College Football Season Is Here! 5 Reasons You Should Rent an RV for Your Next Tailgate

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Lots of folks are gearing up because college football season is finally here!  Some have even been preparing since the end of last season.

At certain colleges around the country, tailgating is a huge tradition.  You could even argue that one’s tailgate setup is more important than the actual game itself!

I myself grew up in South Carolina and attended Clemson University, a college known for its football program (2016 National Champions, baby!).  So I know first hand what tailgating is all about, and that the unspoken competition for “best tailgate” is indeed a real thing!

Just remember to check the school’s policy on RV parking.  Some might require a seasonal pass while others offer single game parking passes.  And at larger schools, you’ll likely have to buy your passes in advance.

You’ll also want to see what type of amenities (if any) are offered at your chosen RV parking location.  Some simply offer the spot, while others provide water and electrical hookups.  I’d highly recommend calling the school in advance to fully understand their specific RV parking policies.

All of that said, if you want to take your tailgating experience to the next level, here are 5 reasons why you should consider renting an RV for your next game.

1.   Protection From the Elements

Hardcore football fans are a hearty bunch, often times braving freezing temperatures, monsoon rain, or blazing heat all in the name of the game.  So wouldn’t it be nice to have a cozy spot to retreat to during or after the event?

An RV offers just that.  You’ll not only have a place to sit down and relax out of the sun, but you’re likely to have a nice awning to setup your grill under too!

2.   Power!

Even if you don’t have a parking spot with a power hookup, many RVers have access to a generator.  This allows you to keep the game on the TV and gives you a spot to charge your cell phone!

3.   Your Own Bathroom

I love a good tailgate, but I don’t love port-a-potties.  With an RV, you have the luxury of your own bathroom.  And you’ll avoid having to wait in a never-ending line come half-time or after the game!

Can you really put a price on not having to use a port-a-potty?

4.   A Kitchen!

Tailgating is all about eating and drinking, and with an RV, you’ll have access to a kitchen and fridge.  It’ll make it a lot easier to keep your beer cold and your 12-layer bean dip warm.  You could even bring along a blender and whip up a fancy blended adult beverage!

5.   Avoid Game Day Traffic

Many schools allow RVs to park and setup before game day.  This could certainly save you the hassle of sitting in traffic before the game starts.  You’ll also have a spot to comfortably hang out after the game, and avoid the rush of everyone else who’s trying to leave at the same time.

Use the Right Card for Your RV Rental

Insurance

As far as rental insurance goes, unfortunately, most credit cards that offer primary rental car coverage, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, explicitly exclude recreational vehicles.

But if you use a Citi card and decline the rental company’s CDW/LDW coverage, you can get secondary rental insurance on an RV.  Because according to a Citi benefits specialist, Citi credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance on vehicles that “have four wheels and are designated to drive on paved roads.”

Redeeming Points for Your Rental

If you’re looking to offset the cost of an RV rental, you could consider using a card like the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card or Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®.

Capital One Venture miles have a fixed value of 1 cent per point when you redeem them for travel purchases, like renting an RV.  And you’ll earn 2 Venture miles per $1 spent on all purchases.

With the Barclaycard Arrival Plus card, you’ll also earn 2 miles per $1 on all purchases, and you can then redeem those miles at a rate of 1 cent each towards eligible travel purchases of $100+, including rentals (as long as the merchant codes as travel).

Have you ever taken an RV to a football game?  Would you do it again?  We’d love to hear your story in the comments below!