Trip Coach: May 2, 2006

Richard Coon, President of RVIA: Hi, Richard Coon here. Thanks very much for joining me today. I'm ready for your questions.

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Harrisburg, PA: We are a retired couple invited to a favorite niece's mid-August wedding in Oregon. We have plenty of time to get there, see the sights along the way and make a leisurely return trip to Pennsylvania by a different route. Any suggestions for a 30 or more day itinerary as we travel in our 38 foot diesel pusher?

Richard Coon, President of RVIA: Having such an open itinerary gives you the luxury of getting off the beaten path. Use non-superhighways and take advantage of scenic national and state parks. The Internet is a valuable research resource.
Award wining travel expert Brad Herzog has been traveling the country for the past several years and has written about many destinations in Go RVing's e-newsletter. Click here for the most current issue 
In addition, author Harry Basch has written a very good Frommer's travel guide called "Exploring America by RV," which is available in bookstores throughout the country.
You can find great tips on planning your itinerary here. Included are tips on "Green RVing," what to pack before a trip, a safety guide and basic maintenance suggestions.

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Lansing, Michigan: I will be driving from Lansing, Michigan to San Diego, California with a final destination of Sacramento (my hometown). I am moving back and my roommate wants to come along for the road trip. We will be leaving in July and plan to be on the road for about a week. We are both young students and wonder if it would be wise to rent an RV. It would be used to transport all of my belongings, tow my car, and as an alternative to paying for a hotel room. We don't have a lot of money. Is the cost of renting an RV going to outweigh the cost of shipping my belongings, and paying for nightly accomodations?
-Skyler

Richard Coon, President of RVIA: Affordability is one of the big advantages of renting an RV for a trip, which is generally less expensive than staying in hotels and eating out for a week, especially if you take into account the cost of shipping your belongings back home. RV rental rates vary by season, region and unit size. Motorhomes, the most common rental model, are typically $90 to $200 per day; folding camping trailers and travel trailers run $28 to $85 per day. Package deals of three to seven days often include mileage and reduce the per-day rate.
Because of the heightened demand for RV rentals, I advise making reservations well in advance. Special tour packages offer such benefits as one-way rentals; off-season rates; guided escorts; campground discounts; and airline and railway connections.
Those interested in renting an RV should check their Yellow Pages under "Recreation Vehicles--Renting and Leasing." Or visit GoRVing.com for a searchable online directory of more than 340 rental companies.

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Columbus, IN 47201: Family reunion trip Ft. Wayne, IN - Buffalo, NY -July 15-20 large group. Suggestion for best/honest/least expensive place to rent largest RV near Ft. Wayne - be returning. AARP or Auto Club or any other discounts/deals there? Don't want to have a bad 1'st experience or get ripped off. Thanks! I'll log on May 2. Maureen

Richard Coon, President of RVIA: RVs are extremely popular for family reunions as they provide families with the conveniences of home on the road. The drive to the destination becomes part of the fun, especially with young children. Sleeping quarters, kitchens, dining areas and bathrooms are readily accessible, eliminating the need to look for rest areas and restaurants and making the trip more relaxing.
Check out the online search directory at GoRVing.com for dealers in your area. 

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Tampa, Florida: We are considering purchasing a small travel trailer and camp for the first time. We also want to take our two German Shepherd Dogs. What advice can you share about camping with dogs and/or any advice for first-time RV'ers?