If you have decided to Rent an RV

hIf you looked at the pros and cons of renting vs. owning an RV and decided to rent an RV, here are some places you can go to rent an RV.

First of all, you can go to RVtrader.com to either rent or buy an RV.
RVrental.com for rentals in USA, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
USArvrentals.com have many locations throughout the USA where you can rent RVs.
Privatemotorhomerental.com is a place you can rent RVs in USA or Canada.

Here's a book that can help you choose a rental RV Rentals: A Vacationer's Guide Please support my cause to one day soon own an RV.

RVing and Life

In many ways, RVing is like life. The first way I can think is enjoying the journey. Many people at many times in life feel like the destination is all that is important. If that's the case, just take a plane. I know that for me personally, I don't like planes, but I put up with them because I want to get to the destination quickly. If you have ever watched the movie "RV" with Robin Williams, the initial goal was the destination, but the journey ended up being the most important thing. It's strange how the destination can change based on the journey; goals can shift and one can realize what is really the most important.

RVing is also like life because there are going to have to be some repairs along the way. If the RV does not get fixed, just like an attitude, temper, inability to stand up for yourself, etc., it can be a LONG road ahead. The ability to make mid-course corrections or stop for repairs helps the ability to get to the destination safely and easily. Changing what is not working for the RV or the person inside the RV makes for a more pleasurable journey.

Before going on a trip RVing, preparations must be made. Just as important, preparations must be made on this trip called life. Whether in school, on the job, or elsewhere, presentations of some sort need to be made. The more preparations are made for major life events, the more smooth the transitions become. Rudy Guilliani, mayor of New York during 9/11 attacks, said that if you prepare for all possible outcomes, you also are ready when the unanticipated events occur. In addition, the anticipation of the event make the preparations almost fun.

In RVing and in life, sometimes the memories are what stays with you. At times, it's the happy memories of how the family bonded on the vacation/service project/spring cleaning of the house. Sometimes, it is who you became because you went on the journey. Other times, it's the vacation/day where everything went wrong that creates the most memories. All it takes is time, maybe lots of time, to laugh at the experience. Because of those memories, we often have desire to take the journey again another time.

There are also many differences between RVing and life, but who wants to focus on differences? Too many times we focus on differences (men/women, black/white, American/any other nation, rich/broke, Republican/Democrat), so for once, I just wanted to focus on similarities.

RV Parts

Parts and accessories are now more easy to come by than ever with the internet and so many different places to go. Many times, you can get RV parts and repair at RV dealerships. You can also go to my RV Parks/Resorts page to find a few ideas for websites of places who sell RV parts. You can also go to Adventurerv.net, Tweetys.com or bigdiscountrv.com for discount parts. JCWhitney.com/parts is a place you can go to get a year guarantee and free shipping. RVpartsoutlet.net claims to be "leading the world in RV parts."

You can also go on Amazon. com, and there are many parts you can purchase. If you need a book that teaches you to repair the RV once you have the parts (if needed), this may help you. It will also help support my dream to own an RV. RV Repair and Maintenance Manual (Trailer Life)

RV Parking long term

If you want to park long-term somewhere you might want to look at parking it at a storage unit that allows space for RVs. You can go to XLstorage.com, allinsidervstorage.com or extraspace.com for those options. If you are looking for short-term storage while RVing, you can look at the sites I have in my "RV parks/ RV Beaches" blog entry, or you can also check out freecampgrounds.com.
There are many different sites on a Google Search, but I think the above sites will meet your needs. If you have any other ideas for RV parking, let me know.

If you're planning to store an RV, Amazon.com also has some ideas like: Comfortable RV Living: Storage, Security, & Maintenance (The Good Sam Club Essential RVers Collection) Purchase will help you and me a little, but I'm sure mostly you.

Rent/ Buy an RV - Top 10 Reasons to do either

10. Make new friends while camping in RV parks.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors and take a little bit of home.

