RV Rentals for Beginners

Benefits of renting an RV

• Renting a camper or motorhome is a great way to experience the RV lifestyle without having to invest much cash.
• Renting also allows you to try out the different types of RVs, ensuring you find the right one for your lifestyle.
• RV rentals are often more affordable than traditional accommodations, such as hotels and motels.
• RVs offer a great deal of flexibility, as you can travel to places that are not accessible by car or train.
• RVing is a great way to connect with nature and experience the outdoors.

Types of RVs – Select the Right RV to Rent

If you don’t need a 45-foot RV, or aren’t comfortable driving one, you might consider something smaller. Below we’ll explore the different types of RVs to help you pick the best option for your needs.

Class A

Class A motorhomes are the largest RV type, which makes them a popular choice for long-term travelers and families. Usually built on a commercial truck chassis, and measuring between 30 and 45 feet, Class A RVs may be spacious, but they’re also difficult to drive if you aren’t experienced.

Class B

Class B motorhomes are usually between 16 and 21 feet long, making them a lot easier to maneuver than larger models. Regardless, many find Class B to be more than sufficient, thanks to clever features, like seats that convert to beds, toilets that swivel, or sinks that fold away.

Class C

The middle class of motorized RVs is Class C. These RVs are built on truck cutaway chassis that range in length from 20 to 38 feet, normally with a cab-over for storage and an extra bed. Many Class C motorhomes offer the same amenities as a Class A motorhome, simply on a smaller scale.

Towable RVs

Pop-up, teardrop, and travel campers are very lightweight and easy to tow by any vehicle. As a result of their compact size, they can easily be stored. Even though pop-up campers require some set-up and take-down time, camping enthusiasts shouldn’t have any problems.”

Fifth-wheel campers

These RVs require trucks with high towing capacity, they also have special hitches that won’t attach to just any truck. Just like a class A motorhome, most fifth wheels are spacious and include a full-sized kitchen with all its appliances.

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License Requirements for RV Rental

Do license requirements vary depending on the type of RV? Surprisingly, no special license is required for these RVs. If your RV weighs less than 26000 pounds or towed vehicles under 10,000 pounds, which most are, you are good to go with just your regular driver’s license.

Do you need insurance for an RV rental?

One of the key aspects to consider when renting an RV is the insurance requirements. Yes, RV rental insurance is mandatory in every state. Some states also necessitate uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage. All states demand a minimum amount of liability insurance. This is an important part of understanding RV rental insurance requirements.

Insurance for the RV you’re renting may be available directly through the RV dealer or rental business, you even might be able to get coverage through your home or auto insurance provider.

How much does it cost to rent an RV?

The cost to rent an RV can vary based on several factors, including the season, the location of the rental, the size of the RV, and its luxury level. We’ll delve into these factors to give you a clearer understanding of what you can expect to pay

In general, pop-up camper rentals cost around $50, while large trailer rentals cost around $125 per night. For more luxurious RVs, such as a class A, expect to pay more than $275 per night, keep in mind prices will vary depending on the size and age of the RV.

Some rentals include unlimited mileage. While others may charge a fee for each mile driven over the agreed-upon limit.

Some additional fees to look out for include:

• Security deposits
• Extra amenity fees, for kitchen essentials like pots, and pans.
• Use of propane
• Dumping fees
• Insurance

 

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HOW MUCH MILEAGE IS INCLUDED?

When it comes to budgeting for your RV vacation, one of the most important questions to ask before signing on the dotted rental-contract line is how much mileage is included with the rental fee you’re paying. With all the sightseeing you plan to be doing, unexpected extra mileage fees can add up quickly. It’s best to know what you’re getting into. “Absolutely ensure there’s a reasonable amount of mileage included with your base rate,” says travel writer Chez Chesak, board member of the Family Travel Association, who just returned from an RV vacation to some of America’s top national parks. “We had 1,000 miles included and used 849 of that. Additional miles would have been 45 cents per mile and would have certainly added up, if we weren’t careful.”

Savings Tip: RV listings through Outdoorsy specifically mention if there are any mileage charges associated with your rental, and many are unlimited.

 

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ARE THERE SPECIFIC FUEL REQUIREMENTS?

