RV - Campervan - Motorhome Tips
Renting a RV, Camper, or Motor home for your vacation may seem like a good idea, but before you make that leap of faith, there are some things you should be aware of when renting one of these, just as if you were buying one.
One of the first things to consider is your current lifestyle and what level of lifestyle you will want when you make that RV rental, Camper Rental, or Motor Home rental. All of them will have certain features that you will expect, and there are safety items to be checked on all of them. The biggest single consideration when it comes to lifestyle issues is “Is it big enough to accommodate all the people we will have on the trip?” Then you can look at other things like arrangement, bed styles, toilet, cooking facilities, and such.
Ask ahead of time about the rental agreement. Make sure you check it and understand it. All should provide a copy of rental agreement with their rentals. Some of the things you may want to be sure of:
* what are the renter’s responsibilities?
* what are your responsibilities?
* what is your liability?
* do you fully understand all the rental costs involved?
* what insurance is provided by the renter?
* does your auto insurance cover what the renter’s insurance does not?
* does the renter have a 24-hour phone number for you to call if you have problems?
* are there manuals included for the motor home and all the equipment on board?
* are there sun screens for the big side windows on a class A motor home?
* is there a selection of wooden blocks included to level the coach on uneven sites?
* are extension cables and hoses included to accommodate electrical, sewer and water hook-ups?
* do you get a spare set of keys for the motor home?
* are all appliances, controls, and fixtures working?
* do all doors, windows, and steps work properly?
* do smoke and gas detectors work properly?
One of the biggest safety items, besides the motor, drive train, and tires, is the amenities. Most will have a LPG tank as part of their equipment. This is a big safety item. You don’t want to turn that rental or hire into a fire, or worse. Checking the integrity of the tank and all lines and connections is important. Your RV is like any other vehicle. It requires regular checkups and periodic maintenance to operate at its peak. The best way to ensure safe, trouble-free travel is to thoroughly check your RV before each trip.
1. Make sure that all electrical and plumbing systems are ready for use
2. Check fluids, brakes, and tires
3. Adjust all mirrors
4. Check hitch and coupling system
A Camper rental, being the smallest, does not necessarily make it the one with the least problems. A camper is usually a pick-up truck with a shell added into the bed of the truck. It is a big safety concern. There are hold-downs that must be checked, and there is the added consideration of space. If it has pull-outs, you will want to check that they are all working and sturdy enough for your needs.
With a RV rental, you are considering a larger vehicle, but is of singular construction, nothing added on to the basic frame that wasn’t there when the vehicle was completed at the factory. More and more people are going for this type of rental, since it is between the extremes of types of vehicles you can rent for your trip. It is pretty much self-contained, and the only real concern, as before, is will it meet your lifestyle needs.
A Motor Home rental means you feel confident in using the biggest class of vehicle used for traveling during vacations or whatever. And there are special safety features to be considered with this type. Since it is bigger than most people have ever driven before, there will be a period of adjustment to the size, and many of the driving qualities and limitations of the vehicle.
Now for some specifics on driving and handling.
Driving a motorhome can be dangerous if you are not familiar with the differences that the weight, size, and visibility demands of your RV driving. The transition from driving the family car to driving an recreational vehicle is different, but not necessarily difficult. The points discussed below will help you to be a safe RV driver.
RV Heights
Most RVs are taller than passenger vehicles so road clearances, service station canopies, bridge heights, and low hanging obstacles such as tree branches are considerations. Knowing the clearance required for your vehicle is most important.
RV Lengths
Many highways either restrict or recommend non-use for vehicles over a certain length, so it will be important to know which roads you can travel on, and how to access them.
Maneuvering the RV
The additional weight and size (length) of an RV makes it less maneuverable than a passenger vehicle. Since it’s heavier, the RV may not stop as quickly and you will need more following distance. Defensive driving in an RV requires making changes slowly, braking gradually, and being familiar with its handling characteristics.
Braking
Most RVs are heavier than passenger vehicles and require greater braking distances. You must allow more time for the vehicle to slow or stop. If you are towing an RV, you must also worry about brake fade. Brake fade can happen when the brakes are overheated from prolonged use or the brakes are out of alignment. To help avoid brake fade on downgrades, use the lower gears to allow the engine to help slow the vehicle.
Towing
If you are going to tow something behind you, there are extra considerations. Consider whether or not your motorhome can handle the extra weight under all conditions such as climbing steep hills or mountains. If you are towing a car, be sure the hitch attachment on the motor home is secure. Another consideration is length of the vehicle and towed item combined. You will need to allow extra space when entering traffic.
Well, there you have some general, and specific tips to make your vacation, and your camper rental, RV rental, or Motor Home rental more pleasant, safe, and enjoyable. Don’t forget to take along some sun screen!
