Whether you’re considering RV ownership, or if you just want the RV experience without the hassle of owning, renting an RV for your next family vacation can be a good option. However, you need to know some things up front — specifically the pros and cons.
Knowing both the advantages and disadvantages of taking an RV trip on a family vacation is a good way to determine whether or not you really want to commit to doing this thing. It takes planning and work, but some people find the experience you can have is well worth it.
Pros of Renting an RV for a Family Vacation
There are plenty of good reasons to rent an RV for a family vacation. See if one or more of these are good enough to convince you to make the leap.
- Time as a Family
Camping together as a family is likely something out of the ordinary. From, embarking on the journey and stopping along the way to getting to the campsite and setting up — it’s all a shared journey. Plus, once you are at the RV park, you will be doing all activities together, such as meals, hiking, swimming, fishing, outdoor games and sitting around the campfire.
- A Shared Adventure
Not only will you be doing all activities together, but each of those activities can also be an adventure that you will remember forever. Think of riding your bikes together on mountain trails, riding a raft down a churning river or hiking to the top of a summit.
- An RV is Like a Home on Wheels
One of the conveniences of having an RV is that you will have everything you need in one spot. Even while you’re traveling, you can potentially pull over on the side of the road, make sandwiches, use the restroom and have a bit of a rest before moving on. You won’t have to stop at a convenience store or ever eat out at a restaurant unless you prefer to.
You also won’t have to move your bags into a hotel. They just stay in the RV and you get out what you need when you need.
- You Might Decide RV Life is for You
Renting an RV can help you determine whether or not you’d like to buy one so that you and your family can enjoy RVing whenever you like. If you do decide to buy, consider looking into extended RV warranties, which can save you a ton of money if you have a mechanical breakdown.
- You Might Have an Awesome View
Depending on where you stay and what campsite you’re in, you might have an awesome view. For example, if you stay in a national park, you could have a view of a mountain outside of your window. Or if you stay at a beach RV Park, the sand and surf could be your view.
Imagine being able to wake up each morning to a beautiful sunrise or sunset without having to worry about fighting traffic or sitting in an office all day.
Cons of Renting an RV for a Family Vacation
Although there are plenty of advantages to an RV rental for a family vacation, there are also some cons. Find out if any of these might keep you from making this idea reality.
- Rental RVs Don’t Include Anything
RV rentals usually don’t have anything in them. Instead, you’ll have to bring everything you need including towels, sheets, toiletries, and kitchen supplies. This can take time to load. Before you return the rental, you’ll need to unload everything as well.
- Drivable RVs Can Include Per Mile Overages
If you rent a drivable RV, you’ll likely be sold a block of miles. If you exceed those miles, you’ll probably have to pay an overage charge of so many cents per mile. This can really add up, so you’ll want to make sure you figure how many miles you’ll be driving over the course of the trip.
- You’ll Have to Work
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation where all you have to do is show up and the rest falls into place, don’t rent an RV. You’ll have to load it, drive or pull it, hook up utilities, set up camp and then do everything in reverse when you leave.
- Constant Organization is Key
Because RVs are small, a little bit of clutter can seem like a big deal. It’s important that everyone knows that each item has its own place and that they return each item to that place after using it. Children need to have designated spaces where they can store their belongings, and make an effort to keep them contained.
- Driving May be Tricky
Whether you rent a motorhome or choose a trailer to pull behind your vehicle, driving maneuvers can be tricky. You won’t be able to accelerate as quickly, pull out as fast, turn as sharply or stop as short as you would in a passenger vehicle.
You also may have to back into the RV spot at the park, which can be tricky if you aren’t in practice of backing up a large vehicle or trailer.