  Minimum fuel requirements can be yet another unexpected cost associated with RV rental, because some rental companies require at least mid-grade fuel, explained Chesak. “We spent about $340 just on gas, in part because we found out when picking the vehicle up that they require mid-grade fuel, 88+ octane,” said Chesak. Don’t let yourself be caught off-guard by this cost either, ask ahead of time if there are such requirements.

 

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HOW CAN I LEARN TO OPERATE ALL THE COMPONENTS

It goes without saying that operating an RV is far more complex than driving your car. There are tanks to be emptied, generators, awnings to be raised and lowered, and more. Some rental companies will provide an orientation or familiarization tour. If this is your first time renting, it can be worthwhile to find a company that does. In addition, there are countless online videos that provide information about operating an RV. YouTube is a great place to start.

 

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ARE THERE CLEANING FEES?

One more consideration when it comes to the overall cost of your RV getaway: cleaning fees. While many rental companies will allow you to return the vehicle with a normal amount of dirt, some will charge you if cleaning is required after you return the rental. “We were pretty disappointed about this,” said Chesak. “You wouldn’t have such a fee with a hotel room or cabin upon the completion of your stay. But we managed to avoid it by really cleaning the vehicle before we turned it in.”

 

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IS THERE A CHARGE FOR THE GENERATOR?

Generators are not a necessary item if you plan on staying at campsites that provide power hookups. However, those camping without hookups, will need a generator in order to use such things as appliances and air conditioning, said Russ Lovell, co-founder and managing partner at RVPlusYou.com, an online travel agency for RV rentals. Most RVs come with them. And often, RV rental companies charge a fee for their use (which is monitored by a meter on the unit). The cost is typically a few dollars per hour.

Savings Tip: For the avid RV traveler, investing in a quality generator might be a smart move. That way, you can avoid rental companies’ surcharges and always have one handy.

 

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WHAT IS THE LENGTH AND WIDTH OF THE RV?

The specific size of the RV you’re renting is important information to have handy. Why? For one, many campsites don’t allow RVs over a certain length, says Lovell. “RVs that are 25 feet or longer may not fit in some campsites,” explained Lovell. “And the campsites that accommodate larger RVs are usually booked up first.” Similarly, it is important to know width of the vehicle (including with slides out) because campsites can be tight. Being familiar with the length and width will allow you to book the appropriate size campsite.

 

CAN I TOW A VEHICLE OR A BOAT?

Not all rental companies allow the RV to be used to tow another vehicle (for those who may be hoping to take their car along on the vacation, a boat or a trailer carrying bikes and other recreational equipment). So be sure to ask what the rules are. “Towing a vehicle comes with risks — the first being that not every vehicle can safely be towed,” explained Jody Halsted, creator of the site Camping Tips for Everyone, “And not all RVs have a large towing capacity, so if you tow a vehicle that is too heavy, you could blow out an engine. Towing also increases the likelihood of accident if renters have never towed a vehicle.”

 

HOW MUCH IS THE RENTAL DEPOSIT?

Many prospective renters fail to consider the cost of the rental deposit when planning an RV vacation, says Halsted. Deposits typically range from $500 to $1000, on average. “Usually it’s equal to the RV owner’s insurance deductible,” Halsted explained. Be sure to ask how much it is, so that you have the full understanding of the true price tag of your RV getaway.

 

WHAT IS THE PET POLICY?

Traveling with an RV is one of the best ways to take a pet on vacation. It allows pets to be comfortable in their environment and still travel, says Amy Burkert the founder of GoPetFriendly.com. But before you pack up Rover or Fido to go on your trip, find out whether pets are even allowed in the RV and how much the pet deposit is, Burkert advises. You’ll also want to ask what the charges are if the RV is returned with pet hair.

 

WHAT SORT OF INSURANCE COVERAGE IS REQUIRED?

Often when renting a car, you’re allowed to use your own automobile insurance to cover the vehicle. When renting an RV however, that may not necessarily be the case. Ask what sort of insurance coverage is required and whether you can use your own insurance. You may be required to buy additional insurance from the rental company. If that is the case, you’ll want to know how much it costs and what it covers. “The chances of using the insurance are high, so plan ahead,” says Lovell of RVPlusYou.com. “Most RV renters aren’t familiar with driving a big box. In addition, the vehicle is not familiar to the driver, nor is backing up and maneuvering in a tight campground with trees, rocks, and other hazards.” For all of these reasons and more, it’s wise to have rental insurance. Also, consider checking with your insurance agent to find out whether your auto policy even covers RV rental.

