If you’re looking for RV rentals in North Fort Myers, you can expect to need to pay a security deposit on the unit. All reputable companies take the deposit in an effort to protect themselves from damages and unexpected events. If you want to make sure you get the full deposit back, there are a few things you should do. Learn how to avoid extra fees when you book a Florida RV rental.
Read the Rental Agreement
Before you show up to pick up one of the RV rentals in North Fort Myers, you should ask the rental company for a copy of their rental agreement. Also known as an SRA, this document will protect both you and the rental owner. It should outline all possible fees that you might occur.
Here are a few common fees on SRAs:
Cleaning
Delivery
Dumping
Fuel fee
Propane
Generator
Damages
Mileage
Late returns
Before you agree to rent an RV, make sure you understand all the fees. For instance, does the owner charge a cleaning fee regardless of the state of the camper, or is it only a fee if the unit is excessively dirty? Be willing to ask the rental owner questions about the agreement, or you risk misunderstanding the terms.
Return the Unit the Way You Got It
When you rent an RV, you should plan on returning the unit in the same condition you receive it. So, if the camper is completely clean, give the unit a thorough cleaning before you return it. Most rentals come with basic cleaning supplies, so you can spend some time cleaning the unit on the return date.
You should also make sure every other detail of the rental is consistent. If your unit came with propane, make note of the propane level at the start and end of the rental. If you used at least ¼ tank of propane, fill the tank with the amount you used. The same is true of your fuel usage.
One fee most renters mistakenly incur is the dumping fee. Whether you’re staying at a site with or without hookups, you should dump the black and gray tanks. Because it’s not the most desirable task, dumping tanks usually comes with a high fee. You can save yourself $75+ by dumping the tank yourself. If your campground doesn’t have a dumping station, look for a state park, RV resort, or truck stop on the way back.
Plan Ahead
If you don’t plan your RV vacation well, it’s easy to make mistakes and incur fees. For instance, some renters forget to look for dump stations near their sites. They spend so much time driving around in search of dump sites that they end up with no time to dump them. If you plan ahead and ask the rental owner for dump station recommendations, you avoid dumping fees.
Late returns also usually come with a fee. Oftentimes, late fees are high. Even being one hour late could result in a $100 late fee or more. On the day of your departure, you should leave early in case there’s traffic or another unexpected delay.
Communicate with the Owner
If you are going to be late for dropoff or experience any damages, you should communicate with the RV rental owner. Most owners won’t charge you a fee if traffic is at a standstill and you inform them of your delay. If you don’t say anything about your delay, the rental owner is unlikely to waive any late fees.
A common mistake renters make is to be quiet about damages. Being silent could cost you a great deal of money. Rather than deal with a flat tire or broken windshield on your own, talk to the rental owner first. Depending on the situation, you may be able to go through the insurance company. Generally, rental owners mention something about informing them of any issues before you seek a repair.
Drive Slowly and Carefully
You could have years of experience driving trailers, but that doesn’t mean you should drive a rental RV the same way you drive trailers. When you’re driving, be extra cautious. If the SRA says to keep the speed limit under 70 miles per hour, respect that. At higher speeds, you’re more likely to have a blowout or crash.
Changing lanes in an RV can also be difficult. If you’re an impatient driver, find a way to stay calm and content in the right lane. You can’t weave in and out of traffic like you’re in a sports car.
Go Off-Platform
Overall, booking platforms like RVShare and Outdoorsy have high fees. Rental owners only receive a portion of their fees, so they tend to charge higher nightly rates and fees. If you want to save money, look for an RV rental that’s not on a platform. Booking directly through the owner saves you hundreds of dollars.
With that said, be careful about who you use for your rental. There are plenty of scammers online waiting to take your money. Before you book a rental, research the company and make sure they are a real business. Do they have a website? How do they take payment?
One sure sign of a scam is a company that doesn’t take a security deposit. If you have doubts about a company, ask to see the unit in person or ask for reviews.
Are You Looking for RV Rentals in North Fort Myers?
Southwest Florida is a great place to go camping! If you’re thinking about taking a road trip or staying locally, you should consider an RV rental. You can do so much more than just explore the local beaches. With an RV, you can check out all the small towns and parks in the area. You may end up falling in love with the area or with the RV lifestyle. If you’re ready to book RV rentals in North Fort Myers, call Campin Style RV Rentals today.
Campin Style RV Rentals 