Traveling on
your terms
Making the switch to RVing
RVing has always been a way to travel on your own
terms, with some added exibility and comforts of
home along the way. Since everyone has had to
think a little differently about how we travel, more
and more people are realizing the value of having
more control and how RVs may be the best way to
travel more freely. Take your travel back!
Whether you’re craving more quality time with
friends and family, working more remotely than
ever, have a pent-up itch to travel, or are still a little
unsure, an RV will allow you to get away your way,
comfortably and safely, from now on. And if you’re
still a little uneasy about other modes of travel, you
aren’t alone, According to a January 2021 Harvest
Hosts survey, 69 percent of respondents won’t feel
safe on a plane in 2021, 56 percent in hotels and
just 19 percent plan to travel internationally.
We’re going to break down some of the differences
between what we’ll call “traditional travel” and
RVing so that you’re comfortable with and prepared
for exploring this fun and exible mode of travel.
What we’ll cover:
• Why RVing
• Renting vs. buying an RV
• The different types of RVs
• Getting where you’re going
• The people
• Sleeping arrangements
• Packing
• Transporting large cargo
• Dining
Many travelers are discovering what
RVers have known for a long time
There are the clear benets of traveling in an RV: no crowds or lines, fresh air and wide open spaces, full control of food,
bountiful opportunities to exercise and exible scheduling. But it’s not until you’ve been out there a time or two that you
realize the other perks of having an RV. Not only is RV travel convenient, but time away in nature provides a boost to the
mind, body, soul and wallet (relative to other modes of travel) we can all use. Consider these stats from recent reports.
45% 82% 45% 94% 94%
of campers say
camping has a great
impact on their ability
to spend time
with family.
of parents think
camping has had
a positive effect
on their children’s
school education.
of campers say it
has a great deal of
impact on their ability
to reduce stress in
everyday life.
of RVers typically
spend less than
$75/night on
the road.
of teens are
enthusiastic
about camping.
For more RV
stats click here.
Common
Should I rent or buy an RV?
If you’re not ready to buy just yet, renting could be the way to decide if it’s right for you. But it’s important to set
realistic expectations and realize that renting an RV can be a very different experience than owning your own.
And in some cases, the amount spent on the rental could be a sizeable down payment on your own RV. And with
nancing options available, it might be better to skip the rental “test run” and just dive into your own adventure. Here
are eight of the factors to weigh before you make the decision to rent:
Cost - The overall price of an RV rental for a
week can be anywhere between $1,000-$3,500,
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depending on where/from whom you rent and
the type of unit you rent. What’s more, it’s hard to know
the exact amount of money you’ll spend.
Sanitization - When you rent, you might not
have the same peace of mind as owning your
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own unit. While rental companies are stepping
up in terms of safety measures, you’re still using a unit
that other people have lived in—as recently as the day
before.
Familiarity - It takes time and exploration to
learn about your RV and all of its ins and outs.
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When you own your RV, you can practice setting
up camp at a nearby campsite for a day/night or even
boondocking in your backyard.
Personal items - Rental RVs generally come
bare. That means no linens, kitchen necessities,
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and cleaning supplies. Those who own, on the
other hand, can hit the road with less hassle because
those essentials are already stored and ready to go in
their RV.
RV rental fees
Security deposit
One-way fee
Additional miles
Additional days
Cleaning fees
Insurance
Generator use
Fine print - When it comes to renting an RV,
the number and variety of additional fees can be
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shocking. While a savvy renter will have visibility
to some of these fees during the research/rental quoting
process, many are not disclosed until the nal bill at the
end of your trip.
Features and convenience - Keep in mind,
rentals are not representative of the nishes,
4
design, and amenities you’ll get if you buy.
Rental units are designed and manufactured to be
“bare-bones.”
You might want to consider visiting your local RV dealer before you rent. They’ll walk you through the latest features
and oorplans and answer any questions about RVing or the RV lifestyle. If you still prefer to rent before buying,
you’ll at least have baseline knowledge and have seen other units for comparison.
Furry friends - One of the best things about
RV travel is that it’s easy to take your four-legged
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family members with you. But if you’re renting,
that might not be an option. If it is allowed, it will likely
incur additional fees.
Trip preparations - RV renters should be
prepared to spend at least an hour on each
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end of their trip at the RV rental counter. Once
you have the keys and are ready to go, you’ll still
need to load up your RV—and unload and clean
at the end.
Bedroom and
kitchen kits
Dumping fees
Propane
Return fuel charge