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There’s something about RVing that brings a wanderlust and adventurous spirit out in almost everyone.
It has become very popular! So, we are examining why renting an RV can be very beneficial before you make the decision to buy.
Whether you are in it for the weekends and holidays or want to live Full-time like us.
For many, it’s about exploring the nature reserves, hiking trails, and unplugging from most of modern technology.
Just imagine sitting by the campfire outside, roasting delicious marshmallows while relaxing and bonding with your family or friends. It’s a beautiful sight!
However, purchasing an RV is a big investment and is considered to be a ‘luxury’ item.
Also, it can be overwhelming as you begin your search. One of the first places most look is RV Trader, where they begin learning just how many different types, floor-plans, and brands there are.
That is precisely why you should consider these 5 reasons to rent an RV before buying one!
1. It can save money and time
I have heard of so many stories of RV’ers who purchase their “perfect RV” only to trade it in a year later for something either larger or smaller.
Renting an RV first could save you from stress, emotionally and financially.
When you take a loss or have to go through the trade-in process, it can take a toll not only on your pocketbook but also on your state of mind.
No one wants to waste money by purchasing the wrong RV that doesn’t truly fit their needs.
When you rent, you will be able to test out all the different styles and types to see what fits, before signing the dotted line.
2. Test out different floor-plans and amenities
RVs come in all different styles and sizes to meet the RV’ers needs. There are Motor-homes classified as the Class A, Class C, and Class B. Then you have your tow-able RVs like the Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Haulers and Pop-Ups.
Along with the styles of RVs, you have numerous amounts of floor-plans. Some will have an extra bunkhouse for kids and guests, others will have washer/dryer prep, while others will have an outdoor kitchen and entertainment area.
Each floor-plan carries its own unique details that can either benefit your family or become an unused amenity.
You’ll also be able to consider the amount of space and slides you might need. We have 3 slides, two in the main living area and one in the bedroom. They make the space open and not feel cramped.
By renting before buying, you will be able to really test out space and see if it will be enough room or possibly too much room for those who are really wanting to minimize.
3. Practice driving, towing, parking, and backing up
Unless you are a seasoned driver like my father, who has been pulling 10,000 lbs. plus trailers across the country for his work, pulling a trailer can be intimidating.
I (Nissa) still have not driven the truck while our 34ft Travel Trailer is towing behind. I am honestly scared because it’s our home.
Thank goodness my husband used to tour with a band and has driven an RV before. Otherwise, we would have had a lot of training ahead of us.
Renting an RV will help tremendously because it will give you the opportunity to practice towing, parking, and the dreaded backing up.
Practice makes perfect, as my coaches would always say, and the same goes for towing a trailer or driving a motor-home that is slightly larger than a normal truck or car.
4. Learn how RV’s work
Yes! Understanding how RV’s work is a learning curve. For us, the gentlemen we purchased from walked us through everything. However, there still was so much we had to research and learn about our RV.
Learning how the water system works, the heating and a/c systems, or how the slides mechanically come in and out are important.
Another big one is the grey and black tanks, and knowing where you can dump. As well as, the electrical amps, where to plug in, how you can convert amps to fit your RV and more.
These are just a few things that one will have to know when owning an RV.
RVing is fun but there is definitely a learning curve.
Renting an RV first will allow you to go through that learning curve to see if it’s something you really want to do.
Which leads me to my last point.
5. To ensure the RV life is right
Renting an RV can help you determine if living in an RV or purchasing one for weekend camping is right for you and your family.
Renting is truly the “try it before you buy it” concept.
Everyone loves to try things out before fully committing, especially when something is a large purchase.
Where you can Rent
You can check out the #1 RV Rental site called Outdoorsy. They have consistently rated 5 stars with roadside assistance, customer service, and up to $1million insurance coverage for approved bookings.
With Outdoorsy, you can search for the RV that interests you. Search by keywords, prices, vehicle type, amenities, kitchen necessities, entertainment desires, rules like Pet-friendly, and overall rating.
You can check out and rent your RV by using this link “Outdoorsy”. (If you do choose to rent through my link, I will receive a commission that is no cost to you.)
Don’t forget to check out these Top 10 Tips from fellow blogger MamacitaOnTheMove for when you’re ready to rent an RV for the weekend.
I really hope this helps you consider why renting an RV is a great way to figure out what RV you want, and whether the RV life is right for you.
It can help you save money, learn about RVing and so much more!
Did you rent before you purchased your RV? Comment below! We would love to hear how it has benefited your decision!
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I like that you mentioned how renting an RV will help you gain the experience needed to operate something that is larger than traditional vehicles. My wife and I are excited to rent an RV in order to take our children on a camping trip this summer, but I am worried that I will have a difficult time driving one during poor weather conditions. Maybe we should rent an RV so that I can get the practice I need to drive safely.
Amazing write-up! I feel Glad to have found this article. Thanks for sharing such a useful piece of
knowledge. Always a fan of your work.
Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us, so I came to give it a look. I’m enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Wonderful blog and amazing design and style
I’ve never traveled with an RV, but I feel like I would really enjoy it! If you travel a lot, it would pay off fast! Especially if you have a big family! It sounds like fun!
Maybe someday you will! I’m sure you will enjoy it! 🙂
Yes, 100% agreed, such a great idea to try before you buy! So many factors change once everyone is loaded and headed down the road 🙂
Absolutely! Thanks, Angela!
This makes so much sense – it’s better to know that you love it first before “marrying” it since it is such a huge commitment. Great tips!
Yes! 100%. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
It is a great idea to rent before you buy. That super sexy fireplace may not be so great once you realize all the storage you miss out on.
LOL Exactly! Except we love out fireplace 🙂 I can see how we could have more storage if we didn’t have it though!
We purchased our first fifth wheel site unseen and had never owned a camper before. It was a monster but we lived in it for a year while we were transitioning between states. We now have a much smaller one that is more practical. These are great tips.
Thanks, Pauline! I can’t imagine buying sight unseen, I’m glad it worked out for what you needed.
This is a great idea, especially with the size and floor plan! Whenever I am interested in purchasing a new car, I always rent the same make/ model for a week and make sure I really like it in different circumstances. It would work well for RV’s too!
Absolutely! Works great with Cars and RV’s! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Great insights! My parents owned several RVs so I have some idea of maintenance and care. However driving or pulling one……Is have to work up to that!
Thank you! Yes, the driving/towing takes time and practice!
Great post about renting before buying! It is definitely important to know exactly what you want in such a big purchase like this.
Yes! Thanks for reading!
This is definitely a good idea. With such a big purchase it’s important to make sure it’s really what you want.
Exactly! I love the ability to try before you buy, especially on a large investment.
Great ideas! We recently just tried outdoorsy and it was awesome!
Wonderful! I’m glad you had an amazing experience with Outdoorsy!
Very good ideas here! We bought an RV years ago and it just wasn’t right for us at the time! I wish we had rented before buying then. Good information!
Thank you!
Makes total sense. I have been experimenting with the RV idea for a while, but will def go for renting for now! Thanks for sharing.
– Divya
thesavingsaddict.com
You’re Welcome! Thanks for reading! Enjoy your future RV journey!
I will be checking your link tonight! Purchasing is such a big investment and I may not want to do it that long. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you and you’re welcome!
Renting before you buy an RV is definitely a good idea! We used to have a pop-up camper before a tree fell on it, and we loved it. Don’t worry; we weren’t inside when the tree fell. Anyway, I know something that is really large would not be the best choice for our family of three. My parents have a fifth-wheel with two big slides, and I don’t feel like I’m camping in it. It’s like a small house. You do have to try things out to get the right fit!
Exactly! Try it before you buy!
Hi, we are talking about purchasing our first RV. I have actually never even considered renting one but only because I never thought about it. Your article makes so much sense. Good ideas. Thank you.
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading!
Great advice!! I love RVing and after owning one and renting, renting fits my lifestyle, sometimes people don’t think about the expenses of owning, insurance, storage was my two big ones! If you are going to buy you are so right…you should rent it first!
Yes! The expenses of storing and insurance are two factors to consider, great point on why renting first is a good idea.
We were really thinking about renting an RV. And these are really helpful tips, especially where you can rent one. Thank you for sharing this.
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading!
We just talked ab RV’ing across the country with our kids. I don’t think we could ever buy one but renting is such a great idea.
yes! You all defiantly should! Great educational experiences.
I’ve always thought it would be fun to rv when we retire but it’s such a big investment. This looks like it might be the way to begin.
Absolutely! Try it out before you invest! 🙂
I hope to rent an RV someday and travel around the country. So glad to know about Outdoorsy! Thank you for all your helpful information.
I really hope you do! It’s an amazing journey! You’re welcome!
I just cant imagine a road trip in an RV but I didnt realize renting was an option. I may have to gove it a try!
You definitely should, gives you the chance to see if you enjoy it or not! 🙂 New Experience!
Very good points. We always recommend people rent before they buy.
Thanks, Julie!!
This is such a great idea before spending out the money on an RV that you do not like or one that does not fit your needs!
Exactly! Thanks for reading! 🙂
This is such a great idea! I never thought of this! I had an RV growing up and it was the best experience ever. Now I have the travel bug. 🙂 Great post!
I would never buy without renting first! It is such a huge investment, you have to know what you’re getting in to. Great post!
This seems fun and adventurous , however, due to financial issues in the past my family of 6 lived in an RV and I swore I’d never travel in one lol. But who knows. One day
Maybe one day you will get back in one even if its just a short vacay! 🙂
I have a friend in the market for an RV so I will share this blog post with him. Great info and very well written!
Thank you so much! I hope it helps 🙂