Motorhome rental is a hugely popular industry and there are a few things to know before booking your own rental. The demand for rentals has skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic in 2020, and it looks like this trend of growth is here to stay for the future.
When it comes to the world of rentals there is a huge range to choose from, from large Class A motorhomes to micro-campers. Whether it’s your first rental and you are new to the campervan lifestyle or if you frequently rent. This article will cover all the essential information you need when renting an RV.
1. What size RV do you want?
This is a great place to start when thinking about what you want out of a rental. With RV sizes going from the size of a car to the size of a bus, there’s a lot to choose from.
Most newcomers overlook the fact additional license qualifications are often required to drive anything larger than a Mercedes sprinter van. Basically, you can’t drive a 40-foot long A-Class motorhome on a regular license.
We recommend making this choice by thinking about how much room is needed for the number of people travelling; if it is just two of you, a VW Transporter may be enough room. However, if you have kids and a dog, a Class C motorhome will offer you more room.
The bigger the RV, the more it will usually cost to rent. It’s always better to have more room than not enough. Storage is also critical if you plan to do activities such as biking or canoeing. You will need plenty of room to stow your equipment safely away. Therefore size isn’t just about the living area – it’s about storage too!
2. What facilities do you NEED
If you have never been on an RV road trip before, this question could be hard to answer. Try to make a list of what you think you would need and what facilities you think would make your trip easier.
For example, ask yourself if you need a shower on the RV or if shower facilities will be available at your intended destination? Do you need extra storage for specialist equipment such as a bike? Is a kitchen needed, and how big of a bed do you require?
You can choose any facilities you like and search for RV’s with the facilities you need. This way, when you are looking for an RV, you can make sure it has all the facilities you need. With such a large range of rental companies out there, you can likely rent an RV that contains everything you desire.
3. What is your budget?
Now you have an idea of the RV size you would like and what facilities you want onboard, it’s time to work out your budget. The bigger the budget, the more you can expect from a rental.
Prices change due to demand. In high season campervan prices will be at their highest whereas in the winter they will be much cheaper. Timing is everything when it comes to renting so expect to pay a lot more in the summer holidays and during peak weeks.
There will be a daily rate for renting the RV. On top of this, you will need to factor in the cost of fuel. Furthermore, you may purchase additional insurance protection from the rental company such as excess protection and break down cover. This is an additional expense but should something go wrong, you will regret not having it.
4. How long do you want to rent?
Organising a rental is all about effective time management, regardless of whether you are spontaneous or a meticulous planner. It is important for you to decide how long you would like to rent the RV for.
A consideration often overlooked is timings on collection and return. For example, some rental companies may deliver the RV then pick it up from your home address. Others will require you to go to the office, so you need to organise transport there.
You need to be sure that you rent the RV for enough time. If you decide that you would like to keep the RV for longer than planned, you may not be guaranteed an extension. A smart approach is to book it for a little longer than you need, then you can usually return it early and get a refund for the days you didn’t use it (check with your RV rental company first!).
5. Which company to book the rental with?
The last, and arguably the most important, step in renting an RV is to find the right rental company.
A company’s service can make or break the RV experience so we recommend researching feedback surrounding the company before spending a cent. Google and Trustpilot are great platforms where real customers give feedback.
In the USA, RVshare is a great business to explore rentals, whereas, in the United Kingdom, QuirkyCampers have a great reputation. Remember that the best RV rental companies are ones that have been shown to quickly and effectively deal with any issues that have arisen for previous customers. If you break down, you need a company that will be there to help ASAP.
5 Things To Know Before Booking A Motorhome Rental Conclusion
The five tips outlined in this article will give you a good chance of having a positive rental experience. If you research and choose a business with a great reputation, you are very likely to have a pleasant experience. It’s always a risk choosing a business because you won’t know how good their service is until you experience it.
Choosing the right RV and company is not a process to be rushed. The further you book in advance, the more options you are likely to have. I hope this article helps you have a great rental experience!