many questions regarding renting an RV

[Deesknee]

Help! I am interested in finding out information about renting an RV to drive from Boston to Orlando. I don't even know where to start. DH insists it would end up costing us the same as flying. I find that hard to believe. Let me know what you all think. This is how I see it.

1. There are 6 of us. Even at a good rate that is apprx. $1000.

2. When we get to Orlando we rent a minivan. (would we still do that?) apprx $400.

3. Hotel we own dvc so usually use points but have been known to rent a room for 2 nights 2room @ ASM apprx. $400.

So the minimum travel expenses would be $1400. if we fly

Now, I have no idea who to contact to rent an RV, or how much they would cost.

I also don't know if DH & I are ready to drive that distance with 3 teens & a toddler. I just want to look at the options.

So, thank you to everyone/anyone who can give me any info.

 

[ducklite]

From Boston for a one week trip plan on over $2000 in rental, gas, tolls, and milage. If you want to use the generator to run the A/C there will be additional charges.

Flying will be cheaper, not to mention the two days lost in travel in each direction. www.cruiseamerica.com is perhaps the largest RV rental company in the US. You would need to rent their largest model to accomodate your family.

RV's can be difficult to drive in high traffic or windy conditions. I've driven one a couple times and hope I never have to do so again.

Anne

 

[fran99999]

I looked into this for out trip last year when gas was less expensive. I would agree with ducklite the cost was more than to fly.

You have to rent the RV which gives U only 1500 hundred miles then add the extra 500 minimum. that cost alone was about the cost of the flight. Then add the gas and taxes.... It would be more expensive than the trip to disney.

I U do it please pm me with the results I am still thinking of it but for a leisurely drive down and back with stops in between.

 

[Disneefun]

We looked into this before we bought our RV. The other posters are correct -- you could do better by flying. The rental co.'s are great at tacking on extra charges. The mileage allowance they give you is puny and when you go over, you get socked. If you run the generator at all, you get socked. If you want them to provide you with sheets, cookware, TP, etc., you'll pay a hefty charge. Some make you take out a special insurance policy for the duration of the rental, as most car insurance doesn't cover all that can go wrong with an RV.

Rental prices vary by size of the unit and you'll need a large one. Then you have to pay for the campsite (from about $45/night at FW in value season for a full hook up, but it gets higher if you're not in value season).

Unless you want to rely soley on Disney's transportation, you'll still need a rental car (most RV rental places prohibit you from towing your own car). Plus gas, which for a larger unit at today's prices could easily run you $200 or more per tank. We have a smaller unit and pay about $150 per tank.

To top it all off, most rental units aren't that nice, as they have been stripped of some amenities like awnings and antennas (to prevent damage). Don't know if you were hoping to take pets, but most RV rentals won't allow pets in their units.

Don't get me wrong: Rv'ing is a great lifesyle and I'm glad we bought ours. Kids love it and everyone can travel in comfort. Plus there's the fun factor of togetherness and camping. The memories are priceless. When you own it, it's a much better deal because you have everything you need, can tow your own car, can run the generator all you want and drive as far as you want without incurrnig extra charges. But renting is just a pill, IMHO.

I would say that if you're thinknig about buying an RV, renting is a great way to find out if you like it or not. In that case it's money well spent to keep from making a big mistake. It could also be worth it for a big cross country drive with stops at lots of attractions. That type of travel in an RV is way more hassle free than flying and going in and out of hotels and airports. But just to drive to disney and back you won't save any money or that much hassle, IMHO.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

Help! I am interested in finding out information about renting an RV to drive from Boston to Orlando. I don't even know where to start. DH insists it would end up costing us the same as flying. I find that hard to believe. Let me know what you all think. This is how I see it.

1. There are 6 of us. Even at a good rate that is apprx. $1000.

2. When we get to Orlando we rent a minivan. (would we still do that?) apprx $400.

3. Hotel we own dvc so usually use points but have been known to rent a room for 2 nights 2room @ ASM apprx. $400.

So the minimum travel expenses would be $1400. if we fly

Now, I have no idea who to contact to rent an RV, or how much they would cost.

I also don't know if DH & I are ready to drive that distance with 3 teens & a toddler. I just want to look at the options.

So, thank you to everyone/anyone who can give me any info.

We rented an RV for a summer vacation from Michigan to Upstate New York. The 5 day rental cost us about $1100 (we bought some time on the generater, insurance, etc.). We could have eaisly flew for that much, but we decided to make it a little more fun. The 500 mile journey (in a 32' Foot "Medium Sized" unit) cost us over $400 in gas!! The unit was absolutly horrible ridding and every time we hit a bump in the highway, it felt like the roof was going to cave in. 5 days later, and $2000 poorer, we decided to fly from now on!

As far as your situation goes, Im going to side with your husband. If you do some research and spend some time searching, Im sure you will find afordable airfare, which is quicker and eaiser then renting a motor home....

 

[ducklite]

I would say that if you're thinknig about buying an RV, renting is a great way to find out if you like it or not. In that case it's money well spent to keep from making a big mistake.

That's what BIL and DS did. The rental was nasty, not very clean and "stripped." But it was enough for them to know it worked for them. Their first trip was only from NJ to MD and back, so they didn't go over on miles.

They bought their own super deluxe RV, complete with onboard w/d, shower, you name it. But they still stay in a hotel a lot when going to WDW--they usually rent points for the BW or BC in a 2BR. They take two week trips, and spend 3-4 days meandering from CT to WDW and stopping along the way at historical sites and roadside attractions along the way.

Anne

 

[Deesknee]

Thank you all so much. Your experience & opinions have been extremly valuable. We will not be renting an RV.
My Dad used to own one (traded it in for a 5th wheeler). So, I had images of that type of rv. The more I think of some conditions we have found rental cars in, I realize renting an RV would not be what I was imaging. Also the expense sounds much higher than I had thought.

Thank you again for all of your help!!!

 

[manning]

Usually RV rentals charge mileage and that can add up fast.