The possibility of renting an RV this summer trip was never in Teena Garbus’s plans. But the mother of two from Tampa, Florida, says that, after the coronavirus pandemic caused her to cancel roughly nine trips this year—including three cruises, jaunts to Disney World, Las Vegas, and New York City for Mother’s Day—the idea of an RV vacation with her family is looking better than ever.

“Having our own private space where we can can control what comes in and out [as] we do at home is the driving force,” says Garbus, who hopes to drive to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for a week’s vacation with her gang. On the itinerary? “Hitting a bunch of parks along the way.”

Hardly alone, Garbus is one in a tidal wave of travelers destined to try out RV vacationing for the first time this summer. According to peer-to-peer rental operator RVshare, bookings have more than doubled from this time last year, signifying a renewed confidence by travelers to hit the road. Cruise America—North America’s largest RV rental operator, with more than 120 outposts across the U.S. and Canada—also reports that domestic business is soaring, with first-time RV renters in particular causing phones to ring off the hook. And they have a lot of questions.

“Our normal call [to the reservations line] averages about five minutes,” says Michael Smalley, Cruise America’s executive vice president. “Now we’re up to 10 or 12 minutes a call. It’s indicative of first-timers, they just need a little more hand holding.”

To be sure, knowing how to rent an RV takes a tad more research than a rental car—but it’s less intimidating than most people think. To get you started, read on for everything a first-timer should know when considering an RV rental, and you’ll be hitting the road in no time.

What type of RV to start with

The first thing to learn are your ABCs. All RVs are divided into A, B, and C classifications, which relate to the size and make of the RV. Settling on one will be your single biggest decision in renting an RV.

Limit yourself to B and C classes if you’re a first-time renter, since they’re smaller and easier to maneuver than the bus-like Class A, says Jason Epperson of the popular podcast and website RV Miles.

Between 16 and 22 feet long, Class B motorhomes are basically camper vans, ideal for two people traveling together, Epperson says. Class C motorhomes, usually between 21 and 35 feet long, have an overhead cab area that provides extra space for sleeping, in addition to the larger interior space—ideal for families of four or more. Up to 45 feet long, Class A RVs are far larger—think rockstar tour buses—and often come with upgraded finishes in the kitchen and bathroom.

While you don’t need a special license to drive Class A, Class B, nor most Class C RVs, there’s a huge difference in how they drive. Class B motorhomes drive like a van or truck, which is easy for first timers. Driving a Class C RV is like driving a moving truck—you lose the rearview mirror function, since you’re looking into the back of the motorhome. Class A motorhomes drive like the big buses they are.

After deciding on the right RV class, choosing the specific model to rent will depend on the RVs available near you. (Go RVing‘s survey will help you sift through various styles.) As you compare options, be clear about what features each comes with, advises Epperson. There are some standards you can count on across the board, including campsite hookup tools like sewer hoses and electric cables, small kitchens (with a two-burner stove, microwave, and small fridge), and bathrooms with a toilet, small sink, and shower drain on the floor. But some rentals will also come with kitchen accessories, like pots and pans; others may come with outdoor chairs. Some include none of the above. “You want to know what they’re giving you, so you know what [else] to bring along,” says Epperson.

Where to book

There are many RV rental companies to choose from, but two are standouts for first-time renters: the aforementioned Cruise America and RVShare. Broadly speaking, you can think of Cruise America like a chain hotel, where you can expect a standardized experience and offerings, and RVshare like the Airbnb of motorhome rentals—decor, rates, and rules vary, since they’re all individually owned.