RV Rentals: A Vacationer's Guide
By Alice Zyetz
For readers who DO NOT own an RV but would like to enjoy some of the experiences full-time RVers enjoy every day, Dave and Kay Corby have written THE handbook on the subject, RV Rentals: A Vacationer’s Guide. Even without prior experience, anybody would be able to rent an RV successfully just by following each chapter in this easy to use resource.
A practical book, the authors talk directly to you, the reader, and explain the entire process literally from start to finish in a clear, well-organized format. An added bonus is a series of checklists to use for each step. They have also highlighted 40 money-saving suggestions sprinkled throughout the book.
Pre-Planning
The Corbys start out with the reasons for wanting to participate in the RV lifestyle:
- Exploring our beautiful country
- Ease of taking the family and pets along
- Going to a special event
- Testing out whether you might like to purchase an RV
Right from the beginning, the Corbys clearly present all sides of each question. Although the press releases from RVIA (RV Industry Assn) compare the cost savings of RV vacations to other types of vacations, the authors point out that the people who might rent an RV might not be the ones sunning themselves in Monte Carlo at the most expensive resort.
The Corbys display humor throughout the book. A section titled "You might be an RVer if you prefer being outside watching a sunset to watching an inside floor show." On the other hand, "You might NOT be an RVer if your idea of roughing it is when room service fails to answer on the first ring."
The next chapters deal with the RV itself. Do you want to rent from where you live and drive to your destination? Do you want to drive one way and drop off the RV and fly home? Do you want to fly and drive? They look at all the issues, including of course the costs involved. There may be a $500 drop-off charge or one-way tickets can cost more than a round trip ticket. They recommend a test outing, just renting for a local weekend.
Next section describes the types of vehicles available for rent and their relative costs. Generally, the motorhome is preferred to a towed vehicle. The book presents a variety of considerations to decide which motorhome is appropriate for you: availability, number in party, cost, living space, ease of driving.
Chapter Five is critical. In great detail, they present the costs involved in the contract, especially the hidden costs. What does the base fee include? What is the mileage arrangement? What about insurance? With their advice, you will know what questions to ask the prospective dealers so you can evaluate who will give you the best deal.
They also give money-savings tips reminding you to check the specials or ask for costs savings if you are more flexible in your choice of time periods or model of RV. Should you choose a large chain or go with smaller independent dealers? Two excellent worksheets are provided for this information gathering to help you make a rational decision.
Details
The next chapter reminds readers about the two aspects of RV traveling that are different from their previous experiences—finding campgrounds and adapting driving techniques to handle an RV. The two fine annual directories that provide excellent information are Trailer Life and Woodalls . Here's a good overall site for finding information about public and private campgrounds. Some of the common mistakes of RV Renters are driving too fast, driving for too long, forgetting about the extra width, length, height and weight of the vehicle.
In chapter seven, the Corbys unlock the mysteries of RV systems: sanitation, water, propane and electrical, including the generator. They are your constant guide, clearly describing and advising you so you feel competent.
Life on the Road
The critical chapter in this segment is the pre-trip orientation from the dealer with a complete checklist to remind you of all the details involved. Advice is given on how to park at the campground where "your unit seems to grow by a factor of at least 2 X … while the campsites seem to shrink by a factor of 2X when approached by an RV."
The book ends with segments on returning the rig to the dealer, traveling with pets and people with special needs. Finally, the appendix provides thirty pages of worksheets and checklists to support the reader.
Dave and Kay Corby must have had their own incredible checklist for writing this book because they didn’t omit ANYTHING. Wannabe RVers out there, buy the book, rent an RV this year, and join the RV lifestyle. You won’t regret it.