How to Rent an RV for a Road Trip
1. Choose the Right Type of RV
When renting an RV for a road trip, selecting the right type of RV is the first step. There are many motorized and towable options available. Consider the number of people you’re traveling with and your driving comfort when making your choice. Larger RVs provide more space but can be harder to drive and maneuver. Also, think about what you’ll need while traveling. Will you need a full kitchen or will a portable stovetop work? If it’s just you, it might not make any financial sense to rent a large motorhome.
2. Where to Rent an RV
There are multiple ways to rent an RV. Peer-to-peer rental platforms like Outdoorsy allow owners to rent their RVs directly to travelers at competitive prices. Traditional rental companies like Cruise America and El Monte RV provide professionally maintained campers with standard rental policies. Some local dealerships and campgrounds also offer short-term RV rentals. You should compare your options to find the best fit for your trip and budget.
3. Understanding Rental Terms & Fees
Before booking, review the costs and policies associated with your RV rental. Calculate how much does it cost to rent an RV for your planned road trip. Prices vary based on the RV type, rental duration, and included mileage. Take note of daily rental rates, mileage limits, additional fees like for the generator or cleaning, and security deposits. Plus, some rentals require separate insurance coverage. Double-check whether the rental company or your auto policy provides coverage, or if you need to purchase additional coverage. You should also read and fully understand the cancellation policies in case your plans change.
4. Booking in Advance
To secure the best deals, book your RV rental in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like summer. Popular RV models and RV campgrounds sell out quickly. If your route isn’t a round trip, consider one-way rentals. This allows you to pick up an RV in one city and drop it off in another. This flexibility can help make your trip more efficient.
5. Preparing for Pickup & Driving
Before hitting the road, inspect your rental RV for existing damage and check the functionality of its plumbing, electricity, propane, and appliances. You can ask the rental provider for a walkthrough demonstration. They will be able to show you how to properly hook up water, operate the generator, and dump waste tanks. You should also download RV trip planning apps to map out campgrounds and fuel stops, and learn about route restrictions.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV?
Renting an RV can be exciting, especially if it’s your first time traveling in an RV. However, understanding the costs involved is essential. Prices vary depending on the type of RV you want to rent, the season, location, and how long you plan to rent. Here are some associated costs of renting an RV for a road trip:
Average RV Rental Costs
How much does it cost to rent an RV? The answer depends on various factors like the size, year, and type of the RV you choose. Here’s a general breakdown of average nightly rental prices:
Larger RVs with more amenities tend to be more expensive, while smaller travel trailers are more budget-friendly.
Additional Costs to Consider When Renting An RV For A Road Trip
Beyond the base rental price, there are additional costs you need to factor into your total budget.
Mileage Fees – Some RV rentals come with free miles, while others charge per mile after a certain limit.
Generator Usage – If you’re renting an RV that requires power, expect fees for generator use. Some rental companies charge by the hour.
Insurance Costs – Most RV rental companies require insurance coverage. Check what’s included in your rental agreement and find out if you need to purchase additional protection.
Campground & RV Park Fees – Expect to pay between $20 per night for basic RV campsites and $100+ for luxury RV resorts.
Fuel Costs – Larger RVs consume more fuel, and gas prices vary by state. We suggest planning for higher fuel expenses.
7 Ways To Save On RV Rentals
While renting an RV can be pricey, there are ways to cut costs and stay within budget.
Book Early
Securing your RV rental in advance helps you lock in lower rates, especially during travel seasons.
Look for Discounts
Some RV rental platforms offer weekly discounts, first-time renter promotions, or long-term rental deals.
Travel During Off-Seasons
Rental rates tend to drop in the fall and winter months when demand is lower.
Compare Insurance Options
Shop around for rental insurance to avoid overpaying for coverage. Some credit cards or travel policies may offer rental protection.
Camp for Free on Public Land
Instead of paying for campgrounds, save by boondocking or camping on public lands. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas offer to let your camp for free in nature. Be sure to research public land and find boondocking campsites along your road trip route.
Save on Gas
Fuel costs can add up quickly when renting an RV for a road trip, especially for larger Class A motorhomes. To save on gas try to:
- Choose a fuel-efficient RV, like a Class B camper van.
- Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel prices along your route.
- Drive at reasonable speeds and avoid rapid acceleration to improve fuel efficiency, or use cruise control.
- Plan an efficient road trip route with no backtracking to reduce unnecessary mileage.
Pros & Cons of Renting an RV for a Road Trip
Freedom & Flexibility
Renting an RV for a road trip gives you more control over your travel plans. You can make detours and change your itinerary as you go. Unlike hotels, RV travel eliminates the need for strict reservations. You can explore destinations at your own pace without worrying about check-in times or flight schedules.
Cost-Effective for Group & Family Travel
RV rentals allow families and groups to split costs, making road trips more budget-friendly. RV travel can be less expensive than regular traveling, so by sharing expenses like fuel, you can stretch your travel budget further. Instead of eating out at restaurants for every meal, you can cook inside the RV. This saves money and allows you to have healthier meals while on the road.
A Unique & Scenic Travel Experience
One of the biggest benefits of renting an RV for a road trip is experiencing nature up close. RV travel is perfect for people who love the outdoors. You can camp near gorgeous mountains, lakesides, or by the shore. You can also drive through scenic national parks and highways with breathtaking landscapes that traditional travel often misses.
Comfortable & Convenient Accommodations
With an RV, your home travels with you. You can set up your RV rental the way you like and make it feel like a comfortable home away from home. You don’t have to constantly pack and unpack at different hotels. Plus, most RVs come with a private bathroom, a kitchen, and cozy sleeping areas. This makes road-tripping more convenient, especially for families.
Pet-Friendly Travel
Many RV rental companies allow pets, allowing you to bring your furry friends on your road trip. This means you can save money on pet boarding and keep your pet by your side. RV traveling with your pet also means they get to enjoy nature too. Whether it’s hiking, relaxing by the campfire, or exploring pet-friendly parks, they get to be part of the entire adventure.
Social & Community Benefits
RV travel introduces you to a new community full of travelers. RV campgrounds and parks are great places to meet people who share a love for traveling. Many campgrounds host social events and activities to make it easy to connect with like-minded travelers.
High Upfront Costs
You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $400 per night, depending on the RV model. Additional costs like mileage fees, generator usage, cleaning, and security deposits are also factors you should consider. However, if you carefully plan your trip, you could save money in comparison to traditional travel.
Fuel Expenses & Lower Gas Mileage
RVs use significantly more fuel than regular vehicles. Larger motorhomes have lower miles per gallon, making fuel a large expense. Gas costs will depend on your traveling distance, so factor it into your budget before renting an RV for a road trip. Also, use gas-saving strategies to make the most of your budget.
Driving & Parking Challenges
Operating an RV—especially a large Class A—takes practice. Tight turns and narrow roads can be difficult for beginners. Make sure you are aware of your driving capabilities and rent an RV that you can easily maneuver. Parking is another challenge. Some attractions and restaurants will have limited parking for oversized vehicles. Be prepared to research RV-friendly locations beforehand, if you’re renting a larger RV.
RV Hookups & Campground Availability
Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during the busy season. Finding full RV hookups can be hard to do last minute. Plan and book reservations for campsites.
Maintenance & Potential Breakdowns
RVs require regular maintenance. While traveling, you’ll need to dump waste tanks, refill fresh water, and manage the propane tank levels for the RV. This can be overwhelming for first-time renters. Mechanical issues and breakdowns can unexpectedly happen. While most rental companies offer roadside assistance, delays can quickly halt your travel plans.
Learning Curve for First-Time RVers
If you’re new to RV travel, expect there to be a learning curve. You’ll have to take some time to learn how to properly work, drive, and navigate during your road trip. This includes learning how to hook up utilities, operate slide-outs, and manage power usage. Watching tutorials and getting a walkthrough from the rental provider will help.
Should You Rent an RV?
Renting an RV for a road trip is an exciting way to explore new destinations. However, it’s important to weigh the costs and challenges before hitting the road. If you’re wondering how much does it cost to rent an RV, compare rental prices and book early for the best deals. Renting an RV can be worth it if you take the time to effectively plan your road trip. Get started and find out how much RV rentals are near you.
