Renting an RV opens the door to a kind of travel that’s equal parts freedom, flexibility, and unpredictability. Whether you’re setting out for a weekend road trip or planning to live out of the unit for weeks at a time, RV rentals can deliver unforgettable experiences—but they also come with quirks and challenges that many first-time renters don’t expect.
RVs are often marketed as “homes on wheels,” and while that sounds ideal, the reality is more complex. RVs are hybrids—part house, part vehicle—but not quite built to the same standards as either. They’re designed to be lightweight, mobile, and self-contained, which means compromises are made in structure, durability, and ease of use. Things will shake. Things will rattle. And eventually, things will break.
This post isn’t meant to scare you—it’s here to set realistic expectations so you’re not caught off guard. We’ll walk through what you need to know, what issues are common (and often unavoidable), and how to get the most out of your RV rental—whether it’s a quick getaway or a longer journey.
How RVs Are Built—and Why It Matters
When people picture an RV, they often imagine it as a car that feels like a home—or a house that can drive. But RVs are neither, and that matters a lot when it comes to how they perform on the road and how they hold up over time. They’re not as sturdy as houses and not as tough as vehicles. And the way they’re built affects everything about how they function, how they hold up, and what renters should realistically expect.
Unlike homes, RVs are built to be lightweight and mobile. Unlike cars and trucks, they have to support living spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and beds—all packed into a rolling shell. That means manufacturers use thinner walls, cheaper materials, softer flooring, lighter construction methods to make sure the unit is towable or drivable without requiring a semi-truck to move it and components that are built for flexibility and function—not long-term durability. And unlike traditional vehicles, they’re not engineered to handle constant movement and road vibration with the same resilience. They’re a compromise—built to do a little of both, which makes them more vulnerable to wear and tear across the board. While most look good on the surface, they’re not built for heavy-duty daily use the way a real house or full-size vehicle would be.
It’s also worth noting that RV tires are not the same as passenger vehicle or truck tires. They're often made with softer sidewalls, rated for different loads, and can wear down unevenly due to long stationary periods followed by heavy use. They’re more susceptible to damage from heat, road debris, and improper inflation—especially if not checked regularly. Blowouts are a real risk, and unlike cars, tire failures in RVs can lead to significant body damage or trip delays.
There’s also a key difference between drivable RVs (like Class A or Class C motorhomes) and towable RVs (like travel trailers and fifth wheels). Drivables are essentially oversized vehicles—and they drive like it. The bigger they are, the louder they are on the road. Expect rattling cabinets, wind noise, creaks, and groans. Handling is also a big adjustment—especially in wind, rain, or tight turns. Meanwhile, towables don't make noise while being towed, but they shift more in motion and can be harder to stabilize once parked, especially without leveling equipment or experience.
Now factor in rental use. A personal RV might get used for 2–3 weekends a year—on average no more than two weeks in a year. A rental unit? It’s used hard. It’s on the road for several months a year—sometimes back-to-back trips without downtime. Even the best-maintained RVs experience more wear and tear than any personal unit ever would. Parts shake loose, plumbing gets pushed to its limits, and features wear down faster. Every road trip puts strain on the structure. Every renter uses things a little differently. Plus, because RVs are constructed with wood paneling, particleboard, and various fasteners and adhesives, there’s always some amount of leftover construction debris or small broken-down fragments hiding in corners or under furniture. Every time the unit is moved, those bits shift and reappear—no matter how thoroughly it was cleaned before departure. It's common to find small wood splinters or dust in unexpected places, especially after transit. It’s not a defect—it’s reality.
On top of that, some critical systems—like generators—can and do break down, especially during longer trips, excessive use, or extreme heat. When that happens, roof AC units will not work, leaving you with only the dash AC in drivables—which is usually insufficient to cool the entire RV. This can quickly become uncomfortable or even unsafe in high temperatures, potentially forcing renters to exit the RV and find an alternate, cooler place to stay until the issue is resolved. A failed generator doesn’t just affect comfort—it can throw off entire travel plans if you're not prepared. If you're expecting the same comfort level as your home or a hotel, you will be disappointed.
