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