Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Beginner's Guide to Motorhome Rental
What do we usually take when we would want to travel? We usually opt for plane travels, cruises and tour buses. But what most people don't know is that there is one available travel option they are not aware of.
The Motorhome, or campervan, and usually called an RV or recreational vehicle in the United States. These vehicles ranging from larger models and a variety of facilities come with organized living space and outdoor protection. Motorhome campers choose this way of traveling in order to see parts of the world while still connected via internet and/or phone with modern amenities within reach. But first things first, before you rent one you must take not of the advantages.
Benefit #1
The opportunity to travel with a motorhome is an exciting advantage. Renting the luxury and size of the vehicle without paying too much just to buy one gives you the chance to experience the outdoors at your own free will and pace with the comforts of home in tow and the whole family or company of friends under one roof.
Benefit #2
A campervan hire saves time and money especially with maintenance. It saves you the cost and effort of doing it yourself especially if you have a large vehicle. Operators have the vehicles ready upon your arrival, from kitchen to toilets, from batteries to engines.
Benefit #3
You will be able to rent newer models with modern and updated features such as DVD players, TV and hot or cold shower.
Benefit #4
When you get a motorhome rental, you don't need to get your own motorhome supplies. Campervan operators often provide kits such as kitchen utensils, personal kits (towels, blankets, pillows, etc.) and more. Extra items for hire are also available, ranging from bicycles, chairs, tables and booster seats for the kids.
Benefit #5
Another advantage, that many would agree on, is that you don't have to move one's things in and out of hotel rooms. Food preparation is cost-efficient, too.
Now, when you would want to rent a motorhome, you should be off to find a rental company. Call a local dealer on the state or country you would want to visit. Or search for online assistance through search engines, such as campervan hire Australia for example. You have a large variety of vehicles to choose from. Just keep in mind to...
- Schedule your travel dates ahead especially during peak seasons. There is sometimes a need to be flexible.
- Lay out your holiday plans and people accompanying.
- Consider the destinations too.
- Budget your price range.
After booking, make sure you've got your bases covered if you want to stay in campgrounds and make early reservations on whatever you are planning to do that requires immediate booking, early bird discounts sometimes come with it.
If your desired vehicle isn't available, have a plan B, alternative vehicles are sometimes offered for comparisons that suits your needs and preferences just the same.
Thinking of trying out motorhoming for the very first time?
Firstly, consider how many passengers you'd have or berths that you would need. In this case, the beds that you would be needing with the people travelling. This is the first thing to consider and must be right the first time. This will decide and help you narrow your motorhome choices. Berths range from 2 berths, 3 berths, 4, 5 and even 6 berths. Note that double beds count as 2 berths in some motorhome rentals, so take care in choosing.
Next, what facilities would you need?
Determine how self-sufficient you'd want to be. Possibilities include toilet, heating, shower, kitchen, storage, batteries or power and gas heating. Note that even a small motorhome has all the facilities and probably would have smaller water tanks and fridge, too. Which means, you'd have to “service” your vehicle more often that with a larger version. If you are arranging for camping away from campsites, then you'd want to be self-sufficient as possible and take note of the facilities you would need. But in case you'd be planning to stay in campsites during most of your time, you may take the opportunity to avail of the modern campsite facilities such as a shower and toilet. Which also means you wouldn't be constantly refilling your water tank. Small campervans may meet all the self-sufficiency requirements, but they can be limited when it comes to comfort and space. Consider the lay-out and access in this case.
When you've got that covered, how long will you be on your trip?
How long you will be away is a deciding factor with creature comforts. Consider the living space you'd want to have for a week's trip, and so forth. The limited space is often a big factor for children. Fresh water and waste water tanks mean frequent refilling and emptying of cassettes and tanks.
Would you be driving most of the time? Or would you rather spend it most of the time on campsites?
Whatever your travel plans are, just be cautious that some areas and roads have restrictions when it comes to motorhomes. Driving a motorhome is entirely different than driving a family van. Consider the width restrictions on the area you would be visiting. Motorhomes oftentimes could be too wide in some roads. Consider the flexibility of your motorhome, the maneuverability and dimensions, especially with high tops. Rental operators can help you with this one.
Finally, the budget! Obviously motorhomes aren't cheap. This is because of the age of the vehicle, the amenities, and the design of the motorhome. Which is good news, because this means that this can be a good initial investment. Rent the newest vehicle that they would have, aging from 0 – 3 years.
Renting a motorhome can be of great value, as it is cheaper in some ways. Give it a try on your next vacation. Think about a campervan hire or motorhome rental for your holidays.
Motorhome Rental - How To Get The Best Deal
When thinking of renting a motorhome or a campervan hire, it is important to consider the vehicle that best suits your needs.
Firstly, you have to compare quoting costs. In order to fully enjoy and benefit from what you pay for, during vehicle selections, you should compare quotes. Ask yourself why is this vehicle much more expensive than the other one when they both have the same number of berths or the same facilities. Probably because there are daily costs involved. To help you decide:
- Check the bonds. Do they require a security bond to be paid upon pick-up of the motorhome rental? Compare how much the difference is for each.
Ask the operator why there is a difference in quotes. Bonds are excess costs that are needed to insure the vehicle in case something happens to it, such as accidents for example. Bonds are included in the excess reduction options. Most operators have an all inclusive package ready, but clients can choose other options, too. Before renting a vehicle it is a good idea to know the coverage and cost. Bonds are refundable, only if there is no vehicle damage.
Renting more than one vehicle? Ask the operator if they can recommend multiple hire discounts. - There is also such a thing as one way rentals. Ask the operator about their one way rental terms. Is the fee separate from the daily rates?
- Lastly, are there any taxes and other rental fees to be paid? Remember to ask this, for some operators do not always quote this up front.
So much for comparing quotes. When it comes to the vehicle, it's a different story. In order to get what you pay for and enjoy the vehicle that you need. Ask yourself what would you be comfortable with during the length of your vacation or rental duration. Here are important things to consider:
- Are there children coming along? They might need space and maybe booster seats.
- The number of people traveling may be the same number as the berth of a vehicle.
- Do you need a toilet and shower?
- What is the age of the vehicle? This is important because the age (usually 0 – 3 years) dictates the cost of the vehicle because it's a new model, and it might come with modern and new facilities such as a DVD player, colored TV, etc. This is also something to consider when traveling with kids.
- Also note the seating configuration and lay-out of the vehicle. Consider the physical setting, such as the access for example.
- Would you want to drive an automatic or manual ?
- These are major things to consider when renting a motorhome or a campervan rental.
But there is one thing you shouldn't forget. The best deal is when you are having fun!



