At the Tribune’s Travel Web site, we recently received a question from a reader who wanted advice on renting a camper van for an upcoming trip. We answered that question on our site’s message board. But for you who may not have access to the Web, we wanted to address the topic in print. If you are new to recreational vehicles, here are a few questions you might ask yourself:
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What can you handle? Unless you drive a truck for a living, trailers, camper vans and motor homes will be longer, taller, wider and heavier than what you are used to driving. Your choice should be one you will feel comfortable with under adverse driving conditions such as rain or construction detours.
Where are you going? Vehicle size may limit your options: height if you need to park in a garage, height or weight if you come to a covered bridge. Length and width could rule out some roads: Sections of California’s narrow, foggy, precipitous coastal Highway 1 have signs that discourage RV traffic.
What’s the real cost? (1.) Aside from the rental itself and any mileage charges, there’s insurance: If your personal auto policy or credit-card agreement won’t cover mishaps, what will the rental agent charge for coverage? (2.) Camping vehicles are not noted for fuel efficiency. How often will you fill the tank? (3.) Most campgrounds charge a fee.
Where will you camp? Be sure you can get reservations. Campgrounds book up in peak season, just as hotels do.
Finally: These questions aren’t meant to discourage your interest in RVing but to direct it so that you may make the most informed decision possible. You might find that you love this type of travel. You may find that you don’t. You may find yourself in circumstances that you hadn’t expected. But if you encounter a problem, you’ll also find that among your fellow RVers will be someone eager to lend a hand, should you need it.