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Tip.
There are lots of specials, try to find them
Get a One way special.
That includes miles and a low rental price.
$ 29 per day is normal.
We like the Seattle -> Los Angeles route with El-Monte
Our preference is the Class A model with slideout
For International Travelers (like me) try to Contact Stephen Henry he is very knowledgeable
Also the trip in the spring from Seattle to Anchorage, AK is a very good deal with Cruise America. (Only one going to Alaska)
Location: Just transplanted to FL from the N GA mountains
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I don't want to encourage or discourage the rental of RV's. But... as an obvious experienced RV'er, I would encourage anyone thinking of renting one to learn how to drive, park, back-in, and learn how to properly hook-up before taking out on the road. I've seen people in rental units have more trouble backing into their campsite than we've ever had with our 40 footer. We've helped our neighbors in rentals hook up their water, electric and sewer because they hadn't a clue. And driving them, even the smaller class C models that are the most rented models, can be different if you are used to a little zippy car. So... most of all...learn before you go...and then have a wonderful, safe and happy vacation!
I don't want to encourage or discourage the rental of RV's. But... as an obvious experienced RV'er, I would encourage anyone thinking of renting one to learn how to drive, park, back-in, and learn how to properly hook-up before taking out on the road. I've seen people in rental units have more trouble backing into their campsite than we've ever had with our 40 footer. We've helped our neighbors in rentals hook up their water, electric and sewer because they hadn't a clue. And driving them, even the smaller class C models that are the most rented models, can be different if you are used to a little zippy car. So... most of all...learn before you go...and then have a wonderful, safe and happy vacation!
AMEN, aus10! Even a million miles in a big truck did not prepare me for dealing with a 26' rental truck and a car trailer. Hooking up was different for me. And that car trailer swings a LOT quicker than a 53' trailer... I see many folks pulling a trailer or camper with their car, SUV or pickup and they seem to have trouble staying in lane. What really works for me is don't even look back. If you center the tow vehicle in the lane just like you would without the trailer, it will follow perfectly. Also...watch those overhead clearances at motel entrances, campground buildings, etc!
The number of folks we've had to deal with over the years who had no clue about either manuvering or using their rental RV is staggering. I'm amazed some of these rental outfits let people off the lot with such a cursory check out.
My favourite of all time is the fellow who arrived here in Ontario with his 38ft 5th-wheel and couldn't back the unit up to straighten it out. The unit was a new acquisition for the couple and they were taking it from British Columbia on the west coast to Newfoundland on the east coast and back.
Location: Just transplanted to FL from the N GA mountains
3,999 posts, read 4,122,162 times
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Thanks guys. We log somewhere over 50,000 miles a year towing our fifth wheel and we've seen a lot. The older couple who had just bought their fiver, brought it straight to the campground from the sales lot and consequently took out 2 trees, the side of the trailer, and took 2 hours to get er backed in. (They'd probably still be there if hubby hadn't helped.) We've seen dropped trailers, dropped fiver's smash many a truck bed, no brakes, no lights, tv antenna's chopped off, and my favorite.... the person who gets into a 40 foot Class A pulling a toad yet thinks they can make a 90 degree turn taking out several other drivers with them.
Something else that new RV renters should know. You will not be treated the same on the road. You will inevitably be passed by people who think you will slow them down by 2 minutes. You will be cut off. Someone will slam on their brakes in front of you, and these things don't stop on a dime. You will have someone tailgaiting your rig...they don't realize that if they can't see your mirrors you can't see them.
Consequently you need to slow down, drive more defensively than offensively, and most of all be courteous to the other drivers around you. That means driving in the right lane and allowing faster drivers to pass you when at all possible. After all...your on vacation...whats the hurry?
You know Aus10, I don't believe there's any real difference from what you've experienced as an RV from what I have driving a big truck... I think we both have a whole book of anecdotes about beginners, experiences with other drivers and even each other! I guess the only difference is that it gets more expensive the more wheels you have...
Location: Just transplanted to FL from the N GA mountains
3,999 posts, read 4,122,162 times
Reputation: 2677
Perhaps we should collaborate Crew Chief... I see a best seller!
Ninety nine percent of the truckers we share the road with are the best. And I'm sure you probably feel that way about the RVer's. At least I hope they have treated you right. We've only had one run-in with a trucker. In Knoxville, TN.
I think your right about the expense...but maybe some day when I win the lottery and I'm going down the road in my new Prevost, I'll still have less wheels. LOL
Perhaps we should collaborate Crew Chief... I see a best seller!
Ninety nine percent of the truckers we share the road with are the best. And I'm sure you probably feel that way about the RVer's. At least I hope they have treated you right. We've only had one run-in with a trucker. In Knoxville, TN.
I think your right about the expense...but maybe some day when I win the lottery and I'm going down the road in my new Prevost, I'll still have less wheels. LOL
Safe travels!
Thanks, Aus10! Bet we could while away a whole week at a Good Sam Park tradin' war stories n' lies! Yep, most of my fellow truckers are professionals. But a few do slip thru the cracks... Speaking of Prevosts; Back several years ago, I was headed South on I-95 near Jacksonville and saw a Prevost in the median. Don't know why he ended up there, but he'd done a super job keeping it straight and upright!
Love 'em or hate 'em; I HIGHLY recommend having a C.B. radio in your R.V. I usually have mine on low and listen to music because it can get downright stupid over the airwaves. But that C.B. can be a life-saver when an accident's ahead, you need directions or there's a problem with your R.V. Was returning from Louisville Friday and saw an R.V. ahead of me with a tire going flat. I pulled even with the driver and showed him my mike. He didn't have a C.B. but I gestured and pointed excitedly enough that he was able to get off at the next exit...WHEW!
Location: Just transplanted to FL from the N GA mountains
3,999 posts, read 4,122,162 times
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Got to ask CC... do you do your internet posting in truck stops w/wifi or do you have satellite access on your truck? We have satellite and I've seen a few truckers who have motosat. Just wondered if you see this being a new "best thing" for truckers.
The CB is one thing we don't have. Because we are still working full-timers, we drive seperately. So I am my husbands eyes and ears. He pulls the trailer, and I follow him in my vehicle. So if I don't spot the flat-tires right away.... I'm in trouble.
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