That’s not a flaw. It’s the nature of the beast.
For renters, this means two things:
- Even a brand-new or high-end RV may have quirks or minor issues. These don’t always mean the unit isn’t usable—it just means it’s been used.
- Things will go wrong even when everything was working perfectly before you got it. RVs are fragile, and the constant motion, heat, cold, humidity, and shaking can lead to unexpected hiccups.
This isn’t to say RVs aren’t awesome. They are. But they’re not built to be flawless—they’re built for adventure and to make memories along the way. But it’s important to go in knowing that discomfort is part of the deal. Something will rattle. Something might leak. Something might fail. It’s not just a trip—it’s an adventure. And adventures, by nature, come with a few bumps. The more you understand that upfront, the more prepared you’ll be to roll with whatever bumps may come.
Common Misunderstandings & Failures
Most issues during an RV rental aren’t caused by poor maintenance or bad luck—they’re caused by misunderstandings. Renters often expect RVs to function like houses and drive like regular vehicles, but RVs are their own thing entirely. This disconnect leads to frustration when systems don’t behave the way people are used to—and when things break, it's often because they were used incorrectly or beyond their limits.
The longer the rental, the more likely things are to go wrong. It’s not a question of “if,” but “when.” Road vibration, extended usage, and environmental stress take a toll—especially over multiple weeks. On top of that, renters unfamiliar with RV systems are more likely to make small mistakes that cause big problems: like forgetting to turn off breakers before disconnecting shore power or trying to drive off with slide-outs extended. Even well-meaning guests can cause damage if they don’t fully understand how these systems work. That’s why proper research and diligence, walkthroughs, and ongoing attention are so important—especially for longer trips or first-time renters.
Plumbing, Tanks, and Water Use
Black tanks should never be left open, even when connected to a sewer hookup. These tanks are designed to hold waste and be flushed periodically—leaving the valve open lets liquids drain but causes solids to build up and harden. Once a clog forms, it usually can't be cleared with plungers (which don’t work on RV toilets) or typical tank wands. In fact, wands rarely work at all. You’ll likely need a 40-foot sewer rod with an arrow-shaped auger to attempt to break through the blockage.
That said, if you flush anything other than human waste and RV-safe toilet paper—including tampons, diapers, paper towels, or wipes (even the ones labeled “flushable”)—you’re almost guaranteed to cause a serious clog. These items do not break down and can cause permanent buildup or damage. If the blockage cannot be cleared, it may require a full tank replacement, which can cost several thousand dollars. This type of damage is never covered by insurance and is always the renter’s responsibility.
Gray tanks may be left open when hooked up to a sewer line—this is often the safest option during trips involving showers or dishwashing. With most RVs, just one or two regular showers is enough to fill the gray tank, and once full, the water has nowhere to go. That means it will leak back into the shower pan or sink basins, pooling on the floor. Leaving the tank open lets it drain continuously, but there is a tradeoff: it can allow sewer fumes to enter the RV.
Also note that tank sizes vary significantly by RV, and most hot water heaters hold only 6–10 gallons. That’s usually not even enough for a regular shower—just enough to bird bathe. Below is a sample chart showing average tank capacities and what kind of usage you can expect before running out of water or filling up waste tanks; this assumes water is not used for any purposes other than showering (e.g., washing hands or dishes, toilet use):
|
RV Model |
Gray Capacity (gal) |
Fresh Capacity (gal) |
Hot Water Capacity (gal) |
Est. Showers to Fill Gray Tank |
Est. Showers to Empty Fresh Tank |
Est. Showers Until Out of Hot Water |
|
2018 Coachmen Mirada 35BH |
90 |
70 |
6 |
45 minutes |
35 minutes |
3 to 4 minutes |
|
2023 Rambler Eclipse 34J |
37 |
50 |
10 |
18 minutes |
25 minutes |
5 to 7 minutes |
|
2015 Four Winds 28A |
25 |
40 |
6 |
12 minutes |
20 minutes |
3 to 4 minutes |
|
2022 Olympia Sport 19BH |
30 |
26 |
6 |
15 minutes |
13 minutes |
3 to 4 minutes |
Awnings, Slide-Outs & High-Failure Components
Awnings are damaged in about 95% of trips where they’re used. Most damage occurs due to surprise wind gusts or rain pooling, which strains the arms or fabric. Awnings are one of the most expensive parts to replace, with costs typically ranging from $2,000 to $6,800 depending on size and damage. Insurance rarely covers awnings, so this cost usually falls entirely on the renter.
