RV Camping Tips

We want our customers to have the best experience possible! We have compiled some of the best tips we can think of to help you prepare for your trip and understand what to expect.

Here are some things you need to know before renting.

Campsite Location is Important

Full Hookup Campsites are HIGHLY encouraged! We want our customers to have the best trip possible and we have found that a full hookup campsite increases customer satisfaction!

No “boon docking” allowed. We require that all reservations to be hooked up to a 30 or 50 amp RV rated hookup each night. Generators are a sufficient power source. Gulf Shores RV Rentals will not take responsibility if the house batteries die and you were not on power. We highly recommend making travel plans and reserving campsites ahead of time if you will be traveling longer distances.

Sewer hookups are strongly recommended for rentals longer than 3 days. The holding tanks will fill up faster than most people think!

Water hookups are strongly recommended for all stays. You do not want to run out of water in the middle of a shower!

Be prepared and have an itinerary. Make sure your campsite is booked in advance and it is capable of your selected camper amperage and length. These specifications can be found on the camper’s individual page.

Pack What You Need

Make sure you have all the items you need. Please read over our “packing list” so you don’t forget anything!

We have optional items that you can add onto your trip like camping chairs, a family fun package, picnic table, etc. to add extra convenience and fun to your trip! Click here to check out all of the items that we have for camping rentals. Have you already booked your trip but want to add any of the items on later? We can help!

Only RV grade toilet paper is allowed in the toilets. Regular toilet paper will clog the internal pipes. DO NOT put any feminine products, wipes or paper towels down the toilet. You will be provided with 4 rolls of RV grade toilet paper for each rental as well as 1 porta pack (toilet tank deodorizer).

Tips for Towing

Your vehicle must have an electric brake controller in order to tow. If you do not have one equipped we can rent you a wireless brake controller for $30. If you are not sure if you have one please call and we can help determine if you do. See examples of brake controllers here.

Know your vehicle tow capacity. Your vehicle tow capacity must be at least 1000 lbs greater than the campers GVWR (loaded weight). If you are unsure, please send us an email with your vehicle tow capacity so we can check this out for you.

Expect the Unexpected

We strive to make sure our campers are properly maintained and in tip top shape when you get them. However, things can break on a camper without warning. Trailers take a beating while traveling and it is possible that something that worked during walk through will not work when you get to your destination. We will work our hardest to make sure we can rectify the problem as fast as possible, but please be understanding!

Breakers often trip and when they trip, the AC, lights, refrigerator, etc. may no longer have power. Don't wait to see if the power turns on all by itself! (Your food in the fridge could spoil or your camper could get warmer with no AC!) The most common reason for a breaker to trip is an overloaded circuit. Usually, having too many appliances running on the same circuit is what causes the problem. This is how the camper protects itself and the appliances. To try to fix this, turn off any unnecessary appliances being powered, and flip the breaker to see if that turns on the power again. (Can't find the breaker box? Look for the how-to manual in your camper.)

Take advantage of roadside assistance, trip insurance & damage protection. Upon completing your reservation, you will be prompted to select these optional additional packages. These can work in your favor if things go wrong!

We don't like pulling from the security deposit just as much as you don't. Here are some things to avoid that will make your trip go smoothly and eliminate the chances of costly damages.

Operating the Camper

The camper must be returned with a clean interior. “Clean” means as you received it & visibly ready for another rental. Please take out trash after your stay!

The refrigerators in our campers can take up to 24 hours to cool to their proper temperature, depending on external temps. Most of the time they will cool down after 6 hours. We recommend keeping your perishable food items in an ice chest until the refrigerator has had enough time to cool down.

Do not insert sanitary products, baby wipes or flushable wipes in the toilet. Such actions will cause damage to the toilet, internal plumbing and sewage tank. The renter will be responsible for the cost of repairs and loss of use. Minimum repair cost is $500.

Do not use chlorine bleach inside the RV. Usage of chlorine bleach products will cause damage to the sewage tanks, furniture and flooring. Chlorine bleach is harmful to campground sewage systems, as well as wildlife. The renter is responsible for damages cause by use of chlorine bleach products.

Do not allow food debris to be placed in sink drains. Sink drains and gray tank cannot accommodate food debris and particles. The renter will be responsible for the cost of repairs and the loss of use.

Do not cook or store foods that will create a strong smell that is difficult to remove in the camper. Deep fry cooking with grease causes excess odor and grease buildup within the camper. Removal of such odors and buildup requires the use of chemicals and extensive cleaning.

Do not attempt to stand or sit on the roof. The renter is responsible for damages caused by use of the roof.

Do not smoke cigarettes, marijuana products, vaping devices or E-Cigarettes. Such activities cause odors and result in excess cleaning at the end of the rental period. The minimum charge for recovery of smoking odors is $500.

Illegal activity is prohibited within the camper by the renter and the occupants. MBCR will comply with law enforcement, concerning all inquiries related to illegal activity. Any evidence of the storage, transportation, or use of illegal substances will forfeit your entire security deposit and result in law enforcement being called for a police report and to collect evidence.

We discourage the usage of the exterior awnings unless you feel extremely comfortable with the operation and use. This is for your protection because they can be up to $3000 to replace and can be damaged very easily due to weather or accidental misuse. Awnings ARE NOT COVERED by platform insurance claims. Damage to awnings, including damage while driving (trees, drive-thrus, etc.) are 100% your responsibility and could exceed your security/damage deposit amount.

If the reservation is a delivery, do not attempt to move the unit without prior approval from MBCR.

If you have any questions on how to operate the rv, feel welcome to reach out! We will be happy to help. We also leave an instruction manual specific to your rented RV with you while you're on your trip!

Proper Awning Usage

DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU! Follow the rules below to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

• Awning is to be used for SHADE ONLY and not for rain.
• DO NOT use in windy conditions
• DO NOT use in ANY rain conditions
• DO NOT leave awning out unattended
• Awning MUST be rolled in at night

* We do not restrict the use of the awning, but we highly recommend you are familiar with it before using it.

*Awnings are not covered by insurance and renters will be 100% financially responsible in the event of any damages.