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How to Rent an RV for a Road Trip
By Joan Pabón MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
An RV road trip can be the ultimate way to explore new destinations while enjoying the convenience of home-like amenities. Whether you’re dreaming of winding through scenic highways or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, renting an RV can make your next adventure an unforgettable one.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning an RV road trip, from navigating the rental process to creating an itinerary.
Table of contents
- The RV Rental Process
- Costs and Fees
- How to Choose the Right Type of RV
- Planning an RV Route
- FAQs
- Summary
The RV Rental Process
Renting an RV is generally straightforward. Most companies, whether traditional rental companies like Cruise America and El Monte RV, or peer-to-peer rental platforms such as RVshare and Outdoorsy, offer online booking. You simply select a pickup and dropoff location and the number of guests, find a vehicle that meets your requirements, check its availability, and book it.
Some rental companies or RV owners offer optional extras such as sporting equipment and bedding. It’s also likely you’ll have to purchase RV rental insurance that complies with minimum liability requirements, which vary by state.
If you’re not comfortable driving a recreational vehicle, you may be able to have the RV delivered to your chosen location. Just remember that availability and terms of service vary.
Costs and fees
The cost of renting an RV can vary widely depending on the RV rental company, your location and the vehicle you select. Newer models with more amenities will be more expensive than older ones with fewer extras. Additional costs such as delivery, setup, insurance, fees and add-ons will also increase the price.
Here are some average rental costs by RV type, according to peer-to-peer rental platform RVshare:
- Class A Motorhome: $150 to over $450 per day
- Class B Motorhome: $80 to over $350 per day
- Class C Motorhome: $125 to over $450 per day
- Travel Trailer: $80 to over $200 per day
- Fifth Wheel Trailer: $125 to over $250 per day
- Truck Camper: $50 to over $250 per day
You can expect extra fees for cleaning, delivery, setup, generator usage, and insurance, which typically ranges from $15 to $30 per day depending on the vehicle and coverage you select. You should also budget for a refundable security deposit, fuel and propane costs (look into fuel cost calculator apps if you’re nervous about this), tolls, and campsite and park entrance fees (if applicable).
If this is your first time RVing, don’t skimp on the setup or delivery services. These services can ensure that your RV is properly set up and ready to use, which can save you a lot of time and potential headaches and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip.
How to choose the right type of RV
With so many options, choosing the right RV for your needs will depend on the details of your trip and your experience as a driver. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different RV types available and their general features.
- Class A motorhomes: The epitome of luxury in the RV world, these vehicles are ideal for long-term travel and offer large living spaces, high-end features, and amenities like full kitchens, living rooms and sleeping areas.
- Class B motorhomes: These camper vans are compact and relatively lightweight, perfect for couples, solo adventurers or those who prioritize maneuverability.
- Class C motorhomes: Recognizable by their distinctive over-cab sleeping area, Class C motorhomes offer a more manageable driving experience compared to Class A models, while still providing ample living space and amenities.
- Travel trailers: These towable RVs offer a versatile and cost-effective option for camping. They come in various sizes and styles, from pop-up campers to toy haulers, allowing travelers to choose a model that fits their needs, from cozy and compact to spacious and luxurious. Note that you’ll need a vehicle with adequate towing capacity to tow a trailer, so ensure your car or truck meets the requirements for the trailer you choose.
- Fifth wheels: These trailers can be distinguished by their unique hitching system, which is installed in the tow truck’s bed. These homes on wheels provide ample living spaces and high ceilings and are more secure to maneuver than other trailers.
When planning your trip, select a vehicle you’re comfortable driving or towing and ensure it comfortably fits all passengers. If you’ve got a fixed budget, compare options and adjust your expectations to balance comfort, safety and cost for an enjoyable and manageable journey and stay.
Planning an RV route
Planning an RV road trip involves more than just picking a vehicle and final destination; you also need to budget for fuel, and find suitable campgrounds or places to stay the night. Here are some tips to consider.
- Plan around events
If you’re unsure where to start, planning your RV trip around events can simplify scheduling. Whether it’s a concert, a local festival or a farmers market, check for events happening at or near your destination and align these to your travel dates. This approach can help ensure there’s something enjoyable waiting for you at each stop.
- Get inspired
Take road trip ideas from articles, vlogs or travel books. Some of the best vacations can be crafted around places you’ve always wanted to visit or that come highly recommended. Depending on your priorities, you may choose pit stops based on fun activities for the family or on places that have great seasonal foods you’re dying to try.
- Consider the season and weather
If you’re planning on visiting state or national parks or considering activities that may require special planning, don’t forget to account for the season and local weather patterns. Many trips have been disrupted by seasonal weather events like fog or even something as simple as scheduled park maintenance or overcrowding.
This advice is particularly crucial when planning an RV trip. Ensure your RV is equipped for the expected weather — and check for any park alerts or closures due to maintenance or emergencies — to avoid last-minute itinerary changes. Considering the season and weather conditions of the area you’re visiting can also help ensure your RV is well-equipped and that you pack the right gear and clothing.
- Research and book campsites
If you’re planning to visit any areas during high season, research and book campsites — or look for good boondocking spots — well in advance. Some RV parks have vehicle size restrictions, don’t have water or electrical hookups, or don’t offer dump stations for waste, so doing some initial research should help you avoid any unwelcome surprises.
Here are some sites where you can read RV campground reviews:
- RV Life Campgrounds
- Campendium
- Campground Views
- Free Campsites
- Harvest Hosts
- Boondockers Welcome
- Allstays
- RV Parky
Alternatively, if you travel frequently, consider a campground membership like Passport America or Thousand Trails. These memberships provide discounts on nightly rates and access to a network of campgrounds with various amenities and services.
- Have a contingency plan
Have a contingency plan in place for likely scenarios such as vehicle breakdowns, lost equipment or medical emergencies.
Verify whether your rental agreement includes roadside assistance coverage, or purchase temporary coverage through the rental company. Depending on where you’re going, you may also want to download maps you can use offline in areas with poor reception.
Know the locations of nearby service centers along your route and keep a list of emergency contacts and local medical facilities in case you need urgent care. Lastly, consider packing a first aid kit, basic tools and extra supplies such as water and non-perishable food in case of emergencies.
FAQs
How much is an RV rental?
Daily rates for RVs can vary widely depending on the rental company, the type of vehicle, its age, and the amenities it offers. For example, average daily rates for a truck camper can range from $50 to $250, while a Class A motorhome can cost between $150 and $450. Of course, you still have to account for fees, insurance, gas and other expenses.
Do I need insurance to rent an RV?
You do need insurance for renting an RV, but the specifics can vary. Your existing auto insurance may offer liability coverage for towable RVs, but not collision or comprehensive coverage.
Before hitting the open road, call your insurance company to find out what’s covered and any additional coverage you might need. Rental companies also provide their own insurance options, which typically range from basic to premium and offer varying levels of coverage for the duration of your trip.
Summary of How to Rent an RV for a Road Trip
Renting an RV for a road trip can be a comfortable and convenient way to explore and check off destinations and events from your bucket list. However, careful planning is essential to ensure your adventure goes smoothly.
The RV rental process typically involves selecting your travel dates, choosing a vehicle, and booking online. Be aware of additional costs such as delivery, setup, insurance and optional extras, but don’t overlook the importance of setup and delivery services — especially if you’re a first-timer.
Choose an RV that suits your comfort, budget, and driving experience. Plan your route with local events and weather in mind, and book campsites in advance. Lastly, ensure you have roadside assistance and pack emergency supplies. With the right preparation, your RV trip will be smooth and memorable.