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OK, I love Roo and all but it has kicked my ass all three years I have attended. I am from NY and the heat and humidity alone just drain my group and I to the point we fall fast asleep by 12am-1am everynight. I could barely get back to my tent at 2am this year. We just can't get sleep enough in the AM to function past midnight. Anyway as sad as it is the only way I will be heading back to the farm is if we either splurge for an RV or win the lottery. Can someone breakdown the costs to renting an RV with the proper ticket prices.
Looking at 2013 prices I see that $3492 is due at pick up. Does this include each persons roo ticket? I assume it does not. So that is pretty expensive for 6 people.
Now if I were to rent my own RV and drive it in to RV camping what do I get with that. Do I get power connections? And does this allow me to run AC at least some time? Or is it like bringing a car and balancing the gas/battery running the engine?
There is probably no way we will be back since there is a few closer (although not as good) festivals in cooler temperaments. I want to come back. Besides blowing $4000 for 1 weekend what are my RV options?
I have almost zero relevant information for this thread except to say that I have considered going RV next year as well and would love to see the numbers. Also, check out Firefly (in Delaware) which has a lot of the same artists as Roo.
Post by dandcwindsor on Jun 20, 2013 6:25:01 GMT -5
We tented this year, but next year I am bringing my RV. My understanding is that when you bring your own RV you only get a spot similar to car camping. No power or water hook ups. We felt the same as you with early mornings heat, we were exhausted by 1am. Sleeping under a tree in centeroo just didn't cut it. So with an RV I think we could sleep until noon, comfortably and allow us to stay up and catch the late night shows.
A generator is needed for power/AC. Some RV rentals will have a Generator built into the unit. Optional you could run the RV which would allow the 12v lighting and other systems to run, it wouldn't run a roof top AC unit. We have a Portable Generator that we use it, it runs off the RV's Propane system, others run off gas, they only let you bring in so much gas so you really need to balance running the AC and Generator.
RV's have a fresh water holding tank which you can fill before going into Roo, and I understand while there they offer refills for $50.
I have yet to find any information on pumping out the Grey/Black Water tanks. The Portajon trucks should have the hook ups to do this but I don't know if that service is offered or what that cost would be.
Post by funkybuttlovin on Jun 20, 2013 7:34:26 GMT -5
I would like to see the numbers as well. I figure I would have to actually go into a dealer to get appropriate numbers since online doesn't give you excact.
No idea what your specific circumstances are, but as long as you're doing research and crunching numbers you might also want to look at buying a tow-along trailer. You can find decent ones on Craigslist in the $5K range.
OK, I love Roo and all but it has kicked my ass all three years I have attended. I am from NY and the heat and humidity alone just drain my group and I to the point we fall fast asleep by 12am-1am everynight. I could barely get back to my tent at 2am this year. We just can't get sleep enough in the AM to function past midnight. Anyway as sad as it is the only way I will be heading back to the farm is if we either splurge for an RV or win the lottery. Can someone breakdown the costs to renting an RV with the proper ticket prices.
Looking at 2013 prices I see that $3492 is due at pick up. Does this include each persons roo ticket? I assume it does not. So that is pretty expensive for 6 people.
Now if I were to rent my own RV and drive it in to RV camping what do I get with that. Do I get power connections? And does this allow me to run AC at least some time? Or is it like bringing a car and balancing the gas/battery running the engine?
There is probably no way we will be back since there is a few closer (although not as good) festivals in cooler temperaments. I want to come back. Besides blowing $4000 for 1 weekend what are my RV options?
The onsite RV price does not include the cost of your tickets. My friend did it last year and had to buy a wristband as well.
Post by captaincanada on Jun 20, 2013 16:03:09 GMT -5
I too have already been looking into this for next year. The CruiseAmerica site seems to be saying they are already booked for Nashville pickups the weekend of June 12-15 2014 (when I'm guessing Roo 2014 will be) but you can get a 25 footer out of Knoxville or Memphis for about $1200 and they hold 5 people. Add in the extra $200 you'd have to pay Roo for RV parking and you're looking at about $1600 (including gas). If you actually get 5 people it would only be slightly over $300/pp + cost of a ticket. That sounds like a pretty good deal, unless I am missing costs somewhere..?
Post by glitterous on Jun 20, 2013 17:34:18 GMT -5
Assuming you get the comfort of as much AC as you want, your own kitchen, and a working bathroom for the whole time, that is a better deal than VIP, which would cost you $4.5k for six.
