If you are considering an RV rental, and have been searching high and low for the perfect vehicle, the first thing you should be aware of is: Who and where you are renting your RV from is equally or more important than the RV itself.

Vehicles can be arranged and reserved from any number of sources such as RV rental dealers, private owners, travel agencies and through online booking engines.

Many online companies and booking websites claiming to be RV rental "specialists" or "outlets offering vehicles to consumers through their websites, however many are simply third party booking agents working on commission and NOT the actual RV rental companies, owners or dealers you will be renting from.

PROFESSIONAL RV RENTAL PROVIDERS

There are many reasons why a professional RV rental dealer who manages and maintains their own fleet is the best source for RV rentals.  Dealing direct, as opposed to through a third party, you are likely to get more accurate information, with less room for errors or misrepresentations.  Additionally, since rental companies have actual, physical possession and control over their motorhomes means they are familiar with their own vehicles and can provide customers with the proper instruction and 24 hour support should it become necessary.  Good quality rental operators have access to nationwide mobile RV service networks which can be dispatched to any location with one call.

At Allstar Coaches, we even take it a step further.  In additional to offering our award winning round-the-clock support, every motorhome rental is assigned a dedicated support technician an concierge and provided with their 24-hour on call mobile phone number.  Hit the wrong switch and inadvertently shut down your motorhome at 2AM? No worries. Allstar is right there to walk you through it.

Additionally, RV rental dealers also have plenty of experience with RVing in general, so they can offer recommendations and assist with trip planning based on their customer's preferences and level of experience.

Renting an RV from a dealer who is reputable is important.  Allstar Coaches is an established, accredited A rated company with the BBB and is an active member of RVIA, RVRA, ASTA, the Chamber of Commerce and is the preferred RV rental vendor for American Express Centurion/ Black Card Services.

THIRD PARTY BOOKING COMPANIES AND WEBSITES

Although RV rentals can be sourced through a number of different outlets (RV rental companies, private owners, travel agents, third party RV booking websites, etc.), it is best to avoid third parties altogether and only rent the vehicle directly from the operator. 

Many online sites who claim to be RV rental specialists or outlets may offer RV rentals, however they are NOT the actual rental companies or vendors who physically manage actual rental fleets. 

The potential hazards from using third party booking outlets to arrange an RV rental can range from misrepresentation to vehicle bait and switch to showing up to pick up your vehicle and learning that the RV dealer operator hasn't even been paid for the rental.  Another potential hazard is breaking down and getting stranded in your RV.  Say you've have embarked on your RV trip and now find yourself on the road needing service?  Who are you going to call? Only professional RV rental dealers have the expertise and resources to provide you with the roadside assistance or technical support you'll need to get you back on the road quickly.  TIP: It's best to avoid third parties altogether, however if you have already booked your RV through an outside agency or online site, obtain the contact information for the RV owner or rental company immediately and follow up with them directly to confirm you indeed have a confirmed reservation and that the provider has been paid by the booking company.

PRIVATE MOTORHOME RENTALS

Sourcing your motorhome rental directly from a private owner has it's upsides, however there are also serious risks to it as well.  Although private RV rentals are generally well equipped and maintained, most private owners do not have the resources or experience to properly administer motorhome rentals, troubleshoot mechanical issues or to instantly dispatch mobile service nationwide should it become necessary.   Also, in the worst case scenario, private owners (unlike professional RV dealers) do not have a fleet of vehicles which can be substituted or swapped out in a case of total mechanical breakdown.  TIP: If you are going to rent an RV from a private owner, before booking it ask them what happens if I show up and the RV is damaged or broken down... or if there is a mechanical issue while out on the road.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

That old saying also rings true when it comes to renting a motorhome.  Who wants to travel out to the sticks to pickup or return your motorhome rental?  Professional RV rental companies who are reputable and established generally maintain commercially zoned, centrally located RV rental depots in high traffic areas.  Not only is this convenient for customers -  it makes servicing and properly maintaining a fleet of motorhomes much easier and more cost effective because of the ability to service and repair vehicles on site.  Smaller or startup RV rental outfits which are located in very rural areas, residential locations or are far off the beaten path can be huge red flags since they are located far from maintenance and service facilities.  Think about it - if they have to take their vehicles an hour into town, burn a couple hours of fuel in doing so just to get an oil change, ask yourself - how often is that really getting done?   TIP: Avoid RV rentals from very rural or residentially based sources altogether.