RV Rental

[BigL]

Thinking of renting one for a summer family trip. Anyone here ever do it? Pros? Cons?

[Bill]

We did it 2x. Once we went to Yellowstone in the summer and the second time to the Grand Canyon in between Christmas and New Years and then New Years Eve in Las Vegas. It was a 'family bonding experience' for sure. The second trip, the check brake light in the dash was on when I picked it up, and they swore they'd just repaired the brakes and needed a special tool to reset the light, and everything was OK. I believed them, and drove it in the snow 30 yards from the edge of the Grand Canyon, and a few days later after leaving Las Vegas and heading home towards Death Valley lost the brakes at the closest point of human habitation to Area 51 in Nevada- I can't call it a town. One of the disc brake calipers blew out and we had zero brakes, luckily we were on a flat, straight highway and rolled into a place with a tiny RV campground- in the middle of nowhere, Nevada. I never have slept with a load gun under my pillow before or afterward.

We finally got it towed, fixed and spent a couple unplanned days in Parumph Nevada, where there are big billboards advertising the legal brothels- more of a family bonding experience explaining that to the kids.

Make sure it's mechanically OK, or you may wind up...........

[BigL]

Thanks Bill. We are thinking of doing it and going to Florida in late July and early August.

[Uncle Doug]

We rented one of the larger ones in Houston and drove to Orlando with 6 grandkids aged 5-13. As tough as it sounds it actually worked out real well. Other than driving like a bus on highways in need many repairs. The kids were able to lounge around and play they game thingys, no potty stops, make lunch on the go.

Mileage fees are what will get you. Most will allow 100 miles a day free. Another biggie will be gasoline. Always over $100 to top off the tank after it get down below half a tank.

Still overall it was cheaper than flying the 8 of us to Orlando, renting a van and double hotel rooms.

[Luck_of_the_Draw]

I've got one for rent. Let me know if you want to take a look at it.

[OPC Patrick]

My parents rent them, Cruse America, and some privately owned ones as well. I would recommend that what ever route you take private or commercial rentals, you get insurance, a full detailed description of how to use everything, and a list of repair facilities along your route, It ends up cheaper than hotels, but also you are driving a bus, you can't very easily whip down back streets, or park in front of Grandma's house in the suburbs.

[daveally]

My family and I took one to South Florida last June. Cruisin America was the most expensive rental we found so we went with a local. We got a 39' for the same price as a 28' from Cruisin America. It worked out pretty well. We stayed at KOA's in Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Milton, Florida. They do drink a lot of gas. Just shop around for the best deal.

[Sparkles]

If you can rent a diesel pusher you'll get better mileage.