offer a residential-style interior and quality made for a full-time life on the road. This motorhome is considered a “home away from home” on wheels that is fully loaded and equipped with full-size appliances from refrigerators and microwaves to washers and dryers as well as master bathrooms, high-quality electronics, and designer furniture.
These make you ready for either short travels, long vacations, or even full-time RV living.
Class B Motorhomes
These look like oversized vans which is why they are more known as camper vans. These are actually the smallest out of the three types of the motorhome, only around seventeen to nineteen feet in length and around six thousand to eleven thousand pounds in weight.
But do not be fooled by the size as these are cleverly designed to have interiors that can fit all your essentials which means you can experience the full RV adventure without the intimidating size of a motor coach such as the Class A or even the Class C motorhome? These are equipped with amenities such as swiveling toilets and fold-away sinks in the wet bath with most sleeping spaces converted from seats to beds.
These are the least expensive and have the best fuel economy due to their size.
This type of motorhome is very easy to drive and great for solo travelers or couples.
Class C Motorhome
These are less heavy and easier to drive compared to the Class A and offer more space than the Class B RV. It is like a compromise between the two classes which makes it great. These range from ten thousand to twenty thousand pounds in weight and twenty to thirty-eight feet in length.
The Class C motorhomes have similar amenities to the Class A motorhomes, like kitchens, bathrooms, and slideouts, but just on the smaller side in terms of scale. They have shorter chassis meaning these motorhomes can actually go to places where larger RVs like the Class A won’t fit making this type of Recreational Vehicle the perfect fit for anyone that enjoys remote exploring and camping.
These can sleep up to 6 people with their over-cab sleeping areas which allow for more room in the living area. This is a wonderful choice for families or groups of friends. These types are more recommended for first-time RV travelers as they provide a comfortable RV camping experience.
Travel Trailer
There are many different types of travel trailers such as fifth-wheel trailers, bumper pull campers, towable campers, truck campers, or camper trailers.
This is a type of towable RV which you would need a vehicle to pull it with, hence, the word “trailer”.
Some types of trailers require heavy-duty or high tow capacity trucks while there are already smaller ones that can be pulled by regular SUVs. Pulling the trailer behind you all the time might become a bit of a hassle. You can actually have a more flexible travel arrangement. What you can do is set it up on your campsite or campground and then you can go take your truck on small adventures during the day.
This is considered the least expensive way to enjoy RV travel or the RV lifestyle.
Pop-Up Camping Trailers
These are small and lightweight trailers and you do not need high tow capacity trucks to tow them with. You can just tow these with most pickup trucks and SUVs. These are compact while you travel and can unfold and expand on the campsite ready for you to experience the great outdoors. This may surprise a lot of people but these types of camping trailers can actually accommodate up to eight people.
Although it does not offer a luxurious type of camping experience such as the other recreational vehicles, this offers a more simple, easy, and hassle-free camping.
Truck Campers
These are RVs that are loaded and unloaded on top of the bed of a full-size or mid-size pickup truck. These campers are small and offer limited space but are easy to maneuver around and are able to reach campsites that have less accessible roads.
Fifth wheels
These types require a special hitch called a “jaw hitch” that is found on the bed of a pickup truck.
These trailers or camper types are considered some of the most spacious RVs out there thanks to their extended length and slideouts. These are larger trailers or campers which means they have more space are equipped with full kitchens and have more luxurious amenities with full-size appliances which makes them a great choice for large families or those people who enjoy camping with big groups.
You just have to note that fifth wheels are also heavier than the other types of trailers or campers which means they can only be pulled by heavy-duty or high tow capacity trucks.
Identifying the right RV for you
Now that you know the different types of RVs it’s time to help you choose which type you should rent! When choosing an RV to rent, you should make sure you’re going to rent the RV that’s perfect for your needs. Here are some questions you’d want to answer first in order to find out:
- What type of camping experience do you have in mind?
As you already know, there are many different types of Recreational Vehicle options that you can choose to rent. Knowing what type of camping experience you wish to have can greatly help you narrow down your choices. If the simple and user-friendly camping is more your type then the travel trailer or the other types of towable RVs or campers are a great choice for you. You will have all your basic camping needs.
However, if you are into a more luxurious, residential comfort with plenty of space, and an interior that resembles a home-quality type of camping then you would want to rent a Class A RV where you can indulge with its grand amenities.
- Are you planning to travel more or are you planning to stay at one campsite?
Whether you plan to move around from place to place or plan to settle in one campsite or campground plays a significant role in choosing the right RV for you to rent. If you’re planning to travel to many different sites, move around a lot, and visit multiple parks in one trip, you would want to rent a more mobile RV that’s easy to drive and park. You can opt for the trailers but hooking and unhooking a lot can be a hassle sometimes.
