Buying or Hiring RV

[gahulala]

Hi Everyone

I am from the UK and me and the wife retire next year
We would love to buy an RV and tour the mid west
we only have three months tourist visa so only those months to RV
in your great country.
Is there anywhere we could buy a used RV and then sell it back to them so it would be cheaper 
to do that or does anyone know who would be prepared to hire to us for 3 months
any suggestions would be appreciated

Regards Colin

 

[jimindenver]

Hi Colin

Renting a RV or hiring as you say would be easier but probably pretty expensive. Buying used and selling for a possibly modest loss may be less expensive but you would lose time finding and selling the RV not to mention the need to fix it up or repair it while you are here. We recently had a member that needed to go home and had a hard time selling her RV. She drove it around to different areas, dropping the price until it sold.

There is a possibility that you could rent a Van long term and buy the camping equipment you would need. You could donate the equipment after and realize less loss than you would possibly see in a RV. It just depends on the level of comfort you desire.

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forum    

You may be able to find an automobile broker here who could find you a used Cargo Van with reasonable mileage on it that has served it's time in fleet service.   Everything working and in good repair and road ready.  This would be 5 or more years old and reasonable in cost compared to renting an RV.  Probably more fuel efficient as well. 

Below are a couple of websites of mine where I've detailed my practices for Van travel.  The Conversion & outfitting of a Cargo Trailer  6 X 10 is still in the planning stage as I haven't yet acquired the Trailer.  A few simple power tools and a long week end could make the Van Conversion.  A time saver would be to purchase from a kitchen floor cabinet from a build supply recycle center and build the kitchenette out of it.  (basically cutting a counter top for a small cooking stove and basin)  Then you could find some inexpensive carpet piece to cover your floor.   Then the other amenities could be found in resale shops.  You may want water containers and ice chest as new items. 

But this could put you on the road quickly and reasonably in cost.   Once you set out you may secure an agent to sell your Van (with everything removed)  on your return.  This gives them some lead time to find a buyer. 

You are more than welcome to view my two websites below.  The first on making such conversions to a Van, and the second a Portal of handy information to use before embarking on a journey or while on the same.

One book I'd offer you to read before you arrive here was one written by  William Leas. His book is titled "Blue Highways" and gets it's name from the  secondary roads on the map being inked in blue.   Seeing the USA from the Interstates doesn't provide a very good representation of the country side and more than limits the "motoring" experience.    Least, in his  travels, chose to see the country from these back roads and annotated his experience as a journal which became his book later.  I recommend this book frequently here.

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Highways-Journey-into-America/dp/0316353299

These are just some thoughts to offer you.  All the best to you.

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard Colin !
There are places that rent out vans by the day like U-Haul or Budget for around $25 but there are mileage charges that add up quick.
Also places that rent class C RVs but 3 months would cost a LOT !

IMO your best option is buy a used van from a dealer and put a "for sale" sign on it when your time to leave gets close.

There are lots of new members joining this group often and many are looking for a van so that's an option too.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Colin! If you don't need all the luxury of an RV you might consider buying a mini van and outfitting it with simple camping equipment which would make the buying and reselling process faster and easier. Camper vans offer another option to large RVs. They're still expensive to rent but not as much as a standard RV. They do not have toilet or shower facilities so you'd have to stay in campgrounds or supply your own bucket or portable toilet. Google "camper van rental"

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[SoulRaven]

Howdy!
           Just a thought; I have seen many of these on the road. Easy and simple to rent and drive, enough space to tour in, not super expensive like most large RVs. I have no connection nor experience with these folks but something you might want to check out as an option:
 Juicy RV Rentals.........= small vans converted to campers, designed for tourist travel.
Website = www.juicyusa.com

Happy Trails!
Chuck in Arkansas