8. Watch a football game on TV while traveling on the road to a live football game.

7. Have a movie marathon, play a video game, or a (REAL sized) board game on the road and be able to ENJOY it.

6. A CLOSET to hang up your clothes, so you don’t LOOK like a tourist.

5. More leg room!

4. Save money by not paying for plane ticket and hotel stay as well.

3. Say goodbye to those DISGUSTING bathrooms in rest stops.

2. No more kids saying, “Are we there YET?” (rather, “Are we there ALREADY?”)

1. RVs make for the most comfortable trip to wherever you travel.

Buy or Rent RV? THAT is the question!

There are many reasons to choose to purchase an RV. The first one is the pride of ownership. Who doesn’t like the feeling of owning something large, especially if it can increase your net worth and credit score as well?! Owning a prize that you have worked long and hard to pay off can be very rewarding and satisfying.

Also, when you own an RV, you can do whatever you want with it. Have you ever rented a house, apartment, or RV that you wanted to paint the walls? Carpet? Change something you just couldn’t STAND?! Well, in owning the RV, you can change whatever you want. That also goes for making add-ons or improving the interior or exterior. What color scheme do you like best?

When you own an RV, you can leave your stuff in the spots you want it for your next trip. What an embarrassment when you have something super important (like sunscreen) that you thought you had already packed and realize when you need it most that you don’t have it. When you’re close to a store, great, but what if you aren’t?

In owning an RV, you get to decide when something needs to be fixed, and when it’s just cosmetic. I don’t know if you have ever nicked someone else’s car, and had to pay hundreds of dollars for repairs, but RV rental shops have the right to charge you for anything they decide to charge you for. With ownership, you pay for it once, then just the normal repair or improvements, as you would with any vehicle.


There are also many reasons to rent an RV. The first one would be, if you don’t go RVing very often, it may not be worth it to spend the money on owning one. Yes, there are many different types of RVs with some less-expensive, as you’ll see in my glossary of terms, but maybe a one-week excursion once a year is all you have time for with your job. In that case, it just may not be worth the upkeep of owning an RV.

Also, when renting an RV, you can try out different types of RVs and different makes and models on for size. If you had simply purchased an RV first, you may not have known which make and model you really wanted. Renting is a way to try before you buy.

To rent is not to make a commitment. You may like a certain make and model now, but maybe in 3 years, you will want the biggest, newest and best. With renting you have that option, but it costs the price of the RV minus the depreciation when you buy and sell. Renting is a way of leasing the newest model every time you go RVing.
Maybe you don’t like cleaning up after yourself. You’ll have to pay an extra fee, but, if you don’t mind that, renting is possibly the best way for you to go. No, hours of cleaning and servicing the RV before making that big trip. All you have to do is choose the RV you want, based on availability, fill out the paperwork, pack up your stuff and away you go.

Maybe you don’t want to spend all the gas to get someplace (especially with the MPG RVs usually have), but you’d rather go in your normal vehicle to your destination city, and rent an RV when you get there. If you plan on going to an RV resort or RV beach, that may be the way to go. Then, you’ll already have the normal vehicle if you need to stock up on more munchies or go to a movie without having to find RV parking.

That’s another thing- if you don’t own an RV you don’t have to find someplace to park it around your place of residence. Some places of residence have plenty of parking and some don’t. Think of all the space you’ll save in the off-season (if there is an off-season). All you have to do is let the RV rental places deal with RV parking while RVs aren’t being used.

RV Resort/Park Campground/Beach – How to Find and also just general information for RV enthusiasts

For information on national parks, click here.

To check out the Industry Risk Rating of American RV parks, check this out! RV Parks Campgrounds in the US - Industry Risk Rating Report

To learn about Market Research Report for RV Parks, you can look at this product:RV Parks Campgrounds in the US - Industry Market Research Report

For general information about RV Parks and Services, check out this book.  Trailer Life RV Parks, Campgrounds and Services Directory 2010 (Trailer Life Directory : Campgrounds, Rv Parks Services) or this book will also give information on tent camping: Frommer's Best RV and Tent Campgrounds in the U.S.A. (Frommer's Best Rv & Tent Campgrounds in the USA)

If you're wanting to know about logistics of RV park operation, here are some CDs that might help you out: How to Buy, Sell, Operate and Turnaround an RV Parks and Campgrounds Home Study Course