In this case, you can choose to rent one of the motorhomes. You just have to keep in mind that the bigger and heavier ones can be quite difficult to maneuver around and they consume more gas, so if you are planning on moving a lot, you have to make sure to consider this. There are motorhomes that are much smaller and lighter such as the Class B and Class C. Class B motorhomes are the easiest to drive around but offer less space than the class C.
- Do you want to Drive and Sleep in the same RV or do you want to pull the RV with your own truck?
If you want to Sleep and Drive the RV then obviously you would want to pick from the different classes of motorhomes. If you want to use your own truck to pull the RV then you would choose from the selection of towable trailers.
However, you would be limited to the compatibility of your truck to the trailer or the towing capacity of your truck. There are also other things to consider such as special types of hitches.
- Who is the driver?
Being confident and comfortable in driving the RV is absolutely important when you are considering which RV to rent. Some RVs like the Class A which resembles coach buses can be very difficult to both drive and park. Unless you have experience driving bus-sized vehicles, these are not for you and we recommend renting the smaller classes B or C.
If you feel like you can take on the driving challenge brought by the class A motorhome and plan to bask in its luxury, there is one thing you have to note; some class A motorhomes, those over 26,000 pounds, require a special license to drive. So if you do not have a special license or have no plans on getting one soon, you can opt for the lighter Class As.
- How much is your budget?
The last question but definitely not the least, how much are you planning to spend on your RV travel and camping experience? This is a very important aspect of choosing which RV is right for you.
RV travel is definitely more cost-efficient than going to hotels or resorts. Renting an RV is also definitely much cheaper than buying an RV but it is still considered expensive. The bigger the RV and the more amenities it offers, the more money you’re going to have to shell out. Another factor is how heavy the RV is which was mentioned before. The heavier it is the less fuel-efficient it is.
If money is not an issue then you can go for the bigger and more luxurious RVs. But if you’re on a slightly tight budget, you can save on both rent and fuel by choosing the smaller types like the class b or the travel trailer or non-motorized RV. You have now discovered the things you have to consider when you are picking the best RV to rent and go on your first camping trip with.
You most definitely have to plan ahead with your budget, your comfort, and your needs. Once you get this down, you’re on your way to a great outdoor travel and camping adventure on an RV and create wonderful memories. Just be careful though. RV travel can become addicting! You might find yourself planning your next trip sooner.
It’s RV season and if you’re planning on renting your very first RV soon, you might want to check out these commonly asked questions from first-time RV renters.
As First-timers, we understand that you may want to know a couple of things about RVs and RV renting. We’ve had a lot of first-time RV renters inquire about the same things so we have gathered their questions in order to help you prepare for your very first RV road trip.
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What are the different types of RVs and do we need a special license to drive them?
There are two types of RVs and each type has subcategories as well. It is better to know and understand what these types and subcategories are so that you would know which RV to rent based on your needs and preference.
A lot of people ask if they would need to acquire a special license in order to drive RVs. The answer is, not for all types of RVs. The only RVs that would require a special license are those that weigh 26,000 pounds or more while those that weigh below that do not need a special license to drive. You’ll know how much each RV weigh on average as you get to know the different types of RVs and their subcategories below:
The first type is the Drivable RVs. These types are also often called motorhomes where you sleep in the same place that you drive. There are three motorhomes subcategories. These subcategories are: Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes.
Class A RVs, are bus-sized motorhomes which makes them the biggest and heaviest motorhomes weighing between 12,000 to 31,000 pounds and 20 to 40 plus feet. It is good to note though that while class A RVs offer more space, can sleep more people, and have grander amenities, they can also be difficult to drive and park, or even find a parking space they could fit in, due to their size. The campsites you can choose to stay with these motorhomes are very limited.
The Class A RVs are the only ones that could weigh more than 26,000 pounds which means they are the only ones that would possibly require a special license to drive. However, there are still many class A options that are less than 26,000 pounds so you can avoid the heavier ones in order to drive without a special license.
Class B RVs, or the Camper vans, are the smallest type of motorhomes. While they dominate when it comes to ease of driving, because of their size, they also offer less space which means they have fewer amenities such as smaller beds and can sleep fewer people compared to the other types of motorhomes. Most of the time, Class B RVs only have a wet bath or maybe even an outdoor shower. These are great for one or two campers but not recommended for families of three or more as well as groups of friends.
