by Matt Dresner

Created on: January 18, 2010

My niece is in the US Air Force.  She was getting married in January 2010, in Charleston, SC.  I'd been to Ft. Jackson, SC, so the prospect of returning to the Carolinas as a civilian was inviting.

My copilot in our adventure had to have hip replacement surgery in April 2009.  After 5 hip dislocations and trips to the ER, a second surgery on her was performed in September.  We had discussed modes of travel.  Since we had a travel-loving dog, Amtrak, and flying were out.  We determined that going by RV would be less stressful on both dog and copilot.  My father had a coach-type RV, and since there were only 3 of  us, a smaller, Class C motor home would fit our needs.  12 miles/gal@60mph.

Most RV rentals are based on a set time period and mileage.  The best bet is to get a rough mileage estimate of your trip, and include a cushion of 100 miles or so.  Unexpected detours will change your math.  Give the agent your destination and they will usually work with you on a mileage figure.  We rented a 22' cabover motorhome for $700/week, an off-season rate.  That includes 150 miles/day, 4 hours generator time/day.  They allowed me 1550 miles from St. Louis, MO to Charleston, SC.  The vehicle was a Ford V8 with 30 amp electrical service.  The RV refrigerator runs on LP gas, or electric.  The furnace and water heater run on LP.  The LP tank (10 gallons) and gas tank (35 gallons) must be returned full.  These costs should be factored in.  There are a series of lights that let you know the status of your fresh water, gray water, and black tanks.  Gray water is recycled (sink, shower), black is waste.  These tanks have to be emptied before your return or add $40 extra.

As a renter, it was always in the back of my mind that one tiny mistake would be costly.  I had to buy insurance ($130) since my auto insurance would not cover rented RVs.  It is important to deal with someone that can handle service problems nationally.  There is nothing like getting stuck in winter in an RV with no heat, especially if you are paying for it.  I checked with RV dealers in my area, and compared prices, features, and vehicles.  I vetted them with Better Business Bureau. 

Renting an RV is like renting anything.  Find your needs, research your options, the extra costs, then find someone who will look you in the eye, that  you have confidence in, and go!

Learn more about this author, Matt Dresner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.