Has anyone rented an RV from Cruise America?

[motion]

I rented their large class C for the Indy MotoGP weekend. It was hella expensive, even without miles. I had to pay a $500 security deposit. Any tricks on how to not be bent over for BS fees? I've never rented an RV before... new territory for me. Just don't want to pay more than I have to.

[einreb]

We rented an RV via craigslist for an out of town lemons race once. Lots of folks with RV's out there looking to offset some cost. Had it 'delivered' and set up at the track waiting for us when we got there. Worked out surprisingly well.

I looked into RV America for a family trip and was shocked at the pricing. If they are making a ton, I guess someone else would come in and compete?

-Bernie

[Laneco]

I looked into the Cruise America thing for an out-of-town bike race with the family. By the time they got done with the nickel and dime-ing for everything it was ridiculously expensive and you got pounded for any type of miles.

I found a family owned rental business in Phoenix. They had 4 or 5 RV's, all Class C. I rented from them. They picked the family up at the airport, did the walk through and sent us on our way. No a single penny extra charge. ABsolutely great people. Unfortunately, the health of the couple (elderly) took a turn for the worse and then closed the business.

Deals are out there, but you really have to research them. Large RV lots are good starting point or owner-rent sites that work alot like vacation home rentals.

angela

[MT930]

We have friends that fly in and rent them from time to time and go camping with us in and around the park (Yellowstone).

The Cruse America equipment is nice from the ones friends have rented.

And yes it's expensive, many RV dealers will rent units cheaper. I rented several times before purchased from the same local dealer. There are more options than you may think including private parties.

[gprsh924]

Little bit different, but we used to rent 80' houseboats in college for a big party weekend. As long as we did no outright damage, we always got the $500 per boat back. If 30 college kids can get deposits back, you should have no problem.

[vash]

We rented one. Bachelor party to Vegas. We were all poor except one millionaire friend. He paid. I drove. I know it was super expensive. Next time rent a private RV off of Craigslist?

[aigel]

They do a lot of business with the Krauts and other Europeans coming over for their big National Park trips. Friends of mine have used them and liked them, but mentioned it was $$$. I have taken my family on big road trips and considered it. After pricing it, I instead rented a nice Lincoln Town Car and we stayed at Motels and eating out. Turned out significantly cheaper than the RV + Miles + campground fees and cooking in the darn thing.

Of course there are places where you can't stay at a hotel and you will enjoy nature in the RV. It is just $$$ and often camping is associated with a budget vacation.

G

[URY914]

There was a story a few years ago here in Tampa. A family flys in to Tampa from the Middle East and speaks very little English and rents an RV to drive to Disney World. The guy explains how everything works and they nod their heads that they understand.

They head out of town on I-4 headed to a fun filled week in an RV. Soon Dad, who is driving has to take a leak, so he sets the cruise control and get up to take a piss. RV ins up in the median on it's side. All survived.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I rented once for a race weekend in Portland, I live in Seattle. I was a 4 day trip I think. Hugely expensive. I ended up buying a well loved used class C Lazy Daze for racing and have used it for other stuff. I go back and forth all of the time on whether to keep it but I love having it at the track vs. hoteling it or driving home (1 hour each way for my "local" track) for what I bought it for and hope to do some racing in California at some point. They are like boats though, always needing something.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by motion

I rented their large class C for the Indy MotoGP weekend. It was hella expensive, even without miles. I had to pay a $500 security deposit. Any tricks on how to not be bent over for BS fees? I've never rented an RV before... new territory for me. Just don't want to pay more than I have to.

Sounds like a new business opportunity for you.

A private party RV rental site.

Make up some brochures, while you are at races hand them out to RV owners.

Set up pricing tiers based on size/age/amenities.

Take a commission.

Don't forget my 10%

[skunked]

Check with the RV dealerships, my Dad's friend rents them through his dealership.

[JavaBrewer]

Craigs list RV section - search for "rent" and or hit up some RV owners in your area.

[motion]

Thanks for all the info. I've already rented it, so just looking for firsthand experience with CruiseAmerica on what they typically do to ding you at the end of the rental.

[sammyg2]

even if it costs a ton, it's still cheaper than buying one

My parents bought one of them big ole monsters several years back. Listed for $130k but they wrote a check for $90k out the door.
Now they pay storage for it.

I asked dad why they don't use it, he says gas is too expensive. I reminded him of his net worth. (I'm named executor and have to monitor their finances).

He said they could rent a stretch limo to drive them anywhere in the country, and then stay in a 5 star resort and eat in 5 star restaurants when they got there, and it would still be cheaper than taking the motorhome.
Again I reminded him that he's a wealthy mofo, prolly a half-percenter.

Guess that's why.

[strupgolf]

Sammy, you're right. A friend told me he could stay in the best hotels, eat the best food, visit the best spots for a lot less than a motor home. But hey RV America seems to have the best stuff on the road, so why not. You've rented it, have fun, and next time you will know of some other options.