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MOTORHOME WEBSITES - Rental, For Sale, manufacturers, dealers, for hire, Winnebagos, touring caravans. UK250 A great selection of UK Motorhome websites » home » add to favourites » tell a friend » list your site » help » see all categories MOTORHOME Websites www.motorhomewebsites.co.uk Motorhome : n. A motor vehicle built on a truck or bus chassis and designed to serve as self-contained living quarters for recreational travel. motorhome website of the day GM Motorhomes Luxury Motorhome and Caravan hire based in Cheshire. http://www.gm-motorhomes.co.uk Page 1 2 » Vivanti - Motorhome Rental Vivanti Motorhomes are ideal for any occasion, from corporate hospitality or business outings to family holidays - sales & hire. http://www.vivanti.co.uk Glenns Leisure Vehicles This Nottingham sales, service, conversion and accessories company purchase motorhomes and also sell vehicles on your behalf free of charge.All types of part exchange undertaken http://www.glennsleisurevehicles.co.uk Riversway Leisure Offers a massive range of motorhome, caravan and camping leisure products and accessories to purchase online. 48 hour delivery. Specialist agents of CADAC gas barbecues and FIAMMA motorcaravan awnings and accessories. http://www.riverswayleisure.co.uk Euro Motorhomes Motorhome experts providing a "one stop shop" selling quality new and pre-loved British and Continental motorhomes being approved agents for over 17 companies. http://www.euromotorhomes.co.uk RS Motorhomes Designers and builders of motorhomes primarily for competitors who travel and compete in various motorsports but are easily adaptable to suit disabled users or camping enthusiasts. http://www.rsmotorhomes.com Meridian Motorhomes A large number of used motorhomes in stock at all times from this Hamshire based dealer. http://www.meridianmotorhomes.com Elite Motorhomes Motorhome sales and luxury motorhome hire accommodation for all your touring needs. http://www.elite-motorhomes.co.uk Bilbos Design Bilbos new range of Volkswagen based conversions consists of three models - the NEXA, CELEX and the KOMBA. http://www.bilbos.com Barrons Extensive range of new and used motorhomes and accessories available at centres around the UK. http://www.motorhomedeals.co.uk Elite Caravans Established for over fifty years, main agents for caravans and motorhomes in the Midlands and sole importer for TEC (German) caravans and motorhomes. http://www.elitecaravans.co.uk Rustbusters Motorhome rust protection specialist using Waxoyl - branded products from Hammerite. http://www.rustbusters.co.uk Page 1 2 » related categories Caravan Camping Travel Map Tourist Information web search Web uk250.co.uk sponsored links Wednesday, January 25, 2006

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The RV Life BudgetTravelOnline.com The RV Life Recreational vehicles are changing the ways Americans vacation Wednesday, March 30, 2005; It's the opposite of chic, somewhat rustic and rough. Yet the fastest-growing means for vacationing in America is the recreational vehicle, and the people using them are the finest travelers our country has. You meet them with increasing frequency. They can be your best friends who have just returned from a three-month trip through the national parks--in a shiny new motor home--and claim it's the best thing they've ever done. They are your neighbors who have bought a trailer they're going to use to "winter" in a luxury RV resort of Florida. They are images of yourself as you day-dream about getting away from it all, buying a recreational vehicle, and taking off to see the great outdoors, the sights of the Southwest, the scattered grandchildren across the land. But how do you get started? Buying a recreational vehicle--an RV--is a major investment that can even exceed $40,000 and $50,000. Is it worth the outlay? Will you enjoy the lifestyle of the semi-nomad? Will you get restless and claustrophobic, or will you have the travel experience of a lifetime? A bit of analysis is in order: The vehicles themselves "RVs"--a generic term for a conveyance that combines transportation with living quarters--come in two varieties. They can be motorized (like motor homes or van conversions) or towable units (like travel trailers, truck campers, and folding camp trailers.) The motor homes, most popular among retired Americans, are built on or as part of a self-propelled vehicle chassis, with kitchen, sleeping, bathroom, and dining facilities all easily accessible to the driver's cab from the inside. They range from 18 to 40 feet in length, can sleep from two to eight people, and cost from $22,000 for "compacts" to $60,000 for larger types, with luxury-status models going way up to $150,000 and more. Conversions are cheaper (but smaller.) These are vans, originally manufactured by an auto maker, that have been modified for recreation purposes through the installation of side windows, carpeting, paneling, custom seats and sofas, and assorted accessories. They can sleep from two to four people, and sell for an average of $20,000. Travel trailers are hard-sided units designed to be towed by an auto, van, or pickup truck, and can be unhitched from the tow vehicle. They sleep four to eight people, and provide such comforts as