RV living isn’t for everyone. Therefore it’s best to experience an RV vacation before you spend big on a recreational vehicle. So here’s a tip — rent an RV first.
If you then love renting the RV, you’ll likely love owning one. And despite the big initial outlay (or monthly cost), buying an RV whether new or used, is the optimal choice for family vacations. Firstly, you’ll avoid hotel and flight costs, plus your next vacation is only ever minutes away.
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Here are 10 reasons why you should rent an RV first:
1. Make sure your first RV vacation is a good one
There are millions of RVs out there. Ranging in sizes, shapes, and utilities. Each of those models caters to a different subsection of consumers and travelers. According to your travel plans, comfort level, size of the travel group, and special necessities, renting an RV lets you pick what’s needed for the vacation in hand. Therefore renting an RV ensures your first experience is top-notch because you’re getting exactly what you want and need.
2. What RV customizations are definites?
Every RV comes with customizations that can make your life easier. Ranging from floor plans, layouts, seating arrangements, and sleeping arrangements, there are so many options that a regular RV buyer would scratch their head for all eternity thinking of just the right permutation and combination. If you rent an RV first you don’t have to worry about this stuff. All you need to do is try a few different variants for a couple of occasions, and then decide once you know your definite customization needs.
3. Confirm your RV vacation commitment
For any large investment, be certain before you commit. Always ask yourself a simple question, “Are you ready for such a long-term commitment?” If you hesitate, RV buying is not for you. What you need to do is rethink and reconfigure your travel lifestyle, and the best way to do that is to have a few days, travel around in a rented RV and get a feel for the vacation experience. Finances and logistics also play a role in such a long-term commitment, so make sure to pay attention to those aspects too before becoming a proud RV owner.
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4. Understand why you want an RV
Are you traveling because it’s your life’s passion and you feel incomplete without a weekend away from hectic city life, or are you just eager for lots of new Instagram pictures? If your answer is the latter, don’t spend big on an RV just to get a pretty backdrop. An RV is only suitable for those who want that lifestyle, and if you have no idea of what it is like being on the road for long distances, rent an RV first.
5. Know if the RV life is right for you
This one is directly related to the previous point. ‘RV life’ is a unique lifestyle where you spend a portion of your time on the road. Mostly suitable for serious travel junkies, the RV lifestyle demands a lot from an average Joe living a 9-5 life. So always rent an RV before getting into this adventurous vacation lifestyle. If it’s not for you, renting means you’ll never have to spend another minute in an RV. Whereas if you buy an RV, you’ll be stuck vacationing on the road for many years to come.
6. Get a smooth hand on the RV
Heavy utility vehicles are never easy to drive. There is a reason why many experienced drivers get nervous behind the wheels of an RV. Operating an RV requires some serious practice, and you don’t want to be stuck with an RV only to find out that you’re terrified to park a 33 ft’ long living room. Practice by renting out an RV first, and get a smooth hand on the behemoth before buying one for life.
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7. Learn about the inner workings
Driving is all about the internal mechanisms of the vehicle. Some of which can only be felt out by regularly driving the vehicle. Therefore renting an RV is a great way to learn about the inner workings of the vehicle you wish to buy, so when you do buy it, it is not akin to being handed the keys to a fighter jet.
8. Pick and choose your functions
Big companies tend to load their products up with several features the average Joe has no idea about. This normally means you’re paying for things you’ll never ever use. As a consumer, you should always be looking to save costs while getting the maximum output and renting out the RV first is a great way to identify what costs can be cut. If you thoroughly research it while you’re renting it, you’ll come away with a deeper knowledge and won’t get ripped off.
9. Avoid repair costs
This one is about the integrity of the product. Any reasonable person recommends thoroughly testing out anything before you buy it. Renting an RV is a great way to test the durability, strength, and maintenance level of your potential new ride. You don’t want to be stuck with a buggy old caravan for several years worth of vacations.
10. Get comfortable
Owning an RV is like owning a second home. So you need to make sure that the one you buy is the one you want to spend time in. Think of it like renting the house you want before signing up for that 25-year commitment. With decisions ranging from customizations to the fear of being ripped off, the process of purchasing an RV has so many variables that you can never be sure. So, make sure you’re not stuck with a 33-foot-long financial regret, always rent an RV before you buy it.