OK, I love Roo and all but it has kicked my ass all three years I have attended. I am from NY and the heat and humidity alone just drain my group and I to the point we fall fast asleep by 12am-1am everynight. I could barely get back to my tent at 2am this year. We just can't get sleep enough in the AM to function past midnight. Anyway as sad as it is the only way I will be heading back to the farm is if we either splurge for an RV or win the lottery. Can someone breakdown the costs to renting an RV with the proper ticket prices.
Looking at 2013 prices I see that $3492 is due at pick up. Does this include each persons roo ticket? I assume it does not. So that is pretty expensive for 6 people.
Now if I were to rent my own RV and drive it in to RV camping what do I get with that. Do I get power connections? And does this allow me to run AC at least some time? Or is it like bringing a car and balancing the gas/battery running the engine?
There is probably no way we will be back since there is a few closer (although not as good) festivals in cooler temperaments. I want to come back. Besides blowing $4000 for 1 weekend what are my RV options?
We did an RV in 2010. Rented it from Cruise America, a big one, If my memory serves me it was $1200 to rent it w/ a $300 security deposit. My numbers aer probably a little off but definitely in the ball park. I can't remember if the distance we were traveling, 300 miles +/-, factored into that price. There are no power or water hookups in GA RV camping. You have to get an RV pass and I think those were $185. We ran the air off of the built in generator when we were at camp but turned it off at night. We filled the tank a few exits before roo and I brought 2 5 gallon cans of gas. We only ended up using one of those and it was hot balls that year.
6 people: ($1200 + $300 Security Deposit)/6 people =/= $250 - $300 $185 RV Pass / 6 people =/= $31
So basically I'd expect to pay $331 plus the price of the Ticket. I'm sure other inforoors on here can give you more specifics.
OK, I love Roo and all but it has kicked my ass all three years I have attended. I am from NY and the heat and humidity alone just drain my group and I to the point we fall fast asleep by 12am-1am everynight. I could barely get back to my tent at 2am this year. We just can't get sleep enough in the AM to function past midnight. Anyway as sad as it is the only way I will be heading back to the farm is if we either splurge for an RV or win the lottery. Can someone breakdown the costs to renting an RV with the proper ticket prices.
Looking at 2013 prices I see that $3492 is due at pick up. Does this include each persons roo ticket? I assume it does not. So that is pretty expensive for 6 people.
Now if I were to rent my own RV and drive it in to RV camping what do I get with that. Do I get power connections? And does this allow me to run AC at least some time? Or is it like bringing a car and balancing the gas/battery running the engine?
There is probably no way we will be back since there is a few closer (although not as good) festivals in cooler temperaments. I want to come back. Besides blowing $4000 for 1 weekend what are my RV options?
We did an RV in 2010. Rented it from Cruise America, a big one, If my memory serves me it was $1200 to rent it w/ a $300 security deposit. My numbers aer probably a little off but definitely in the ball park. I can't remember if the distance we were traveling, 300 miles +/-, factored into that price. There are no power or water hookups in GA RV camping. You have to get an RV pass and I think those were $185. We ran the air off of the built in generator when we were at camp but turned it off at night. We filled the tank a few exits before roo and I brought 2 5 gallon cans of gas. We only ended up using one of those and it was hot balls that year.
6 people: ($1200 + $300 Security Deposit)/6 people =/= $250 - $300 $185 RV Pass / 6 people =/= $31
So basically I'd expect to pay $331 plus the price of the Ticket. I'm sure other inforoors on here can give you more specifics.
That's a pretty fair estimate but 5 is the number the standard RV holds. Other than that running the generator is $3.50 an hour.
It's not cheap but it's VERY nice and comfortable.
Quacker and I drive from RI to KY in the SUV, then swap over to the rental RV. This was our ride for 2011 and 2012
Narrow while driving, quite roomy once you open the slide outs.
The bunk beds in the class A have three beds - all 6 ft long and twin wide so a real person can sleep in them. We use an RV dealer that also rents units. The only issue we have had is the queen air mattress in the pull out couch has leaked both times... pack a spare
100 miles are included 'per day' so we do not pay any milage - 25 Cents per mile over the allotted 3.00 per hour for the generator $200.00 cleaning charge if Not returned clean (we've not been asked to pay this) $50.00 for dumping the tanks - we elect to pay this Cost of proprane top off for whatever you used for the fridge and stove (minimal)
We rented for 7 nights last year so we did not have to race down or back. Total cost for the unit was 1782.96 with taxes, and all fees above. (1400 7 day base rate plus the generator, propane, tank dump. 4-5 days runs about 1225.00 base rate)
Best I can recall, another $300 - $400 for gas averaging $3.50 per gallon (Class A gets about 10 miles per and plan for one full tank used at roo for generator) Tack on $50 for one tank clean our while at roo. We did not need to $50 water refill.