kitchen, toilet, sleeping, dining, and living facilities, electric and water systems, and modern appliances. Models range from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on size and features. Truck campers are camping units that are loaded onto the bed or chassis of a pickup truck. Many have kitchen and bathroom facilities. They sleep two to six, and go for $4,000 to $10,000. Folding camping trailers are units with collapsible sides that fold for lightweight towing by a motorized vehicle. Set up, they provide kitchen, dining, and sleeping facilities for four to eight people, and sell for between $1,500 and $12,000. The advantages In an RV, you follow your own flexible time schedule, without fixed reservations anywhere, without depending on others (hotels, trains, planes.) You don't constantly pack and unpack; in fact, you carry no luggage. You cook when you like, eat out only when you wish, say good-bye to greasy spoons, and usually enjoy home-prepared food. You can have your pets with you. You can visit friends or relatives anywhere in the country without imposing on them: your RV, parked in their driveway, becomes your own private guest cottage--as well as your summer beach house, your winter chalet. You make friends easily upon arriving at a camping ground or RV resort. RV-ers are, in general, enthusiasts who love their lifestyle and like sharing it with new people. They are constantly attending rallies, caravans, campouts, meeting with other RV-ers to share common interests. "It's difficult to be lonely in a campground," says one confirmed RV-er. "Our luxury RV resort in Florida ($15 a night) was constantly holding social events. Between dinners and galas, folk dances and exercise classes, meeting new people was not only simple--it was unavoidable." And RV travel is economical. You can purchase fresh local produce on the road and cook your own meals. Your stay at campgrounds is usually nominal ($10 to $40 a night is typical.) And there's no one to tip. One study shows that an RV vacation costs about half the expense of a car/hotel vacation, one-third the cost of a bus/hotel or train/hotel holiday, and one-fourth the cost of an air/hotel vacation. The drawbacks But RV travel is not for everyone--it may not be for you. A Philadelphia couple I know who recently spent four months traveling across country in a motor home issued the following caveats: "Be sure," they said, "you feel extremely comfortable with whomever you will be traveling with; you're going to spend long periods of time in close quarters. Be sure you're an expert driver and enjoy spending long periods on the road. Above all, don't take this kind of trip unless you're extremely flexible, elastic even, and able to cope with new situations, which happen all the time. Mechanical breakdowns are not uncommon and you have to be able to handle them without getting upset." Renting before buying Many first-time RV-ers begin by renting a motor home to get used to driving a large vehicle and used to spending a great deal of driving time together. Now they're so enthusiastic, they're planning to sell their large suburban home, move into a small apartment, buy an RV, and spend at least six months on the road each year. "The excitement and variety of life cannot be compared with any travel experience we've ever had--and we're experienced foreign travelers," they say. "It's a new kind of life, a brand-new world we never saw before." The rental process The first step is to look in your local telephone directory under the category "Recreation Vehicles--Renting and Leasing." Or you can call one of the three major national companies: Cruise America (800/671-8042, cruiseamerica.com ); and Bates International Motor Home Rental Network (800/732-2283), or visit batesintl.com ; El Monte RV Center (888 337-2214, elmonterv.com .) Another firm, Altman's Winnebago, (800/400-0787, altmans.com ) may also be worth a call. It's also useful to visit the Web site of the Recreational Vehicles Rental Association at rvra.org . It contains a list of companies that rent RV's, including prices and addresses, in almost all of the 50 states. Rental costs vary considerably, depending on type of vehicle, when and for how long you want it, season, and other variables. One way of getting a good price is by regularly checking the Web sites of the major rental outfits, which periodically post specials. One of the "grander" motor homes--either a 26-foot Alumalite by Holiday Rambler or a 27-foot Southwester by Fleetwood--will average $700 to $1,000 a week, plus low-cost mileage (29 cents per mile after an initial number of free miles). But that's for a vehicle that can sleep six people and is fully self-contained, with such added features as a microwave oven, roof air conditioning, its own generator and propane tank (so that a hookup is not necessary), power steering, and almost everything else you can name. It is usually cheaper to rent from a private individual, but then you must be aware of the risk you take if a breakdown should occur; a private owner can usually do little for you, while with a major company, repairs are either handled on the spot or you are given a new vehicle and put back on the road within 24 hours. Rental dealers may also apply the cost of a rental to a future purchase. They can provide you with broad forms of insurance. Some will arrange tour packages if you're traveling to popular state or national parks or historic landmarks. Others offer orientation sessions and packages that include linens and cookware. The most important step is advance study and comparison-shopping before you rent. Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement, take your vehicle out for a test spin, and reserve as far in advance as possible. Indeed, the "RV life" is becoming so popular that a reservation several months in advance might not be a bad idea. Looking to the Web Making all of the steps to successful and enjoyable RV-ing easier are Web sites dedicated to informing enthusiasts about every facet of this growing trend. Buy or sell a motor home, find the best campgrounds to park, check out dozens of rental companies, and even learn easy recipes to make inside your RV--all on the Internet. To help you sift through the many available sites, we've chosen five of the most useful: RV Trader Online ( rvtraderonline.com ) is a great source for those looking to purchase an RV. With classified ads listing motor homes for sale, an extensive listing of dealers that can be searched by zip code, campground information, and resources for those in need of parts and accessories, RV Trader is certainly worthy of a visit, especially for those looking to buy. Rainbow RV Club International: ( rainbowrv.net ) is a unique site that should be the first stop for gay and lesbian RV-ers. Claiming to offer the Web's largest database of gay and lesbian campgrounds, the site lists 170 gay-friendly places to park your RV from coast to coast. The site also features an events calendar, message board, chat room, and links all geared towards gay and lesbian RV-ers. Much of the information is only available if you pay for the annual membership, which costs $19.95. RV Home: ( rvhome.com ) contains a wealth of information about RV-ing. While some of its topic links bring you only to advertisements, others are quite useful: an RV-geared bulletin board, tips, campground reviews, and fairly extensive classifieds. There's also a listing of RV dealers indexed by state. RV USA: ( rvusa.com ) is among the best organized and most useful RV sites available. The site includes interesting features such as cookbook links (like "The Four Ingredient Cookbook Collection") especially selected for the small RV kitchens. The site also features forums for RV-ers to ask questions, and exchange tips and information, and allows members to post classified ads selling RV's for free. A host of travel information, including campgrounds, places to eat, sights to see, grocery stores, and events around the country, can also be found on the site. Caravans and rallies around the globe: Taking the guesswork out of RV travel, caravans are package tours where recreational vehicle owners drive in groups (usually no larger than 25 units). The campground sites are reserved, activities are planned, and participants tour a region with enough freedom to allow for their own interests, but enough organization to keep them fairly busy. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s it wasn't uncommon to see a 20-unit caravan hitting the American interstates simultaneously, each vehicle pulling over when the caravan master (head RV) did. Though some still opt for this form of caravan (which can sometimes create a logistical nightmare, not to mention possible road congestion), many others have adopted the "scatter" concept of RV-ing. This allows individual RV-ers to travel at their own leisure, stopping at points of interest, and meeting at a given time at the day's final destination. Those who take part in a caravan often create lifelong friendships, even holding reunions year after year. Quite different from a caravan is a rally, usually a gathering of RV-ers at a large-scale and well-known event like Mardi Gras, the Kentucky Derby, or the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. Rallies can be relatively small, attracting about the same number of RVs as a caravan (20), or can grow extremely large, with as many as 150 units. Whereas a caravan keeps drivers on the road, the rally only requires that you show up at the campground with an RV, where it will remain stationary until you depart. The organizers typically arrange for transfers (usually via motor coach) to transport rallyists to events. While dozens of companies operate caravans and rallies, we've highlighted three of the biggest--and the best, and two specialty RV organizations (one for solo travelers, the other for women only). Creative World: (4005 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, phone 800/732-8337, Web: creativeworldtravel.com or rv-fun.com ) is a forefather in RV travel, and among the best out there today. Founded in 1976 by "Big Bill" LaGrange (who has traveled to 130 countries himself), Creative World offers over 45-50 different rallies and caravan itineraries, all of which are listed on their sleek, easy-to-use Web site. Rallies range from seven to 42 days (for international trips) in length at a cost of about $1,300 to $8,000 for two people. A six-night itinerary to Mardi Gras for two, for example, runs $1,350, and includes everything from city tours to Cajun cooking lessons to the