The genius of North American Motorhomes has been the ability of their designers and builders to cram so many light-weight living features into such a compact area. Whatever size unit you rent, you will marvel at the snugness and comfort which surrounds you. The family can sleep in while the driver makes an early morning departure. The galley, refrigerator and stove are always at hand, to whip up a complete meal, or to support a picnic or a cook-out. And, there's never a worry about stopping to find a clean rest room.

Since features vary widely, by size and make of unit, you'll want to make sure your unit meets your needs in the following areas:

Sleeping arrangements ... space and privacy ... Be sure the beds for adults are full size. Try for enough privacy so adults can read or watch TV at night, after children have retired. Only larger units have beds which stay beds; but sofas and dinettes which convert to beds can be quite comfortable, especially for children and teenagers.

The Galley: food and preparation and storage ... All units will have a stove, refrigerator or a small freezer compartment and a preparation area, plus space to store dry groceries. There may be a regular or a microwave oven. There will be fresh water stored in tanks for drinking and cooking; but you may prefer the taste of bottled water, especially for coffee. Plan on easy-to-prepare meals which avoid elaborate preparation. Expect also to prepare food outside the unit, at both picnics and cook-outs, using grills at campgrounds.

Shower and Toilet facilities self-contained comfort ... These are real luxuries found in motorhomes. An automatic hot water heater provides sufficient hot water for a brief shower. The toilet will be an efficient marine-type. Since many campgrounds have excellent wash houses, you can supplement your unit's facilities during overnight stops.

Keeping cool ... or warm ... In warmer climates, you'll need a separate roof-top air conditioning unit, in addition to the automotive unit. Even in summer, you may need heat during chilly nights. The best type of propane furnace turns itself on and off automatically, in response to a thermostat setting.

Generating your own electricity ... This will be important if you are heading for the wilderness, away from commercial campgrounds, and desire to be truly self- contained. Many units come equipped with efficient, gasoline-driven generator which will meet your needs for electricity.

Driving features: power steering, brakes/automatic transmission/cruise control ... As a vehicle, your motorhome will come equipped with many conveniences to help you maneuver the vehicle. You should look for automatic transmissions, power steering and power brakes and rear-view mirrors on both the driver's and passenger's side of the cab. If you plan to drive for long stretches, you'll appreciate cruise control, which will relieve you of the need to constantly keep your foot on the accelerator.

Other amenities ... You'll appreciate a radio or a cassette player. Many dealers will rent a portable TV, which you can hook into cable systems at commercial campgrounds. Also popular with RVers: folding lawn chairs for enjoying the out-of-doors, bicycles for short trips and exercise. These can frequently be rented.