Want to rent a recreational vehicle but don’t know where to start? Here’s a handy guide.
One of the main joys of travel is the freedom it gives you. The freedom to explore new places, new foods, new cultures. That freedom is curtailed when you have to worry about catching flights or checking out of hotels by a certain time. But there is a way to have flexible plans and still have a great holiday—or New Zealand road trip!
Road trips are the original way to travel. Long before planes and trains, humans have been packing up carts and hitting the road. Today, road trips inspire adventure, excitement, the thrill of the unknown. You could choose to drive in your car and make pit stops every night at motels or bed-and-breakfasts along the way but that requires planning and costs money. An easier option is to get a recreational vehicle (RV) so that you are in complete control of your trip.
Having sleeping quarters, and maybe even attached bathroom facilities, gives you the ability to stop wherever you’d like for however long you want. Want to wake up to beautiful mountain views? Go ahead and park in its shadows. Want to fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean? Find a spot by the coast and call it a night.
There are some things to know about RVs before taking the plunge and renting (or buying) one.
Option one: Campervan
Campervans are the most basic option. They have a sleeping areas, just a simple bed, created in the back, and sometimes an extra bed built into a high-top roof. These vehicles are for small groups—no more than three. You will have to forego facilities like toilets and showers. Owners of these vehicles often carry along small gas stoves to cook on the road, though new models come equipped with mini microwaves, fridges and even sinks. For more information and booking a campervan visit Wilderness Motorhomes and Campervans.
Option two: Motorhome
Motorhomes are an upgrade from campervans, in size and function. These vehicles are considerably larger than the vans, and double up as almost-complete homes on wheels. Most motorhomes come with separate bedroom, bathroom and kitchen space. There’s usually also a little nook to hangout and enjoy meals. Depending on how many people are going to use the motorhome(usually between 2-6 passengers can fit easily), it can be customised to include extra beds or seating. Slide-out sections around the vehicle can provide additional storage and help increase living spaces, which creates more room for things like televisions and entertainment units. For more information on motorhome or to hire one visit Wilderness Motorhomes Page
Option three: Other recreational vehicles
There are a few other types of RVs, too. While motorhome and campervans are self-powered vehicles that you drive around, there are also travel trailers or caravans. These units are attached to the back of a car and towed along. Like motorhomes, they often come fitted with basic living amenities like kitchenettes, beds and bathrooms.
What to keep in mind when choosing an RV
The idea of road tripping might make you want to rush out and buy the first RV you see, but wait just a minute. We’ve got three points to consider before sealing the deal.
First, and most important, is the budget. How much do you want to spend on this vehicle? And not just upfront, but in the long run. Part of enjoying an RV is making sure it’s fully functional. That includes ensuring the plumbing is in order, the beds and chairs aren’t falling apart. If you’re only hiring an RV, there are still extra costs involved during the trip like extra gas, parking charges, entry charges for camping grounds or designated areas for RVs.
Second is the features. What do you want from your RV? The more luxuries you want, the more you have to spend. If you’re not sure about committing to an RV for life, try renting a campervan or motorhome and going on a trip. They are quite affordable to hire and the experience will give you a chance to see if life on the road is for you. Third is size. Campervans, motorhomes and trailers are larger than your usual car. You’ve got to be confident in your abilities to handle larger vehicles or, in the case of trailers, navigating roads with two vehicles. Also consider what kinds of journeys you will be making in the vehicle. If it’s mostly urban travel through cities, a campervan might be the right choice since it’s more compact and easy to manoeuvre on busy streets. If the trips are going to be all about the outdoors and destinations with open spaces then a motorh