Slide-outs must never be opened unless the RV is fully leveled. Extending or retracting them when the rig is tilted causes misalignment, gear stripping, or mechanical failure. Like awnings, mechanical slide-out repairs are not covered by insurance if caused by user error, and renters may be liable.
Driving & Experience Assumptions
Experience behind the wheel—whether it's from prior RV use or holding a CDL license—doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride. Every RV drives differently, especially when it comes to steering lag, braking, swaying in wind, and reacting to passing semis. In fact, CDL drivers are often the most overconfident—and most caught off guard by how different an RV feels compared to a commercial truck.
Per the rental agreement, RVs should never be driven or towed faster than 55 mph, even if the posted speed limit is higher. We strongly recommend staying in the right lane, where there’s less interaction with passing traffic. If the posted speed limit is higher than your speed or higher than 55 mph, you should turn on your hazard lights to indicate to other vehicles that you are a slow-moving vehicle. RVs are sensitive to wind and movement—being pushed off course by a semi or swerving accidentally is more common than most people expect.
Caution and adherence to safe practices while driving is even more important when towing anything behind an RV. Towing with or behind an RV is not the same as hauling a trailer with a truck—and the risks are significantly higher. Whether it’s flat towing, using a dolly, or hauling on a trailer, towing adds mechanical strain and dramatically increases the risk of accidents or failure. Of all methods, dollies tend to be the riskiest. Even with correct setup and experience, failures can happen. This isn’t a warning—it’s a reality. If you tow a vehicle, backing up is strongly discouraged and often impossible without causing damage. If you're considering towing anything, you must request and pay for the towing add-on. Unauthorized towing is prohibited and will result in fees and full renter responsibility for any damage, even if the towing occurred briefly or caused no apparent issue. Also, episodic rental insurance does not cover damages to any items towed behind the RV unless they have separate policies purchased.
Power Confusion: What Renters Get Wrong
RV electrical systems are complex, and many renters assume that if something doesn’t work, it’s broken—but that’s usually not the case. RVs use a mix of shore power, generators, batteries, and inverters, and many systems only function when plugged into a non-battery power source.
- Outlets, TVs, and most appliances require shore power or a generator—they won’t run on battery or inverter alone.
- Generators often fail when overloaded, especially if air conditioners are left in the “on” position during startup. That creates a surge that can trip the generator or cause the surge protector to block power altogether.
- RV generators also require altitude adjustments—if you’re traveling to high elevations and the settings aren’t updated, the generator can run rough or not at all.
- Air filters on the generator can clog quickly—especially if driving or parked on dusty, dirt, or gravel roads. If not cleaned, the generator can overheat and shut down, and it won’t restart until cleaned and cooled.
- Surge protectors are essential. If they detect unsafe shore power (which happens more than you’d think), they’ll block the connection to protect the RV. The source may need an electrician to fix it—it’s almost never a problem with the surge protector itself. Bypassing the surge protector to force power through is 100% at renter’s risk—and if it damages the RV, you’ll be fully liable. This type of damage is usually not covered by insurance.
- If your unit has 50-amp service and you're plugged into 30-amp, expect frequent breaker trips, especially if using AC or microwaves. In summer, ambient heat can also trip breakers more often than usual.
- Other common electrical culprits: GFCI resets, blown fuses, or tripped breakers. Many of these can be fixed in seconds, but only if you know what to look for.
