A beginners’ guide to renting an RV (part 2)

In this sequel, Amy dives into the ins and outs of renting an RV for the first time, from manoeuvring to unpacking and everything in between.

In Part One of “renting an RV for the first time”, I covered different types of RVs, sneaky fees and recommended hire companies. But what happens when you pick up the keys and hit the road? It’s fair to say that I’ve learnt a few good lessons from previous experiences. To save you from repeating history, here are my top tips for RV newbies – part two.

Don’t expect to be a pro RV driver straight away

Going from a small run-around car to driving what feels like a bus is no small feat. For your sake, I hope you don’t have as much initial trouble as I did. The first 10 minutes after picking up the keys to our Euro Tourer Camper was an amalgamation of thrilling, stressful and embarrassing.

“How can it be embarrassing?”, you’re probably asking yourself. To put it short, the RV was huge, the car park was tiny and as much as I tried, there was no way I was getting that van out of the gate in one piece. So, after plenty of sweating, the kind woman behind the desk wandered over and asked, “Would you like me to do that for you?” You can guess what I said.

The lesson here is not to be afraid of asking for help. It takes time to get used to driving a larger vehicle, so don’t be hard on yourself if it feels uncomfortable or challenging. Before you hit the busy roads, practise driving around a quiet area (preferably with wide roads). It’s also wise to bring someone with you if possible. This person can become your sidekick driver who jumps out and helps with reversing. Even if you feel confident, I really recommend doing this anyway! The one time we didn’t, I heard a bang. Luckily, our insurance covered us.

Get clued up and watch the how-to-video

If this is your first time renting an RV, the chances are you won’t have a clue how any of the systems work. Usually, hire companies will provide a video that you’ll either be forced to sit through or watch in your own time. I know, I know. Who wants to waste time watching a boring ‘how to’ video when you could be hitting the road? It may seem like a time waster, but I guarantee you’ll thank yourself later.

Keep your documents safe

If anything goes wrong, you’ll want to have the hire vehicle’s emergency number on hand. The same goes for your insurance policy and driver’s documents.

Know your limits

Or, just don’t be dumb. Stick to roads that are safe for your vehicle. If you’ve rented a 2WD, then don’t go crazy on wild outback roads. Sure, it’ll make a great story. But the only path that’ll lead to is a hefty fine and an emergency call.

Pack smart

If you’ve packed smart for your trip, then bravo! The first time is always the hardest. But it doesn’t stop there. Once you’re in the RV, it’s wise to unpack effectively too. Make sure those items you plan to use a lot are easy to access, and use the RV’s storage holders for bulkier pieces. Some vans come with an overwhelming amount of storage, which is great for families or long trips, but not so great if you use every single one and can’t remember where you’ve put everything. Finally, before you start driving off, be sure to use the latches to store everything safely.

Plan your route wisely

If this is your first road trip, plan a loose itinerary before you set off. RVs use a lot more fuel, so make sure you’re not venturing off into the middle of nowhere without plenty in your tank. If your itinerary includes an island, check with your rental company first. Not all hire companies allow this. It’s also a good idea to book the car ferry, especially in peak times.