RV Rental Guide: How It All Works

So, you’re looking to embark on a new journey in an RV. Traveling in an RV is exciting, but also intimidating for those who have no experience driving or renting a vehicle like this. Before you let your nerves ruin the trip, check out this guide on how to rent an RV.

Pick Your Platform

Before you start shopping around, you need to know where to look. The internet is full of resources for renting RVs. Two of the most popular platforms are Outdoorsy and RVShare. Both platforms require the renter and rental owner to sign up and create an account. When a renter finds a unit that they like, they request it from the owner. Typically, the owner needs to approve the rental.

On these platforms, there are usually many fees. Due to the fee structure, owners often charge more per night than they would on their own. The platform takes a security deposit. If the unit has damage from the rental, the cost of those damages comes out of the deposit. Although Outdoorsy and RVShare have their own policies on damage, most rental owners have separate policies. It’s essential to read through those policies so you understand what damage you’re accountable for.

If you want a more affordable rate, you can book your rental directly with a company. You can do a quick Google search or check out social media for suggestions on local companies. 

Pick the Type of Camper You Want

To narrow down your search, you need to consider which type of unit would work best for you. When it comes to RV rentals, usually you have one of two options – a Clacc C or a Travel Trailer. Each type of RV has its pros and cons. A travel trailer often does not include the tow vehicle, so you would need your own pick-up truck. If you only have an SUV or a small pick-up truck, you should check its tow capacity. You would need to rent a unit light enough for your vehicle or you can request delivery of the travel trailer.

If you don’t have a vehicle of your own, you should look into a Class C. This type of RV looks like a moving truck. Although it’s larger than a pick-up truck, the Class C is very easy to drive and doesn’t require a special license. Most renters don’t have any issues driving Class Cs,and some people believe that driving one is easier than towing a travel trailer.

As you select the right camper, consider how many people will be sleeping in the unit. The sizes on both travel trailers and Class Cs vary significantly. If you don’t get a unit large enough for your friends or family, you won’t be happy.

Understand the Rates

When it comes to RV renting, there are a few fees you need to look at. First, there’s the nightly fee. If you plan on doing a rental longer than one week, there may be a weekly or monthly discount. Newer units tend to have higher rates, and basic older units tend to be more affordable.

There are other rates you should consider. For instance, Class Cs usually have mileage allowances. You might have 100 miles per night of the booking, and .65 per mile after that. If you plan on traveling a long distance, you should calculate the mileage and determine if you would be over the allowance. Travel trailers usually have unlimited mileage. 

Then, there might be a generator fee. On travel trailers, the generator fee is usually per night or per hour. Keep in mind that not all travel trailers come with generators. If you book a Class C, there’s probably an on-board generator. Just as there’s a mileage allowance, there may be a generator allowance. If you plan on staying at a campground with electrical hookups, you don’t need to worry about the generator. 

Compare it to a Rental Car

If you’re confused about how it all works, think about renting a car. The process is very similar in that you’re covered by insurance and liable for certain damages. For instance, you may be responsible for a flat tire. Usually, the rental owner or platform has insurance and gives you the number to call in the event of a flat tire or blowout.

Damages to the unit are treated the same way as a car rental. If you scratch, dent, or do any other major damage to the RV, the money could come out of your security deposit. When you rent an RV, do your best to follow all of the instructions given by the owner or you could cause damage.

The Walkthrough

When you go to pick up your RV, you’ll meet with the owner. Then, they should take you through an extensive walkthrough. It’s their job to show you how to use all the features on the unit. This includes everything from driving to using the slides.

A good walkthrough usually takes a minimum of 30 minutes. Additionally, some rental owners have videos you can watch while you’re on your trip. If you forget something from the walk-through, you can refresh your memory by watching the video. Here are a few things you should pay extra attention to:

Departure checklist

Arrival checklist

Dumping procedure

Use of the awning

Use of propane

Turning on and off AC or heater

Leveling the unit

Dumping the RV

Finally, one last detail you should remember is that you may need to dump the RV. If you choose to have the rental owner pick-up your RV, you probably don’t need to worry about this. However, most rentals require the renter to dump the gray and black tanks or they face a fee of $75 or more.

If you’re staying at a campground or RV resort, you might be able to dump the RV on-site. But for those boondocking, it’s important to plan ahead and find a dump site. Most state parks offer dumping for a $10 fee, and some large gas stations also offer dumping for a fee.

Well, what are you waiting for?? Book your RV rental and get started on the vacation of a lifetime.

How to Sell a Mobile Home in Florida

If you want to sell a mobile home in Florida, you may have a few questions. The process is simple, but you still need to be cautious. Follow these tips and learn more about what you need to do to sell your manufactured home.

The first thing you need to do is advertise your mobile home. However, a mobile home isn’t like a traditional home. You don’t need to work with a real estate agent, nor do you want to list it on the MLS.

To let people know you have your home for sale, you should advertise it in the right channels. First, take great pictures of the home and use them to create a Facebook Marketplace listing. You should also look at the title and find out the size and year of your home.

If you’re not familiar with selling on Marketplace or don’t have a Facebook account, you can try listing on Craigslist. Your other option is to find someone who can help you sell your FL mobile home.

Handle the Showings

One of the most frustrating parts of selling a mobile home is dealing with showings. When someone wants to come see the home, you need to be available. You could have hundreds of interested parties, so use a calendar to keep track of the showings.

