The Great Rental RV Experiment

[JudyJB]

My son and his wife and two kids (ages 4 and 6) live in California. I live in Michigan. They decided to rent an RV for a couple of weeks and invited me along for part of it. I joined them in Page, AZ, and we are now in Durango, CO, and are headed to Mesa Verde and Sedona.

It has certainly been a learning experience for me. First, these rental units are about as bare bones as you can get--no slides, no awnings, no storage under the bed or the dinette. Couch is a jacknife and really uncomfortable. That is where I am sleeping because the overcab area is barely big enough for two small kids and you would have to slide in, not even try to sit up. I just got back from buying some cheap foam to try to cut down on the sofa lumps so I can sleep better.

Would you believe the rental company, CruiseAmerica, rented out this unit with 104,000 miles?? I am scared to even think about tires. My son is a very careful driver and the kids are in car seats and boosters, but I can imagine the poor care this unit has received. The biggest irritant is that it is hard to open and lock the main door. I think that is criminal!!

I am learning about some things to look for when I purchase one--I am short and reaching for the light switches on the ceiling is a pain. Is this normal??

More later.

[carold]

We rented MHs (Class C) before buying and found them find for 2 people and guess we were young enough not to be bothered by lack of space. We weren't looking for anything with slides, etc. Some of our light switches are on the wall and I also have trouble reaching the ones on the ceiling. tGM is tall so I use either him or grab a spoon with a long handle But, we have seen quite a few rentals as we've traveled and they come in all sizes, with slides and also Class A's. Sounds like you're traveling to quite a few great places. We were in Page and Sedona this trip. Hope you're enjoying all the scenery as well as your family. carold

[mitch5252]

I am short and reaching for the light switches on the ceiling is a pain. Is this normal??

Yes. Here is my solution (it's foldable):

Now, you all know I MUST say this - SHUT UP, VICKIE!

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[carold]

That too is one of my solutions. It also makes a great foot rest. carold

[Bethers]

I don't use the ceiling lights often, but can stand on tiptoes for them, or grab my stool, also.

I've also seen rentails from Cruise America from bare bones to fancy schmancy. As to mileage, um, well, 100,000 isn't much these days. I've known 2 people who have purchased rentai rigs and been happy with them. My problem is that most people renting don't know what they're doing - and abuse the things the rigs do have one them. (Not saying this about you and your family - but the things I've seen ... omg).

Meantime, learn, learn learn - what you like, what you don't. My overhead bed, for example is a queen size - complete queen sized - so all overhead beds aren't the same. Same as all beds in rigs. Each one is different (even if they call it a double or queen - they are specially made).

[OutandAbout]

I rented from Cruise America twice before buying my camper. I found both units were serviced very well despite the mileage. I have to agree with Beth, the high mileage isn't bad on a vehicle these days. I did have the same problem with the door on one of the vehicles. I was in Phoenix and went to the rental place there and they fixed it. Actually, they replaced the door and all was well. 30 min later I was on my way.

Renting is a great way to help figure out what you do and don't want in a RV. Happy travels. Linda

P.S. Have you driven the RV? If not, try it out and see how you like driving the class C.

[Bethers]

P.S. Have you driven the RV? If not, try it out and see how you like driving the class C.

Excellent comment, Linda.

[avalen]

my ceiling lights also have a switch on the wall, the lights have a 3 way switch that gives off or one bulb, or two bulbs. I would
set those to my liking and then use the switch on the wall to turn on. It was a nice feature and when I get my class c, I'll have
that on my list to check. I didn't have a step ( but I like those folding ones, Walmart) so I used the kitchen chair.

[JudyJB]

I love that folding stool, Mitch! Where did you get it?

I am learning that I have no problems taking a shower and not running out of hot water. One thing I don't like is that the shower floor is at least a foot off the regular floor level, making it really hard to get out of. That is another thing I never noticed before on the units I looked at so something to consider.

I am very pleasantly surprised at how quick it is to hook up and unhook. I thought it would take much longer, but my son does it in about 5 minutes.

Thanks for your responses.

[JudyJB]

I cant' drive this because it is in my son's name, but hopefully next summer I will rent one myself and try it out.

Good suggestion, though.

[carold]

Don't know about Mitch, but I got mine at Camping World. Have also seen it at Wal Mart and various hardware stores. carold

[mitch5252]

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Judy, I got my little folding stool at some big hardware store for ten bucks. I don't remember where, and it was several years ago. I couldn't function in the trailer without it! I've also seen them at my trailer dealership.

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[Bethers]

I got mine folding one at Walmart, but it wasn't where I ever would have found it without asking. But most of them have them at a lower price than camping world for the same thing.

[SeeyaGal]

I have to giggle about the Rental RV's, when we were in Alaska we caravaned with 3 more Alfas like ours and everyone wanted to know where we RENTED the BIG RV's!! I had to explain to alot of foreigners that they belonged to us, we owned them!! I am vertically challenged and forever getting into the " attic" cupboards in my RV that are high with a step ladder because I have high ceilings

[sharon]

I am vertically challenged and forever getting into the " attic" cupboards in my RV that are high with a step ladder because I have high ceilings

Which is exactly why, when Jack and I were looking, I turned around and walked out of the Alpha, saying "this ain't happening, this coach is for giants". He loved the tall ceiling...but then he was 6'4" as opposed to my 5'3".