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Are you interested in the RV lifestyle but not sure if it’s the right fit for you and your family? Are you in the market to buy an RV but not sure which type of RV is a good fit? You are not alone. RVing and RV rental are becoming more and more popular every year. According to the RV Industry Association, the increase in popularity may lead to 46 million people taking RV trips next year. That’s a lot of traffic on the road. We put together some of the great points, and not so great points of buying vs. renting an RV if you are one of the 46 million. So, let’s jump right in.
Buying
The Good – It is like your home away from home.
- Less packing and unpacking. Once you get your rig set up for your needs, most of the things you need for a trip stay in the RV. So, you save tons of time packing and unpacking and more time with the family.
- RVing community. There is definitely a community of like-minded folks out there on the road. We have met some amazing people out there.
- You sleep in your own bed and use your own things. Think toilet, shower, kitchen.
- It gives you a sense of freedom. When you get ready to hit the road, there is nothing holding you back.
- Your money goes into an asset rather than spending that money on hotels, eating out, etc.
- You are able to cook and prepare your own meals. Again, saving money on eating out while traveling.
The Bad – Cost of ownership
- You get hit with interest and finance charges
- Maintenance costs. If something breaks, it has to be fixed. Things like tires are not cheap for an RV.
- Storage costs. If you don’t have room at your house, monthly storage fees can get pricey
- And lastly, your fuel bill will increase. Whether you have a drivable or towable rig, your gas costs will go up.
The Ugly – Sewage
- Need I say more?
Renting
The Good of RV Rental – Try before you buy
- This gives you a great intro into the RV lifestyle. Renting gives you the opportunity to “test the waters” before just diving in.
- In some cases, the RV can be delivered. There are some rental agencies that offer delivery and set-up to your destination for an additional fee.
- You can try several different types of RV’s.
- There is no cost of ownership as listed above.
- Peer-to-peer renting. A lot of RV owners rent out their private rigs to make a few bucks on the side.
The Bad of RV Rental – You can’t make it your “own”
- Renting is not very cost effective over time. Depending on how often you travel or camp, renting can get very expensive.
- The best sites are reserved months in advance, especially during the holidays and long weekends. You may find a great deal on a rental but can’t find a place to go.
- Rules. You may find that the rental doesn’t allow pets, or smoking.
- You can’t decorate to your liking. Decorating your rig is what makes it “yours”.
The Ugly of RV Rental – Sewage
- Just like owning, you will have to deal with sewage. Only when you are renting, the sewage may or not be your own. Let that sink in for a minute.
Hopefully we didn’t just muddy the waters for you. There are great things about owning an RV, and there are bad things. Personally, we love having ours. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
