| The recreational vehicle (RV) industry has | | | | most basic of these: you must make sure that the |
| experienced a record boom since the turn of the | | | | campgrounds and RV parks you plan to use have the |
| 21st Century as increased numbers of "baby | | | | facilities you need for your vehicle and for the |
| boomers" have entered the "leisure time" industry. | | | | members of your group. It may be best not to rely |
| Most of these new 35-54 year old first-time RV | | | | just on the brochures and Web sites for the parks |
| enthusiasts can visit their local RV dealer and, in a | | | | and campgrounds. A phone call to ask two or three |
| matter of minutes, drive away with a motorhome or | | | | basic questions about facilities and activities may |
| camper that will probably take care of their camping | | | | uncover some hidden problem or some lack of |
| and travel needs quite adequately. But the chances | | | | amenities that can change your plans. Tip: Confirm |
| of giving your family an enjoyable trip are greatly | | | | your reservations!!! |
| increased if you cover these five things to know for | | | | 4. Understand the differences in recreational vehicles |
| a successful RV rental. (There are certainly other | | | | - Have a working knowledge of the basics of RV |
| suggestions and details, but the following five seem | | | | rentals. There are several different types of RV, |
| to be on the list for just about every experienced | | | | including, campers that pull behind your car or truck |
| RV'er.) | | | | or, if you decide to take your own vehicle, a towed |
| Don't plan your next RV excursion or make a new | | | | camping trailer or "pop-up" camper. Your vehicle must |
| RV purchase without a review of the following 5 | | | | be suitable for pulling a camper and you will need a |
| simple considerations: | | | | safe, strong hitch (in addition to a stable wiring |
| 1. Consider the interests and needs of all family and | | | | harness). There are three basic classes of RV: A, B, |
| friends - This will help eliminate many of the issues | | | | and C. These types are differentiated by size, the |
| that can come up during the trip. Just about every | | | | amount of interior room in each, and the different |
| experienced RV traveler (and most rental companies) | | | | amenities offered. A few minutes of study should |
| urge the first-time renter to have a planning meeting | | | | point you toward the type of RV that will best fit |
| with family and friends before attempting to rent an | | | | your family's travel vacation needs. |
| RV. Just an hour or two some evening or on a | | | | 5. Include alternative transportation in your vacation |
| weekend well before going to the rental company or | | | | RV plans - Unless you are pulling a smaller camping |
| RV dealer will be time well spent. Encourage family | | | | trailer that you can disconnect from your car you |
| members, including children, to write down what they | | | | may need to plan for another way of getting around |
| would like to have in an RV that will be their vacation | | | | when you finally arrive at your destination. While it |
| home. Make a list from these suggestions and ideas | | | | may be possible to get along without another vehicle |
| and take the list with you when you talk with the RV | | | | when you are driving a larger motorhome, |
| company. | | | | experienced RV travelers routinely tow a small car, |
| 2. Ask a lot of questions - This is great advice in | | | | bring along a small motorized scooter or two, or |
| every purchasing situation. The bottom line is this: a | | | | even pack a couple of good bicycles. Enjoyment of |
| lot of information is better than too little information | | | | your vacation can truly depend on how you handle |
| when it comes to spending money. When you are | | | | the transportation needs that arise once you arrive |
| selecting a travel vehicle that will be your home for a | | | | at a final campground or RV park. |
| week or two, you need to clear up any doubts | | | | According to the RV Industry Association (RVIA) |
| about up-front costs, hidden costs, features of the | | | | one out of every three first-time RV renters |
| RV, how to perform the basic set up and so on. | | | | eventually decide to purchase an RV in the future. |
| Most experienced RV travelers will emphasize that | | | | Remember, no matter which RV you decide to rent |
| reputable RV dealers and rental companies will be | | | | or own, some planning and brainstorming will make |
| happy to answer any and all questions you have. | | | | the experience go more smoothly. Making note of |
| Your contact with the company should allow all the | | | | the five considerations above will go a long way in |
| time necessary to make sure you are comfortable | | | | ensuring your first RV rental experience is the most |
| with your rental before you drive away. | | | | satisfying it can be. And most importantly, your |
| 3. Know where you're heading and how long you will | | | | family will thank you! |
| stay - This is important for several reasons. The | | | | |