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