So you are thinking about renting a recreational vehicle (RV). If you do, you will be joining a growing trend of nationwide travelers.

Because RVs allow you the freedom to pursue a wide variety of leisure outdoor activities, the reasons people rent them are equally diverse. Some people want to enjoy an RV trip without making the large capital investment needed to purchase a unit. An investment in any RV is a major one and should only be made if you are sure you will get enough use out of a unit to justify owning it. There is no yardstick for what this point might be; it is a matter of individual preference. Here's an estimate: If you will use a unit less than 10 nights a year, or will travel fewer than 5,000 miles annually, you might be better off renting.

Many people rent a vehicle to see if they really enjoy RVing before making a purchase decision. Taking an extended trip or a camping vacation is especially advisable before deciding upon purchasing a unit. Some vacationers prefer to fly to some faraway destination, then rent an RV once there. It's possible to find a rental dealer anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

Families planning to travel with children find that rental RVs offer advantages over other types of trips. RVs offer advantages over automobile travel especially on long trips. Large windows make motorhomes ideal family touring vehicles for scenic drives. Close on hand are a refrigerator filled with beverages and a private toilet room. It is easy for the driver to pull over onto a road shoulder or onto a driveway to let passengers have access to any of these amenities.

Renting a unit permits many people to transport a group to special events, like festivals and sporting events, and enjoy a tailgate party while there. Persons with physical disabilities will find RV travel less stressful than packing and unpacking, checking into and out of lodgings, searching for restaurants and negotiating airline terminals or train stations. Finally, many overseas visitors to the U.S. find touring in a rental RV to be an ideal way to see and experience our vast country.

You may want to rent an RV for any of the above reasons. Or, you may have one of your own. That's the beauty of the RV lifestyle.

*Not valid with any other offer.