Anyone considering renting a vehicle for RTR?

[cynanne]

I am new to all of this and have not been to an RTR before. I have seen the video from last year with Kat from Lake Placid. I too am from the northeast originally but I currently live in southern California. I would not have to bother with a plane ticket as I can just rent and then drive the whole way there and back. I was thinking of an SUV like a Ford Escape or Jeep Cherokee and I could fold the seats down and sleep in the back. I am taking time off from work and thinking about coming for a week. Does anyone have any idea if this type of car would work well in the off road areas where the attendees stay? Is the area generally rough on cars? With a rental I would be more careful. After watching Kat's video I have an idea of what to bring. I would love to know if anyone else is doing this as I would love brainstorm a bit.

 

[bullfrog]

That is a great idea. Maybe meet up with one of the caravans for a few days to get a little more one on one education also.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Some rental cars are not supposed to be driven on dirt roads...(off-pavement) ....be sure to carefully check the rental terms for the vehicle you want to rent.

 

[cyndi]

I've met several attendees, at past RTRs, who rented vans from enterprise and U-Haul for the RTR.
Toss a sleeping bag, a bucket and a cooler in the back. You're good to go

 

[highdesertranger]

What's the difference between a 4x4 and a rental car?....................................

a rental car can go anywhere.

seriously the dirt roads at RTR are very tame. in fact I would not even consider it off road. come in a rental we won't tell. highdesertranger

 

[cynanne]

I am thinking of something like a small suv like a Ford Escape as I see those in the Hertz lot frequently. I can fold the back seats down and sleep back there. I am hoping the roads are not rough or muddy (lol doubtful). It should be dry and flat as can be considering where this is. I have a million other questions. My liability follows the driver with the insurance I already have and my credit card covers the damage waiver they try to sell you.  I could definitely get the car washed before I return it. I just wanted to know if there are likely problems in an area like that since it is off road. Any info would be help full. Thanks.