Getting an RV from reliable sites like Rent.is is a popular choice for families, friends, and young couples who want to explore the great outdoors. But with potential pitfalls in many forms, renters need to take note of some common mistakes that could lead them astray. Here are the top 10 mistakes you need to know to avoid before you rent your next RV. If you already have an RV and would like to learn how to keep it in great shape while it’s not in use, then you should look into a rv storage and what benefits it comes with. Also if you decide to buy one for the family, consider getting one from Bill Eads RV!
- Not Planning for The Extra Costs
The costs for your rented RV don’t stop when you arrive at the rental location with your vehicle in tow. You’ll have to pay separate additional fees for water, sewage, and electricity when you arrive. You should always get the best deal on a RV rental and check out for price comparisons across companies. One way to avoid extra costs is by choosing an RV with a built-in kitchen so that you can prepare all your meals on-site rather than going out to eat or buying groceries. Or, you can look into a rental that has a generator built-in, which means you don’t have to pay those added fees.
- Renting an RV That Is Too Large or Too Small
When you’re planning your trip, one of the big factors in choosing an rv rental for your family will be the size. Selecting a rental vehicle that’s either too small or too large can become a costly mistake, as you’ll have to pay to switch out your rented vehicle with a different size. If you have a large family, it’s typically best to rent an RV with 6-8 beds, whereas one bed is typically enough for a couple or small group of friends.
- Passing on Renter’s Insurance
Renter’s insurance is one of those costs that many people choose to avoid, but it could end up costing you much more, in the long run, should something go wrong with your rented RV. An auto insurance policy is relatively cheap depending on the vehicle, and will typically cover water damage restoration, damage to the exterior of your rental vehicle, any accidental damages you cause while driving, among other things. If you don’t have renters insurance on your policy, opting for it when you rent an RV may be a smart option. You may contact a commercial truck insurance company for more info.
- Not Checking the Vehicle Properly Before Driving Off
Before you take off with your rented RV, make sure that everything looks good. Check the engine, water levels in the toilet, the fridge, and freezer units to make sure they’re all running fine. As soon as you drive away from the rental company, you usually won’t be able to return for any issues you encounter, so always check everything carefully before heading out.
- Not Getting a Map of The Local Area Beforehand
If you don’t have a map of the local area on hand while you’re driving around in your rented RV, you could wind up getting lost and wasting a lot of time on back-roads or unfamiliar areas that aren’t well signposted. You should also get a map from the rental company if it doesn’t come with one, as this will provide you with extra detail when looking for rv parks as well as local amenities such as gas stations or grocery stores where you can make restocking stops along the way.
- Skipping Out on Breakdown Insurance
Breakdown insurance is another optional add-on when renting an RV that many people choose to overlook, but it isn’t something that you should. If your engine breaks down while driving in an RV, you’ll have to pay for tow truck fees and other related costs on top of the repair bill itself. Breakdown insurance covers these extra costs if they arise so that you don’t get hit by any nasty financial surprises later on down the road.
- Forgetting to Fill Up the Water Tank Before Your Trip
Make sure you take one last stop before traveling with your rented RV because forgetting to fill up the water tank will cost you a lot more in the long run. Not only will you end up having to pay for clean water when you’re thirsty at night after a long day out in the wilderness, but you’ll also have to pay for wastewater as well.
- Not Reading the Rental Agreement Full-Thoroughly
Always take the time to read the rental agreement fully before you sign it and hand over your credit card details. There may be extra charges that aren’t listed in the fee breakdown, or there might be some information about what state or country laws apply while you’re driving around with your rented RV. It’s important to understand what exactly is included so that you don’t wind up breaking any local traffic rules by mistake, which could result in an added fine.
- Forgetting About Maintenance Costs
Maintenance costs are usually low when renting an RV, but if anything does go wrong with your vehicle while you’re out exploring the great outdoors, you could be faced with a hefty repair bill. If you have your mechanic at home, it might be worth getting them to take a quick look over the RV before you leave so that they know what to do if anything should go wrong while you’re away. You don’t want something being overlooked just because no one was prepared for it. Visit sites like https://www.emanualonline.com/trucks.htm for helpful manuals and see if you can repair the truck if you find anything wrong. You may also look into truck repair videos online for guide.
- Not Asking Questions If You Have Any
Finally, always ask questions if you have any about the trip beforehand. The more information that you have before your journey begins, the better idea of everything that lies ahead of you and how to avoid running into any unexpected issues along the way. Also make sure to ask if there are any local rules or laws that you need to be aware of while driving around in your rented RV, such as how many passengers you’re legally allowed to carry or what time the local park closes at night.
If you follow all these steps when renting an RV, you’ll be spared from some costly mistakes that would otherwise cost you a bunch of time and money. Don’t assume that renting an RV is like any other car rental because there are many additional factors to keep in mind when it comes to road safety and comfort. By taking the necessary precautions, you’ll soon find yourself on your way towards benefiting from one of the best possible experiences life has to offer.
You made a good point that it’s important to also factor in the maintenance costs when getting travel RV rentals. I’d like to rent one someday because I want to travel the countryside with my friends later this year. It will be important to have a large enough vehicle to make the long ride comfortable for all of us.