AC & Heat: Even When It Works, It Struggles
RV air conditioning units can only do so much—especially in extreme heat. They’re designed to reduce interior temperature gradually, not cool like a residential HVAC system. On hot days, interior temps can stay above 80°F even with the AC running full blast. This is normal and not a sign of malfunction—it’s just what happens when thin insulation, direct sunlight, and internal heat sources combine.
Maintenance, Support & Renter Responsibility
Even though RVs are rented out like hotels or cars, they’re more like short-term homes on wheels—and with that comes a level of shared responsibility. Once you drive or tow away, you’re not just a passenger. You’re part driver, part caretaker, and part troubleshooter.
You’re Responsible for Monitoring the RV
While we do our best to make sure everything is working before your trip starts, there will inevitably imperfections at the start of every rental. Also, systems can develop issues mid-rental simply due to usage, weather, road conditions, or wear. It’s your responsibility to:
- Monitor water levels (fresh, gray, black)
- Keep an eye on tire pressure and fuel/propane levels
- Report any warning lights or error codes promptly
- Address small issues (like tripped breakers, GFCI resets, clogged filters)
If you notice something off in an RV you have rented from us—whether it’s a smell, a strange noise, or a system not functioning—let us know immediately. Waiting until after the trip or failing to notify us at all will disqualify you from receiving any type of credit relating to items you ordinarily would not be responsible for or assistance. We and any applicable roadside assistance and troubleshooting provider need a full opportunity to help in real time, which requires renter participation and responsiveness. Note that flat tires are always the responsibility of the renter unless such tire can be proven to have had a defect that caused the blowout.
Roadside Assistance & Troubleshooting Aren’t Automatic
Some renters assume that help will come standard with any rental. But that’s not always the case. Unless you’ve purchased roadside assistance or support coverage, you’ll be responsible for coordinating and paying for any on-the-road repairs or service calls.
We always recommend adding this coverage—especially for longer trips, less-experienced renters, or routes far from major metro areas. Roadside assistance doesn't mean you're off the hook financially if something goes wrong. It means there's a support team to help coordinate solutions—especially those unique to RVs. You’re not stuck searching the internet in the middle of nowhere or relying on a car-focused towing service that can’t handle a motorhome.
Instead, roadside assistance gives you access to:
- RV-specific troubleshooting help
- Coordination of towing services
- Guidance locating mobile mechanics
- Recommendations for tire, battery, or lockout support
However, most services still come at your expense. Roadside assistance provides peace of mind and coordination—it doesn’t waive the cost of the repair or service itself.
Maintenance Isn’t Optional
If your rental spans several weeks or involves long driving legs, you’ll likely need to perform maintenance on the road. This could include among other things:
- Oil changes (especially for motorhomes clocking hundreds of miles)
- Generator service (cleaning filters, checking or changing oil, managing run time)
- Propane top-offs
- Tire pressure checks and refills
- Checking seal integrity after long highway drives or storms
These aren’t repairs—they’re standard upkeep that helps avoid bigger issues. And unless the issue is a defect or pre-existing failure, the responsibility falls on the renter to manage these basic tasks or cover the cost if neglected. Neglecting these can lead to avoidable breakdowns—and in some cases, further damage that may be billed back to you.
For trips booked with us under one month, we will pay for or reimburse you using an pre-approved provider for routine maintenance (like oil changes) if it falls within the mileage we’ve included for your reservation, subject to the terms of the rental agreement. For example:
- If your reservation includes 6,000 miles, and you drive 6,000 miles → we cover the associated maintenance
- If you drive 10,000 miles, we only cover the portion related to the included mileage → you’re responsible for maintenance triggered by the additional 4,000 miles
Renters Must Return the Unit in Comparable Condition
RVs must be returned in substantially the same condition as received, aside from normal wear from driving. That means:
- Emptying the black and gray tanks unless you’ve paid for tank dump service
- Removing trash and personal items
- Cleaning up major spills, smudges, or messes
- Returning all accessories and equipment
- No damage (interior or exterior)
If the RV is returned in poor condition—or if items are missing—you may be charged additional cleaning or replacement fees. Excessive dirt, pet hair, or odors can require specialized cleaning and deodorizing. Sand is especially problematic—it gets into vents, appliances, and upholstery, and is difficult to fully remove. If evidence of pets or sand is found beyond normal use, additional cleaning fees will apply. Smoking (including cigarettes, cigars, vapes, or cannabis) inside the RV or any evidence thereof (including smells) will result in a high cleaning fee due to the extensive effort required to eliminate smoke odors and residue. These policies are strictly enforced to maintain a clean, allergy-safe experience for future renters.
