Have you ever taken a vacation and wished that you never had to come back home? Well, we’ve got some good news for you! With so many jobs offering full-time remote options, long-term travel is feasible for more people than ever before. Yearly and monthly RV rentals allow you to get gone and stay gone for however long you please.
Wondering how to make long-term RV travel work for you? We’ve got some handy tips on finding the perfect RV for hitting, and staying on, the road.
Long-Term RV Rentals vs. Buying an RV
You may be wondering, “Since I will be spending so much time on the road, wouldn’t it just be easier to purchase my own rig?”
Well, not quite. Renting an RV comes with many advantages over owning, especially if your RV stay is an extended vacation and not a permanent move. Here are just a few benefits of renting over RV ownership.
- It is cheaper. Some RVs can cost more than $100,000. If you want to stay in something luxurious for a few months, renting is the option that’s easier on the wallet.
- You have less responsibility. Once you’re done with your vacation, you don’t need to worry about any of the responsibilities that come with ownership. This includes things like storage and maintenance, which can both be expensive in the long-run.
- You have more options. When buying an RV, you may be limited by things like budget, space in your driveway, or overall practicality. RV rentals give you the freedom to try whatever RV you want without the commitment.
Renting allows you to pay for what you use. When you’re not out having fun, there’s no need to feel like your investment is going to waste. Take your RV rental on an unforgettable road trip, and know that there is another one waiting for you when you’re ready to go again!
Finding Your Long-Term RV Rental
Outdoorsy makes finding the perfect RV easy. On the main RV search page, simply select the starting place and dates of your trip, no matter how long you wish to travel. This will narrow down your search to RVs that are available in that time frame.
From there, you can narrow down your search by amenities, RV type, rules, or ratings.
As you browse the RVs, scroll down the listings to find the section titled Rates. If an owner has special rates for weekly or monthly renters, you will find it here.
Contacting the RV Owner
Even if it’s not shown on the listing description, you may be able to work out a special long-term rate by talking directly to the owner.
Under the listing, look for the section with owner info. Here, you’ll find the owner’s name, as well as a button that will direct you to contact them.
Traveling in Long-Term RV Rentals
Curious about how to go about your long-term RV trip? Keep these five tips in mind.
- If you plan on staying put in one area, make sure you find a campsite that can accommodate your extended stay. Some campsites have limits on the number of nights you can stay; others will offer special deals for those staying for a while. Once you decide on a destination, do a little research on the nearby campsites to find the right one for your stay.
- Find a spot with activities you enjoy. It can be easy to get so caught up in all the aspects of choosing a location that you forget to make sure there are things to do that you love. For example, if you’re an avid fisherman or kayaker, find a campground that’s close to a body of water. If you like hiking, search for a park that has access to miles of trails. This will help keep you busy on your extended stay.
- Keep it simple. When setting out on a lengthy vacation, it can be tempting to bring many of your belongings with you. The truth is, if you overpack, much of the stuff will just end up getting in your way. Space on an RV is limited, so be mindful in the way that you pack.
- Working from the road? Don’t forget to consider your internet connection. Some campgrounds will offer WiFi (although often spotty), while others will leave you lifting your phone in search of one bar. Be sure to figure out your RV internet situation before you go.
- Join RVing Clubs. If you plan on camping at paid campsites frequently, joining an RV club such as Escapees, Good Sam, Harvest Hosts, or Passport America. While they may not make financial sense for someone going on a trip once every few years, they are great for long-term RVers.
Conclusion
A monthly RV rental is the perfect solution for those wanting to get out and explore the country at their own pace. Compared to RV ownership, renting comes with several notable advantages. As long as you do a little planning ahead of time, your extended RV vacation will be the trip of a lifetime!