If all you want are websites that you can look up the information you want, here are a few of them:


www.rvtrader.com – Information on buying and selling Class A, B, and C RVs, campers, camping trailers, fifth wheels, park home RVs, toy haulers; finding RV campgrounds; renting RVs; parts & accessories; RV financing; RV insurance; RV blog; articles on tips for RVers – GREAT resource for many RV needs.


www.gorving.com – Cute little animals on a forest stage scene for introduction; Shop for class A and C RVs, camping trailers, campers, fifth wheels, travel trailers, sport utility RVs to rent or buy; how to go RVing affordably; Activities; Campgrounds; Games to do while on the road; Connect to RV community through Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Blog; RV shows; Join their E-Newsletter.


www.forless.com -  search for “RVs” and you’ll find parts (battery, tire cover, RV cover, trailer hitch and the like), search for “RV camping” and find RVs for sale.


http://www.justanswer.com/car/rv RV repair advice - type in a question and you have an RV technician expert answer that question.


http://www.ultimatervcamping.com/rv_resorts.html Your complete RV park directory – an e-book I wish I had written that you can download for FREE.

http://camping.lovetoknow.com/Beach_Camping_Parks - Mentions different states you can RV camp in and which RV beach parks can accommodate you and your RV.

https://www.goodsamclub.com -  An RV camping club you can join to get discounts at Sam-endorsed RV parks; RV tips, advice, & story magazine; technical advice & information; RV trip planning.


http://www.beachcombercamp.com/ Looks like a really cool RV camp in New Jersey; they claim it’s the best tent camping and best RV camping, has 3 kiddie pools & 3 adult pools.

http://www.camping.com/community/camp-styles/1306 Find and book a campsite. Talks about many different types of beach camping, camping gear, tips about RV camping, RV classifieds to buy or sell an RV, search for RV campgrounds & RV parks.

http://rvparkhunter.com/ Just click on the button that says “enter here” and choose a state to find an RV park – well designed site


http://www.outdoor-resorts.com/ RV Resort sites you can vacation or purchase.


www.sprintertour.com A blog about a retired couple who wants to go to 50 National Parks in 217 days and their journeying thus far. Sounds like the type of thing my husband and I would like to do as well.


http://www.rvoutlet.com/ Forclosed and Discounted Class A & C RVs, Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers.

www.campjellystone.com/ Information about Jellystone RV beach resort.


http://www.rv-beach.com/ Just pick on the state you want, and find an RV beach (hint: don’t choose Utah)

To find a more extensive list, here's a book Wheelers 2009 RV Resort & Campground Guide (Wheelers Rv Resort and Campground Guide)

Glossary of Terms

1. Recreational Vehicle - a van or utility vehicle used for recreational purposes, as camping, and often equipped with living facilities. Abbreviation: RV (www.dictionary.com) If you have Dish Network and would like to use it on the road, this might help Dish Network DISH500 Portable Satellite Kit for Campers and RV's Please help me get an RV!

2. Camping/Coleman Trailer - In addition to calling them folding trailers, pop-ups, or fold-downs…you can also call them North America’s number one selling folding camping trailer-a position we’ve earned every year since 1979 (www.colemantrailers.com).
If you own a Camping Trailer and would like a bike camping trailer as well, Kamp-Rite Midget Bushtrekka Bicycle Camper Trailer with Oversize Tent Cot

3. Camper – Also called pickup camper, truck camper. A trucklike vehicle, van, or trailer that is fitted or suitable for recreational camping, or a pickup truck on which a structure fitted for camping is mounted (www.dictionary.com)
If you own a camper and need some way to light up your camper, this might help 16.4 feet 300 SMD LED Flexible Strip,Waterproof, 12 Volt LED Ribbon 5 Meter Reel Red, 2047RD

4. Class “A” RV – The Class A motorhome, also commonly referred to as the conventional motorhome, is the largest, most luxurious of the motorized RVs. This motorhome is a virtual "home away from home" on wheels that is fully loaded and equipped for short trips, lengthy vacations or even full-timing. The Class A is entirely constructed on a bare, specially designed motor vehicle chassis SIZE: 21 to 40 feet. COST: $48,000 to over $300,000. (www.rvtrader.com). If you need an RV cover for your Class any of your RV types, you can find many sizes on Amazon.com similar to this one ADCO Dupont Tyvek Class A RV Cover - 37'1" - 40' w/ or w/o bus style mirrors

5. Class “B” RV – Also commonly referred to as the van camper, the Class B Motorhome is a panel-truck that has been customized to include temporary sleeping, eating and bathroom facilities. SIZE: 16 to 21 feet. COST: $33,000 to $65,000 (www.rvtrader.com).

