Before we took the Big Plunge and bought an RV, we were did a whole lot of test driving by renting vehicles. As Airbnb-type services such as Outdoorsy have demonstrated, it's easy to connect with owners of vehicles practically anywhere and borrow a rig of any shape or size for a whole lot less than a down payment, typically from $150 a night, up to $500 for the big rigs. Many RV rental companies go through this service, too.

We first experienced this easy peasy type of rental when we hopped into a retro cool VW Westfalia from Peace Vans in Seattle, and hit the Washington coast last spring. That trip convinced us that, yes, we should go down this road trippin' road. 

We've also had happy experiences renting another adorable VW van named Gypsea while on Maui in June, and took a Eurovan from Road Trip Oregon for a successful spin out to the Oregon Coast. When there was a major bump in the road with the rental of a van in Los Angeles in May, the customer service staff at Outdoorsy made things right by offering a refund. Very impressive. 

Like Airbnb, Outdoorsy offers its customers the opportunity to weigh in with reviews, which is helpful when you're trying to decide.

There are other rental options, including RV Share and Motorhome Republic, sure signs that we're truly becoming an RV Nation. Owners, this is also a great way to make a little extra cash when you're not using your vehicle.

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