My word of advice about renting an RV, is to keep realistic expectations. Rental RVs aren't always the best indicator of if full timing is for you. It would be on par with renting a motel room to see if living in an apartment is right for you. Yes, there are some similarities... but it's not the same.
The options are somewhat limited, it won't be your stuff, it won't be your home. The ones from the big rental companies also tend to be a bit on the worn side, generic in layout and may or may not have well maintained systems.
That's not to say it can't be a great experience .. but we have had friends judge their interest in full time RVing off having a less than ideal rental experience. For instance, we had one couple tell us they could never full-time because they couldn't stand running the generator all the time, like they had to on their rental. Well obviously, a rental RV isn't going to invest in a robust electrical system with ample & healthy batteries, high end inverters and solar panels (like we have in our own RVs) to be geared towards boondocking.
As far as how long it'll take you to get across country - you can do it at any pace you like and can afford. Rental RVs are pricey, so I would image that your budget might be a constraint for how long you can keep it out. We've done cross country repositionings measured in months (going slow) and in a week (when needing to 'get there' for an urgent unexpected need). All depends on our goals. If we're wanting to stay relaxed and see things along the way, then we prefer not driving more than 200 miles a day, then stopping for 2-7 days to explore the local area... that's a nice pace for us when 'in motion'. But, not always possible.
The size & layout of RV to rent will be very different based on how long you intend to be on the road - and if your daughter & grandson are along for the ride or not. And of course, how much space you think YOU need to be comfortable.
Go into the experience with eyes wide open.. keep the expectations realistic... and use it as a learning experience to better define how you want to RV in the future.
Best wishes, - Cherie
-- Edited by Technomadia on Sunday 13th of May 2012 10:01:15 AM
-- Edited by Technomadia on Sunday 13th of May 2012 10:03:44 AM
cherab831 said
04:09 PM May 13, 2012
A year to two years and five months (when DH will completley retire) hope to be full time on the road!
We are the newest of "newbies" that being said March of next year we want to rent something to try out and drive from Massachusetts to Los Angeles for a family reunion, to really give being on the road a try and we are looking for suggestions on what to rent, it will be the two of us maybe our adult daughter and our 4 year old grandson but prob just the two of us, also how long will it take to drive there? taking our time but getting there in a timely manner for the reunion.
Any other words of wisdom grealty appreciated!!!
cherab831 said
03:22 PM May 15, 2012
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply, looking forward to reading about all of your adventures!!
The Bear II said
05:39 PM May 15, 2012
Cheryl,
You may want to go to a nearby large RV Show or large RV dealer to see what type of RVs you are interested in. Narrow your choices down to 2 to 3 different types (Travel Trailer, Class C, 5th Wheel, Class A or other) and then rent each type for a long weekend trip. Once you find the type you really like, rent one of those types of RVs for your trip to California.
I believe that during a long trip you will get a feel for the RV lifestyle and some of the unexpected work it involves. Plus you'll experience the wonders that theh lifestyle offers.
To get a feel for fulltiming in an RV you really need to spend a lot of time in the RV. Especially in bad weather where you might be stuck inside for several days...cabin fever kicks in.
My dad used to make the trip from California to Indiana in as little as 3 1/2 days. He drove for 10 to 15 hours each day.
Most people take 5 to 6 days. There is lots to see along the way so leave plenty of time to do some sight seeing if possible. Also you may want to take one route to California and a different route back so you can see lots of sights.
Congrats on setting the goal!
My word of advice about renting an RV, is to keep realistic expectations. Rental RVs aren't always the best indicator of if full timing is for you. It would be on par with renting a motel room to see if living in an apartment is right for you. Yes, there are some similarities... but it's not the same.
The options are somewhat limited, it won't be your stuff, it won't be your home. The ones from the big rental companies also tend to be a bit on the worn side, generic in layout and may or may not have well maintained systems.
That's not to say it can't be a great experience .. but we have had friends judge their interest in full time RVing off having a less than ideal rental experience. For instance, we had one couple tell us they could never full-time because they couldn't stand running the generator all the time, like they had to on their rental. Well obviously, a rental RV isn't going to invest in a robust electrical system with ample & healthy batteries, high end inverters and solar panels (like we have in our own RVs) to be geared towards boondocking.
As far as how long it'll take you to get across country - you can do it at any pace you like and can afford. Rental RVs are pricey, so I would image that your budget might be a constraint for how long you can keep it out. We've done cross country repositionings measured in months (going slow) and in a week (when needing to 'get there' for an urgent unexpected need). All depends on our goals. If we're wanting to stay relaxed and see things along the way, then we prefer not driving more than 200 miles a day, then stopping for 2-7 days to explore the local area... that's a nice pace for us when 'in motion'. But, not always possible.
The size & layout of RV to rent will be very different based on how long you intend to be on the road - and if your daughter & grandson are along for the ride or not. And of course, how much space you think YOU need to be comfortable.
Go into the experience with eyes wide open.. keep the expectations realistic... and use it as a learning experience to better define how you want to RV in the future.
Best wishes,
- Cherie
-- Edited by Technomadia on Sunday 13th of May 2012 10:01:15 AM
-- Edited by Technomadia on Sunday 13th of May 2012 10:03:44 AM
A year to two years and five months (when DH will completley retire) hope to be full time on the road!
We are the newest of "newbies" that being said March of next year we want to rent something to try out and drive from Massachusetts to Los Angeles for a family reunion, to really give being on the road a try and we are looking for suggestions on what to rent, it will be the two of us maybe our adult daughter and our 4 year old grandson but prob just the two of us, also how long will it take to drive there? taking our time but getting there in a timely manner for the reunion.
Any other words of wisdom grealty appreciated!!!
You may want to go to a nearby large RV Show or large RV dealer to see what type of RVs you are interested in. Narrow your choices down to 2 to 3 different types (Travel Trailer, Class C, 5th Wheel, Class A or other) and then rent each type for a long weekend trip. Once you find the type you really like, rent one of those types of RVs for your trip to California.
I believe that during a long trip you will get a feel for the RV lifestyle and some of the unexpected work it involves. Plus you'll experience the wonders that theh lifestyle offers.
To get a feel for fulltiming in an RV you really need to spend a lot of time in the RV. Especially in bad weather where you might be stuck inside for several days...cabin fever kicks in.
My dad used to make the trip from California to Indiana in as little as 3 1/2 days. He drove for 10 to 15 hours each day.
Most people take 5 to 6 days. There is lots to see along the way so leave plenty of time to do some sight seeing if possible. Also you may want to take one route to California and a different route back so you can see lots of sights.