Choosing the Right RV

If the idea of camping in the wilderness, sharing public restrooms and showers and preparing food over a an open fire makes you uncomfortable, you're not alone. Many people including retirees and families have decided to travel RV when going on a camping vacation.

Here are some common questions about RV travel:

* Is it safe?
* Is it expensive?
* Will my family enjoy themselves?
* Is the camping experience ruined?
* How do I rent an RV?

RV travel is just as safe as other modes of transportation. If you've never driven an RV, you can take lessons to gain experience on safely merging with traffic on the highway, parking the RV at a camping spot, and making turns easily.

RVs can be expensive if you want to buy one, but renting will only cost you a couple hundred dollars per week, which is comparable to a small hotel room.

Camping in an RV doesn't ruin the experience for most people. You can still commune with nature, but you won't have to sleep on the cold ground at night or worry so much about bugs.

Renting an RV is easy. Just check your phone book for RV dealers and rental agents, or get a recommendation for friends or family on where they rented their RV.

The advantages of RV travel are many including:

* Save money on food costs.
* Save money on hotel rooms.
* Ability to travel as long or as far as you want.
* Don't have to share restrooms and showers.
* Don't have to unload camping equipment and clothing when camping.
* Can stay in a variety of campgrounds.

With the many advantages always come a few disadvantages. These disadvantages include:

* Cost of gas.
* Limited amount of privacy when traveling with a group.
* Potential RV automotive problems along the way.
* If you own an RV, you'll have to find a place to park it when not in use.
* Some campgrounds can be expensive.

If you've decided renting or buying an RV for family camping trips is for you, then you should do the following before making a purchase:

* Research models and styles on the internet.
* Visit showrooms.
* Visit RV shows.
* Ask RV owners what they like/dislike about their RV.
* Determine what you're looking for in an RV.
* Figure out a budget.
* Decide whether to buy or rent.

For many people, buying an RV is an investment because they will cost from $25,000 to $90,000 or more, depending on what you're looking for. If you prefer to rent an RV, expect to pay about $350-$750 a week.

The Internet is a good place to start your research when looking into renting or buying an RV. There are many styles to choose from including traditional motorhomes, pop-up trailers, truck campers, mini RVs, etc. You'll be able to look at pictures, read descriptions and ask questions via email.

Searching the internet first allows you to gain some knowledge about RVs as well as the terminology used to describe parts.

Educating yourself before visiting showrooms and dealers and comparing prices online to those in the showrooms will help you negotiate a better deal.

However, it isn't a good idea to purchase a used RV online without first inspecting it to determine it's true value. Most people who own an RV agree that buying a used RV isn't a good idea at all. Though they may cost less, you won't really understand it's condition until you've driven it for awhile.

Visit Showrooms

Once you've compared models and prices of the type of RVs you're interested in, visit showrooms in your area. You can walk through RVs to get an idea of the amount of room you'll need and the amenities offered.

If you want to rent an RV, many showrooms have some on site for you to inspect. Ask questions about gas mileage, cost of a weekly rental, and terms and conditions. You should also ask questions about insurance and liability in case there's an accident.

Visit RV Shows

If there's an RV show in your area, you should attend so you can meet dealers from your area who may have deals on RV rentals and purchases. You'll also get an idea of what's available in your price range.

Ask RV Owners What They Like/Dislike About Their RV

If you have friends or family members who vacation often in RVs, ask them what they like or dislike about their RV. Getting an honest opinion will help you narrow down your decision. You should also ask where they purchased or rented their RV.

Once you've seen what's available, you can determine the type of RV you want to buy or rent. If you have a large family, you'll need plenty of bedding areas, hot water for showers and a full kitchen. If you have a smaller family or if you'll be using the RV with just one other person, then you can get a smaller one that costs less. Smaller RV's may not have hot water heaters, or full kitchens, so you should take into consideration your main use for the RV.

Taking long vacations may require you to buy an RV that has many of the comforts of home, while shorter vacations won't.

Determine Your Budget

For most families, what they can afford will be the main factor when purchasing or renting an RV. Once you're more familiar with the cost of the RV style you're interested in, you can decide what amenities you need and budget from there.

Most RV showrooms have financing available if you choose to purchase one. You can also finance through your bank or lending institution.

Decide Whether to Buy or Rent

If you plan on using your RV after retirement and camp in various places for months at a time, then it may be worth it to invest in an RV. However, if you expect to use the RV only once or twice a year, you should go with renting. This will cost a lot less and you won't have to find a place to store it when not in use.

Buy or Rent

Your last step is to buy or rent an RV for your next vacation. Learning about RVs before shopping will make this experience a lot easier and help you make the right decision.

RVs have become more than just an easy way to travel. They have many amenities you may want to have for your next camping trip, such as:

* Kitchens
* Bathrooms
* Showers
* Hot water heaters
* Multiple bedrooms
* Living areas
* Built-in television
* Mini-bar
* Storage space

While there are certain amenities you can probably live without when camping, they're nice to have when on the road. If you're planning to buy an RV to use for camping trips that last a month or more, you may want to spend a little extra and purchase one that has a TV, DVD player and a hot water heater. These little extras will make traveling long distances a lot more comfortable and will also make your camping experiences more pleasurable.