So approx. 2400 for everything including the RV pass. (Not including tickets.) $300.00 of the above is required as a deposit.
Worth every penny for ROO IMO..
Not a big fan of Cruise America after the rolling crap-a-doodle we took from RI the first year. had to duck tape everything closed.. Due to lack of choice we are picking up a smaller CAmerica unit this aft, for solid sound. Will let you know how it compares.
Oh - and just in case - add on $10.00 for a package of Bomine or Dramamine... the RV motion can leave your boat rocking for a good 24 hours if you don't.
Edit - this baby sleeps 7 comfortably, plus two uncomfortably (dinette and reclining passenger seat). As I recall there are seatbelts for eight if you like to roll legally. Lots of storage cubbies, 2 TV's, and a really decent sound system. Bathroom is an enclosed room.
I camped in an RV for the first time last year, and I'm having trouble picturing ever doing tent camping again (I'm sure I'd manage if need be... but I wouldn't be happy about it!)
I have not had a chance to join the bourgeoisie over in VIP yet - but if you're coming in with a crew, I'm having trouble imagining how a tent in VIP would be better bang for your buck than an RV in GA.
Post by dreamingtree on Jun 21, 2013 8:13:10 GMT -5
Thanks for all this information. I am very seriously thinking about it for next year so I can stay on site in comfort and not miss anything. While doing day parking and staying at a friends house is super nice, I missed a lot of late night stuff
There is a place that does rentals down the street from my office, so I may go talk to them next week to get some firm prices. At least driving from Nashville won't cost a fortune in gas
Re: the bathroom - I've heard it can stink up the entire RV if you use it for #2 throughout the fest. Is this true? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of having an RV with a bathroom?
I've heard a lot of people say that is the case, and they only use for #1.
I camped in an RV for the first time last year, and I'm having trouble picturing ever doing tent camping again (I'm sure I'd manage if need be... but I wouldn't be happy about it!)
I have not had a chance to join the bourgeoisie over in VIP yet - but if you're coming in with a crew, I'm having trouble imagining how a tent in VIP would be better bang for your buck than an RV in GA.
Umm... we do RV VIP.... and it was GOOD! We consider that our one vacation for the year..
Re: the bathroom - I've heard it can stink up the entire RV if you use it for #2 throughout the fest. Is this true? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of having an RV with a bathroom?
We did not have that issue.. we did encourage the use of the porto's for #2 when timing allowed but in the middle of the night if the spicey pie hits, we used it.. and to help with not filling the tanks too fast, we were sure to use the sandpaper RV TP for the real business, but used decent tp for the 'clean wipes' and disposed Island style (in a covered small waste bin beside the toilet). Cottenelle or the likes will fill up the black tank fast - it does not break down like the RV paper.
Will warn you about fabreeze and Lysol though... They WILL set off the CO detectors and those quackers wont stop shouting until you air out the spray...
Other thought - pay attention and learn your rig before you leave with it. Had to call the dealer in the 2011 god awful heat to say the A/C is not coming on.. HELP!!!! Our Rv Guress there walked me through finding and flipping the trip switches that go when the kids have 18 mobile devices, Ipods, etc etc all plugged in and the A/C is running too.. Could have made a lot of $ that weekend resetting fuses had I charged for my new found knowledge.
There is a place that does rentals down the street from my office, so I may go talk to them next week to get some firm prices. At least driving from Nashville won't cost a fortune in gas
Def. check out the Non-chain rentals! They are the best in our experience.
Re: the bathroom - I've heard it can stink up the entire RV if you use it for #2 throughout the fest. Is this true? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of having an RV with a bathroom?
Not if you get the little blue treatment gel packs. Throw one in and flush every morning and you're good.
I camped in an RV for the first time last year, and I'm having trouble picturing ever doing tent camping again (I'm sure I'd manage if need be... but I wouldn't be happy about it!)
I have not had a chance to join the bourgeoisie over in VIP yet - but if you're coming in with a crew, I'm having trouble imagining how a tent in VIP would be better bang for your buck than an RV in GA.
Umm... we do RV VIP.... and it was GOOD! We consider that our one vacation for the year..
Clearly, this is definitely the way to roll if you can! The best of both worlds. I was just comparing GA RV vs. VIP tent, which seems like a no-brainer to me.
Post by Delicious Meatball Sub on Jun 21, 2013 9:30:25 GMT -5
We rented a Cruise America RV in 2012 and drove it out from DC. We picked it up Wednesday and returned it Monday (getting back Monday was not fun). It wasn't the nicest RV in the world, no pop out sides, but we still managed to cram 9 in it to keep the costs down. 9 included two people in every bed, which was a squeeze, and I slept on the floor for a discount. We got a better cheaper RV this year (bigger, no generator fee) but I'm not sure what the final costs are yet.
