This is a question you need to ask anyone you are potentially renting from, as the answer can differ widely. The answers to these questions can make a big difference in the price you are ultimately paying and the convenience of your rental. Camper rentals are a somewhat new thing, and aren’t standardized in what to expect in the same way hotels or even rental homes are.
Most people and companies renting out a camper will have the required “camper items” such as leveling blocks, sewer hoses, power cords, etc, but there are a couple more items you will want to inquire about:
Are bedding and towels included?
If so, do they need to be returned clean? If not, what sizes are the beds? (If you don’t plan to use a sleeping bag).
Are kitchen utensils, a coffee pot, and other camp gear included?
If you are renting from a RV Dealer, many times the camper will be empty and you will want to bring anything you might need with you, including bedding, toiletries, kitchen appliances, etc.
If you are renting from an owner who is renting out their own regularly used camper, they might leave all their pre-packed items in there. Even if this is the case, make sure you are aware of what is available to use and if anything is “off-limits.”
Owners using the camper on a regular basis may already have kitchen utensils, a coffee pot, camp chairs, outdoor mats, etc. This can be a big help in packing, as some of these items don’t jump to the top of your mind if you are not a regular RV’er.
Is propane included?
Most campers have propane tanks connected to the front, but it is not always free to use that propane. The owner may ask you to bring your own tank to use, or charge based on usage.
Is a Generator Included?
Only in the rarest of circumstances will a generator be included with a rental. If you will be in an area without electric supply, ask what can and cannot be used without electric power, and check if the owner has a generator to rent as well. Sometimes you may have to rent one elsewhere.
What kind of hitch is included?
Make sure you have the proper hitch or the owner is providing one. We suggest a weight distribution hitch with sway control. These are not required, but provide a much safer pulling experience. These hitches help level the trailer and spread the weight throughout the entire vehicle and camper, rather than heavily on the back of your vehicle. They also help prevent the camper from swaying from side to side while driving.
Is Insurance included?
Almost no personal insurance policies cover a rented camper. Even the owner of the camper themself may not realize this. At the time of this writing, StateFarm Insurance will usually allow you to add a rider to your policy that will cover a camper owned by another person. (Key point here is you are pulling a unit not owned by yourself). Other options are to rent through a 3rd party site that offers insurance as an add-on cost, or renting from a dealer or owner that carries a commercial insurance policy on the camper.
After you have answered these questions, have fun on your next camping trip!
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