 

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN RIDE IN THE RV?

Planning a family getaway in that RV? Make sure you know just how many people are allowed in the vehicle so that you can rent the appropriate size. For instance, compact motorhomes can handle a family of three, while a large motorhome can typically handle seven people. There are also intermediate-size motor homes that can hold about six people. If you want to have an enjoyable and safe vacation, get the right size vehicle to meet your needs.

 

DOES THE RV COME EQUIPPED WITH POTS AND PANS?

One nice feature of an RV is the ability to cook your own meals in them. However, be sure the vehicle has cooking equipment. Not all rental companies provide it. Some charge extra for kits that include basic necessities. At Cruise America, for instance, the Vehicle Provisioning Kit costs $100 per vehicle and includes such items as a can opener, broom, spatula, cooking spoon, cooking fork, coffee cups, plates, soup bowls, silverware, and more. The company also offers a Personal Kit, which costs $55 per person and provides a sleeping bag or comforter, pillow, pillowcase, flat sheet, bath towel, washcloth, and dish towel.

 

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WHERE CAN I PURCHASE SUPPLIES FOR THE RV?

If it’s your first time driving and caring for an RV, it’s a good idea to ask the rental company where you can purchase items for the vehicle, such as propane, cooking equipment, and more. You’ll also want to know where you are allowed to dispose of the waste that accumulates in the vehicle’s holding tanks. If you can’t find a motorhome specialty store, keep in mind that even Walmart sells RV supplies these days.

 

ARE WE ALLOWED TO DRIVE TO CANADA OR MEXICO?

While the possibilities may seem endless once you get behind the wheel of an RV and hit the open road, be sure to find out where you are truly allowed to take the vehicle. For instance, some rental companies prohibit taking their vehicles to Mexico altogether. And the policy on driving into Canada varies based on the rental contract and citizenship of the renter in some cases.

 

IS IT SAFE TO DRINK THE WATER FROM THE RV TANK?

Cruise America recommends against drinking water from your RV’s tank. It can be difficult to know if the water in the RV tank is potable when you’re filling it at various locations. There are places to fill the water tank from a water supply known to contain clean drinking water, such as campgrounds and tested well-water sources, but it may be best to use bottled water. Getting sick from drinking contaminated water can very quickly ruin a vacation. At the very least, ask the company you are renting from about this issue.

 

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WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE?

When considering renting an RV, read the proposed contract carefully and understand its terms and conditions. In some cases, the renter is solely responsible for the condition for the RV, including the interior and exterior, and will be held liable for any damage that cannot be proven to have existed prior to the rental period. Know exactly what you are getting into.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE RV BREAKS DOWN?

Understanding who to call in the event of an emergency with the RV is critical ground to cover before renting. Some rental companies provide around-the-clock travelers assistance to help get you back on the road. Still, other rental companies, such as Outdoorsy, will assist you with a breakdown even if you did not opt for this type of coverage, allowing you to request a “pay-as-you-go” service at a higher premium if you contact them at the time of a breakdown.

 

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE?

Aside from all-out breakdowns and damage to the vehicle, routine maintenance is another topic to cover. Often, the renter is responsible for such things as checking the oil and coolant levels, and reporting mechanical failures. In addition, you could be held responsible for mechanical damage tied to negligence while renting the vehicle.

 

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CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE RENTERS WITH DISABILITIES?

It is worth asking about the sort of accommodations that can be made to assist those with disabilities who are interested in renting a motorhome. While the options may be limited given an RV’s design, Cruise America offers controls that enable drivers to accelerate or brake using a hand-controlled device.

 

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IS THERE A LATE-RETURN FEE?

Like any other vehicle rental, there are often fees for not returning a motorhome on time or by the deadline specified in the contract. Some rental companies provide a short grace period for being late and then begin charging by the hour after that. They may also charge an administrative fee on top of the hourly rental rate when the vehicle is past due. In addition, if your late return impacts or disrupts another individual’s rental of that same vehicle, expect the fees to be even higher in some cases.

