katleman
San Jose
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Joined: 06/15/2006
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We've rented 24'C a couple times, and will rent another this coming summer for our family of 5, so your 22'C should be fine for 4.
We always limit our first day to a 100-200 miles, take it slow, make frequent stops to stow things you didn't do such a hot job on.
Couple things we found really helps.
Use the shower as a closet, hang jackets/shirts in there. We also bring plastic crates for storage in the shower, makes it easy to remove them if you need to actually use the shower.
Also, since you're not packing up from home, bring everything in duffle bags, makes it easier to stow your bags (not much spare space in any RV)
A small broom to keep the RV clean, especially if you're going to be hiking, etc. Nothing fancy, just something light.
We also found having your own windshield cleaner and spray helped, rather than depend on the station you fill up at having one that works well (get one that telescopes out a couple feet)
You will not make the same kinda time in an RV as you do in a car. Fueling takes longer, you don't travel as fast as a car. Be conservative on the miles you can make in a day. We scheduled 600 - 700 miles in our first trip. Most we'll do now is 500, and most of the time, not more than 300.
Visted via RV
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Teambanzai
Memphis
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Joined: 01/02/2007
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Thanks for all the advice and help guys.
I feel pretty safe about who I am renting from "Sahara RV" in Las Vegas. They are a dealer as well as a renter. They have been exceptionally helpful so far.
In fact, last weekend they called, someone wanted the 22 footer I had reserved and they upgraded me to a 29 footer, added 200 miles and there in a TV/DVD player. They even give you unlimited generator hours!
Now I've never driven a 29ft, but I've driven some 25+ bob trucks. The first 200 or so miles will mostly be interstate so I feel pretty good... How much do 18 wheelers pull/sway an RV of that size?
I will photograph the entire RV before we head out and document any damage.
I didn't check RV's in Phoenix vs Vegas... Had a free flight to Vegas, that was the deciding factor.
I wish I could bring it home and play, but home is 1,500 miles away.
Thanks for all the great advice guys.
1 Minivan
1 DW
2 great kids
Eureka Copper Canyon 1312
& a really old Sears tent
lotsa fun
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garyhaupt
Kitimat, BC, Canada, Mile '0' of Alaska HiWay #37
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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The only thing I might add..and you know this because you have driven trucks...but watch your back-end when pulling away from pumps or other close things..cars, posts, trees...that tail end corner will swing out a fair distance. You have to pull way forward before cranking the wheel.
Have a great time.
Gary Haupt
I have begun to blog.. .www.gary haupt.blogspot.com. It's not about RV'ing...but RV'ing is a part of it.
Gary
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PALE RIDER
TEXAS
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Joined: 08/09/2007
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Run an ad or check at the rv storage lots and se if anyone is willing to rent theirs to you. times have gotten hard for some folks and they might be interested in someone making a payment for them. just work up a contract to cover both you and the owner. and i'm sure they would show you how everything works in it.
i drive no more than 60 on all my trips as i want to enjoy the trip and save fuel. as for packing things for the kids to enjoy try books, cameras and hiking equipment. video games and such you have every day at home.
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katleman
San Jose
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Dunno, I'm wary of a place that "upgrades" me like that.
Driving a 29 vs a 22 shouldn't be that much of a difference. What you'll lose out on is ability to park just about anywhere with a 22', and a significant increase in fuel expense.
We're renting a 24' in June, were the place try to upgrade me, I'd refuse it or walk if forced. We rent small because of the places we can visit that larger units can't go.
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ceasare
staten island
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Joined: 09/17/2006
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You already got all the important info about checking for damage and stuff. I have one thing to add. Dont rent the kitchen supplies or cairs or BBQ from the rental place. We rented a "C" out of Salt Lake City. It was much cheaper to buy a cheap bag chair at Wally's for $5, then rent one for $5 a week.
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super_camper
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 08/22/2006
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You've got some great advice so far. In addition, be sure to plan for extra time and to take the time you need. You won't travel as fast or as far during a day in an RV as you would a smaller passenger vehicle. It also seems that all or many of the mishaps that we have had occurred when we were in a rush to get going somewhere. Once we learned to slow down a little everything fell into place.
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Teambanzai
Memphis
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Joined: 01/02/2007
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I learned the hardway about rushing to get somewhere. First time I pulled a pop-up we were late getting to the campground. Missed my turn and tried to turn at a wide spot in the road... turned out to be a "Soft, sandy" wide spot in the road. Fortuantly someone was there to pull us out pretty quickly.
I'm taking the easy routes in the beginning. Leaving Las Vegas and heading South to 40 then cutting across. It will be a Saturday and I want to avoid Hoover Dam. I want ot get used to driving this baby on some nice straight roads before tackling any curvy hills.
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super_camper
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 08/22/2006
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Teambanzai wrote:I'm taking the easy routes in the beginning. Leaving Las Vegas and heading South to 40 then cutting across. It will be a Saturday and I want to avoid Hoover Dam. I want ot get used to driving this baby on some nice straight roads before tackling any curvy hills.
we go south to Florida a couple of times a year and have done so with our minivan, then we started pulling a popup and then bought our class C. It still amazes me how much longer the drive takes in the MH, it doesn't feel like it takes longer probably due to being more comfortable but in the end the hours really add up.
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sreeder
Reading, PA
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Joined: 02/27/2007
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Time permitting, I would suggest your first nights stay be somewhere not to far from where you rent. You can get familiar with the rig, test everything out and make sure it is all ready to roll for the longer miles you are going to put on it.
Last thing you want is to be driving and the wife or kids not able to figure out something of importance in the coach. Much easier to put the unit through all it's paces when parked.
I'm sure you will have a ton of fun on this trip!
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