Archive for the ‘RVing’ Category
RV Family Vacations – Choosing an RV
Vacationing in an RV with your family is an easy way to see the country while having all of the conveniences of home at your fingertips. It’s like a traveling hotel room that you have access to 24 hours a day. Some families love it so much that they eventually purchase a motorhome or travel trailer. I have to admit that we’ve thought about it more than once.
Traveling with kids (especially young kids) and all of their gear can be a bit daunting. Having a mobile place to eat, sleep, play and store all of that gear can make a big difference! I think the biggest fear for most people is driving the RV. Well, fair enough, it isn’t your mini-van or SUV and it certainly isn’t a compact vehicle, but you shouldn’t let that prevent you from renting an RV.
First of all, what is an RV – well, a Recreational Vehicle comes in a few forms. There are travel trailers (towed by a vehicle), fifth wheels (towed by a pick-up truck) and motorhomes (drivable). You would be most likely renting a motorhome. Motorhomes come in several types, Class A, Class B and Class C. The most common rental units are Class C, which look very much like a truck in the front with a traditional engine compartment and a bunk area over the cab. Class A units, which have a flat front, large windshield and a bit more room inside are not readily found in rental fleets and when they are, typically command higher rates than a Class C.
The choices in Class C motorhomes vary widely. Most rental locations will offer units ranging in size from 19′-34′. You may also have the option of renting a unit with slide-outs. A slide-out is a portion of the motorhome that at the touch of a button will slide outward to extend the living space in the motorhome. As slide-outs become more common in Class C rental units, so do family friendly layouts.
An RV in the 25-26′ range is workable for a family with one or two kids on a shorter trip of 7 days or less. These units typically do not have a slide-out, but if you find one that does, it will make the trip a little easier. In this basic RV, you’ll likely find a queen-sized bed, small kitchen area with stove/oven, microwave, fridge and a small sink. The living area will have a small dinette for 4 people (that converts to a bed), a single chair and a bunk above the cab. The bathroom facilities will consist of a small sink, toilet and shower. This is the minimum size that we recommend for a family.
As RVs increase in size, you’ll see such features as slide-out living areas, a full-size sofa, slide-out sleeping areas, bunk beds, larger bathroom areas (with larger shower/mini bathtub) and larger wardrobes and storage areas. In the largest units, like the Winnebago 32′ Chalet, you’ll enjoy two slide-outs, separate bunk beds and plenty of living (play) area that would easily accommodate a family of up to 6 on a 2-3 week vacation.
Most units include a television with DVD or VCR, basic housekeeping supplies, bedding, towels and cooking/dining wares. The units are self-contained, meaning they have fresh water, grey water and black water tanks, motorhome batteries and a generator. You can overnight in the RV without any hook-ups to water, sewer or electric. We’ve found that 3 nights of dry camping (without hook-ups) is the maximum for our family.
When selecting a motorhome, make sure that the size and layout will provide ample space for everyone to sleep comfortably. If you have young kids, there should be enough room for them to play without getting in your way. Slide-out rooms and larger motorhomes work best for longer trips and larger families.
When reserving a rental, make sure that you understand what is included. For example, many agencies will charge extra for bedding, towels, etc. Additional items may also be available, such as a coffee maker, toaster, grill and folding chairs, so be sure to figure that into your price when comparison shopping. You’ll also have to choose between an unlimited mileage plan and pay per mile. Plan out your anticipated itinerary, calculate the mileage then add 10%. Compare the two rate plans using that mileage and choose the cheaper option.
Finally, you will want to consider insurance. Unlike with a rental car, your insurance company may not cover you for an RV rental. Be sure to check your coverage, then buy any additional insurance to cover damage to the vehicle. Repairs to a $60,000 RV that you’re unfamiliar with driving can be costly. On our last trip we had a small chip in the windshield (which we repaired before returning for $65) and a small scrape on the bottom of the RV, which cost us about $250 on return. You’ll ultimately have to weigh the risk and your level of comfort when making the decision.
Make your next family vacation an RV trip…you’ll be glad you did. See you on the road!
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