RV Pass -$180.00 RV Rental* -$1,310.13 rv generator fee -$181.16 Gas for generator -$105.00 Gas for trip -$431.00
We rented a Cruise America RV in 2012 and drove it out from DC. We picked it up Wednesday and returned it Monday (getting back Monday was not fun). It wasn't the nicest RV in the world, no pop out sides, but we still managed to cram 9 in it to keep the costs down. 9 included two people in every bed, which was a squeeze, and I slept on the floor for a discount. We got a better cheaper RV this year (bigger, no generator fee) but I'm not sure what the final costs are yet.
RV Pass -$180.00 RV Rental* -$1,310.13 rv generator fee -$181.16 Gas for generator -$105.00 Gas for trip -$431.00
Total = 2,207.16
Thanks for this, that seems like a fair price and definitely something that is affordable by splitting it 6-8 ways.
Post by dreamingtree on Jun 21, 2013 14:04:46 GMT -5
My 2 friends are seriously considering doing the onsite RV next year, but I am having a hard time with the cost of that vs. bringing one in, but all the logistics of doing that. Any words of advice for or against? UGH. Plus if we could have Access parking for an RV, I would much prefer to be closer to Centeroo...... The onsite's are not that close.
My 2 friends are seriously considering doing the onsite RV next year, but I am having a hard time with the cost of that vs. bringing one in, but all the logistics of doing that. Any words of advice for or against? UGH. Plus if we could have Access parking for an RV, I would much prefer to be closer to Centeroo...... The onsite's are not that close.
IMO unless Bonnaroo provides their onsite RV camping power and water hook-ups their price is totally not worth it. And even if they did it's still arguable. It's really no static at all to rent an RV. The GA RV spots are relatively close to Centeroo. We had a 10 minute walk in 2010.
Post by clevelndmike on Jun 21, 2013 15:48:14 GMT -5
First and foremost, NEVER, EVER rent from Cruise America, they provide cheap, base model equipment, one step above a box truck, with god awful contracts and adders. Find a solid, local RV dealership that offers rentals, and book with them. Tell them you're going to Bonnaroo, chances are they've rented to people for the Fest before, and will be able to help you through the common needs.
Two of us, in VIP, rent a 24' Forrest River SunSeeker every year, and with the exception of 1 year, it has always had less then 6,000 miles on it. Our package includes mileage to Bonnaroo and back plus 100, 48 generator hours, fill up, and dump, and it costs us about 1,800 for the RV. It IS more than Cruise America,,, but we don't pay for every genny hour, I've never been charged an overage for either mileage or generator time, and I return it when I return it. That being said, the people I rent from know that it will be brought back clean and well maintained.
Talk to the rental place you chose well before you leave for Bonnaroo. Stop in and meet them face to face. It's a good relationship to have, even if you just rent from them once a year. The lady at my shop emails me if things are booking up early (Bonnaroo and the Michigan Nascar race are normally the same weekend), she'll hold my RV in that case if she has trouble reaching me. The two issues we've had with the RV never resulted in an extra charge, and in one instance actually led to a nice discount.
On top of the easily recognizable benefits of the RV... (AC, Bed, etc.) it's wonderful to be able to easily pack all your goods, bring all the food, beer and water you could possibly need, and actually get up and stretch your legs during the drive without stopping. The awning (which most cruiseamerica rv's don't have) is a great place to relax in the morning and plan your day, or veg at night and recount your day. I haul down my Weber kettle grill, we eat like kings, and the RV from my local friends just adds to the best four days of my year!
Bonnaroo 2008-2013
0ct 11 Pearl Jam
Oct 12 Pearl Jam
March 16 Arcade Fire
April 29 Arcade Fire
Sept 4 Wilco
Sept 9 The Hold Steady
Oct 16 Pearl Jam
Oct 17 Gaslight Anthem
AM now in a fight with cruise America for our solid sound rental. They have charged me the $500 dollar damage deposit for a scrape on the side of the unit that was noted before we left. So far the customer service has been profoundly bad.
My 2 friends are seriously considering doing the onsite RV next year, but I am having a hard time with the cost of that vs. bringing one in, but all the logistics of doing that. Any words of advice for or against? UGH. Plus if we could have Access parking for an RV, I would much prefer to be closer to Centeroo...... The onsite's are not that close.
We did RV for the first time this year and camped in access. Our RV was a giant nightmare but the people we camped with and the location were perfect. You should easily find someone who camps in access who can adopt you if you offer them a chance to kick in on the RV
We consider that our one vacation for the year.. 
