Renting an RV

If you’re looking to get into RV-ing, it’s important to understand the options available. RVs come in many different sizes and styles from large motorhomes to smaller folding trailers you can tow behind your vehicle. Here is a list of the various types of RVs and their differences to consider:

Different Types of RV Motorhomes

The term “RV” typically refers to two types of recreational vehicles: motorhomes and campers. Motorhomes are motorized vehicles that can have bathrooms, kitchens, beds and living spaces.

Class A Motorhomes:

The largest models that are usually a motorcoach built on a commercial bus chassis

Class B Motorhomes:

A camper van or a van that has built-in sleeping and eating facilities

Class C Motorhomes:

Often called a “mini motorhome” because they resemble a compact version of class A’s with an attached cab section

Different Types of RV Campers

Campers are trailers that can be towed or attached to the back of a vehicle. They have sleeping and eating facilities and are used for temporary quarters when camping or on vacation.

Common types of campers include:

Folding Camping Trailers

These fold down for travel and are towed behind your vehicle

Conventional Travel Trailers

These have rigid or expandable walls and are towed behind your vehicle

Fifth Wheel Trailer

These big trailers are equipped with a hitch designed to mount in the bed over the rear axle of a pickup truck

Recreation/Cargo Campers

These include sleeping facilities and a special cargo-hauling compartment to transport ATVs, motorcycles and more

Mounted Truck Campers

These fit over the bed of a pickup truck and are equipped with temporary sleeping and eating facilities

Recreational Vehicle Renting FAQs

RV trekking has become very popular lately, with the industry as a whole contributing over $114 billion dollars to the US economy in 2019. If you’re new to RV-ing, renting before you buy is a great idea — you’ll get a feel for what size works best for you before your road trip. Here are a few things to consider before you rent an RV:

Can I reserve an RV before the season starts?

Don’t wait until the very last minute to rent your RV. Busy seasons like summers and especially holidays tend to book up quickly. The same goes for campgrounds. Don’t assume there will be a spot for you when you arrive. Do I need to plan out each leg of my trip?

Map out your travel route and decide on any overnight stops before you book your RV. This benefits you in a few key ways. You’ll be able to:

• Budget your fuel needs by understanding your mileage.
• Understand where you can refill potable water and purge wastewater along the way.
• Know ahead of time if you have shore power, local water and other campsite amenities.
• Map a route that accommodates the weight and height of your RV.
• Get advanced approval that your campsite allows your RV class and type.

Online tools such as Roadtrippers, Furkot and Google Maps are great resources to leverage when mapping out your trip. Some sites allow you to input the make and model of your vehicle to estimate fuel prices for your trip.

Can you rent an RV with bad credit?

You should know that some groups require you to pass a credit check before they allow you to rent. If your credit is less than great, you may be able to rent an RV by leaving a large cash deposit. What does it cost to rent an RV with bad credit? In most cases, it will be more expensive, but costs can vary. Check online for rental terms and conditions, or reach out to the dealer directly with questions.

Is gas included in an RV rental?

Don’t forget to consider how much money you’ll need for fuel. Mileage will vary significantly depending on which RV class you select. Ask the rental group about the gas mileage your RV gets before you rent.

Where can you rent an RV?

One quick Google query on “cheap RV rentals near me” will likely reveal dealers and RV rental groups eager for your business. But it may be wise to shop around — and don’t jump at the least expensive option right away. RVs need to be well maintained over the years, and the less costly dealers may keep their prices down by cutting corners with decreased upkeep. That can translate into breakdowns while you're out on the road.

Do you get unlimited miles when you rent an RV?

Some RV rentals come with unlimited miles, though the daily rental rate tends to cost more for RV rentals with unlimited miles. It may be appealing to drive without closely tracking your miles, but with a little preparation and mapping out of your destinations, you can pay by the mile and save.

Can you rent an RV one-way?

One-way RV rentals are possible, specifically if you book in advance from a national RV distributor. Because they have locations in many parts of the US, you may be able to rent an RV from one location and drop it off at another franchise. In some cases, you may be charged a return fee for one-way RV trips. Again, a winning strategy is to look online for “one-way RV rentals near me,” to find an RV rental group locally.

How much does it cost to rent an RV?

Much like homes on the market, each motorhome has its own finishes — and those all range in price. Most RVs come furnished with a bedroom or areas to sleep, a small kitchen, a living area and a restroom. Bare bones models tend to be less expensive, while the luxe, high-end models can cost a lot more.

A key part of any vacation is setting a budget. Figure out how much you can afford and then choose an RV that fits within that budget. Larger RV rental groups will have an online RV rental calculator you can use to help build out your budget.

How much it does it cost to rent an RV? The answer depends on many factors:

• The amount of days you’ll be renting
• The distance you plan to travel in the RV
• The cost for supplemental RV insurance 
• The class of RV
• The odometer mileage, age and condition of the RV you rent
• The RV’s finishes and amenities
• The gas mileage of the RV you choose
• Cleaning fees
• Taxes and tolls

So, how much it is to rent an RV for a week? And how do those costs compare to a more traditional vacation involving hotels and airfare? Although the costs to rent an RV vary by type, according to Joel Clark, CEO of RVshare, you can save anywhere from 27 percent to 62 percent when compared to traditional vacation alternatives. While shopping around, be sure to inquire how much it costs to rent an RV for a month — sometimes the rates are more affordable that way.

Here's a look at average daily costs to rent an RV:

How to Prepare for Your RV Trip

Getting organized is key to getting into the great outdoors. In addition to renting an RV and securing a place to park it every night, you’ll need to read up on RV maintenance.

Tire Inflation and Loading

Proper tire inflation is important for both safety and optimal fuel efficiency. Periodically check to see if you need to add a little air while out on your trek. Study up on how to prevent a tire blowout on the RV with these tips.

Filling the Water Heater

High-end RVs may have a tankless water heater, but most still use a water tank. Make sure it’s full before you turn on the water heater.

Managing Electricity

Get familiar with the electrical hookups before you set out. Campsite hookups have either a 30-amp or 50-amp capacity, so you may not get the same power flow at every site. Lower-amp hookups may require a little power budgeting on your part.

Do you need a special license to rent an RV?

It’s important to have a firm idea of where you plan to travel before you hit the road. You’ll also need some details on the type of RV you’ll be renting, like its weight and size. But, maybe most important, is having the right drivers license to legally operate the RV.

Your RV rental company will work with you to verify that the RV drivers have proper licenses — you won't be able to rent one without. Generally speaking, you won’t need a special license to drive a smaller RV, though license restrictions do exist for the larger, heavier RVs. Check in with a state’s DMV to learn about their latest license requirements.