Class C RVs, only weigh up to 13,000 pounds and are only up to 39 feet in length. They are much easier to drive and park than the big and heavy Class As and they offer more space and better amenities than the small Class Bs which makes them the most recommended type of motorhome for first-time RV renters. Class C motorhomes are also a great choice for family or group campings.
The second type is the Towable RVs. Unlike motorhomes, you do not drive and sleep in the same area as towable RVs. These RVs, from the name itself, are towed by an SUV or a pickup truck. This type of RV has four subcategories which come in different sizes with multiple options: Truck Campers, Fifth wheels, Travel Trailers and Folding or Popup trailers.
Truck Campers are demountable RVs that are loaded and unloaded from the bed of a full-size or mid-size pickup truck so you won’t need a hitch to pull them with. Truck campers have limited space and storage but are easy to drive and are able to reach campsites with less accessible roads.
Fifth wheels, unlike the truck campers, require a special hitch that is called a “jaw hitch” to attach to the bed of a pickup truck. These are larger campers which means they offer more space such as full kitchens and have grander amenities with full-size appliances. However, fifth wheels are also heavier than the other types which means they can only be pulled by high tow capacity trucks.
Travel Trailers are more like fifth wheels but are much smaller than them. They also do not require special hitches like the fifth wheels which means that they can be towed even by minivans. While these trailers are lightweight, they offer less storage and are not as grand when it comes to amenities.
Folding or Popup Trailers are compact while towing but can expand and open on campsites which makes it great for couples or solo travelers to experience the great outdoors. Because they are small and lightweight you do not need high tow capacity trucks, and you can just tow them with most pickup trucks and SUVs.
- Where can I rent RVs and how much do they cost?
There are multiple companies that offer to rent different types of Recreational Vehicles. Here are the top three companies where you can rent your first RV:
Cruise America This company is based in Arizona but has the most locations with 125 plus across the US where you can rent from. However, they only offer Class C motorhomes.
Outdoorsy has the best selection of affordable inventory of Motorhomes including Classes A, B, and C as well as towable RVs. This works just like Airbnb for RVs where owners rent out their RVs and share their love for the outdoors.
RVshare, just like Outdoorsy, is also like Airbnb for RVs. They also offer a very affordable selection of Motorhomes and towable RVs and their website is considered the most user-friendly. RVShare is popular for one-way travel options and non-loop road trips.
RVThereYet.com has Class B, Class C, Class A & Travel Trailer RV Rental in Minnesota specializing in Mercedes Sprinter camper vans, motorhomes, and pull-behind campers with all of the luxuries of a home. This RV rental company offers local Minnesota family-owned RV rental. RVThereYet.com offers RV Rental in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota. They are also Renting Class B RVs in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul.
Pricing can differ based on the type of RV including the amenities it offers, the time of the year when you are renting as prices are significantly higher during camping season, as well as the location you are renting from. The cost of living in the area you would be renting from does affect the prices of the RVs available there. Here are average costs per night based on Outdoorsy as reference.
Class A RVs range from $170 to $280 per night.
Class B RVs range from $105 to $210 per night.
Class C RVs range from $155 to $215 per night.
Travel trailers range from $55 to $130 per night.
Fifth wheels range from $65 to $160 per night.
Pop-up trailers range from $55 to $110 per night.
There are also other factors that could affect your overall costs such as miles and RV insurance. Most rentals already include free on a certain number of miles and you would only be charged if and when you go over that number.
- What is RV insurance?
RV rental in Minnesota companies offers different levels of insurance to choose from. There are only add-ons you can opt for. Most of them also offer roadside assistance and other services. Be sure to read their policies through their official websites to understand and know more.
When the RV owner’s personal insurance would not apply, Outdoorsy offers commercial insurance for qualified renters and owners. They have partnered with Assurant on their liability insurance to ensure the safety of both Outdoorsy renters and owners. You can rent worry-free knowing that Outdoorsy’s $1 million insurance protection program covers the renter, the vehicle, and the owner, in case of any covered incidents. Outdoorsy also offers 24/7 roadside assistance and customer support.
RVshare offers a Standard Package of insurance and protection and you will have the opportunity to pay for an upgraded coverage at the time of your booking. Based on the value of the RV, the package RVshare offers for motorhomes and trailers includes up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage. They also offer Free 24/7 roadside assistance as well as free towing and tire service.
For RVThereYet.com, renters may purchase insurance from Camper Seeker (DBA RVThereYet.com & CamptasticRentals.com) and/or Outdoorsy as provided in Camper Seeker (DBA RVThereYet.com & CamptasticRentals.com)’s and Outdoorsy’s respective Terms.
- Do we have to book campsites too?