The best websites to rent an RV

Outdoorsy matches you with private RV nearby owners wanting to rent out their vehicles. This is very convenient and gives customers a lot more choices.

RVshare helps you search through thousands of options in your area, including Luxury Class A, B, and C Motorhomes as well as Travel Trailers that you can rent straight from the owner.

Cruise America is a corporate rental company that owns its fleet of RVs and rents them at 121 locations across the country. Despite only offering type C RVs, Cruise America is one of the most popular RV rental companies.

El Monte RV is another rental company with locations in 27 states, they offer both class A and C RVs, as well as having a round-trip and one-way rental option.

Helpful apps while RVing

GasBuddy helps you find the lowest gas prices in the area. You can even search for specific brands or types of gas. They even have fun challenges on the app that give you a chance to win free gas.

Coverage? provides a coverage map for cellular carriers across the United States. they also integrated Speedtest.net onto the coverage map which tests the speed of your internet connection.

Free Zone is a simple application that locates all nearby free Wi-Fi networks so you can continue to access the Internet. You can even set it to give notifications whenever you are near a Wi-Fi connection you can use.

FreeRoam This app provides you with free locations you can park overnight in, also shares information on regular RV campgrounds like safety, ease of access, and how crowded they are in real-time.

What you need to know about campgrounds

Now that you rented your RV, the first thing to do is make sure that RV fits in the campsite you are headed to. Most campgrounds list the maximum size of RV they can accommodate.

Secondly, check if the campground is primitive, partial, or fully hooked up.

Primitive campsites typically don’t have water or electricity available, while partial hookup sites do.

Full hookup campsites have electricity, water, and sewer connections, some even have free Wi-Fi and cable television.

Just like hotels, the service varies from one campsite to another, and the price can change especially in the high season.

Mapping your route

Planning your RV trip from start to finish is the secret to making the most out of your RV rental.

Choose destinations on your bucket list, or maybe a festival or an event, even a hobby that can only take place in a specific place like fishing for example.

Trip duration is crucial, the actual time you spend on the road will determine the distance you can cover, this will also help you set the pace for the whole trip.

Choosing a destination after deciding all the spots you want to take your RV will help you draw your route easier knowing where the journey ends.

Now that you know the places you want to go and where the destination is, you can start putting pins down on the map.

Determining how long you will stay at a site, and how long it will take you to reach the next is key, not everyone can drive for 10 hours straight, so be sure to keep that in mind.

Avoid common RV rental mistakes

• Before you hit the road, take the time to thoroughly inspect the RV. This will help you avoid paying for any pre-existing damage and ensure a smooth journey ahead
• Practice maneuvering, backing up and parking before hitting the road most RVs can take some getting used to.
• Make reservations if you plan to stay at a campground and not in the wild, remember you’re not the only RV on the road.
• Secure everything inside your RV, you don’t want things shifting all around while you drive.
• Walk around before leaving a campsite and secure the baggage doors, stairs, and cords failing to do so can cause serious damage.

Common questions about RV rentals

• What are the different types of RVs? There are three main types of RVs: motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels. Motorhomes are self-contained vehicles that have everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters. Travel trailers are towed behind a car or truck, and fifth wheels are towed behind a pickup truck.
• How much does it cost to rent an RV? The cost of renting an RV varies depending on the type of RV, the length of your rental, and the time of year. In general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 per day for a rental RV.
• What kind of insurance do I need for an RV rental? Most RV rental companies require you to purchase liability insurance. This insurance will protect you in the event of an accident. You may also want to consider purchasing collision and comprehensive insurance, which will protect your RV in the event of a collision or other damage.
• Do I need a special license to drive an RV? In most cases, you do not need a special license to drive an RV. However, some states do require a commercial driver’s license for RVs that are over a certain weight.

Conclusion

RV life is not for everyone, but a well-planned RV vacation is hard to disappoint, it’s a great way for friends and family to bond and spend quality time together.

In general, you shouldn’t have too many issues. With all the available apps and websites, finding the perfect place and activities along the way is easier than ever.

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