Insurance, Protections & Refund Expectations
RVs are high-cost, high-liability assets. Once your rental begins, you're fully responsible for the unit—and for protecting yourself from financial loss if something goes wrong. We do not issue refunds for problems or interruptions that occur during your trip. Instead, we offer a range of protection products to help you plan ahead and cover potential losses.
No Refunds After Your Reservation Begins
This is worth stating clearly: Once your trip starts, there are no refunds.
Even if something breaks. Even if it rains the whole time. Even if your travel plans change unexpectedly. RVs are not hotel rooms that can be turned over in a few hours or rebooked for a new guest the same day. Every reservation blocks off multiple days, if not weeks, of availability—and there are costs associated with preparation, logistics, staffing, and opportunity loss.
That’s why your protection comes beforehand, in the form of insurance—not afterward in the form of credit or refunds.
You Must Inspect the RV Before Taking It
Before departure, renters are expected to conduct a full pre-rental inspection—either on their own or with assistance from a professional, friend, or other trusted party if desired. Photos! Photos! More Photos! You can’t have enough to prove the condition of the RV prior to the start of the rental. Once you accept the RV and begin your trip, you're acknowledging that you've inspected it and are accepting it as-is. No credits, claims, or damage disputes will be considered unless there is clear photo and/or video evidence captured before departure showing the issue in question existed prior to the start of the reservation, or unless otherwise agreed in writing with the host.
Once the RV leaves our property or delivery location, responsibility shifts to the renter. That includes mechanical, operational, and cosmetic conditions unless explicitly documented beforehand.
Protection Options for Renters
We offer (or require, depending on your booking method) the ability to purchase the following protections:
Insurance: What’s Covered (and What’s Not)
You’ll have a combination of primary and secondary coverage in place:
- Renter's Insurance is Primary. This includes your auto or travel insurance as applicable.
- Coverage purchased through us for our providers is Secondary Excess Protection. This means it only applies after your primary policy is exhausted, and only for covered losses.
Note that tires are never covered by insurance, and awnings are rarely covered by insurance. Negligent operation, unauthorized modifications, and damage from improper use (like overloading electrical systems, ignoring maintenance, or improper leveling) are typically not covered. In short: insurance helps—but it’s not a free pass. You are still responsible for avoiding unnecessary risks and following all terms of use.
Interior Damage Protection
Covers accidental damage to the interior of the RV, up to a capped amount (e.g., $1,500). This is especially helpful for high-risk areas like cabinet latches, appliances, counters and flooring—damage that’s not typically covered by standard RV insurance policies. Interior damage is only covered when the RV is parked. If it occurs while driving, it's excluded.
Trip Protection & Cancellation Support
If you selected trip protection at booking, this adds a layer of support in case something unexpected prevents or disrupts your trip. According to the summary terms (based on our most commonly used provider), benefits may include:
- Trip cancellation/interruption reimbursement (e.g., due to illness, injury, natural disaster, or certain work conflicts)
- Baggage delay coverage
- Emergency travel and lodging assistance
- Some medical and evacuation benefits
However:
- Not all reasons are covered
- Coverage applies only to the traveler(s) listed and only within the policy limits
- Claims must be filed directly with the insurance provider and are subject to their verification and approval
This is the only way to protect yourself if your trip is interrupted or canceled due to an eligible event. If your RV breaks down and you’re unable to use it for a portion of your trip, this is the only path to possible reimbursement since once a rental starts there are no refunds. Without it, any costs you incur (hotels, taxis, food spoilage, lost activities) will be 100% your responsibility.