premiere events of Carnival. Two- to six-week caravan packages are similarly priced , with itineraries throughout the U.S. and Canada, and in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Upon arrival at the initial meeting spot on a caravan, participants are given an extensive trip log/guidebook with easy-to-follow directions indicating meeting points each day. When the RV-ers depart a given location, they're told when and where to meet, and they can consult their guidebook for directions, sights of interest along the way, and the history of the towns they're passing through. Creative World's caravans are priced at $2,000 to $7,000 for two people, and like their rallies, include what other companies often offer as "optionals," such as entertainment, additional meals, and guided touring opportunities. Adventure Caravans: (125 Promise Lane, Livingston, TX 77350, phone 800/872-7897, Web: adventurecaravans.com ) is another well-known RV caravan and rally company. It's particularly of interest to those who want to go RV-ing in Central America and Mexico, where Creative World doesn't venture. It arranges rallies at many of the same events as Creative World, with rates averaging from $100 to $225 per day. Its caravans run from 12 days to 78 days, and are priced from $995 to $17,390 for two people, though they include far fewer activities than Creative World. In total, it has about 63 different programs in the US, plus five overseas. Fantasy RV Tours: (111 Camino Del Rio, Gunnison, CO. 81230, phone 800/952-8496, Web: fantasyrvtours.com ) is among the nation's largest caravan companies, but its specialty is RV travel through Mexico. One-third of the company's 75 yearly departures head to our neighbor to the south, with the balance cruising through the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and a variety of countries in Europe. Its caravans, six to 48 days in length, cost between $1,800 and $11,500 for two people, including one meal daily, camping fees, some entertainment, and many tours and admission fees. One defining characteristic of a Fantasy caravan is its insistence on sticking with the original style of caravanning. Unlike many of its competitors, when a Fantasy caravan makes a departure, all of its rigs follow. Loners on Wheels, Inc: (P.O. Box 1060-WB, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702, tel: 888/569-4478, Web: lonersonwheels.com ) organizes campouts, caravans, and potlucks around the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and sends out a newsletter with information on all of the above. The organization is devoted to people who enjoy RV-ing on their own, but who also like to meet up with like-minded travelers from time to time. A rather large organization, it forms caravans of RVs operated solely by singles, and takes them to rallies and camp-outs all over North America. Annual dues are $45. RVing Women: (P.O. Box 1940 Apache Junction, AZ 85217, tel: 888/557-8464 or 480/671-6226, Web: rvingwomen.com ) is another specialist operation, this one focused (as the name states) on women who travel by RV. The organization offers advice, support, seminars, caravans, and a bi-monthly magazine and membership directory to "on-your-own" women RVers who are single, widowed, divorced or have husbands who just hate camping. Membership is $45 a year, with a processing fee of $10. Motorhomes in Great Britain and Ireland: Eveer vacationed in a recreational vehicle? Then why not do so in Britain? The campsites and trailer parks there are as numerous as here and large fleets of what the English call "motor caravans" are available for rental from numerous firms at rates of L658 to L890 (US$1,236 to $1,670) per week for the summer months, down by L35 ($US144) per week in the other months of the year; rates cover everything except gasoline, food and nominal charges at the campsites. In a vehicle fully equipped with beds and sleeping bags, toilets and all cooking and eating utensils, you'll wander the British Isles without fear of high hotel rates or fully booked hotels and share the company of camping English people, all at marvelously low rates. Among the largest of the British firms are Hornchurch Motor Caravans, 5-7 Broadway Parade, Elm Park Avenue, Hornchurch, Essey RM12 4RS (phone 011-44-01-708-443782, Web: hmcc.co.uk ) or the company's American partner; Motor Home Rentals, 37-39 Upper Halliford Road, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8RX (phone 011-44-1932-770-765, Web: motorhome-rentals.co.uk ); Marquis Motorhome Centre, Winchester Road, Lower Upham, Nr Southampton SO32 1HA (phone 011-44-1489-860-666, Web: marquis-mh.co.uk ); and Leighway Hire, 246 Chertsey Lane, Staines, Middlesex, TW18 3NF (phone 011-44-178-445-5073, Web: leighwayrental.co.uk ). The last firm will send a mini-bus to pick you up at Gatwick or Heathrow Airports at no additional charge if you request this service in advance (give them at least one day's notice). For rentals on the Emerald Isle (both in the Northern Ireland and the Republic), contact Motorhome Ireland (17 Valley Rd., Banbridge Co Down, N. Ireland BT32 4HF tel: 011-44-028-4062-1800 Web: motorhome-irl.co.uk ). For Web sites that detail campsites and their locations, try the official site of Caravan and Camping Ireland: camping-ireland.ie .

