Community Forums

Chuck Linn · 01-05-2008, 02:12 AM

I have been thinking wouldn't it be more ecnomical and easier on the coach when you get somewhere you want to run around to just rent a car instead of towing.

Chuck Linn · 01-05-2008, 02:12 AM

I have been thinking wouldn't it be more ecnomical and easier on the coach when you get somewhere you want to run around to just rent a car instead of towing.

Route 66 · 01-05-2008, 02:50 AM

Some folks do that.

It depends on how often you drive your coach, whether there's a rental agency available, whether you car is towable, and rental expenses are a few considerations.

I don't believe towing is particularly stressful on the coach.

There are no rules, and personal preference is one of the great aspects of RVing.

read & learn · 01-05-2008, 03:31 AM

Another option is to buy a car if you are going to be somewhere for awhile. Guy behind me buys a cheap dependable car if he is going to be at one place more than a month and there is no public transportation.
When he is ready to leave he sells the car and said he gets most of the time about what he paid for it.

GaryKD · 01-05-2008, 12:13 PM

Chuck,
I've done this (pre Enterprise) and it worked well. It requires a bit more advance planning and a more strict schedule (pick up & drop off date) than I now want to adhere to. I don't rent anymore because I like to get there an leave when I decide. I tow both 4 down and with a dolly (not at the same time) and will return to renting when my RVing style allows for a tighter schedule and when I may not be able to handle the rigors of hooking and unhooking the toad.

Sixpack98 · 01-05-2008, 02:12 PM

We rented when we first got our RV. I had all kinds of Hertz points which I used up. Just rigged up our Tacoma and now wished I had done it sooner. I was a little nervous about towing to begin with. Renting does become a little bit of a hassle with some preplanning and the time picking up and returning the vehicle.

NeilV · 01-05-2008, 05:23 PM

I rent a car when I need one. No planning just ask the campground I am staying at who does onsite pickup and delivery. I order a car when I need one and usually have it within the hour. When I leave I usually leave the car in the campgrounds parking area and go.

chasfm11 · 01-05-2008, 08:36 PM

The other consideration is that having a toad with you gives you options in case of problems with the RV. I have Coach Net but would use them only as a last resort in case of a breakdown. With a toad, I might be able to find parts, etc. In some places, cell service isn't very good and I like the added security of the toad

SteveWS · 01-06-2008, 02:15 PM

The rent vs tow question is a good one. I have used both methods and found the tow is better when I move often and the rent is a good deal when I was staying in one or two locations over a couple of months. I prefer to tow my own vehicle to save the hassle and cost. Generally the rent for just a few days is more than the cost to tow.

george henry · 01-06-2008, 03:06 PM

Good info , rather toad 4 down

76dc · 01-07-2008, 01:47 AM

For first year of RVing I rented. Haved towed with dolly and 4 down. Having your own vehicle is far better.

AL · 01-07-2008, 02:45 AM

Hi All,

I rented once and it worked out fine, but I have been towing 4 down since 1995 and I like that!! I think chasfm11 brought up very good points for towing !!! However like a lot of subjects here this is one that can only realy be made by the the person them self !!!!!

Mike and Debbie · 02-08-2008, 05:26 PM

We are not full timers and only have two weeks for longer trips. For us, it is more economical to rent from Enterprise rather than spend the money for initial toad set up (including making our Avalon towable). Once we start spending more time on the road, we will be using a toad (probably a Honda CRV) so that we can explore on the spur of the moment.