Rv rental

GMAC

GMAC

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Who’s done it? What company did you go through? What did you learn from doing it? Is it worth it (5 total round trip flights)? Good/bad I need some helpful info to figure it all out.

Back story….. Mother in law won’t fly. A wedding is being planned for next summer in Colorado. We’ve kicked around the idea of renting a rv and making a trip of it. I don’t think my in-laws could do it themselves and hell I’ve always wanted to drive more of the US
 
Nothing to add about renting an RV but I am 100% about driving it. Our trip to California to get my suburban was the funnest and one of the best trips I've ever done. It is amazing to see the landscape change as you get through the mountains, to Oklahoma, to the dessert etc. You miss all there is to experience in a plane.
Plus being able to be in control of the "vehicle" and start and stop when you want and not be couped up is a big deal for me. YMMV
 
My wife is going through RVshare right now to try to get one for a trip to GER. So far that’s been a royal pain in the dick, so I wouldn’t go that route. Beyond that…nothing to add, and interested in hearing other options.
 
Most RV rentals aren’t too terribly expensive except when you start looking at the mileage up charges.

I rented one years ago and found that it was much easier and cost effective to find a local/independent that is renting their RV versus the big name national rental places.
 
Or just rent a comfy van or big SUV. Spend the money on reasonable hotel stays instead of the RV.
 
BigSouth said:
Or just rent a comfy van or big SUV. Spend the money on reasonable hotel stays instead of the RV.
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This!!!! We bought a 27 foot travel trailer to use for our vacations to Disney now, and it's amazing how small they can feel when you are "living" out of them. Especially when you are trying to get ready for a nice dinner or night out, etc. Ours does not have slideouts, but even if it did, when you have 5 people all trying to get ready at the same time (two of which are teenage daughters), it gets tight. What I like about having the trailer is the ability to pack the week before a little at a time and just roll out when we are ready.

In your situation, I would definitely look into a 12 or 15 passenger van as it would have plenty of room for everyone to spread out safely and comfortably, pull the rear most seat out and leave it at home and put all luggage back there. We did that the first time we went to Disney with 3 kids in car seats and 2 teenage girls.
 
As stated, when I was looking it’s the mileage that really adds up and quick. I think and van and motels would be a great option. But a rv does leave the options for taking naps in a bed while someone else drives
 
For the cost of an RV rental you can have your own conversion van and travel in luxury!😎

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CasterTroy said:
If she won't fly I'd seriously consider taking a train. You get to see amazing terrain, and no stress of driving
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I've always wanted to take a train somewhere. However the downside is the train isn't going to pull over to see Cadillac ranch, or the muffler man, or the world's biggest ball of twine... If all you can do is just "see" the landscape go by at 50mph you mine as well just watch the movie.

I agree the rental van and hotels may be the best option besides tranquilizing her.
 
There's a company that I have seen advertised and I can't remember the name but its plastered all over the sides of their RV's I guess. My wife really wants to rent one out and take a trip. I'm on board, just want to know what its gonna cost me.
 
I've been cross country by car, train, and RV. They all have their pros and cons, but if you take the train spring for the private room. Riding coach from Raleigh to San Fransisco was not the most fun lol.

Duane
 
Silverado_Express said:
I've always wanted to take a train somewhere. However the downside is the train isn't going to pull over to see Cadillac ranch, or the muffler man, or the world's biggest ball of twine... If all you can do is just "see" the landscape go by at 50mph you mine as well just watch the movie.

I agree the rental van and hotels may be the best option besides tranquilizing her.
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You could always leave her behind….

😎 :lol:


Why are you planning her travel plans anyway? I say you all find your own ride out there, whether it’s RV, plane, or donkey, and meet up at the destination.


I have an aunt that doesn’t fly. She also doesn’t go up elevators by herself. I don’t make many concesssions for her because, well, I’m normal and don’t want to be succumbed to her own fears.
 
I was kicking around renting on from RV Share back in 19 for a 2 week trip with the wife and 3 kids to Arizona. I felt it was kind of pricey and not knowing just how well it was kept up to take across country. I bit the bullet and just purchased one. Best family trip ever and now can go pretty much go when ever and were ever. ( As long as you book camp site well in advance thanks COVID ) Good luck
 

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TJody said:
I was kicking around renting on from RV Share back in 19 for a 2 week trip with the wife and 3 kids to Arizona. I felt it was kind of pricey and not knowing just how well it was kept up to take across country. I bit the bullet and just purchased one. Best family trip ever and now can go pretty much go when ever and were ever. ( As long as you book camp site well in advance thanks COVID ) Good luck
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Now you can let me rent it 😎 lol
 
When my dad died and left me a small inheritance I went round and round in my head deciding between:

Option 1 - keeping our paid-off 2017 Toyota Sienna minivan and buying a class A or C to pull the van when camping (payments)
Option 2 - Paying cash for a pull-behind travel trailer and getting a 2021 Tahoe to pull it (payments)

Ended up going with the tahoe and travel trailer. We use it twice a year each for about a week at a time. My thinking was that a Tahoe would make an OK daily driver, getting near the same gas mileage as the Sienna and the trailer could sit in the driveway and be used as additional dry storage for crap. My thought is that a motorhome sitting for long periods of time will take a bigger toll on powertrain items where the living quarters of either will wear the same. Since we regularly need to carry 6 people, the Tahoe was the winner over a 3/4 ton truck, which is what I would have rathered.
 
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