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A
Motorhome
offers
the ultimate
in Freedom
especially
in the
USA and
Canada
where
it is
very
'RV'
oriented.
Read
More on Motorhomes...
Click
here for our
Motorhome Hire
Frequently
Asked Questions
(FAQs)
Incidentally,
there are many
ways to describe
getting your vehicle...
sometimes called
renting an RV or
Motorhome, or hiring
a Motor Caravan
or if you are German
- Wohnmobile Mieten.
In the USA, we
offer specially
designed wheelchair
friendly vehicles
with entry via
a rear power lift
gate and doors
to the living space
and bathroom are
wider. With all
these vehicles
- you have your
'wheels', accommodation
and 'kitchen' all
in one.
You
don't have to worry
about timetables
and you can change
your itinerary
at the drop of
a hat. You can
linger longer in
places that interest
YOU and scoot past
things that don't.
You may worry that
a motorhome is
so much bigger
to drive but really,
just go slowly
until you get the
hang of it and
let someone hop
out, where possible,
when you are reversing.
Remember you are
bigger than most
cars so they're
not going to want
to tangle with
you !
So
get ready to
explore one of
the most scenic
areas in the world
- Canada. From
the remote breath-taking
wilderness of the
north to the awesome
peaks of the Rocky
Mountains or the
magnificence of
Niagra Falls in
the East. Or choose
the freedom, friendliness,
glitz and glamour
of the USA with
Disneyland, Disneyworld,
Hollywood and the
natural beauty
of the National
Parks....hmm, sunset
at the Grand Canyon,
white water rafting
at Yosemite...
Whatever you choose,
we guarantee you
an impressive holiday.
Read
More - USA & Canada
RV
Rental
The
sheer joy of
only having to
unpack
once into the
vehicle and again
only
on your last
day is terrific.
Remember
if you choose
a car and accommodation
you are going
to
have to unpack
and repack your
suitcase each time
you change hotel,
not to mention
having to hoik
your bag into
and out of the
boot
of your car.
Whilst a motorhome does cost more to rent than a car, your real savings come
into effect when you prepare your own breakfasts, packed lunches and dinners.
Especially on longer trips, one does tired of eating out every meal and you find
yourself longing for a simple meal of sausage and mashed potato which can be
so easily prepared in your motorhome! Shopping for groceries is such fun and
its a great way to meet the locals and experience the 'real' country.
A motorhome, also known as a campervan, motorcaravan, RV or wohnmobile is really
a lifestyle choice. They are more fun, more real and a holiday memories are made
of. You meet so many different people at campsites, kids socialise with each
other in spite of language barriers and adults can have social evenings, with
a bottle of wine and discuss the troubles of the world or of course, the must
see tourist attraction that the campers next door experienced yesterday. I mean,
when last have you spoken to the people in the hotel room next door to you?
Of course, there are a few things you should consider before deciding on a
motorhome. There is the 'harmony factor'...Whilst you will be spending most
of the time
out and about sightseeing, you will be spending time close together in a relatively
small area so if you are a bunch of friends travelling together, consider if
snoring, untidiness or a general lack of consideration will become a factor.
Someone will probably have to cook, someone will have to wash dishes, someone
will have to refill the water....however a roster system should soon fix that!
You also need to do some planning. Unlike a bus tour, you will need to have a
rough itinerary and an idea of routing. A good guidebook or two will be handy
and if you dont read up before your trip, someone can read out all the interesting
facts whilst you are driving to your next stop. When you book with us, we will
help you with itinerary planning and give you travel information and highlights
for your specific route, with our compliments. Incidentally, www.mapblast.com is
a great site for detailed directions, distances and toll costs.
*
DID YOU KNOW ? Because we sure do...*
-
If
you plan well in advance, we have access
to 'Flex rates'
which is a
similar system
to the one
airlines use. The more vehicles available,
the lower the
price...so if you leave it late and vehicles are in demand, the price
goes
higher but no
more than the 'Standard' rates we advertise. We will always compare
and offer you
the best available
deal. We provide
good old fashioned
advice - absolutely
free!* If you wanted to rent from Vancouver, it is worth considering
picking
up in Seattle in America or vice versa. Transfers can be provided or
just hop on
the bus.
-
You
can have
the option
of limited
kms if
you're not
doing much
travelling
or unlimited if you know you will be covering great distances.
-
That
you really
should
consider a
National
Parks Pass
if you're
planning to
visit a
couple
of National
Parks eg.
Grand Canyon,
Yellowstone etc.
-
A
normal drivers
licence is
fine. You don't
need a
special licence
nor do you
require an
International
Driving Permit.
-
That
you can join
Passport
America
which allows
you
to save
50% off the
nightly
rates at
over 700 campgrounds....
When you
tell us
what you
would like
to do,
we make
suggestions
taking the above and other information into account,
ensuring
you receive best value for money,
stretching your holiday dollar further. Complete our
QUOTATION
form and we'll get back to you quick-smart. The service
does not stop there. Once you have paid
your deposit we send you a comprehensive travel pack
to help
with your
planning.
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USA & Canada
Motorhome Hire
Frequently
Asked Questions
- FAQ's
What
kind of gas
milage will
we get?
Mileage
depends
on the
size of
the motorhome
and the
driving
conditions.
Generally,
you will
get between
7 and 13
miles per
gallon
or approximately
20-23 litres
per 100km.
Do
I need
a special
driver's
license
to drive
a motorhome?
All
you need is to be 21 years of age or older and
possess a valid driver's license. No special
endorsement is needed.
Is
it difficult to drive a motorhome?
