I need help with questions I have about RVing (motorhomes, park, mileage)

[dashboardlvr72]

So.. 6 friends and I are planning a trip for the end of the summer from home (greenville, sc) to LA across the country in an RV and then back . We are borrowing an RV from a friend and right now our biggest concern is the costs of doing this.

First off, how does insurance typically work with this sort of thing? Are we covered to drive it if the person who owns it has insurance or do we need to get additional coverage per driver or just in general? If this is not the case, can we get temporary coverage for our 12 day trip and how much does this usually cost??

Second, how many miles per gallon do RV's usually get? and whats the best way get the best gas mileage that we can?


Any help to the above questions would be greatly appreciated along with any other info that might be helpful!

[StealthRabbit]

Usually an insurance policy will allow up to 45 days of loaning your motorhome out (VERIFY THIS with lender's insurance agent). I would be sure to keep your own liability coverage in place or get a 'rider' (short term policy accompanying his). I would also draft a 'hold harmless' agreement for all travelers to sign to 'release' the owner. NO one can go that does not have medical insurance, and no-one can drive without both medical AND liability insurance of their own. And I would encourage owner to seriously upgrade his medical coverage (with you paying of course). The 'per incident' amount needs to be VERY high for 6 passengers, probably over $1,000,000. When motorhomes crash and / or burn they are very ugly and fly totally apart. (I've seen many in my 30 yrs of truckdriving)

Take lots of picture BEFORE you leave to document condition of vehicle, and restore to 'better-than-when-you -left'. Offer to pay for license fees and insurance and get it professionally cleaned upon return. (your friend will appreciate that, as it takes many hours / days to clean a Motorhome when returning from a trip). I would suggest NOT taking a shower in the Mhome (makes stuff damp / moldy / stinky), use the outdoor shower (hopefully it has one) or at campground or local swimming pools.

Mileage is quite dependent upon the MH and the engine. 10 mpg is average, some get 7, Mine gets 20. Speed is the most significant factor (frontal air push). Try to stay under 60 mph. Understand the transmission needs and temp. Most USA MH have automatic transmissions (Boo-Hoo). It is a good idea to put them in a lower gear when climbing or descending hills. Often they have an automatic 'overdrive' that causes transmission to get very hot, potentially destroying it ($5000). A $50 transmission temp gauge is very cheap insurance.

Look under vehicle at every stop to see if it is leaking any fluids. I like to carry an infra-red thermometer (~$10) and check tire, bearing, brake temp at every stop.

Carry a spare tire, spare 'V' belts (or serpentine) spare engine hoses, and often I carry a $20 spare electric fuel pump and some elect wire and fuel hose.

Check lights daily.

Have a couple fire extinguishers (front and rear) and know how and when to use them.

Have a good (safe) trip

[Cornerguy1]

Consider investing in an RV road assistance plan from AAA or similar organization.

It's also a good idea to lock your tranny into a lower gear when descending steep grades......saves wear and tear and heat-related brake fade.

Get the unit a few days ahead of time and take it for a couple of practice drives.....a motorhome handles a little differently than your average Toyota Corolla.

[WyoNewk]

Mileage varies greatly with the size of the MH and the engine. Diesel? Gas? Size? Some gasers might get 5-6 mph, diesel pushers maybe twice that, diesel class Cs, maybe 20 mpg.

[dashboardlvr72]

Thanks for all the help guys! It is def helpful. My friends and I are all newbies at this RV ordeal and honestly just want to take the trip of a lifetime driving cross country together before we graduate college next year. Hopefully the expenses from this wont kill our bank accounts.

[Katie1]

Sounds like fun! Have a nice trip. Take Tons of pic & post them for us to see!!!

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by dashboardlvr72

T... all newbies at this RV ordeal and honestly just want to take the trip of a lifetime driving cross country together before we graduate college ....

This could be a great time or a nightmare, but to ensure the best probability of success; (JMHO... having been a kid, and having a few of my own your age, and having been a professional driver)

• put a healthy damage deposit aside
• Pay attention and learn A LOT about the RV (like special toilet paper and chemicals required) I suggest with a group of guys that you don't even consider using the 'on-board' toilet, it will save you a lot of time and grief to use public facilities. - learn to change tires, verify you have the adequate tools and spare parts (hoses, belts, filters)
• print the "Smith Driving Rules" on cards and keep them handy to review with drivers. (this is a great way to improve your life skills as a driver) WikiAnswers - 5 smith rules of driving Better yet, pay the $20 - $50 and take a Smith course or buy a DVD.
• set some ground rules to avoid legal hassle or compromising situations

• no open brews in the vehicle within 8 hrs of driving schedule
• Don't drive when tired or within 8 hrs of drinking ANY alcohol
• (if you find yourself tired and driving, roll down window and stick your arm out till it about falls off)
• Don't schedule so tight that you need to rush.
• Don't drive between the hrs of 2AM and 6AM (drunks 2-4AM and tired truck drivers 4-6AM)
• If weather or road conditions get bad, take a break.
• Review road construction areas, don't 'space-out' warning signs in the night (I did that ONCE at age 19, on a cross country road trip...) we survived... barely

Make a doable plan, with flexibility.
research some cool spots America's Byways®: National Scenic Byways Online http://www.freecampgrounds.com/
talk a lot to locals to get good hints
take time to smell the roses
keep a journal
buy a $80 national parks pass at first park (good at federal sites too)

Everyday, do the basics on the MH
check oil, fluids, visually look at tires, wipers, lights

weekly check air in tires

[trnsplntfrmNV]

After all the great advice above--do a mock weekend trip so you know what to take, clothes, jackets umbrella personal thinks like that. Oh and the best advice was to have fun and enjoy!! take that to heart.

[Camper1]

Take me!! Take me!!

[Katie1]

I dont want to go with a bunch of college kids BUT IF your friend decide to loan it to you in the future TAKE ME!!!!