RV rentals are quite popular. People rent for a variety of reasons, from “try before you buy” to “I just want to rent an RV for one vacation.” Whatever the reason, RV rentals provide a good way to enjoy a vacation without the hassle of outright ownership. For additional fees, some rental companies will provide a fully stocked RV so that you can just load your personal items and go.

The most common rentals are motor homes. They are easier to drive because they operate similar to an automobile. Of course, you have to take the overall size into consideration. Be careful about height requirements when pulling into camping areas. It’s pretty easy to damage the roof from a low hanging tree limb or some other object. There can also be several blind spots that mirrors don’t show. Watch yourself when changing lanes.

Rental cost depends on the size and age of the RV, the season, length of rental time, additional services like delivery if requested, outfitting with linens, dishes, and food if you don’t want to do this yourself. Look for companies that are running specials. These discounts can be quite large in the offseason.

A valid driver’s license and proof of age are required by all rental companies. You can also ask for basic driving instructions if you are not familiar with the model. Most RVs are not difficult to drive. As stated earlier, getting used to the overall size is the biggest concern.

Be sure to ask about insurance. Some companies require you to purchase protection, while others do not. Either way, you want to be covered for physical damages and liability. Your auto insurance might already provide this. Call your agent to find out.

Another consideration is mileage costs. Sometimes there will be a limit on the miles driven in a day. Going over that limit will incur additional charges. Ask about these before signing the rental form. There might also be a charge if the primary driver is under 25 years old. And some will charge extra if any driver is under the age limit. Check into this to be sure you know the true cost.

You will be required to make a deposit against damage. This charge will be refunded if you return the RV in good condition. The amount varies with different companies, but is usually around $500. You need to account for this when planning your trip.

Camping in a recreational vehicle (RV) at parks and campgrounds is a good way to reduce the stress of everyday living. Escaping to a peaceful setting has become very popular with families that are looking for some downtime. RV camping is perfect for experiencing nature while retaining the conveniences of home.

There are more than 16,000 RV parks and campgrounds on both public and private land. You can find just about any setting you want, from total seclusion to a party atmosphere. You are in control and can easily move from one RV park to another by just packing up and driving away.

It’s a good idea to have a written plan before taking off on your trip. You need to know where fuel and grocery stops are located and how long it will take to reach each location. If possible, select alternate RV parks so you have a fallback plan if your primary site is not to your liking. It can happen. There might be too much noise and activity at your chosen spot. Maybe it’s too quite. Either way, you can move to the next park if you have a good plan. You might lose a little money by doing this, but that’s better than a ruined vacation.

Your basic RV packing includes the following items:

• A good quality first aid kit
• Spare key hidden on the outside of the RV
• Bucket and shovel to put out a campfire
• Fire extinguisher
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Weather radio
• Emergency credit card
• Auto club card (if you have one)
• Emergency phone numbers
• Chargers for cell phones and other chargeable items
• Medical insurance cards and information
• Prescription drugs
• Over-the-counter items such as aspirin, acetaminophen, etc.
• Spare eye glasses or contacts
• Contact solution (if needed)
• Sun glasses
• Food, water, beverages
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Soap and shampoo
• Maps and/or GPS. Paper maps act as a backup in case the GPS fails
• Life jackets (if going to a water resort)
• Board and electronic games
• Shaving and dental items

Everything you pack should be unbreakable and stowed securely. After you stop, remember that items stored in cabinets and overhead storage bins could have moved around and are waiting to fall on you.

There are a few safety precautions to take when arriving at the RV park. Watch out for small kids – they have a bad habit of running out in front of vehicles. Same thing goes for animals. When backing into your space, have someone standing outside the RV to guide you. This person must be able to watch both sides behind the vehicle. Be careful with electrical connections, making sure you are not standing on anything wet and are wearing dry shoes.

Once everything is hooked up, kick back and have fun!