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Gateway Motor Home Hire New Zealand Motorhome Rentals Campervans New Zealand 2 Berth 2 Berth Deluxe 3 Berth Deluxe 4 Berth Deluxe 5 Berth Deluxe Places To Stay/Visit Driving Tips On Tour Email Home Page Email This Page Secure Enquiries Campervans & Motorhomes for hire. See New Zealand in our 2, 3, 4, or 5 berth campervan or motorhome. Free Auckland & Christchurch Airports pickup. Tour New Zealand in a fully fitted 2 or 3 berth campervan or in a 4 or 5 berth motorhome ideally suited for New Zealand conditions. All you need is to bring yourselves and your clothes. Owned and operated by Roger and Karen Ballantyne, ourselves or our staff will personally meet you and familiarise you with your van. We offer friendly assistance, flexible to your needs, and our vehicles are well maintained with an added personal touch to make holidaying with us more enjoyable and relaxing. Transport can be arranged or we can secure your own vehicle while you holiday. We can also arrange or assist with itineraries, ferry bookings or any other information you require. We offer free pick-up and drop-off of vehicles at Auckland and Christchurch Airports. 2 Berth Specifications Standard 2 Berth Rates 16 Dec to 28 Feb 2006 --- NZ$139.00 per day* 01 Mar to 31 Mar 2006 --- NZ$105.00 per day* 01 Apr to 30 Apr 2006 --- NZ$70.00 per day* 01 May to 30 Sept 2006 --- NZ$50.00 per day* 01 Oct to 31 Oct 2006 --- NZ$60.00 per day* 01 Nov to 15 Dec 2006 --- NZ$105.00 per day* Deluxe 2 Berth Specifications Deluxe 2 Berth Rates 16 Dec to 28 Feb 2006 --- NZ$195.00 per day* 01 Mar to 31 Mar 2006 --- NZ$145.00 per day* 01 Apr to 30 Apr 2006 --- NZ$120.00 per day* 01 May to 30 Sep 2006 --- NZ$75.00 per day* 01 Oct to 31 Oct 2006 --- NZ$95.00 per day* 01 Nov to 15 Dec 2006 --- NZ$155.00 per day* Deluxe 3 Berth Specifications Deluxe 3 Berth Rates 16 Dec to 28 Feb 2006 --- NZ$205.00 per day* 01 Mar to 31 Mar 2006 --- NZ$155.00 per day* 01 Apr to 30 Apr 2006 --- NZ$130.00 per day* 01 May to 30 Sep 2006 --- NZ$95.00 per day* 01 Oct to 31 Oct 2006 --- NZ$105.00 per day* 01 Nov to 15 Dec 2006 --- NZ$165.00 per day* Deluxe 4 Berth Specifications Deluxe 4 Berth Rates 16 Dec to 28 Feb 2006 --- NZ$259.00 per day* 01 Mar to 31 Mar 2006 --- NZ$185.00 per day* 01 Apr to 30 Apr 2006 --- NZ$145.00 per day* 01 May to 30 Sep 2006 --- NZ$105.00 per day* 01 Oct to 31 Oct 2006 --- NZ$130.00 per day* 01 Nov to 15 Dec 2005 --- NZ$175.00 per day* Deluxe 5 Berth Specifications Deluxe 5 Berth Rates 16 Dec to 28 Feb 2006 --- NZ$279.00 per day* 01 Mar to 31 Mar 2006 --- NZ$195.00 per day* 01 Apr to 30 Apr 2006 --- NZ$165.00 per day* 01 May to 30 Sep 2006 --- NZ$115.00 per day* 01 Oct to 31 Oct 2006 --- NZ$135.00 per day* 01 Nov to 15 Dec 2005 --- NZ$195.00 per day* *All rates are quoted in NZ$, include GST, Diesel Tax, and unlimited kilometres. *Rates and Conditions subject to change without notification. *Refundable bond of NZ$1250.00 according to terms & conditions. *Standard Insurance is NZ$19.00 per day (including GST) for comprehensive cover with a $1,250.00 excess. *Premium Insurance is NZ$35.00 per day (including GST) for comprehensive cover with a $250.00 excess, and includes windscreen and tyre cover. *24 hour roadside breakdown assistance. *Special discount rates available for hires 21 days or more. *Seven days minimum rental. *Drivers must be 25 years or older. Quotes are given for long-term hire. Secure Enquiries Terms & Conditions of Motorhome Hire Hosts: Roger and Karen Ballantyne 10 Aristoy Close, Conifer Grove, Auckland, New Zealand Phone: 64 9 296 1652 Fax: 64 9 296 1653 Karen and Roger Ballantyne 2 Berth .. 2 Berth Deluxe .. 3 Berth Deluxe .. 4 Berth Deluxe .. 5 Berth Deluxe Places To Stay/Visit .. On Tour .. Email .. Home Page .. Email This Page

