Words by Jan Lee
It's no secret that RVing can save you money when vacationing. With today's increasing hotel, restaurant, and airfare costs, bringing your home along with you on the trip makes sense – especially for families.
It isn't just owners who are finding there are advantages to traveling by RV. An increasing number of people these days see renting an RV as an excellent way to both save money on family trips and enjoy the places they visit – their way.
Think of it as an all-inclusive vacation that skips all the hassles of flying or traveling by rail. There's no long standby lines at the airport, no repeat changeovers and new bookings to get to your destination (except, of course, those lakeside RV parks or fishing resorts you pick along the way).
There are no exorbitant restaurant tabs to contend with. Your accommodations come with its own kitchen and dining area, and the scenic views out your bay window can be just as romantic or stunning as you choose.
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The cost of renting an RV
Granted, there are daily costs while on the road, such as food at the grocery store (or meals out, if cooking gets in the way of sightseeing) and fuel at the pump. But there are distinct advantages to the "do-it-yourself" mode that renting an RV offers. The rental fee for the unit is up-front, so you don't have to stress about a looming bill at the end of the trip.
That said, rental companies are usually pretty competitive. Most aim to undercut the cost of a family traveling by plane. A rental (depending on the age of the unit and the type) can generally cost anywhere from $75 to upwards of $200 a night, not counting the cost of the distance you travel and the fuel you use.
Wheelchair-accessible units, which are built with broader passageways and other amenities, are about a third more expensive than other Class A and C rentals.
So, compared with flying the family out to Disneyland from Kelowna or Vancouver and then a short “hop” to the Grand Canyon for a couple of nights at a pricey hotel at the tune of $300-600 a night (and one that doesn’t take pets, so Fido would have to stay home) staying in RV parks and handling the transportation yourself has its distinct financial advantages.
A few pointers about cost:
- RV companies also charge by the kilometer (or mile if you are renting in the U.S.). Fraserway states those costs-per-kilometer upfront.
- Expect to pay for insurance, but depending on the policy offered, it can also cover your personal belongings.
- Many times you can keep costs down by bringing your own dishes and bedding, which some companies rent as an option.
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Where to rent?
Most major cities in Canada feature at least one RV rental company, many of which are also dealerships that also sell recreational vehicles. Fraserway RV, based in BC, is one of the largest of its kind. It offers a variety of types and models of vehicles for short-term rental, many of which it also sells new.
They are also the best-known location for finding wheelchair-accessible RVs, which often aren't offered by dedicated-vacation rental companies. There are usually two models to choose from: the large Class A motorhome and the more compact, but just as comfortable, Class C. Both feature electric wheel-chair lifts at the back of the unit and modified passageways and washrooms that can accommodate chairs.
Other companies, like CanaDream, Cruise Canada/Cruise America specialize only in vacation rentals and offer their own brand of RV luxury to the vacation traveler. While they do sell their older stock, their main specialty is renting.
A third category is what we’ll call the online marketplace, a relatively new trend for vehicle rentals in Canada. These companies serve as third-party brokers for individuals that want to rent out (or sell) their RV. The advantage with marketplaces is that you can often find certain types or models of RVs that conventional rental companies don’t rent out, such as toy haulers and other travel trailers.
The services offered by these brokers vary, so it’s important to ask questions and read the company’s fine print. Do they guarantee the rental if something goes wrong? Do they offer insurance? Do they inspect the vehicle before it’s listed? Wheel Estate, Outdoorsy, RVezy, and several smaller startups provide marketplace listings.
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Cruise America RV on the highway
What to rent?
There's a wide variety of RVs out on the road these days, but rentals generally come in a much more limited selection. That's in part because conventional rental companies have found what works best for most rental customers that want the ease of handling, plenty of room for 4-6 people and not a lot of cleanup to do.
Class C motorhomes are the industry favourite. They are generally easier to drive, turn corners with and back up. They usually sit low to the ground and because they are self-contained, there are no hassles with tow-alongs. They are also are one of the most fuel-efficient types of RVs to drive.
Class B, often called a campervan, has its advantages as well. Better fuel economy than larger models, compact, easier handling on the road and comfortable seating are a few of its attributes.
Class A, which is more like a bus (they are usually built on a large truck or bus chassis) handles differently than a Class C or B. But the roominess and amenities, which can include just about every favourite toy you would find at home, often can't be beaten.
Travel trailers come in all sizes and types and because they require you to bring your own towing vehicle, are a little harder to find in the rental circuit. They also take more expertise in maneuvering in tight corners.
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Some rental companies do stock the mid-range Minnie tow-along due to their popularity
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Exterior appearances can be deceiving: The Minnie’s layout, like that of its sister, the Minnie Winnie, is plush and designed for comfort.
Renting your RV
Probably the biggest plus in renting an RV is the process. These days most rental companies list the models they stock on their website and offer chat and phone service for setting up the reservation. It’s wise to reserve early, especially if you are traveling from out of town. Fraserway RV notes that the rental includes a shuttle service to and from your hotel if you are not arriving locally.
The company also stresses that it is up to the renter to inspect the unit (that includes making sure all services and amenities work to your satisfaction) before driving it off the lot. Customers that don’t take the time to fully check out the unit can still be charged for the rental.
That said, most companies include a toll-free number for you to contact if you have a breakdown or run into a problem while on the road.
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Winnebago motorhomes are in frequent demand as a rental.
Safe traveling
Another strong advantage in renting an RV versus flying to your destination is that your daily itinerary is your own. Within reason, your rental should be able to travel off a major highway on routes such as paved scenic byways. Those are irresistible trips that you would normally miss if you traveled by air or rail, are yours to pick.
It's worth noting, however, the exception. Don’t expect your RV to be as versatile on dusty back roads and sandy beaches as your personal F250. Think twice about taking it up an unpaved mountain road you wouldn’t feel comfortable taking a sedan up. Even if it is for that “once in a lifetime” jaw-dropping sunset. Most RV rentals aren’t designed for back-country or off-grid touring.
Still, there's nothing like taking in the sights from the road and knowing you have the choice to stop pretty much anywhere you like along the way. You will find most seasoned RVers will still choose a campground or a well-lit, public rest stop for the night (over a rustic back road) and will reserve their paid sites in advance of their vacation. Planning ahead is the best way to ensure that first RV vacation is a success, before it's time to head back home.
The following rental companies publish a list of rental RVs on their sites as well as contact information for booking reservations. Please keep in mind this is an abbreviated list. Your local area may have other rental companies as well.
Due to summer demand, early reservations are advised. Some specialty RVs require book out months in advance.
RV Rental Companies
(Not to be confused with Canada Cruise, which is Princess Cruise Lines.)