6. Class “C” RV - The Class C motorhome, sometimes referred to as a mini-motorhome, provides the conveniences of a larger motorhome in a scaled-down version and at a lower price. The Class C is built on an automotive manufactured van frame with an attached cab section SIZE: 20 to 28 feet. COST: $39,000 to $67,000 (www.rvtrader.com).

7. RV Fifth Wheel - This trailer is mounted to a special hitch in the bed section of the pickup truck. You will recognize it from the "gooseneck" section that extends over the towing truck. It rests for support on the bed of the truck via a horizontal plate that resembles a wheel (ergo, "fifth wheel). Your tow truck will need to be specially equipped to accept this hitch. Although you will not be able to use the bed of the truck, the fifth wheel usually locates the master bedroom in the section that is supported by the truck bed. This trailer measures from twenty feet to over forty and its features, although potentially stripped down, can compare to a high end travel trailer. The larger models are built strong to withstand road stress and have slide out rooms for increased square footage. And like the travel trailer, there is no engine, so no trips to your mechanic for a tune-up (http://www.abbysguide.com/recreational-vehicle/guide/fifth-wheel.html).
If looking for a trailer hitch, look no further Curt Manufacturing 16125 Curt Q5 5Th Wheel Hitch

8. Toy Hauler – A large RV used to transport sports vehicle, or the like (definition based on the picture found on www.toyhaulersrus.com) – just the shell of an RV. If you need a power generator, 3500 Watt Generator with wheel kit - PULL Start - NO Electric Start - Dependable, Quiet Standby Power

9. Park Model Homes -Park Model Homes of Texas are recreational homes primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreation, camping or seasonal use. They are built on a single chassis and mounted on wheels (http://www.parkmodelsdirect.com/AT/index.asp). If you are selling your Park Model Home, or any other RV, you may need this N.A.D.A. Recreation Vehicle Appraisal Guide (May Through August)

10. Travel Trailer RV - A travel trailer is a unit designed to be towed by a car, van or pickup by means of a bumper or frame hitch, the travel trailer provides all the comforts of home and is perfectly adaptable for weekend getaways and family vacations (http://www.richardsonsrv.com/TravelTrailers/tabid/517/Default.aspx).
Are you a collector? If so, here's a find The Miniature Travel Trailer Kit

11. Sport Utility RV - The sport utility RV, or SURV, is for the active family that wants to take motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs or other toys on the road. Available as a motorhome or towable unit, the rear end of the SURV drops down, forming a ramp for access into a “garage” area where motorized toys can be safely stored, separated from the living quarters by a wall. Size: 19-39 ft Costs: From $21,000 to $58,000 new Sleeps: Up to 8. Has kitchen, dining, bathroom, entertainment and storage. Slideouts in some models, which move the RV wall outward up to three feet at the touch of a button to create larger living areas (www.gorving.com).

12. RV Resort – A lot to park your RV while on a vacation (their definitions were way too long and more of an advertisement, so my definition based on many websites researched).

13. RV Beach – An RV resort that is located near a body of water (same as above).

14. RVing – The act of traveling in an RV; similar to going fishing or camping (as one will probably do all three).

Jellystone Park

Since there are thousands of searches on this RV park alone, I figured it deserved its own blog post.  Jellystone Park is a Yogi Bear theme park in many states (look at http://www.campjellystone.com/locations.html for all the locations). There is tent and RV camping available, as well as many ways to have fun with the family. There are many ways to get wet (“Swimming Pools, Waterslides, Splashgrounds, Rivers, Streams, Lakes, Beaches, Paddle Boats and Motor Boats, and more”), amenities (“Mini-Golf, "Hey" Rides, Playgrounds, Pavilions, Volleyball, Theatres, Gamerooms, Pedal Carts, Golf Carts, Train Rides, Jumping Pillow, Horseshoes, and more”), natural adventure (“Gem Mining, Fishing, Hiking, Campfires, Biking, Explore National and State Parks”), and entertainment (“Theme Weekends, Daily Activities, Appearances by Yogi Bear™, Cindy Bear™, Boo Boo™ and Ranger Smith™, Arts and Crafts, Bingo, DJs, Live Bands, Karaoke, Laser Tag, Birthday Parties, & Tuck-ins”) at all locations.

