Last August, I rented a 25-foot Class C motorhome from Fireside RV Rental's Asheville location to test their service firsthand and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. Having rented from dozens of companies over my 10+ years of RV journalism, I approached this rental with professional skepticism—but Fireside exceeded my expectations from the moment I arrived.
Pickup Experience: Above and Beyond
I arrived at their Tunnel Road location at 9 AM on a Saturday. The facility was immaculate—a far cry from the dusty lots I've seen at national chains. My rental agent, Sarah, greeted me by name and had all paperwork pre-prepared. What impressed me most was the 45-minute walkthrough she conducted, even though I mentioned my experience. She demonstrated every system, from the leveling jacks to the propane lines, and provided a printed manual with her personal cell number "just in case."
The 2023 Thor Four Winds I rented had only 8,500 miles and looked showroom-fresh. Sarah pointed out a tiny scratch on the rear bumper and photographed it with me—transparency I appreciated. She also loaded a cooler with ice and bottled water as a courtesy.
The Rental Week: Zero Issues
Over seven days, I put 850 miles on the RV through the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains, and various North Carolina state parks. The vehicle performed flawlessly. The unlimited mileage policy meant I could explore without watching the odometer—a significant advantage over competitors charging $0.35-0.45 per mile after 100 daily miles.
Mid-week, I had a question about the backup camera system. I texted Sarah's number, and she responded within 20 minutes with a solution. This level of accessibility is rare in the rental industry.
Return Process: Quick and Fair
Returning the RV took only 15 minutes. Sarah inspected the vehicle, noted full propane and clean tanks, and released my $500 deposit to my credit card while I stood there. No hidden fees, no surprise charges—the final bill matched the quote exactly at $1,015 for 7 days ($145/day base rate).
What Impressed Me Most
- Vehicle Quality: The newest RV I've rented from any regional company
- Customer Service: Personal, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful
- Transparency: No upselling, no hidden fees, just honest service
- Flexibility: They offered early pickup and late return options
- Local Expertise: Sarah provided a map with RV-friendly routes and campground recommendations
Room for Improvement
While my experience was overwhelmingly positive, there are a few areas where Fireside could improve:
- Limited Availability: With only 25 vehicles, they book up 6-8 weeks in advance during summer
- No Airport Shuttle: You'll need an Uber to their location (about $25 from AVL airport)
- Higher Pricing: At $145/day base rate, they're $20-30 more than Cruise America, though the quality justifies it
Final Thoughts: This rental reminded me why supporting regional, family-owned companies matters. Fireside RV Rental treats customers like guests, not transactions. If you're renting in Asheville or Central Arkansas, I strongly recommend booking with them—just do it early, as their reputation means limited availability.