So, you’re thinking of hiring an RV in the USA? Brilliant idea, but things over there are a bit different to what we’re used to back home. From the size of the rigs to the quirks of toilet dumping, here’s your no-nonsense guide to hiring an RV in the USA.
Driving on the right side of the road (literally)
This one’s the biggie – you’ll be driving on the right-hand side when hiring an RV in the USA. Or any vehicle for that matter. It’ll feel odd at first, but you’ll adjust. Roundabouts (or should I say, traffic circles) are even trickier since everything’s backward to what you’re used to. Before you hit the road, a good tip is to spend a couple of days in a hotel to shake off the jet lag and adjust to the time zone. The last thing you want is a foggy brain while dealing with foreign roads.
RV size: go big or go home
American RVs are giants compared to what you’re used to in Australia. You can hire smaller RVs in the USA of course, but don’t be surprised if the 30-foot RV you’ve hired (which you thought was massive) is the smallest in the RV park.
Roads: bigger and busier
American highways are massive – think six lanes wide in some places. They can also be busy, especially near big cities, so be ready for traffic. The road conditions vary depending on where you are. Some states have beautifully maintained roads, while others? Not so much. Speaking from experience, the roads in Nevada and California are great for hiring an RV, albeit busy at times in the latter USA state. Either way, they’re a huge step up from The Old Bruce.
Toilet dumping: a gross reality
In Australia, you’ll usually only find one dump point in the caravan park, and you have to wheel your portable toilet cassette to the dump point to empty it and clean it out. Your grey water often goes down a sewer hole at your site via a dedicated greywater hose.
In the USA, most sites have their own sewerage and grey water hook up and it all goes down the one sewer hole. It also all comes out of the one outlet in your RV rental. You simply run a dedicated waste hose from your RV to the sewerage hole in the ground, pull a lever and let gravity go to work. Once the black waste tank has emptied, you then pull a lever to empty the grey water tank. It’s always advisable to empty the grey water second as this helps to flush out your hose, which, remember, just had your black waste tank flow through it.
Sadly, when hiring an RV in the USA, the toilet cassette seems to last about the same as at home. So you’ll need to empty it every couple of days.
Fuel refills: It’s not petrol over here
In the USA, they call petrol “gas,” and LPG (what you’d think of as gas for cooking and heating) is just called “propane.” It’s easy to get confused, but you’ll get used to it. Fuel prices can vary widely in the USA, depending on the state, and given that you’re hiring an RV, you won’t have much of a choice between whether you get a diesel or petrol.
RV parks: no shortage of options
RV parks in the USA are everywhere, and they come in all shapes and sizes. The quality of RV parks varies greatly town by town in the USA. Some feel like a parking lot (because that’s what they are) and others are like swanky “resort” style parks with pools and spas. Just remember to book ahead during peak season or near national parks. One thing you will notice is that campers are friendly and most campgrounds have a large number of drive-through sites.
Free camping: a bit different than Australia
Free camping in the USA, or “boondocking” as they call it, is common but can be tricky in certain areas. National forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites are your best bet for a free stay, but rules vary from place to place. Always check the local regulations before you set up camp.
One thing to remember when you hire an RV in the USA is that they’re usually not set up for extended off-grid living, with limited solar and very average-sized holding tanks.
Costs of hiring an RV in the USA: a mixed bag
Hiring an RV in the USA is generally cheaper than hiring one in Australia, even when taking into consideration the AUD to USD conversion. Campground fees are on par with Australia and fuel prices are a mixed bag. You’ll also need to pay extra for linen and a kitchen kit when hiring an RV in the USA.
In general, you can expect it to be slightly more cost effective than Australia, but by no means would you consider it a budget holiday. Costs can be reduced dramatically by keeping an eye out for discounts in the off-season and shoulder seasons.
Gas refill (LPG): not as common as in Australia
LPG, or propane, is the go-to for cooking and heating in most RVs. In Australia, we tend to use swap-n-go gas bottles, which you’ll find at nearly every servo. However, when hiring an RV in the USA, you need to get your gas refilled at a refill station, and swap-n-go isn’t a common option. Refill stations are not found in every small town, so you’ll need to keep an eye on things and plan accordingly.
Top tips for a smooth RV adventure in the USA
Hiring an RV in the USA can be an incredible experience, but it’s definitely a different beast compared to cruising around Australia. With a bit of prep and the right mindset, you’ll be off on an epic road trip in no time!
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