Interested at all in staying at or visiting national parks?  This links to another blog post.
I mention the locations in the United States in alphabetical order, and then I mention the two Canada locations.

In California, the Jellystone Park is called Cobb Mountain and the website is: www.jellystonecobbmtn.com

If you’re going to Colorado, you have two options: Larkspur and Estes Park. Larkspur’s website is: www.castlerockrvpark.com Estes Park’s website is: www.jellystoneofestes.com

In Florida, you have one park option: Madison visit their website at: www.jellystoneflorida.com

In Georgia, you have one park option: Bremen visit their website at: www.georgiajellystone.com

In Illinois, you have three options: Amboy, Goodfield, and Millbrook.
Amboy has a website: www.jellystoneamboy.com
Goodfield has a website: www.jellystonegoodfield.com
Millbrook has a website: www.jellystonechicago.com

In Indiana, the options you have are: Fremont, Knightstown, Monticello, Pierceton, Plymouth, Portage, Scottsburg, and Bloomington/ Lake Monroe.
Fremont’s website is: www.jellystonesbest.com
Knightstown’s website is: www.jellystoneindy.com
Monticello’s website is: www.jellystoneindianabeach.com
Pierceton’s website is: www.piercetonjellystone.com
Plymouth’s website is: www.plymouthjellystone.net
Portage’s website is: www.campjellystone-portage.com
Scottsburg’s website is: http://campindiana.com/Campgrounds/YogiBearRaintree.html
Bloomington/Lake Monroe’s website is: www.lakemonroejellystone.com

In Kentucky, you have one park option Cave City visit their website: www.jellystonemammothcave.com

In Louisiana, your options are Lake Charles and Robert.
Lake Charles website is: www.jellystonelcla.com
Robert’s website is: www.jellystonela.com

In Maryland, there is one option. Hagerstown’s website is: www.jellystonemaryland.com

In Massachusetts, you have two choices: Cape Cod and Strubridge.
Cape Cod’s website is: www.mapleparkfamilycampground.com
Sturbridge’s website is: www.jellystonesturbridge.com

In Michigan, there are many choices: Frakenmuth, Grand Haven, Grayling, Indian River, Silver Lake.
Frankenmuth’s website is: www.frankenmuthjellystone.com
Grand Haven’s website is: www.ghjellystone.com
Grayling’s website is: www.campfirememories.net
Indian River’s website is: www.jellystoneindianriver.com
Silver Lake’s website is: www.silverlakejellystone.com

In Minnesota, the park is Austin and the website is: www.beavertrails.com

In Mississippi, your park is Pelahatchie and the website is: www.jellystonems.com

In Missouri, your options are: Eureka, Van Buren, and Forsyth/Branson.
Eureka is ½ mile from Six Flags. The website is: www.eurekajellystone.com
Van Buren’s website is: www.currentriverjellystone.com
Forsyth/Branson is formerly Shoals Bend RV Resort and their website is: www.shoalsbendrvpark.com

In Montana, the Jellystone Park is in Missoula and the website is: www.campjellystonemt.com

In New Hampshire, there is one choice: Ashland’s website is: www.jellystonenh.com

In New Jersey, there is one option: Elmer’s website is: www.jellystonenj.com

In New York, you have many options: Copperstown, Gardiner, Mexico, North Hudson, North Java, and Woodridge.
Cooperstown’s website is: www.cooperstownjellystone.com
Gardiner’s website is: www.lazyriverny.com
Jellystone ParkMexico’s website is: www.jellystonecny.com
North Hudson’s website is: www.paradisepines.com
North Java’s website is: www.wnyjellystone.com
Woodridge’s website is: www.nyjellystone.com