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How to Rent a Recreational Vehicle Home > Deals & News > Car, Bus, Rail > How to Rent a Recreational Vehicle FREE Newsletters! Win a FREE Trip! Entire Site Destinations Deals/News Bookstore M. Boards Car, Bus & Rail Articles Message Boards Articles by Type Airfare Car, Bus & Rail Cruise Hotel Package Other Discounts Articles by Destination Asia Australia & S. Pacific Caribbean & Atlantic Central & S. America Europe Middle East & Africa North America Frommers.com Newsletters Get the latest deals! Email Print RSS How to Rent a Recreational Vehicle By Harry Basch & Shirley Slater May 5, 2004 May 2004 -- For a first-time RV traveler, renting a unit of the same type you're thinking of buying can be an invaluable help in making up your mind. Just be sure to allow enough time -- a week is the minimum, 2 weeks is better -- to get comfortable with the day-to-day logistics of handling it on the road and hooking it up in the campground. Our own first RV experience was a 6-week lease on a 27-foot motor home because of a book assignment that required us to visit more than 100 remote ski areas. If we'd been renting it for only a few days, we'd probably have turned it back in and said RVing was not for us. When they heard about our plans, well-meaning friends regaled us with their experiences. A West Los Angeles bookstore owner took her family out for a month, but they used the RV only for travel and sleeping. "We never cooked a single meal inside," she said. "It seemed too complicated." A couple from San Diego had tried a rented motor home for 2 days, then, frustrated by slow road speeds, turned it back in and set out in their Mercedes 300 SL instead. But even that's a record compared to a short-tempered lawyer and his wife, who rented an RV for a weekend and gave it up less than an hour into the trip. Note that in none of these cases did the user give the vehicle the old college try. When to Rent Rather Than Buy When setting out on your very first RV journey. When considering replacing your current RV with a different type. When your family can only take a 2-week vacation once a year but wants to do it in an RV. That way you can test drive different models, and when you decide to buy, you'll have plenty of experience. When you want to travel several weeks far from home -- say, in a distant part of the United States -- or take a camping trip in Europe. Popular fly-and-drive packages are available from many companies. When you want to drive the Alaska Highway in one direction only and/or without subjecting your own vehicle to inescapable wear and tear. Simple Ways to Sample Campground Life With Accommodations Similar to RVs 1. Check into a Kamping Kabin or Kamping Kottage at a nearby Kampgrounds of America ( www.koa.com ) campground. Kamping Kabins, one- and two-room rustic log cabins with porches and double beds plus bunk beds, can sleep four for $20 to $30 a night. Kamping Kottages offer a kitchenette, dining area, bathroom with shower, and sleeping quarters for four, with porch swing and sometimes fireplaces and air conditioners. It's a good introduction to camping, especially for families with kids. The fee includes use of the campground's toilet and shower facilities, pool, playground, laundry, and store. The Kabins do not have bathrooms, but an outdoor grill and picnic table are provided. You need to bring your own bedding, lantern, and cooking utensils. Get a full list of locations from KOA, free at any KOA campground or by sending $4 to KOA Directory, P.O. Box 30558, Billings, MT 59114. You can call its administration offices at 406/248-7444 . 2. Call around to the campgrounds in your area or the area you'd like to visit and ask if they have any rental RV units. Sometimes a popular area may offer RVs already in place and hooked up and available for rent by the night. Outdoor World has a network of 15 campgrounds on the East Coast from Maine to Florida that offers RV rental units where you can sample RV living without owning. Their website has complete details on all the campgrounds. Contact them for details and rates at P.O. Box 447, Bushkill, PA 18324 (tel. 800/446-0229; www.resortsusa.com/ow_vac.php . 