Participation Is Required When Things Go Wrong
All protection options require your participation. If you don’t report an issue, or if you continue using the RV without notifying us, you may forfeit any claim or eligibility for support. For example:
- If your AC stops working and you don’t tell us until after you return the unit, we can’t help—and you will waive any potential entitlement you would have had for refund or credit for amounts that could have been determined to not be your responsibility.
- If the RV becomes undrivable and you don’t contact us or roadside support, any costs or delays you incur may not be covered.
- If you're unreachable while support is trying to coordinate a repair, claim benefits may be denied.
Timely communication and cooperation are essential for us—and any third-party provider—to step in and assist.
Understanding Deductibles, Exclusions & Responsibility
If damage occurs during your rental and an insurance claim is filed, deductibles apply per occurrence—not per reservation. This means that if multiple unrelated incidents happen (like a cracked windshield and a separate plumbing issue), each may trigger its own deductible. In addition to deductibles, renter are responsible for exclusions from coverage and any related fees list in the rental agreements, such as damage administration fees, collection fees, and more.
Just as important: insurance coverage does not eliminate your responsibility. As the renter, you are responsible for the unit for the entire duration of your reservation, regardless of fault. If a storm hits while you’re away and causes damage, you’re still on the hook. If another driver hits you and flees, you're still responsible. If a system fails due to misuse or is excluded from coverage (such as awnings, interior damage while driving, or damage from improper operation), you are financially responsible—even if you didn’t intend for it to happen.
Insurance is there to help in major events, but it comes with exclusions, caps, and cost-sharing. It’s not a catch-all safety net—and it's crucial to read and understand what it does (and doesn’t) cover before your trip.
Understanding Wear, Loss & Acceptable Use
Normal use of an RV will result in some wear—that’s expected. But there’s a line between “wear and tear” and avoidable damage, and renters are responsible for anything that crosses that line.
What Counts as Normal Wear?
Minor surface scuffs, road dust, or a small amount of bug residue on the front cap are typical after a trip. Similarly, light dirt on the floor, smudges on windows, or loosened drawer latches from road vibration fall within the scope of expected wear. We won’t charge you for these.
What Doesn’t Count as Normal?
When wear results from misuse, neglect, or failure to follow instructions, it’s no longer “normal.” Some examples that do not count as ordinary wear and may be billed:
- Flooring damage from not removing gravel or sand before walking inside
- Deep scratches, stains, or burns in furniture, counters, or flooring
- Overloaded cabinets, drawers, or slides that warp or break
- Smudges or residue on ceilings, which usually indicate someone touched or leaned items where they shouldn’t
- Broken screen doors, bent hinges, or latches damaged by slamming or forcing shut
- Excessive interior mess, especially involving food, glitter, grease, markers, or pets
- Missing items (even small things like remotes, cables, hoses, leveling blocks, or kitchen gear)
- Any damage resulting from failure to follow care instructions provided in the guidebook or training or in the rental agreements
If it’s not something that would have occurred had the RV been operated and used normally, it likely counts as excessive wear or damage.
Towing puts significantly more strain on an RV than stationary use or local driving. It increases vibration, exposes the unit to more road debris, and stresses the suspension, undercarriage, tires, and seals. Over time, this accelerates wear and tear, shortens maintenance cycles, and raises the likelihood of damage or failure. That’s why rentals involving towing come at a higher cost—it’s not just about the mileage; it’s about the additional impact on the unit and the increased repairs and upkeep that come with it. Without purchasing the add on to tow, towing is strictly prohibited and any evidence of using the hitch receiver or towing could leave you responsible for daily towing fees even if your actual use was only for a few minutes.
Loss or Missing Items
You’re expected to return everything that came with the RV unless you purchased it free and clear. If something is missing—whether it’s a sewer hose, kitchen utensil, mattress topper, adapter, or power cord—you may be charged the replacement value plus administrative fees. Even if the item seems minor or inexpensive, many are part of custom kits and cannot be replaced individually.