In North Carolina, you have three options: Cherokee, Marion, and Tabor City.
Cherokee’s website is: www.jellystone-cherokee.com
Marion’s website is: www.jellystonemarion.com
Tabor City’s website is: www.taborcityjellystone

In Ohio, you have one park option: Aurora’s website is: www.jellystoneohio.com

In Oklahoma, the park is called Eufaula and the website is: www.jellystoneok.com

In Pennsylvania, you have a few options: Mill Run, Quarryville, Milton, and Tunkhannock.
Mill Run’s website is: http://www.jellystonemillrun.com
Quarryville’s website is: http://www.jellystonepa.com
Milton’s website is: www.slcreek.com
Tunkhannock’s website is: www.northeastpacamping.com

In South Carolina, there is one park option: Columbia’s website is: www.riverbottomfarms.com

In South Dakota, your park option is Sioux Falls and the website is:
www.jellystonesiouxfalls.com

If in Texas, you have three options: Waller, Canyon Lake, & South Fort Worth.
Waller’s website is: www.lonestarcamping.com
Canyon Lake’s website is: www.jellystonehillcountry.com
South Fort Worth’s website is: www.rusticcreekranch.com

In Tennesse, the option is Horn Lake/Memphis and the website is: www.memphisjellystone.com

In Virginia, you have a few options: Emporia, Luray, and Natural Bridge.
Emporia’s website is: www.campingbear.com
Luray’s website is: www.campluray.com
Natural Bridge’s website is: www.campnbr.com

In Wisconsin, you have quite a few choices. There are the following: Bagley, Caledonia, Fort Atkinson, Fremont, Sturgeon Bay, Warrens, and Wisconsin Dells.
Bagley’s website is: http://www.jellystonebagley.com
Caledonia’s website is: http://www.jellystone-caledonia.com
Fort Atkinson’s website is: http://www.jellystonefort.com
Fremont’s website is: http://www.fremontjellystone.com
Sturgeon Bay’s website is: http://www.DoorCountyJellystone.com
Warrens’s website is: http://www.jellystonewarrens.com
Wisconsin Dells’s website is: http://www.dellsjellystone.com

Jellystone Parks also have a couple of parks in Eastern Canada. They are: Woodstock in New Brunswick and Kingston in Nova Scotia.
Woodstock’s website is: http://www.nbcanada.com/yogi.html
Kingston’s website is: http://www.jellystonens.com

*Any information in quotation marks was found on www.campjellystone.com

For a fun Yogi Bear plush toy, Retired Warner Brothers Hanna-Barbera Yogi Bear 8" Cindy Plush Bean Bag Yogi Bear's Girlfriend Doll Mint with Tags
Please help me get an RV!

Where are you?

I'm wanting to tailor my posts to the geographical location my readers read this.  I'm currently living in Utah right now, and I know that RVing is very seasonal here, but I know that many other places in California, Florida, and Arizona, for example, are warm year round.  I want to make this blog as beneficial for my readers as possible.  I, myself, also want to learn about RVing in other parts of the world.  If any of you would like to share some RV practices that are different than other parts of the world (like wacky laws, etc.), I'd love to hear about them. 

What is an RV? A trailer? A camper?

You may know what the difference between a trailer, camper, and RV are, and, you may not.  Basically, an RV, short for Recreational Vehicle (also known as motor home), is a temporary home on wheels and a vehicle combined.  A camper and a trailer both need another vehicle to pull them.  The most common type of trailer is a horse trailer, a vehicle that temporarily houses and transports horses.  A camper can range from a foldable type to as large as some RVs.  A camper is usually left in an RV park, empty field, or parking lot during the day and is mostly used for sleeping.  I will have a glossary of terms in the future as more official definitions. This is just a beginning.

Creation of this blog

My name is Lisa Starr. The reason I'm creating this blog is my husband and I LOVE to travel and we have a little son. One of my husband's goals, once he can have a career that he can take the time off work, is to travel cross-country in an RV. With a family, that's the ONLY way to travel cross-country, in my opinion. I'm not going to lie to you - I don't own an RV yet, but I want to do my research so I know what type of RV to get when we're in the position to have an RV and go on our cross-country trip. I figured early in the summer is a PERFECT time to start!