Unfortunately, people don’t always value your time. Be aware that many people will fail to show up or will show up hours late for showings. If you work a job or have a busy schedule, handling showings can be challenging.

Have the Right Paperwork

When you do find a buyer, make sure you know how to handle the paperwork. In Florida, you need a bill of sale for the transaction. You can find templates for bills of sale online, but not all comply with Florida’s rules.

In addition to having a bill of sale, you also need to sign over the title to the new buyer. But be sure you don’t do anything until you have all the money for the home. If you accept a deposit, you should have the proper paperwork for it.

Make Sure the Park is on Board

Before you do a deal, you should speak with the park manager. Every park has its own rules regarding the sale of homes. If you plan on selling the home to someone who will move it, ensure that the park will allow this.

Meanwhile, a home that will remain in the park will require an extra step. The buyer needs to apply for park approval and get on the lot lease. If you do the deal before approval, you will remain on the lot lease and be responsible for paying the lot rent.

Let Us Sell a Mobile Home in Florida

If you’re looking to sell your mobile home in Florida, reach out to us. We may give you a cash offer for your home, and we can take you through every step of the selling process. By working with us, you can avoid making costly mistakes and dealing with the frustration that comes when you sell a mobile home in Florida.

RV Rental Guide: Which Types of RV are Right for You?

If you’re considering renting or even buying an RV, you might feel overwhelmed. It’s not as simple as picking out a unit and having a great time. To make the most of your FL RV rental, you need to pick the right type of RV. Check out this guide to RV types and you won’t be disappointed by your pick.

Class C

The class C is a popular RV rental in Florida for good reason. If you’re seen an RV that is built on the chassis of a truck, you’re probably looking at a Class C. It doesn’t sit too high or low to the ground and almost always has a bunk above the driving area. Because this vehicle doesn’t require a special license, you don’t need to worry about having any qualifications to drive it. As long as you have a license and are comfortable driving a larger vehicle, you’ll be fine.

Driving a class C is like driving a moving van. Typically, these units come with built-in generators. You can go to a site with no power and still enjoy modern creature comforts. Furthermore, this type of RV also makes travel with children easier. There are often a variety of seating options, and fussy kids tend to prefer the unique seating arrangements.

One of the disadvantages of the class C is that you would need to tow your own vehicle. Sure, you can drive the class C anywhere there’s a paved road. However, you might not be able to find parking. You also may not want to need to pack up and unplug everything when you want to explore town. Sometimes, people opt to tow a small vehicle behind their class Cs. Doing so makes it possible for renters to reap all the benefits of a class C while still being able to explore. 

Travel Trailer

If you have a tow vehicle or are willing to pay for RV delivery, you can consider a travel trailer. These units are exactly what the name implies – a camper that you tow behind a truck, just like a traditional trailer. If you’ve never towed a vehicle before, you might be intimidated by the idea of towing a travel trailer. In reality, it’s not that difficult and you can test the waters by renting a small travel trailer.

Setting up a travel trailer is slightly more difficult than setting up a class C. With a class C, there is usually a system of leveling jacks for set-up and you don’t need to disconnect anything from a truck when you arrive. But with a travel trailer, you might need to use blocks to level the unit. There are stabilizing jacks that you crank down to set the trailer firmly on the ground. After you set up the jacks, you need to disconnect the trailer from the truck.

Of course, there are advantages to travel trailers. You already have a vehicle with you, so exploring an area is easy and doesn’t require any extra work. Furthermore, you have extra storage in the bed of your truck. 

Class A

The best way to describe a class A is bus-like. Built like busses and semi trucks, the Class A is a sturdy and large vehicle. If you want to drive one, you might need a special license. In some states, you need a CDL to drive a class A depending on its weight and length. For instance, the state of Florida requires drivers to have a CDL if the vehicle is over 26,000 pounds or 45 feet long. 

If you’re planning a lengthy trip, you should consider a Class A because of its size. Usually, class As are very spacious on the interior. You might have separate living areas as well as a second story loft. Much like the Class C, the Class A requires you to tow a vehicle unless you don’t plan on leaving camp. You can also opt to tow a vehicle behind your class A. 

If you’re comfortable driving such a large vehicle and you want a spacious place to live while camping, a class A could be right for you. It also tends to be more luxurious than the other types of campers. 

Fifth Wheel

A fifth wheel is like a hybrid between a class C and a travel trailer. The actual camper itself isn’t connected to the truck, but the camper sits on a special attachment in the bed of your pick-up truck. Because of this set-up, the vehicle is easier to tow than a travel trailer. You also don’t need to worry about towing a vehicle, unless you need two vehicles with you.

If you don’t already have the special hitch for a fifth wheel, you probably won’t want to rent one. With that said, some renters offer delivery. And for those looking to buy an RV, storage could be an issue with the fifth wheel. These units tend to take up more room than travel trailers and class Cs. 

Which Types of RV Work Best for You?

As you’re trying to decide which type of RV to rent or buy, you need to consider your needs and wants. The first detail you should think about is your vehicle. Do you have a truck to tow a camper? If not, a class C or class A may be your best option.

Additionally, you should consider your goals when you get to your destination. Do you plan on staying at the campground, or will you travel around? If you plan on driving to other places, you need to have a vehicle or another means of transportation. You might need to inquire about towing a vehicle behind the RV. 

Finally, think about what would make for the best experience for everyone. If you have young kids, the ease of a class C might work best. Or if you simply want a quiet place to sleep at night,  a small travel trailer could be perfect. With the right RV rental, you’re sure to have a memorable trip.