7 mistakes to avoid when renting an RV
Going on a road trip or camping trip with an RV can be one of the most exciting and adventurous experiences. Renting an RV is the easiest and most accessible way to embark on this adventure. But one needs to be careful, as the rental process can be laden with pitfalls. To ensure that one can enjoy a smooth and happy trip, one needs to avoid some mistakes when renting an RV.
1. Choosing the wrong RV
When choosing an RV for a journey, one must consider several factors, such as the number of travelers, the distance of the trip, and the kind of roads one will be traveling on. Most importantly, one needs to consider the size of the RV based on how much space one needs. Class A, Class B, and Class C are the most commonly available types of RVs, among which Class A is the biggest one. While Class A is definitely more spacious, it can also be challenging to handle and drive. So, one must consider every aspect and choose the RV that best suits one’s needs.
2. Not approaching a reputable company
Another mistake to avoid is not approaching a reputable company to rent an RV. There are various sources from which one can rent these vehicles, including certain companies and individual owners. But a big issue with renting an RV from individual owners is the lack of support at times of distress. If one runs into some problems with the RV during the trip, an individual owner may not be able to offer much assistance. On the other hand, professional companies that rent out RVs have several safety measures in place, such as rental protection and round-the-clock roadside assistance. Choosing a reputable company ensures that one can travel without any worries, knowing that they are covered in case of any problems.
3. Not understanding all the controls and features
When renting an RV, a company official provides a detailed explanation of all the controls and features of the RV at the time of pickup. These instructions may be slightly complicated to understand, especially for first-time renters. So when the official explains the details, it is better for renters to take notes and ask questions if they do not understand something. It is essential to thoroughly understand the RV’s systems and operations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Failing to do so would only lead to confusion and create a stressful situation during the trip.
4. Failing to confirm if the RV has all the amenities
When renting RVs, individuals often choose the vehicle based on the picture displayed on the website. However, a picture does not give a complete idea of what amenities the RV has. For this, one must read the description of the RVs that rental companies give along with the picture. Not only that, but upon reaching the rental spot, one must also confirm if the RV actually has each and every amenity listed in its description. Taking this small measure before starting the trip can help one avoid a lot of stress later during the trip.
5. Not planning the route ahead of time
When planning to rent an RV for a road trip, one must also research the route they are planning to take. One must check if the roads are good and if there are any tunnels and overpasses on the route. If there are any tunnels and overpasses, one would need to check their clearance heights to ensure their RV can pass through them without any problems. Likewise, one must also check if the route has any other elements that could be challenging for RVs, such as steep roads and sharp turns.
6. Not carrying leveling blocks on the trip
The quintessential joy of a trip with an RV lies in finding the perfect spot to park, setting up camp, and relishing the experience of cooking and sleeping within its cozy confines. However, not all places one plans to camp at will have parking spots with leveled ground. If one still parks an RV on an even ground, they might not have a good experience camping there. Activities like cooking and sleeping will feel highly uncomfortable. Since one can not predict if a parking spot will have leveled ground, it is better to stay on the safer side and carry leveling blocks for the RV. Leveling blocks are simple wedges that are designed in such a way that they offer an even level to vehicles that are parked on them.
7. Not reading the cancellation policies
When planning a trip with a rented RV, individuals must be prepared for every scenario. This also includes an unfortunate scenario of the trip getting canceled at the last minute. To stay prepared for such events, one must not neglect reading the cancellation policy for RV rentals. Before renting the vehicle, one must thoroughly read the rental agreement and terms to understand how the company will handle last-minute cancellations. It will help one understand if they will be entitled to refunds, and if so, how much of the amount will be refunded. Reading these terms beforehand can save one from any inconveniences later.