RV RENTALS ARE A POPULAR TRAVEL OPTION

RESTON, Va. -- Remember the last time you spent the night away from home? Did you enjoy a peaceful evening with the kids, perhaps taking time for a swim or a walk and then retreating to watch a family movie on your VCR? How about supper? Was it prepared to your liking when you wanted it? Were you able to relax, knowing you had control of your schedule and could be spontaneous with you plans?

If this scenario appeals to you, perhaps your next overnight family vacation should be in a rented recreation vehicle (RV). When you rent an RV, you have the convenience and flexibility to make your own travel schedule. You are also able to avoid many of the classic travel problems: lost luggage, overbooked hotels, delayed or canceled flights, or costs that grossly exceed estimates.

In a recent study by the University of Michigan Survey Research Center, RV owners cited comfort and convenience, freedom to go where and when you want and overall value as the top advantages of RV travel.

For Families traveling with children, these benefits will help make a vacation more enjoyable. In fact, 92 percent of parents who own an RV said that RVs are the best way to travel with your family or children in a study recently conducted by Louis Harris and Associates for Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

Currently, over 400 national rental chain outlets and local RV dealerships nationwide offer state-of-the-art, late model year vehicles for rent. The nation's largest rental company, Cruise America Rentals, Mesa, AZ, has over 100 rental centers located throughout the United States and Canada. Local dealers in the rental business also offer rental fleets of five to 50 vehicles and a growing number of campground operators now offer on-site rentals.

Driving an RV requires no special license and is easier than most newcomers think. Automatic transmission, power brakes and steering are practically standard equipment in today's vehicles. With proper attention to the difference in vehicle size, height and weight, experienced car drivers will find it fun and easy to take the wheel of an RV.

According to the Recreation Vehicle Rental Association (RVRA), the rental segment of the RV market is booming, enjoying a 29 percent annual growth rate since 1986. Greater industry growth is expected as consumer demand for RV rentals continue to grow, according to a recent University of Michigan survey. Travel agencies are responding to this demand by including RV rental information in their customer brochures. The result: today's travelers are finding it easier than ever to rent RVs for a weekend or for weeks at a time. Travel trailers, folding camping trailers, truck campers and conversion vehicles are now available at most rental outlets. However, the motorhome remains the most popular rental model.

Depending on the season, motorhomes rent from $70 to $170 per day. Truck campers and travel trailers average $50 to $120 per day. Because of the growing consumer demand for RV rentals, advance reservations are recommended.

RV rental dealers offer their customers instruction in operating rental units. For an additional fee, some also provide housekeeping packages that include linens, cookware and other necessities for life on the road. Larger dealerships operate an extensive emergency repair network and a toll-free renter's assistance and information number.

Tour packages that include services such as airline and railway connections for fly-drive and rail-drive plans, one-way packages, off-season rates, vacation planning, guided escort tours and campground discounts also are available from some rental dealers.

Once the vehicle and destination have been decided, you also select your campground. A weekend spent at an RV resort offers swimming, tennis and sometimes golf by day, plus and inviting agenda of social events. At small remote campgrounds, you'll find the quiet of nature and the convenience of RV hookups for power and water.

In addition to allowing non-owners to experience RV travel, rentals help prospective buyers determine which type of unit best suits their needs. They also are the answer for those who already know and enjoy the RV lifestyle buy do not have enough leisure time to justify purchasing a unit.

Vacationers interested in renting an RV locally should consult their Yellow Pages under "Recreation Vehicles -- Renting and Leasing." For nationwide RV information, a copy of "Who's Who in RV Rentals" can be ordered from RVRA for $5. Rental Ventures, a 28-page, full-color guide to renting an RV in North America, is also available for $3. Both publications can be purchased for $7.50, which includes first-class delivery. Send request to RVRA, 3930 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, or 1-800-336-0355.

A free booklet on "Choosing & Using Your RV" and a complete directory of RV shows, publications and clubs is available by writing to: RVIA, Dept. PR, P.O. Box 2999, Reston, VA 20195-0999.