This Is The Airbnb Of RV Rentals
Read original story on Apartment Therapy
While the idea of taking a road trip—whether it’s a quick weekend getaway with your SO or a cross-country tour of America’s national parks—certainly sounds dreamy and adventurous, the logistics of planning such a trip, particularly finding the right vehicle to use, can feel daunting. Enter: RVshare.
RVshare is like Airbnb for RV rentals. More specifically, it’s a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs around the country that are available to rent. If you’re like me and the thought of sleeping upright in your mid-sized sedan sounds less than ideal, and yet driving a giant class A motorhome sounds intimidating, the RV rental company gives you options. RVshare has a broad inventory ranging from trailers that can be pulled behind a truck or SUV to full-on luxury motorhomes. For the budget-minded, a release notes that there are RV rentals for as low as $10 a day.
When booking your first RV rental, Megan Buemi, RVshare customer experience manager, recommends having a plan before doing so. “While half the fun is the journey itself, take your final destination into account when it comes to planning your trip,” Buemi told Apartment Therapy. “RV parks book up quickly, especially the more popular ones in places like national parks. It never hurts to book your campground before your RV. This will also help you determine what kind of RV to rent based on the hookups and amenities that the RV park provides.”
Buemi also advised to budget for more than you think. “Even though renting an RV can be an affordable travel option (you’ll have a kitchen to cook and store your own meals in, for starters), fees can add up,” she said. “Campgrounds, gas, entertainment, mileage, and generator usage are all things you need to consider. Be sure to review the RV listing carefully to find out what is included with your rental to help you budget accordingly.”
Lastly, Buemi recommended finding the right RV for your needs. “Each class of RV differs in size, layout, and driving expertise,” she said. “Renters should figure out which one will be the most comfortable to live in and to drive before committing.”
Rest assured, when booking through RVshare, your payment is protected, vehicle owners are verified, and the company offers roadside assistance, 24/7 customer service, and insurance.
Here’s a quick peek at some of the rentals you’ll find on the site:
Gypsy Breeze
This 1993 Coleman Pioneer has all the camping vibes without the setup required. It comes with two full-size beds, a full kitchen, air conditioning, and optional upgrades like camping chairs, a hammock, and kayaks. The owner offers free delivery, set up, and removal to Fort DeSoto Campground and Madeira Beach KOA in Florida.
Retro Betty
This adorable 1950s-inspired travel trailer has checkerboard floors, diner-style seating, and vintage memorabilia. It comes fully stocked with linens, towels, outdoor chairs, and a table. The owner offers free delivery to Disney’s Fort Wilderness and any surrounding Orlando campsites within 25 miles of Championsgate, Florida.
Sunshine Airstream
Sunny yellow details brighten up this cozy airstream trailer that’s small enough to be towed by an SUV. It sleeps up to four people and is furnished with a full bed and room divider, plus a dinette that converts into a bed. The pick-up location is in Irvine, California, the perfect starting point for a family camping trip to Joshua Tree National Park and Big Bear Lake.
Forest River Sunseeker
This spacious class C motorhome sleeps 10 and features two slide outs, a rear bedroom with a queen bed, and a kids den with a sleeper sofa and flip-down bunk. Outside, there’s an automatic awning for guests to eat or simply relax under, complete with a TV, speakers, and LED lighting. The owner offers optional upgrades including a propane grill, folding tables, and an outdoor rug to place under the awning.
Cricket Camper
Go off the grid with this sporty backpacking-style camper with added comforts that go beyond traditional tent camping. It’s lightweight, sleeps four, and has a NASA-inspired design. Four swing windows and five mesh windows offer views and a cooling breeze, though there’s an A/C window unit kit for hot summer days.