So you want an RV? And a friend told you to rent one first. But why rent an RV if you are going to buy one anyways? Purchasing an RV can be quite the commitment and renting one will let you sort out any concerns you may have. Renting an RV isn’t permanent, the first time and perhaps even the second or third time you rent one will determine if the RV lifestyle is for you.
Read on as we talk about the ins and outs of RV ownership and renting.
Try before you Buy
Like any passing thought or wish, the idea of it always sounds great at the start. Owning an RV isn’t for everyone. Many questions will need to be answered. What will you do with one? Where will you go? What will you do inside the RV when you’re stationed at the camp site? Can you work remotely if you needed to? Renting an RV gives you the opportunity to try before you buy.
Financial Commitment
If your plan was to finance an RV from a dealership, you may want to consider renting an RV instead. Trying before buying, should clear up the answer to that question that you and your family may be pondering. Does your current and future lifestyle make room for several road trips a year? Would it justify the commitment of monthly payments? Or will the more likely case be that you’ll take it out 1-3 times a year, and all the other times, it will sit in your driveway. What if you purchased brand new, tried it out a few times, and decided it wasn’t for you. The depreciation of the RV will be just like any other vehicle once it comes off the dealership lot, instant and fair amount.
Home on Wheels
Owning an RV is unlike owning a car, in that it’s a home on wheels. That home portion of the RV that includes features like a built in kitchen and full bath will need some attention at some point. Are you a handy person? Will you be able to do the odd inspection for leaks?
Dumping the sewage tanks
The black (toilet) and gray water (sinks) will eventually need to be flushed out. It really isn’t as bad as it sounds, and should only take you a 1-5 minutes depending on the size of your tanks, and where you are dumping. A good tip is when you have your hookups ready to go, let the gray run for 5 seconds, to ‘wet the hoses whistle’, and then open up the black. Once the black is done, run the gray all the way. Never store your RV with the black, gray, and fresh tanks full for long periods of time. After a time, the waste water in the black and gray tanks begin to literally take on a life of its own. Even the fresh water tank has a time limit. If left unchecked, the fresh water can fester and be just as nasty. Renting an RV will let you figure out whether or not you are ok with taking on this responsibility.
Driving
Why rent and RV? To put it bluntly, to see if you can handle one. Motorhomes are much larger than your average car and more cumbersome to drive for first timers. Once you take it out a few times, driving an RV isn’t as scary as you might have feared. Driving an RV boils down to these key points:
- Wide turns – Take slightly wider turns, making sure your front end protrudes far enough before committing to the turn
- Braking length – Give yourself plenty of time and space to brake
- Take your time – These are not quick little roadsters, and they carry a lot of weight. Pedal to the metal is not a good idea. Let the RV pick up the acceleration at its own pace. Treat it right, and it will reciprocate with a longer engine life.
- Lane changing – When changing lanes give yourself ample time to warn other drivers that you are making the change.
- Patience and awareness – Other drivers on the road will want to zoom around you. Be aware and be patient with them.
Renting an RV will let you know if you have the skills and more importantly, the patience to own one.
Parking
Where do you park it? Some home owners associations forbid it. Does your home have a long enough driveway to park a 30ft towering vehicle? Will parking it in your driveway for weeks to months on end block access to your backyard? Renting an RV and figuring out the logistics of parking such a vehicle at your home will expose any surprises that may have been lurking. Getting a space at your local RV storage or RV parking spot rental might be an option for you.
Your neighborhood
The streets surrounding your home may be to narrow, and the turns may be too tight. If you live in an area that has HOA (home owners association), you may not be allowed to drive an RV around, let alone park one on the street in front of your home. Renting an RV will let you know whether or not getting to and from your home will be an issue.
There are many benefits to renting an RV. The big question of “Why Rent and RV?”, can be answered with the second biggest question of “Is the RV lifestyle for me?”. Renting an RV can help you decide to make that decision without the long-term financial commitment. You, your partner or family could hate it. Our hopes are the opposite and you’ll love it just as much as we do.