I decided against going the rental route after 30 years of traveling for a living and being left standing when a car wasn't available. I was always able to get a car from another agency but only because I was always in an airport where other companies were available.
However, I've never understood the argument of wanting to have another vehicle with me in case the motorhome broke down. Thousands of people hit the road every day without towing another vehicle behind the car in case it breaks down. What's the difference? I'd be alot more comfortable sitting in a disabled MH than a car, and I can always rent a car after the break down of either.
When we first RV'd we went the enterprise rental route...called up they came and picked us up took us back to the rental lot, filled out the paperwork and left....took about an hour to an hour and half from the time we called.
After our first year, we decided to tow 4 down...for my money the convenience of having your vehicle available all the time AND the fact you have a life boat behind you at all times gives a real sense of security. Towing is the way to go for me.
Jim , MJ & Spirit of Sambuca Bear
"He's one big Newfie"
Dynamax Ultra 450UL
450 MBE
Jeep Sahara Toad
It sounds like you already have one of the most popular toads available? We originally bought and set our CR-V up for touring the area around wherever the MH was parked (by X-Way, and back woods trails), as well as to have an escape module. The touring piece has worked out so well it's become a major part of our trips! We often put nearly as many miles on the toad as we do the MH. Recently, after blowing a turbo, we found ourselves several hundred miles from home facing a week long delay for repairs. Yep, escape module to the rescue! There just no way to compare having a toad with you full time vs. doing the occasional rental. We were hesitant to make the move at first, but did so on everyone's advice. Now, after a season's traveling, this decision seems like a no brainer... We've found the price of the components to convert an EXCELLENT investment!
We use a tow dolly that cost us about $1400. We tow our minivan with us and have absolutely no regrets in this setup! Much more convenient than renting a vehicle.
2004 Damon Intruder 369W Workhorse Chassis
Mods: LCD TV in Bedroom, Steer-Safe, Winegard Wingman, Bulk LP Gas Adapter for my Camp Chef Grill, Cobra 29 LX LE CB 50th Anniversary Radio with a 3' Firestick NGP Antenna, EEZRV Products TPMS
We tow our HHR every where we go. We use our camp site a base. We enjoy just stopping where ever we want and have transpotation so we can site see. Would never consider not taking it with us.
I have never been without a toad on this MH but on the previous one I took one trip of 1600 miles without a toad. We only got less than 1/2 mpg better on that trip. The actual cost is less than you think for tow gas. You also will have a spare vehicle, not just a spare tire, if something happens to the MH. That trip we were going to use Enterprise. When we got to Enterprise they acknowledged we had a reservaton but they had no car.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
It depends on how much you use a toad, and whether you need to buy one that can be towed. We started renting because we didn't have a suitable car. Most of the time it worked out fine, given that it does take an hour or so to pick up and drop off. We rented all over the US, mostly from Enterprise. I'd say our costs averaged $150 a week, but we pass on the extra insurance, and get a small car.
When we finally got a towable car, I found it would be about $3K to set it up, assuming our RV dealer did the whole thing. We decided not to do it, because we've been traveling less, and $3K would pay for 4-5 years of rentals.
Obviously, the calculation changes substantially if you are traveling 6 months of the year.
Ed
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