- Do I need a special driver's license to
drive a motorhome?
- What is the minimum age for a driver renting
an RV?
- Do I have to buy special insurance to
rent a motor home?
- Are pets allowed in the RV?
- Is smoking allowed in the RV?
- What type of gas mileage can I expect
from the motorhome?
- Are motor homes difficult to drive, slow
to accelerate or slow to brake?
- What is the difference between the various
types of motorhomes and trailers?
- Are motorhomes complicated to hook
up to campsite facilities?
- What sort of power sources do motorhomes
use?
- Can I tow a vehicle or boat behind the
RV?
- Where do I find RV hookups while I
am traveling?
- Are there many places to stay overnight
while RVing?
- How much do campsites cost?
- Do campsites require reservations?
- If I stay where there are no connections,
how will this affect my experience?
- Are there size restrictions on coaches at
campgrounds?
1) Do I need a special driver's license to drive a motorhome?
No, you may drive a motorhome using your standard driver's
license.
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2) What is the minimum age for a driver renting an RV?
Most all rental companies require the drivers to be at least
25 years of age.
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3) Do I have to buy special insurance to rent a motor home?
You will need to have insurance in order to rent an RV. This
insurance can be purchased from your agent or you may be able
to secure insurance from the rental company.
You can often have your auto insurance extended to cover an
RV rental. Check with your current auto insurance agent to see
if you are covered in these types of rental vehicles. Your agent
may be able to sell you special one-time or additional coverage
to protect you and your occupants.
If you cannot secure your own insurance for the RV rental,
you will need to get insurance from the RV rental company.
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4) Are pets allowed in the RV?
No, in general. Most RV rental companies do not allow pets
in the units. However, be sure to check with the specific rental
company you use - some may have specific units in which pets
are allowed.
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5) Is smoking allowed in the RV?
No, in general. Most RV rental companies do not allow smoking
in the units. However, be sure to check with the specific rental
company you use - some may have specific units in which smoking
is allowed.
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6) What type of gas mileage can I expect from the motorhome?
Gas mileage varies depending on travel conditions. However,
you can expect approximately 6-10 miles per gallon for a Class
A motor home running on gasoline. Diesel pushers have a will
achieve approximately 8-14 miles per gallon. Motorhomes have
larger fuel tanks than your car and you can travel farther between
fill ups.
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7) Are motor homes difficult to drive, slow to accelerate or
slow to brake?
Driving an RV is different, but not exactly difficult. RVs
are larger than cars and that may seem awkward at first. However,
just be cautious and you will learn. RVs are larger and slower
to brake and accelerate, so extra caution must be exercised.
Be sure to allow greater following distances.
RVs are tall and you must know the height. Look up to avoid
roof damage from low hanging obstructions. Avoid low awnings
like you would find at a hotel.
Before you leave make sure you have a thorough understanding
of the proper use of mirrors, etc. Click
here for more RV driving tips.
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8) What is the difference between the various types of motorhomes
and trailers?
Class C motorhomes are smaller than a Class A and have an additional
bed over the cab or driver area. Class Cs have a step down into
the drivers cockpit, and the driving area is much like that
of a van or small box truck. Class As, on the other hand, are
more like a bus and have large panoramic views for the driver
and passengers. They are all one level and are generally fully
accessible while traveling. Travel trailers must be towed by
a truck, and the trailer facilities cannot be accessed while
on the road. Click here for more detailed
descriptions of RV types.
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9) Are motorhomes complicated to hook up to campsite facilities?
Hooking up a motorhome is not difficult. There are a few steps
and your RV rental company should go over them with you at the
time of pickup. If you need assistance while on your trip, RV
campgrounds are friendly places full of knowledgeable folks
willing to assist anyone in need.
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10) What sort of power sources do motorhomes use?
Today's motorhomes can make use of many different power sources.
This is so that you can enjoy modern conveniences under all
circumstances. Your rental representative will demonstrate all
of this to you. These systems are designed to be easy to use
and to provide you with power when you need it.
Motorized RVs are powered by large V8, V10, or diesel engines.
RVs also make use of AC power from a generator, inverter, or
from an outlet. They make use of DC electricity from a dedicated
"house" battery, from the alternator, or from a converter
that produces DC power. A motorhome also uses propane or LPG
for the water heater, stove, and refrigerator. Your rental company
will show you how all of this works.
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11) Can I tow a vehicle or boat behind the RV?
This depends on the RV rental company, so be sure to check
with them. Motor homes are capable of towing a vehicle or boat,
but there are several things to consider. RV rental companies
vary widely in their policy concerning towing. Some companies
ban towing while others allow it for free or for a small fee.
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12) Where do I find RV hookups while I am traveling?
There are thousands of campgrounds throughout the US that provide
parking and hookups. Many also provide washing machines and
dryers, swimming pools, recreation rooms, playgrounds and on-site
convenience stores. Many roadside hotels and motels also have
30 amp electrical hookups available on site for a small fee.
You can easily pick up a 10 gage (it must be 10 gage), 50 foot
regular household type extension cord at many hardware stores.
This will power your RV, but will not give you enough power
to run your air conditioner.
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13) Are there many places to stay overnight while RVing?
There are over 16,000 campgrounds (not all with RV hookups)
in the US. About half are privately held, and half are national
and state parks and forests. Sites are located in and around
major cities, in rural areas, near popular attractions, and
just about on any public roadway in the US.
Overnight quick stays are welcome at truck stops, outlet malls,
Wal-Mart parking lots and more. In addition, many roadside hotels
and motels have 30 amp electrical hookups available on site
for a small fee.
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14) How much do campsites cost?
Rates will vary depending on time of year, facilities, location,
and availability. Prices for full hookups can range from $10
to $50 a night, and services will vary. Many offer shuttle services,
etc. to assist in your camping needs.
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15) Do campsites require reservations?
In many cases you can just pull in. However if you know where
you are going in advance, it is advisable to call ahead. Also,
depending on season, availability will vary.
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16) If I stay where there are no connections, how will this
affect my experience?
Being without an RV hookup does not mean being without the
RV's amenities. You can use the generator for electricity. You
can use the kitchen and bathroom facilities, though you will
have to periodically fill your fresh water tank and dump your
black and gray wastewater tanks in approved facilities. The
units are self-contained and depending on usage and duration
your time between these needs will vary.
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17) Are there size restrictions on coaches at campgrounds?
In some cases yes. It is advisable to discuss this when making
a reservation.
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