Some items may not seem important but are critical to operation or the next rental. If you’re unsure whether something belongs to the RV, ask before removing it.
Delays & Day-One Downtime
While we do everything we can to ensure a smooth pickup, RV rentals are not like grabbing a hotel key or rental car. These are complex machines that often require last-minute adjustments, test runs, deep cleanings, or waiting on other renters to return late—any of which can cause delays. We ask for your patience, especially during peak season.
Sometimes, systems may not be 100% ready right at pickup. For example, a part may have arrived late and need quick installation, or we may still be finishing up preparation for your unit. In rare cases, unexpected issues arise that delay departure or delivery. We offer delivery for convenience, but delivery times are not guaranteed. While we aim for a target time and make every effort to arrive on schedule, factors like traffic, delays with other returns, prep needs, or mechanical issues can affect timing. If we arrive after midnight on your scheduled start date, we’ll issue a prorated rent credit from the later of 3:00 PM or your scheduled start time up until the actual delivery time. However, if delivery occurs before midnight, no rent credit will be issued—even if the arrival is later than expected. We recommend building flexibility into your plans, especially when coordinating third-party setups or early activities.
Every rental includes a period of time for the renter to complete a walkthrough and inspection of the RV prior to the start of the reservation. This is your chance to thoroughly inspect the RV, ask questions, document any cosmetic concerns with photos, and get familiar with how everything works. Note that our renter portal provides renters with access to training resources. Depending on the RV type, this process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours—sometimes more. Class Cs typically take about 1 hour, while Class As can take 2–3 hours or longer due to their complexity. If a drive test is required or requested, that’s also done during this time. We build this in to help renters feel confident and ensure systems are in working order at handoff. It’s not just for your peace of mind—it protects you too, since proper documentation and understanding at the start can avoid issues later.
You should always expect some level of “settling in” time on Day One. This isn’t unusual and isn’t a basis for a refund. It's common in RV travel and part of the experience. Allow yourself a buffer in your itinerary, especially if planning a long drive the same day as pickup.
If something isn’t working at handoff, we’ll let you know. In most cases, we’ll attempt a quick fix, schedule service along your route, or offer a workaround if the issue doesn’t affect safe operation. But just like with flights or rentals at airports, delays and minor hiccups at departure can and do happen—so plan accordingly.
Note on Industry-Wide Expectations
While this guide includes details specific to our rental process and policies, the majority of what’s discussed here applies broadly to all RV rentals—not just ours. The expectations, responsibilities, and liability structure outlined reflect standard industry practices. Things like renter liability regardless of fault, lack of refund for mid-trip issues, per-incident deductibles, limited coverage for certain components (like tires or awnings), and renter responsibility for wear, loss, and mid-trip maintenance are common across most RV rental platforms and private hosts.
The truth is, many renters approach RV trips expecting a seamless vacation—like booking a hotel on wheels. But RVs aren’t hotels, houses, or cars. They’re complex machines that require active participation and flexibility. When renters approach RV travel with misaligned expectations, it often leads to dissatisfaction—not because something was done wrong, but because the reality didn’t match the fantasy. Unfortunately, that frustration is often misdirected at hosts or rental companies who are simply enforcing norms that apply across the entire industry.
We’re here to help set the record straight—not to scare you off, but to ensure you go into your trip informed and prepared. RVing is an adventure. Understanding what to expect makes it far more likely you’ll enjoy it.
Final Thoughts: Adventure, Not Perfection
RVing is about adventure—not perfection. These are complex machines, often 20,000 to 30,000 pounds or more, with dozens of systems working together in unpredictable environments. Even when perfectly maintained, they’re not flawless. Things rattle. Power flickers. Showers are short. ACs struggle in the heat. But that’s part of the journey. Expect a mix of beauty and bumps. With the right mindset—flexibility, patience, and a little humor—your trip can be unforgettable for all the right reasons. Treat the RV with care, lean into the experience, and remember: adventure doesn’t come with room service.