Motorhomes,
handle much like a car, especially the "C" class
which has a van chassis.
Are
motorhomes difficult to hook up?
No.
At departure you will be given a 30-60 minute
familiarization tour and learn how to hook it
up and operate appliances, and be shown a video
at most rental centers.
Does
the motorhome come with a TV, VCR or stereo?
There
is an AM/FM radio with a cassette player or cd
player in the dash. There is generally not a
TV or stereo or cable hookup. (Some larger vehicles
with El Monte come with TV as do some vehicles
with Road Bear) For long rentals you could consider
hiring one locally or for a one way rental or
where it is essential, we can suggest buying
a 2nd hand one and then selling it at the end
of your rental.
What
kind of power supply does a motorhome have?
Motorhomes
generally have either a V8 or V10 engine. The
refrigerator, heater, water heater, stove and
range operate on propane gas and/or battery.
The dash air conditioner is powered by the engine
while driving and the overhead air conditioner(s),
microwave and other items by either an outside
110V power supply or by a generator.
Are
there rollout awnings on the motorhome?
No.
We suggest you bring a canopy if you need shade
or check with the RV park if you are staying
in one.
Are
pets allowed in the motorhomes?
Pets are welcomed at Cruise America . Customer
agrees to clean up after their pet and return
unit in same condition as received, or be subject
to a cleaning fee up to $250. With El Monte,
they are allowed at a fee of USD $50. Not allowed
with Road Bear. In Canada, Cruise Canada allows
a pet, subject to a cleaning fee of up to $250
if unit is not returned in the same condition.
Go West, Fraserway and Canadream do not allow
any pets.
Can
I tow with the RV?
Please
check with us as the rules and conditions and
costs vary between companies. Currently Cruise
America, El Monte allow towing with additional
cost. Moturis do not allow towing.
Is
there a limit to how many people can ride in
the motorhome?
The
Compact motorhome can hold a family up to 4,
the Standard motorhome can hold a family up to
5, and the Large can hold a family up to 7 maximum
for traveling. Road Bear is the only company
that has a vehicle able to accommodate 8 persons.
We
recommend never
exceeding the
maximum capacity
as posted in
the actual vehicle
you will be using.
Maximum capacity
includes the
vehicle, all
fluids, all occupants
and their gear.
All passengers
should use the
provided seatbelts.
The total number
of seatbelts
will vary according
the vehicle and
according to
the floor plan
of the actual
vehicle you are
using.
Child
safety seats
should be used
where applicable.
the installation
and use of these
seats should
follow the recommendation
of the child
seat manufacturer.
Overhead areas
designed only
for sleeping
should not be
occupied while
the vehicle is
in motion.
Can
we leave our luggage
at the rental location?
Often
this is not a problem,
but again, check
with your rental
center. Anything
left at the rental
center is at your
own risk.
Are
the depots
open on Sundays?
Cruise
America,
Road Bear,
Moturis,
Go West
are closed
on Sundays
all year
round.
Some El
Monte depots
are open
on Sundays.
Eg. Los
Angeles,
San Francisco,
Las Vegas.
Canadream
vehicles
can be
collected
/ returned
on Sundays
for additional
fee
Are
we allowed
to travel
into Canada
(or vice
versa)?
US
registered RV's may enter Canada and return
to the US and Canadian registered RV's may
enter the US and return to Canada without problem.
One way rentals between the two countries are
not allowed. We suggest using the Seattle depot
which is easily accessible to Vancouver. Transfers
are available at additional cost.
How
much does it cost to stay in campgrounds?
Campground
rates vary based on time of year and what facilities
they offer. Generally you can expect to pay
between $10 and $50 per night. See http://www.koa.com or http://www.woodalls.com to
get an idea of costs, locations etc.
What
kind of facilities might a campground offer?
A
partial list of commonly found facilities would
include: electric, water, sewer hook-ups, washer,
dryer, swimming pool, playground, BBQ pits,
on-site convenience store.
Is
it possible to travel in the winter in the colder areas of the U.S.?
Yes, however, in locations
with harsh winter weather, motorhomes are "winterized" from approximately
November to March. This means we have drained the water and holding tanks,
and filled them with anti-freeze. This will prevent the tanks and pipes
from freezing and bursting. If you chose to have your rental motorhome "de-winterized" (so
that you can use your sink, shower, and toilet) and a cost of approximately
USD$70 may be involved.
This
varies between
companies. Please
ask us for details
for each individual
company. You
will need to
exercise extreme
care while traveling
in a "de-winterized" motorhome
during frigid
weather. You
will need to
run the heater
at all times
to protect the
tanks and pipes
from freeze damage,
or in extreme
cases you would
need to put anti-freeze
in the water
and holding tanks
(by doing so,
you could only
use the toilet).
If the pipes
or tanks were
damaged from
freezing, it
is considered
negligent damage
and you would
have to pay a
$5000 deductible
for the repairs.
What
if I am late in returning
the vehicle?
The
vehicle is overdue
after 11:00 AM on
the date of return.
A fee of approx $25
per hour will be
charged for each
hour you are late.
Please notify the
rental center if
you will be late
in returning. With
El Monte and Moturis
a late return will
invalidate your return
transfer.
Is
there a ladder so we can get on the roof to get better views?
We do not have ladders
on the RV for safety reasons and to prevent damage to the motorhome.
Are
there bikes and bike racks?
With Cruise America
-No. With El Monte, racks are available but not bikes. The rental staff
will be happy to advise where these may be hired privately. With Moturis
you can get bikes and bike racks.
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Motorhome
Rental throughout the USA and Canada