Yes, you’ll have to book campsites too when you’re traveling by RV. There are many to choose from depending on your preference and budget. There are campsites that only offer parking spaces while there are luxurious ones with many different amenities. RVs campsites range from $35 to $50 per night but the luxurious ones have higher prices as well. The time of the year also plays a role in the prices as well. When choosing a campsite, you really have to consider what your needs are and what is important for you then check if those are available on the sites before you book.
Private Campgrounds and RV Resorts
Camping in Private Campgrounds or in RV Resorts might be the best for you if you prefer a glamorous camping experience over an escape into nature. Be sure to prepare a bigger budget as their rates are much higher than that of national parks or state parks given that their amenities are much grander and more luxurious including great views, pools, hot tubs, sports facilities, and many more.
National Parks
Camping in national parks is very popular. It makes it easy to go sightseeing as you can camp right in the middle of the beauty offered by the national park. However, since it is indeed very popular, the demand is also high so make sure you book reservations ahead as national campgrounds often fill up very quickly. You also have to consider that some national parks have limits when it comes to RV size so you may want to take that into consideration and check on it before you book.
State Parks
If you’re on a smaller budget, camping in state parks may be a great option for you as their rates tend to be lower than most. It is perfect for you if you enjoy camping around mother nature.
If you don’t want to pay a lot of money on campsites, you may want to try dry camping or boondocking. The only downside would be the possibility of not being unable to connect to electricity, water, and sewer. But this can be remedied by choosing a self-contained RV that can be filled with fresh water and has a propane tank for electricity. Boondocking is usually free or very cheap. There are many different types of boondocking:
There is traditional boondocking where you camp away from everyone and everything and enjoy the best views.
There’s Wallydocking where you park in places such as Walmart or other similar places and spend the night there. This is considered to be the least appealing type of camping but is good for one-night stops while going to your destination. You just have to make sure you have permission to park overnight and that you are not staying for more than one night.
Moochdocking is another type where you park at a friend or family member’s place that is near the area you’re planning to visit.
- What about waste disposal?
A lot of people ask about how to deal with RV toilets. You might think it would be a nasty and taxing task but it really is much simpler. It is not hard and does not take much time at all. For first-timers like you, you might wonder how and where to dump RV waste.
RV waste is disposed of in a communal septic tank usually through the use of a hose. Most RV rentals include gloves you can use to touch the black tank hose. The RV owners would usually give you a run-through on how to do this before your trip so make sure to ask and even take a video so you won’t forget. Campsites usually have designated dump spots or dump stations. One of the easiest ways to find a dump spot or dump station is through a quick online google search.
- Any helpful apps you can recommend for RVing
RV Checklist
Sometimes we forget a lot of things when we’re going traveling and this can be true for everyone especially if we’re too excited to get out there and experience a new adventure with RVing. This app will help you become well prepared for camping trips, make sure you don’t forget any camping tasks, as well as help you track your progress.
Free Zone Wi-Fi
Locating WiFi networks can be difficult when traveling. This app can help you find all of the available WiFi networks near your location and will automatically connect you to these networks as long as you are in range.
FreeRoam app
This app helps you find great campgrounds with features like pricing per campsite, cell signal coverage, and road difficulty.
GasBuddy
find the cheapest gas stations which pop up for various gas stations in your area. It also provides information on important stuff like restrooms, restaurants, convenience stores, and more.
Coverage?
Aside from the WiFi networks, getting decent cell coverage can also be a challenge. This app directly finds and compares cellular data coverage from the major carriers.
Bottom line
Now that you know the answer to these five commonly asked questions, it’s time for you to go check out the RV rental sites and start planning your first Recreational Vehicle experience! You are sure to set out on an adventure of a lifetime. You’ll never know, you might actually get hooked and become regular RV travelers.
Here are a few of the best RV websites and apps that we have found for rv camping and for rental. Rent an RV from RVThereYet.com and plan you perfect escape!
- The original free campsite finder website freecampsites.net
- Find free campsites, RV parks, and campgrounds campendium.com
- Like and AirBnB for for campsites www.hipcamp.com
- Similar to Hip Camp, but free! boondockerswelcome.com
- Stay on vineyards & ranches across the US harvesthosts.com
- Comprehensive app listings of campsites allstays.com
- Who could travel without Google Maps? google.com/maps
- Plan your entire RV trip! roadtrippers.com
- Mostly volunteer run, find unusual and often off grid camping ioverlander.com
- Campsite reviews, advice. Like trip advisor, but for campsites thedyrt.com
- Book campgrounds in state and local government parks are easy to find through reserveamerica.com
- Online booking of family owned campgrounds roverpass.com