Two people looking to share an RV this year

jmontagu · Post by **jmontagu** » Sat May 17, 2008 4:59 pm

OK, so we're first timers and have obviously left hiring an RV way too late. My girlfriend and I are looking for a couple of fun people who might let us share their RV. We'd obviously be happy to pay our way in terms of a share of the rental cost etc. If you're interested, please let me know!

Thanks

Jonathan

MrMullen · Post by **MrMullen** » Sun May 18, 2008 12:42 pm

You guys are first timers so I will give some good Burning Man advice: Don't share an RV with strangers off the Internet. Camp with friends and be 100% responsible for yourselves and run your own personal space as you see fit. Don't share your personal space with anyone. Personal space is the immediate space in and around your tent. That personal space you go to get away from everyone.

You are investing a bunch of money into sharing your personal space with some people you really don't know. A recipe for disaster!

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Sun May 18, 2008 1:49 pm

That's some really good advice! Even if you share a shade structure you will value having your own tent to crawl in to for chill/regroup time.
There is so much over stimulation at the burn that having your own space is really necessary. A 10 minute time out for a bottle of water and a granola bar in my own space has turned my mood around plenty of times at the burn. I just can't get my head straight with people milling around while I am trying to chill.
You might want to try purchasing an RV as sometimes a classic one can be had for little more than rental. Then you won't get dinged for the cleanup and can sell it after the burn if you so choose. In reality RV's take time to manage and if you don't have a generator and AC it will be brutally hot in there in the afternoon. You could also build a kick ass shade structure with the $ you would have spent on fuel and rental. There are alot of options. Look in the older posts here and pop on over to tribe and check out shade geeks and some of the RV forums. You have plenty of time to make it happen just start now and keep figuring it out until you lock your door and head for the black rock.

Post by **mdmf007** » Sun May 18, 2008 3:43 pm

Sounds like sage advice - I have read a ton of horror stories about RV, camp and ride sharing. Be responsible get to know them first before you guys become roommates for the week and a half.

have fun

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Sun May 18, 2008 5:26 pm

Another seasoned burner chiming in saying the advice given so far is wise.
If you investigate RV rental and add up fees for generator usage, fuel, cleaning, mileage, etc. you are generally over $2k for a BM trip. A half-share would be at least $1000. For that much you can find a camp trailer, or buy gear to set up a great camp.
A bunch of people in an RV, especially strangers, has logistic issues as well as social ones. Most rigs don't carry enough water for 4 or 5 people for a week unless all are VERY disciplined about water conservation, and the waste-water tanks get full quickly too.
This dialogue will almost certainly happen:
"Who took the long shower?? What, you mean what I call a SHORT shower at home is a long shower in here? Oh... sorry I used up everyone's water and filled the drain tank..."
And/or:
"Look everyone, I did all the dishes!"
"Uh, did you run the water continuously while you did it? We're almost out now and the waste tank is overflowing."
"I was just trying to help."
"Well that's nice but now we're screwed!"

gaminwench · Post by **gaminwench** » Mon May 19, 2008 7:27 pm

Also, supplies aside....I've shared an RV several times, always with close friends, so....IMPORTANT - are you a night or a day person? Guaranteed that you're RV mate(s) are the opposite. One person trying to nap while 3 folks are dressing for cocktails. The yogurt you were saving for breakfast to share with your cool neighbors - gone! You're sleeping, they bring home new friends - at 4 AM....all very real possibilities....

thirt33n · Post by **thirt33n** » Mon May 19, 2008 8:29 pm

just,......no.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Mon May 19, 2008 10:22 pm

I've seen it work where all or most of the people camp outside the rv.

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Tue May 20, 2008 3:55 pm

For the last 3 years I've shared an RV with strangers, but with certain limitations. Basically, the RV is a fancy way to get a bunch of people to the playa, including all their gear. Altho folks are welcome to sleep aboard, it is strongly recommended that each person/couple bring their own tent and sleep outside, as well as have a place to store personal gear and chill. The RV is great for VERY quick showers/sponge baths, cooking, using the frig, escaping the mid-day heat and the occasional dust storm (we run the generator for the AC 2-3 hours and only during mid-day, never at night!).

Each year we've carried 9-10 folks, plenty of room for the trip up and back, but no way can that many people expect to live aboard entirely w/o friction. Our system of an outside tent with the RV as a community shelter has worked well.

One other benefit has been on Day 1 arrival which has always been at midnight...no need to struggle setting up a tent at midnight in a blowing dust storm...we all pile out, go party, return whenever and find a spot to sleep inside until morning. Leaving same thing...load up, go to Temple Burn, party, come back, jump aboard and push off...non-drivers occupy the bunks on the way home.

Last year the per person cost was $385 including gas, rental fee, and mileage...that was 9 peeps. If you're interested we're departing from Seattle Aug 23, returning Sep 1

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Tue May 20, 2008 6:58 pm

That RV-share plan is a good one, and I'll put my seasoned but still probably worthless stamp of approval on it for anyone considering taking up the offer.