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MOTORHOME
FAQs :: We have been asked many 'HOW
TO' and 'WHAT IF' questions over
the years. Here are some of the more common.
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Rent a Camper, or buy? |
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Answer
this - do you want to follow the open trail
full-time? If the answer is 'YES', then
buying is for you. (You can find some great
deals on
second hand campers and motorhomes on
eBay, by the way). If you plan to use your
RV occasionally, or if you want to travel
abroad or far from home, then the savings
on annual upkeep and storage will easily
cover your air tickets. Plus you also save
a lot of precious vacation time when you
travel to your destination by air rather
than on the ground. I, for one, prefer renting.
I think it makes good sense economically
and practically. But it really is a lifestyle
question. The choice is yours, really. Just
remember to base your decision on CamperTrails'
3XF system
(Freedom,
Flexibility & Fun)
, and you're sure to make the right
decision.
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What
size RV should I rent? |
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Most
newbie camper renters when asked will admit
they should have opted for a larger RV.
As most units come equipped with galleys,
refrigerators, central heating, bathrooms
and the like, take into account the vehicle
size with relation to the number of passengers
you intend to be on board, vehicle handling
specifications with regard to your driving
skills and also of course the total rental
cost. |
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Is
Pick-up and delivery to the airport available? |
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Some
RV rental agencies will meet you at the airport
with your motor home. Others will prefer you
come to their facility and carry out a thorough
check up and receive operating instructions.
This is the preferred option, especially if
this is your first RV rental experience. |
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What
kind of driver's license do I need? |
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The
usual answer to that is the one you have
now. A current valid driver's license or
a current international license form your
country or province is usually all that
is required. A special license may be required
when renting an especially large vehicle,
although most rental RVs are generally of
a weight that does not require a special
license.
If
in doubt, check with the regional authorities
in which the RV will be rented or with the
RV rental company for a specific ruling
on the acceptability of your license.
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What
insurance is needed? |
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Liability,
collision, and comprehensive coverage is required
when renting a recreational vehicle. Contact
your rental agency for a "trip binder."
If that is not available, most rental agencies
provide insurance with full coverage. |
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What
equipment usually comes with the rental unit,
and what should I bring with me or rent? |
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Basically,
what you see (on your rental agreement) is
what you get.
Many RV rental agencies offer kitchen and
bedding packs at an additional charge for
people flying into their location. Many also
offer bicycles, bicycle racks, and a wide
assortment of extras.
As a rule, check the agencies list of supplies
on their order form for any additional equipment
you might require or contact them for clarification.
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When
do I need to make my reservation? |
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You
would be well advised to make your reservation
as soon your travel dates are finalized.
The supply of RV rental vehicles is relatively
small - much smaller than that of car rentals,
and the demand is growing continually -
so it is best to book as soon as you have
decided on your destination.
Many
RV rental companies have a 60 day no-penalty
cancellation policy, so you can change or
cancel your booking before then. This way,
you can relax with the knowledge that you
will have a great trip in a first class
RV of your choosing.
Take into account that most rental companies
price their vehicles at seasonal rates.
If you can travel in off-peak season periods,
you will probably find renting considerably
cheaper than renting in the peak holiday
periods.
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Can I take my rental unit across geographical
borders? |
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In
most cases, the answer to that is usually
yes, but you need to ask the question of
the company from which you are planning
to rent the RV.
This
is particularly true in Europe, where crossing
with your rental into former East-European
countries might be prohibited or require
special insurance coverage.
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Is
any special documentation required for our
rental unit when crossing borders? |
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Generally
you need the appropriate personal documentation
for identification and ownership information
for your trailer. Your rental agency will
supply you with all details if required. |
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What types of RVs will accommodate small
children? |
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Most
motor homes can accommodate at least four
people and would thus have four seat belt
positions. You will need to discuss your needs
with your RV dealer. Generally there should
be one belted seating position for each bed
- this assumes that only one person will sleep
in the bed. Most agencies cam also supply
you with booster seats for small children. |
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Are
Motorhome rentals by the day or week? |
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This
is at the sole discretion of the rental
agencies. The minimum period you are most
likely to find is 3 nights, after that you
can rent the RV by the day.
Longer
periods of time are usually discounted.
The standard minimum rental period is one
week. Take into account that most rental
companies price their vehicles at seasonal
rates. You will probably find renting in
the pre-summer months to be considerably
cheaper than renting in the peak holiday
periods.
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What expenses am I responsible for? |
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Other
than the rental fee, you will usually be
charged a sales tax according to the country
or state you are renting from. Other than
that, you will likely be responsible for
refilling the gasoline tank and propane
gas tank before return. You will also most
likely be responsible emptying the holding
tanks before return, or will have to pay
a surcharge to have it done for you.
In
general, many rental agencies offer an optional
package that includes RV cleaning, propane
refill, and holding tank service upon return.
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What
happens if we break down? |
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If
a problem occurs you should contact the rental
agency before proceeding with repair. Depending
on the type of fault, you will probably be
reimbursed by the rental agency for any expenses,
but you must clear this with them beforehand
and provide them with all receipts. Usually
you are covered for any mechanical failure,
but you will be ultimately responsible for
damage due to neglect or abuse in accordance
with the insurance policy you took out. |
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How
many people can travel comfortably in an RV?
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There
are guidelines for weight capacities that
appear on all rental agents websites. |
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Can
I rent an RV during the winter? |
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Depends
on the rental agency, as many cease operations
during the winter months. But how about the
southern hemisphere? Our winter is their summer
- and a great time to travel too. |
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find what you're searching for in motorhome
FAQs? Send us your
query - we'll post a reply as soon as
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