Buying or renting: An RV is a home away from home

At Road Bear RV in Agoura (left to right) Type C, Type A and Type B motorhomes

As we are so painfully aware since 9-11, vacation travel can often be fraught with hassles, especially for the very young and elderly. But travelling in a recreational vehicle (RV) lets anyone feel at home, even as the view out the window constantly changes.

There are no long lines to check bags, canceled flights, heavy luggage or jumping from hotel to hotel. If this scenario appeals to you, perhaps your next vacation should be in an RV and now is the best time to make up your mind if a purchase or rental is best for you.

Renting an RV is a great way for prospective RV buyers to take an RV on an extended "test drive" with their families and belongings, but chose your dealer carefully. Local dealers have a reputation to uphold and in many cases give better service than the national chains.

Operating an RV is easier than many newcomers think and, for the vast majority of RVs, requires no special license. Automatic transmission, power breaks and power steering are typical equipment in modern vehicles. With proper attention to the difference in size, height and weight, experienced car drivers will find it fun and easy to take the wheel of an RV. I did!

RVs comprise a whole family of vehicles that combine transportation and temporary living quarters for recreation, camping and travel. Some provide a simple place for sleeping and eating, while others are virtually luxury lodges on wheels. Amenities range from central heat and air conditioning, fully equipped kitchens and baths, queen-sized beds and plenty of storage space to new innovations like entertainment electronics, satellite TV and expandable "slideout" rooms.

The motorhome remains the most popular rental model. However, travel trailers, folding camper trailers, truck campers and conversion vehicles are also available. RV rental costs depend on the season and size of the unit. Motorhomes can rent from $90 to $200 per day. Package deals of three to seven days often include milage and reduce the per day rate. Because of the growing consumer demands for RV rentals, advance reservations are essential. RV rental dealers fully instruct customers in the operation of their units. For an additional fee, some provide housekeeping packages that include linens, cookware and other necessities for life on the road. Larger dealerships operate an emergency assistance and information number. If you’re an AAA member, check with them also.

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) specifies RV types by their characteristics and provides a typical prices. RVs fall into two general categories: towables (folding camping trailers, truck campers and travel trailers) and motorized (type A,B and C motorhomes). Closely related but sold by auto dealers are conversion vehicles (van, truck and SUV vehicle conversions).

Motorhomes, the most popular type are divided into three types.

In the Type A, the living unit has been entirely constructed on a bare, specially designed motor vehicle chassis. As in all motorized RVs, the kitchen, dining, sleeping and bathroom facilities are conveniently accessible from the driver’s area. Outside electricity, and internal generator, heating, air conditioning, propane gas are available. These larger units sleep up to six people in motorized luxury and retail for an average of $94,700.

The Type B motorhome, more commonly referred to as a "van camper or conversion" is a pre-built van to which the RV manufacturer adds sleeping, kitchen and/or bathroom facilities. Most hookups are available and it retails for an average of $40,000. It, most probably, will not include an inside shower.

The most popular Type C, or cab-over design is built on an automotive manufactured van frame with an attached cab section. The RV manufacturer completes the body section containing the living area behind and above the cab. This design allows for the usual RV kitchen, dining, bathroom and living facilities, along with more sleeping room than other types, as the area above the cab will accommodate a queen sized bed. Type C motorhomes can sleep up to eight people and sell on average for $50,000. With a big V8 or V10 motor, don’t expect great fuel economy but you should get around 8-10 mpg.

Buying or renting an RV is not an impulse action. Even a two week vacation on an RV takes planning and forethought. You can’t just jump in and go as I found out. Make a list of what you will need for the trip and take the time to visit a dealer or specialist, like Road Bear RV in Agoura Hills, and ask a lot of questions. They are used to every problem that might come up.