When searching for an RV, you'll discover there are several different types to choose from, including:

* Folding Camping Trailer RV
* Motorhome RV
* Travel Trailer RV
* Van Conversion RV
* Truck Camper RV
* Mini Motorhome RV

Each of these RVs have pros and cons, and each can be rented or owned.

Folding Camping Trailer RV

If you're planning to stay at a public campground with toilet facilities, then this type of RV may be your best choice. This RV is transported on a hitch attached to your vehicle and unfolds when you're ready to use it. Amenities include kitchen, bedrooms, and living area. You can sleep up to eight people. These RV's don't have bathrooms, so you'll have to rely on public restrooms and showers when camping.

Motorhome RV

This the type of RV most people picture when looking for an RV. These RVs have kitchens, bedrooms, living area, bathrooms, hot water heaters, and more. When camping, they can be connected to the campground electrical supply and can also be hooked up to sewage and water lines.

If you have a large family or group you enjoy camping with, these RVs are the perfect choice.

Travel Trailer RV

Similar to motorhome RVs, these are pulled by large trucks to their destination. They're the kind people leave at a campground and return to each season. If you'll be traveling with your family, you may want to rent a travel trailer that's already parked at a campground, otherwise they aren't the best choice for those who camp far from home.

These RVs have kitchens, living area, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

Conversion RV

These RVs look like conversion vans except the roof is higher than normal. They have small kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping spaces, but they aren't especially large and will only fit two or three people comfortably. If you want to buy a van conversion RV, you'll be able to add lots of extras like carpeting, hot water and living space. But if you're planning on renting one, you'll get a standard van conversion RV without much else.

Truck Camper RV

These are attached to a truck bed for transportation. Most of these have kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping space. They can fit up to six people comfortably and are available for rent. They're great for those who enjoy traveling but don't want to drive a large RV.

Mini Motorhome RV

Smaller versions of motorhome RVs, but are easier to drive. With less room than a standard RV, you may find you and your family are a little crowded. Also, you may not have a bathroom or a full kitchen. However, if you're planning to go to a
public campground with facilities, you should be fine renting this type of RV.

Learning more about what's available for rent or purchase makes choosing an RV easier. When choosing an RV, keep in mind the following:

* Number of people who will be traveling with you
* Ages of the people who will be traveling with you
* Bathroom and shower needs
* Type of kitchen you'd like
* Type of campground where you'll be staying
* How long you'll be traveling in the RV
* How long you'll need to rent the RV
* How difficult it will be to drive the RV
* Size of the RV in terms of storage and sleeping spaces

If you're going to be traveling for weeks on end in your new RV, it's a good idea to get traveler insurance. This type of insurance can be purchased from your insurance company or from a private broker.

Travel insurance will cover items such as:

* Lost or stolen items
* Medical costs
* Cancellation fees
* Retrieval of body in case of death

When looking for insurance, you should also contact your auto insurance company to see if they cover RVs. Depending on your driving record and experience driving an RV, they may require you to take lessons first. Most insurance companies will cover damages caused by or happen to your RV. Check with your insurance company just to be sure.

Many rental agencies offer temporary auto insurance for the time you're using the RV. Consider paying a little extra each day so you're covered in case your insurance refuses to pay for damages or only pays part of the damages caused in an accident.

These insurance policies usually provide roadside assistance services if you have a flat tire or engine trouble. This is good to have if stranded in the middle of nowhere. Ask at the rental counter when you rent the RV for more details.

Having medical and auto insurance are an important part of traveling. You need to protect yourself from harm when far away from home.

Preparing food in an RV requires you to think small so you can cook food without using all of the energy. Here are a few tips on how to prepare food in an RV:

* To conserve water and electricity, you should try to use paper and plastic products as often as possible. This will reduce the amount of plates and utensils you have to wash, which will save water.

* Store leftovers in the refrigerator so they can be consumed when traveling.

* Try to cook foods in advance before traveling so you won't have to use the kitchen as often, except to reheat foods or cook breakfast.

* Bring bottled water, milk and juices and store them in the refrigerator.

* Use smaller pots and pans when cooking; they're smaller so you won't need to use as much water to wash them.

In many ways, an RV is more convenient than camping with a grill or an open flame. You can prepare foods while the RV is in motion. You can also cook safely when it's raining, and store more food because of the refrigerator and extra storage space.

Small kitchens in an RV include:

* Stove
* Oven
* Refrigerator
* Freezer
* Microwave
* Pantry

Having many of the conveniences of home allows you to prepare meals you'd normally prepare at home. But pay attention to the amount of energy you use and how many dishes you have to wash. Your RV will provide electricity through a small generator.

You'll be able to cook enough food for your family, but you should limit your cooking time.

Cooking dinner in an RV kitchen is easy, but strive to conserve energy and not make too much of a mess with plates and utensils. An RV gives you the best opportunity, while travelling, to cook food that tastes the same as home cooked meals.