3. Book the family into Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Lodging is in Fleetwood park trailers with full kitchens and bathrooms, similar to travel trailers but set in place for a season or longer. Although you won't be able to road test the vehicle, you can determine how well your family fits into an RV. The cost-with air-conditioning, pool privileges, cable TV, cookware, and housekeeping services-is around $269 a night for a party of six with two adults. It's a good idea to reserve well ahead. For reservations call 407/934-7639 or 407/WDW-CAMP or log-on to www.disney.com ). Where & How to Rent Reserve a rental RV at least a month in advance, 3 months during peak vacation time. If planning to rent in Alaska, reserve 6 to 12 months ahead. A great many rental RVs are booked by European and Australian visitors to the United States who want to be able to see our national parks or drive along the coast of California. The most common unit available for rental is the motor home, either the larger type A or the type C mini-motor home, which accounts for 90% of all rentals. Prices begin at around $875 a week. Use of the generator is not usually included in the fee. You would need it only for operating the ceiling air-conditioning, microwave, and TV in a place without electrical hookups, and the dealer will know how much time you've logged by reading the generator counter, usually located by the on/off switch. When you find a company that rents travel trailers, you'll find they usually require that you furnish your own tow vehicle, hitch, and electrical hookups on the tow vehicle. Some companies offer a furnishings package with bedding, towels, dishes, cooking pots, and utensils for a flat price of around $85 per trip. Other add-on kits are those containing power cords and hoses, plastic trash bags, toilet chemicals, and a troubleshooting guide. Be sure you're provided with a full set of instruction booklets and emergency phone numbers in case of a breakdown. Best of all is to have a 24-hour emergency 800 number in case of a problem. When in doubt, ask a fellow RVer what to do. They're always glad to help, but sometimes hesitant to offer for fear of offending. No matter how much you bustle around like you know what you're doing, the veterans in the campground can spot a goof-up a mile away. Before setting out, be sure the dealer demonstrates all the components and systems of your unit. Take careful notes, and, just as with rental cars, check for dents and damage from prior use before leaving the lot. Get a detailed list of what furnishings are included in your rental so you'll know what necessary items you have to supply. It may be easier to bring things from home than spend vacation time searching for them on the road. How to Locate RV Rental Companies www.rvra.org ). You'll find a directory that lists addresses, phone numbers, and prices for European, Canadian, and U.S. companies listed by city and state or province. There is also a companion page, Rental Ventures, with additional helpful information. Write to them at RVRA, 3930 University Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030-2525. For rental information, call 888/467-8464; www.rvra.org . Cruise America, the largest rental company with more than 100 outlets, has added budget items such as camping vans, fully equipped travel trailers, and fold-out truck campers with compact pickups to tow them, to answer the requests from European campers in America, who are responsible for one-half to two-thirds of the company's rentals. Rentals will range from $875 to $1,895 a week (tel. 800/327-7799; www.cruiseamerica.com . Adventures Rental in Ontario, California, claims to have the largest trailer rental department in the United States, offering folding camping trailers from $350 a week and travel trailers from $575 a week. No rentals are made to anyone under 25. Renters supply tow vehicle, hitch and electrical connections, bedding, and utensils. A cleaning deposit is required and forfeited if the vehicle is not returned clean; the company has its own dump stations for holding tanks. Call them at 909/983-2567 for details. Altman's Winnebago in Carson, California (tel. 800/400-0787 or 310/518-6182; www.altmans.com ), has type A and type C new motor homes for rent. A typical rental charge for a small type C motor home would be around $692 to $1,158 a week. Rental of a type A motor home would run around $1,350 a week. Additional charges would be $15 a day insurance, $6 a day generator