For many people, RV’ing is the new vacation of choice. Sales for RVs since Covid have skyrocketed. The dealership inventory is significantly depleted. Factories are at a reduced output due to staggered schedules and social distancing. All of these factors make it even harder, if not almost impossible, to find the make, model, and floorplan of your choice. Don’t despair; renting instead of buying an RV maybe your best option.
It’s certainly a great time to work in RV sales or own a dealership but not necessarily the best time to find a good or great deal. In the past, discounts off MSRP were regularly 30% or more. In the current environment, discounts are not nearly that generous across the board. Additionally, purchasing an RV can be a huge investment. From the initial cost to insurance, maintenance, and storage, it can add up quickly. All these costs are before you’ve even left the house and paid for gas, camping, and other travel-related expenses.
Try Before You Buy
Purchasing an RV is a major investment. If it’s out of the budget or other logistical factors such as storage have you scratching your head, consider renting. There are many places to rent RVs, with most offering several types of units. Rental companies vary from peer to peer (i.e., private owners) that you can rent directly on sites such as RVezy.com, Outdoorsy, and RVShare.com to companies like Cruise America that own their own fleet of rentals.
There is truly something for everyone when it comes to renting. Whether you find a rental near you or a destination you are planning to visit, many rental companies will offer a delivery service. They will deliver the rental directly to your campsite, so you don’t have to worry about anything. Driving an unfamiliar vehicle can be intimidating. Additionally, this eliminates the need for a tow vehicle. On-site delivery gives you all the fun of camping without any of the headaches or worries. While there may be an additional delivery charge, it can be money well spent for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Before purchasing an RV, think about how often you will really be able to use the unit. Analyze the total cost of ownership, including storage and maintenance, compared to the cost of renting. Renting an RV a couple of times is a great way to see if you really enjoy a camping vacation. Additionally, it will allow you to try before you buy. Renting several different styles (towable, Class A, B, or C) will help you narrow down which fits your needs best. Generally speaking, if you are only going to camp a couple of times per year, it’s cheaper to rent. Conversely, looking to make spontaneous getaways owning will give you the flexibility to load and go whenever the mood strikes.
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