| Renting an RV is the best way to explore Canada | | | | plans. Purchasing insurance coverage is a good idea |
| and United States. It is possible to rent an RV year | | | | and will help ease any concerns about driving an |
| round, for a day, week, month or even longer. If you | | | | expensive motorhome or tailer. A second option may |
| are planning to rent an RV the following are ten | | | | be auto insurance, speak to your insurance agent to |
| things you need to know: | | | | find out if you are covered for the motorhome you |
| 1. Choosing the Size and Type of RV | | | | want to rent. |
| There are several different RV types. The most | | | | 6. Being Safe on the Road |
| common is the motorhome, generally speaking, the | | | | Pick up your RV early. Drive it around a few blocks |
| larger the unit, the more space, privacy and comfort | | | | and test all the features yourself. You could come |
| it will afford its guests. If you are planning to stay at | | | | across a problem the mechanics may have missed. If |
| one place for a long time and would like some luxury | | | | this is the case you still have time to swap the |
| it would be a good idea to rent a Fifth Wheel. This | | | | motorhome for a new one instead of finding out 300 |
| will enable you to park your trailer and have the | | | | miles into your trip. |
| ability to use the truck for daily excursions. If you are | | | | 7. Kits |
| planning to move around, drive on rougher roads or | | | | There are many different types of kits depending on |
| are travelling in Northern Canada or Alaska a camper | | | | the rental company you choose. They could be called |
| would be a great choice. Your decision will depend on | | | | by any one of these names; housekeeping kits, |
| how many people are travelling, where you will be | | | | kitchen kits, personal convenience kits, vehicle supply |
| going and also your budget. Take your time deciding | | | | kits among others. If you are flying to a city where |
| because your choice may make your holidays the | | | | you will be renting an rv and the only items you are |
| most memorable ever or you will be so miserable | | | | bringing with you is your camera, personal items and |
| you will never want to look at another RV again. | | | | clothes make sure you purchase all the necessary |
| Once you know which unit you would like to rent, | | | | kits. Some rental companies may even supply a |
| visit your chosen RV rental office and check out the | | | | flashlight and axe for the campfire. They may also |
| motorhome or trailer to make sure it will meet your | | | | rent camping chairs, barbecues, bicycles, TV, DVD |
| expectations. | | | | and other items to add to your fun. |
| 2. RV Rental Companies | | | | 8. Campgrounds and RV Parks |
| Shop around, shop around, shop around. Check out | | | | Canadian and US campgrounds offer camp sites |
| as many rental companies as possible. When looking | | | | ranging from back-to-nature basics in a wilderness |
| at prices make note of what is included in the daily, | | | | setting, full facility campgrounds for RVs, quiet scenic |
| weekly or even monthly price. Some rental | | | | camping sites, or RV parks with full resort facilities |
| companies may have packages that include all | | | | and amenities for families with children. When |
| mileage, kitchen kits and insurance. The only thing | | | | selecting an RV campground, it is important to plan |
| you have to pay for is gas. Others may give you a | | | | ahead. Otherwise, you could arrive at your |
| daily rate that includes just that, the daily rate. You | | | | destination, only to find no place to stay. During peak |
| will have to pay more for everything else. Take your | | | | season it is rare to find a campground without |
| time calculating all aspects of the rental price. Also, it | | | | reserving. It is a good idea to purchase a couple of |
| doesn't hurt to haggle the price, you may be able to | | | | campground guides. They will give you information |
| get a better deal than listed especialy if you are | | | | about fees and facilities. |
| traveling during low season. | | | | 9. Alternative Transportation |
| 3. Reserving Early | | | | Unless you are pulling a trailer that you can unhook |
| If you are traveling during high season and you know | | | | from your car you may need to plan for another |
| which RV or trailer you would like to rent it is a good | | | | way of getting around when you finally arrive at your |
| idea to book your RV early. You will be able to | | | | destination. It may be enough to pack a couple of |
| secure the RV you want and you may even get a | | | | bicycles, there are moreand more foldable bikes on |
| better deal. Many companies offer discounts for | | | | the market that are comparable to regular bikes. |
| reserving a few months ahead of your travel date. | | | | They are easy to store and fun to ride. A lot of |
| 4. Basic Set Up | | | | experienced motorhome travelers tow a small car or |
| When you are going over the RV features and basic | | | | bring along a small motorized scooter. Enjoyment of |
| set up make sure you check the leveling system and | | | | your vacation may depend on how you handle |
| gauges. Gate valves for emptying grey and black | | | | transportation needs once you park your motorhome |
| tanks should close all the way and work smoothly | | | | at a campground or rv park. |
| without sticking. You don't want to be splashed by a | | | | 10. Secure your Load |
| bit of sewage when the dust cap is take off. Adjust | | | | Make sure everything in your trailer is put away in |
| mirrors to needed position and check to see if they | | | | cabinets and whatever is not in cabinets is safely tied |
| are firmly mounted and that they can be adjusted to | | | | down so it can't move. Checking the fridge is a good |
| needed position. Make sure everything is in proper | | | | idea to make sure there is nothing that will spill or be |
| working condition. | | | | thrown around during the trip. You wouldn't want to |
| 5. Insurance | | | | get to your destination and find a fridge full of |
| RV rental companies are specialists in the business | | | | broken eggs or spilled milk. Not a fun way to start |
| and offer reasonably priced, comprehensive insurance | | | | your trip. |