RV Rental

[Tdog]

Anyone have any experience renting an RV? Our contractor is finally ready to start repairing our house damaged during Katrina. The ceilings will need to be replacd in most rooms - - we don't see how we can stay in the house during demolition & repairs. We could look into a motel, but the closest is ~~ 20 miles away, & we have a horse to look after. RV rental seems to be an option, even though we won't be moving around the country in it.
Just wonder if anyone has any tips or ideas.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[EddieWalker]

Depending on the damage, supplies and the speed of your contractor, you could be in the RV for up to a month easily.

RV rentals are pretty pricey, but that's for motor homes. Since your not going anyplace, I'd consider a trailer. Bumper pulls will be cheaper, but a fifth wheel with 2, 3 or ever 4 slideouts would be the ultimate. They have more room than a motor home and the newer ones are EXTREMELY nice!!!

I'm sure finances are a pretty tight right now with all the repairs you're going through, but it might also be cheaper to buy a trailer during the off season, then sell it in the spring when demand comes back.

Sorry for your damages and good luck,
Eddie

 

[Bird]

Jack, I agree with Eddie. I think if you plan to use it for more than a couple of weeks, you'll be ahead to buy a used one and sell it when you're through with it, especially if the prices of rentals are anything like this.

 

[BB_TX]

Haven't rented one, but have looked into it since we are considering buying one in a couple years. Around here it seems even a relative small 20'-22' trailer rents for $500-$600 per week. That could get expensive fast if the repairs last too long. May be able to get a better deal for a multi-week rental and if the dealer knows it will not be towed long distance.

 

[LGinIA]

It's a good time of the year to shop the RV dealers for used trailers up north. There is probably a shortage down south due to the demand. Snowbelt dealers still have 3/4 months to go before normal spring traffic picks up. A few calls may save you some $$$.

 

[Tdog]

Thanks for the replies - - guess I should have mentioned that my homeowners ins. will help, I just don't know how much yet. If they had to put us up in a motel, the cost could sure be pricey, so I hope the adjuster will OK the deal. While we don't plan to travel, having the option to do so with a motor home [vs. a trailer] is a plus.

The repairs are mostly drywall, painting & refinishing the hardwood floors. We were very fortunate to get our roof replaced within 3-4 weeks after the storm. Lots of folks around here still have blue tarps up top. We were also very lucky with the floors - - no buckling. They should sand & refinish OK. Most of the floors are oak that was reclaimed [I'm told by the previous owner] from antique boxcars. It's pretty thick stuff.
Whatever, the repairs could be 2, maybe 3 months. I know, that's a long time in a camper; however it is just my wife & her pack of two 70 pound dogs, so we should be able to survive. As long as I have my own bed.

 

[Highbeam]

Folks, even families of 4, have been known to survive in 20 foot travel trailers for more than a year while building their homes in the wet, dark, northwest. 2-3 months and good weather, no sweat.

 

[Bird]

Our two daughters were 3 and 6 years old when we sold our house and lived in a 24' travel trailer for 3 months while the new one was being built. However, one month of that, the girls stayed with an aunt and uncle while we went to Alaska and back with that trailer.