fee, and optional charges for kitchen kit (pots, dishes, glasses, $42 per trip) and bedroom kit (bedding and towels, $59 a person per trip). Your local yellow pages should also carry a listing for rentals under "Recreation Vehicle-Rentals." Many rental companies offer free airport pickup and return, if you notify them ahead of time of your flight number and estimated arrival time. Finally, if you fall in love with your rental vehicle (as we did our first one), you might be able to negotiate a purchase price that would subtract your rental fee from the total. If the vehicle is a couple of years old, the price should be even lower, since most dealers get rid of vehicles after 2 or 3 years. Insider Tips -- Normally, insurance on a rental RV is not covered on your personal automobile insurance, so ask your agent for a binder that extends your coverage to the RV for the full rental period. Many dealers require the binder before renting you a vehicle. Read your instruction sheets and checklists through at least once before setting out, then daily before hooking up and unhooking until you know the whole routine. Otherwise, you may -- as we did that first time -- drive miles out of your way to an RV dealer to find out why your generator doesn't work, only to learn it never works when your gas level drops below one-quarter of a tank. Ten Big Rental Companies 1. Cruise America, 4,000 units nationwide (tel. 800/327-7799; www.cruiseamerica.com ). 2. Rent 'N Roam RV Rentals, Shrewsburg, Massachusetts (tel. 800/842-1840 or 407/872-7730; www.rentnroam.com ). 3. El Monte RV Center, Orlando, Florida (tel. 800/367-2120 ); Santa Ana, California (tel. 800/367-2201 or 714/554-0100; www.elmonte.com ), with 950 units. 4. Adventures Rental, Ontario, California (tel. 909/983-2567 ). 5. Moturis, Inc., 300 units in Hawthorne, California, near LAX; 400 units in San Francisco and other cities in the United States (tel. 877/MOTURIS; www.moturis.com ). 6. Road Bear Intl., 100 units in Agoura Hills, California (tel. 818/865-2925; www.roadbearrv.com ). 7. Nolan's RV Center, 120 units in Denver, Colorado (tel. 800/232-8989; www.nolans.com ). 8. Western Motor Coach, 95 units in Lynnwood, Washington (tel. 800/800-1181; www.westernrv.com ). 9. El Monte RV, Linden, New Jersey (tel. 800/337-3418 or 908/474-9000; www.elmonte.com ). 10. Altman's Winnebago, 45 units in Carson, California, near LAX (tel. 310/518-6182; www.altmans.com ). Five Money-Saving Rental Tips Check prices with several companies before making a decision. Establish exactly what the lowest-priced rental will include, such as free miles, amenities like dishes and linens, and breakdown service. Try to plan your trip for shoulder season or off-season. This may vary seasonally, depending on the rental area. Check in advance to see if your own automobile insurance agent will cover your rental insurance. He can usually do it more cheaply than the rental company. Try to plan a loop trip from the area where the rental unit is based to avoid drop-off charges. On long, major journeys such as Alaska or Baja California, you might want to pay the drop-off charge and fly back rather than repeat the arduous drive back to the beginning. Negotiate based on selection. The more units a company has, the wider your choice, but if you're flexible about what sort of rig you rent, you may be able to negotiate a better price if the selection is limited. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. Back to Top Related Information: Destinations: US National Parks Trip Ideas: Cultural Immersion , Family , Gay & Lesbian , Disabled , Outdoor & Adventure , Road Trip , Senior , Single , Student Email Print RSS Home | Destinations | Hotels | Trip Ideas | Deals & News | Book a Trip | Tips & Tools | Travel Talk | Bookstore About Frommer's | FAQ | Contact Us | Help | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Advertise With Us Add Frommers.com RSS Feed ( What's This? ) Add Frommers.com Deals & News to Your Web Site © 2000-2006 by Wiley Publishing , Inc. All rights reserved. Home > Deals & News > Car, Bus, Rail > How to Rent a Recreational Vehicle

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