How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV?

Renting an RV sounds like an exciting adventure, but the cost can feel like a puzzle with hidden pieces. If you are thinking of renting an RV, trust us, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road and exploring at your own pace without the hassle of hotel bookings. But how much does renting an RV actually cost? A common question pops up in every first-time RVer’s mind. Will there be any hidden charges? Where to rent an RV? Let us answer all your questions, break down hidden costs, and find you the best deals so you can hit the road stress-free.

Renting an RV isn’t as simple as picking a vehicle and hitting the road; several factors impact the final cost. Here is the breakdown of factors that affect the RV rental prices, causing them to go up and down throughout the year.

The type of RV you want for your adventure decides the rent. A large and luxurious Class A motorhome costs more to rent than a Class B motorhome. Similarly, the age of RVs also influences the rent. Rental RVs under 10 years cost more than RVs over 10 years.

Just like flights and hotels, RV rentals also fluctuate during the peak season. During the spring and summer holidays, prices shoot through the roof. But in the shoulder seasons and winter, rental costs tend to dip. To score affordable deals, try renting an RV during shoulder seasons (spring or fall).

RV rents vary from location to location and from the rental company you're renting from. For example, RV rentals in states like California or Florida are typically more expensive than in states like Arizona or Texas. You will have to pay more rent in urban areas than in rural areas.

The availability of the RVs in the rental store also affects the costs of renting. When the supply is low and demand is high, rent rates tend to increase. Booking in advance will assist you in securing an RV at a lower rate.

The more whistles and bells your RV has, the higher the rental cost. Luxury & comfort come with a price. Your RV’s rent will go up if you want luxurious amenities like a proper kitchen and bathroom, a high-end entertainment system, solar panels, etc.

The cost of renting an RV is like ordering a gourmet pizza. You see the upfront price, but by the time you add all the toppings, sides, and delivery fees, the final bill can feel like a surprise. Hidden fees like insurance, mileage charges, and generator costs can make renting an RV more expensive than expected. Here’s a complete breakdown of rental costs for different RVs so you know exactly what you’re paying for:

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1.Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are the most luxurious and largest RVs. They are more like small apartments on wheels with bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and entertainment systems.

Number of People: About 6 to 10, Rent per Night: $150-$450, Rent per Week: $1200-$2000, Rent per Month: $5000-$12,000

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2.Class B Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes (Campervans) are the smallest and fuel-efficient RVs. They are easier to drive and park with a small kitchen & compact bathroom.

Number of People: About 2 to 4, Rent per Night: $100-$350, Rent per Week: $700-$1600, Rent per Month: $2000-$5500

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3.Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are mid-sized between Class A and Class B motorhomes. They are easier to drive than class A RVs and offer more space than class B RVs.

Number of People: About 4 to 8, Rent per Night: $150-$400, Rent per Week: $1000-$25,00, Rent per Month: $3500-$10,000

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4.Fifth Wheel Trailer

A fifth-wheel trailer is a large towable RV that connects to a pickup truck through a special hitch. Best for families, these trailers provide home-like facilities to their residents.

Number of People: About 6 to 8, Rent per Night: $60-$300, Rent per Week: $400-$1200, Rent per Month: $15,00-$5,000

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5.Pop-up Campers

Pop-up campers (Tent trailers) are lightweight and towable RVs that expand to provide extra space. These campers are the most affordable options for budget-conscious RVers.

Number of People: About 2 to 6, Rent per Night: $50-$120, Rent per Week: $300-$700, Rent per Month: $1000-$1500

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6. Micro Trailer

Micro trailers (Mini travel trailers) are lightweight, compact, and easy to tow. They are ideal for minimalist campers or frugal travelers.

Number of People: About 2, Rent per Night: $50-$125, Rent per Week: $300-$800, Rent per Month: $1000-$3000

Wondering if you should buy or rent an RV for your next vacation? Well, this depends on many factors, including your travel plans, budget, long-term preferences, etc. Let’s make it easy for you by breaking down the perks and drawbacks of both options:

If you’re considering full-time RVing, don’t forget to check Big Bear Vans for customized camper vans. Here, we customize vans according to our customers' choices. From electric beds to swivel seats, we have everything to make your vacation comfortable. Whether you’re a person with kids looking for a spacious vehicle, an artist in need of a mobile workspace, or a couple with a pet, we’ve got you covered. With smart space-saving ideas and aesthetically pleasing layouts, our vans are customized to cater to anyone’s needs. If you’re thinking about buying an RV, you should definitely check out our website to get your mobile home at an affordable price.

Renting an RV may seem like a simple process: pick a vehicle, pay the rental fee, and hit the road. But what most first-time RVers don’t realize is that many hidden charges can quickly add up and affect your budget. Here are some unexpected expenses you should know to avoid any last-minute surprises:

Most RV rentals set fixed mileage limits (100-150 miles per day). And if you exceed this limit, you have to pay the extra charges (typically $0.35-$1.00 per mile). Some rental companies also offer unlimited mileage.

Most of the RV rental companies require insurance. If your auto insurance doesn’t cover RVs, then you need to purchase extra coverage, which typically costs $20-$30 per day.

Many RV rental companies require a security deposit ($500-$2000), which is held in case of damage. You’ll get it back if the RV is returned in good condition.

Many RV rental owners give a limited number of free generator hours. And if you exceed the hours, you have to pay extra costs, typically $3 to $5 per hour. Some rentals may not give any free hours or others may allow free generator usage.

In many rental companies, you need to return the motorhome clean, otherwise, you have to pay for the cleaning service ($50-$75). Always give the RV a quick cleaning before returning to avoid extra fees.

⚫ Moreover, you will also have to pay for the waste dump if you don’t dump the grey & black water tank before returning ($25-$100)

⚫ If you have pets, then you may have to pay for your furry partners, too ($50-$150 per rental). Because many rental companies charge extra pet fees.

⚫ Returning the RV late can also cost you additional charges ($50-$100).

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Additional Customized Expenses

If you want to experience a luxurious RV vacation, you can also add customized facilities to your RV. Some of these customized expenses are the following:

✅ Outdoor equipment like camping chairs or grills.

✅Dumping of waste water (If you don’t like to dump)

✅Propane refill

✅ Option to deliver and set up RVs at specific campsites.

✅ Extra kitchen set or utensils

✅ Fishing & hunting gear

✅ Bicycles & Bike racks

✅ TV & streaming services

Along with these extra charges, don’t forget to consider the charges you will cover while on the road, like campground charges, parking fees, park passes, gas or propane fees, etc.

Let’s cut to the chase and admit that renting an RV is not going to be a cheap option for vacation. Many hidden charges pop up like mushrooms after a rainy day. To save your hard-earned money, consider these smart money-saving tips for a budget-friendly RV rental experience.

1️⃣ Book the RV of your choice in advance (Many rental companies offer a discount on advance booking).

2️⃣ Ask the rental companies about their weekly and monthly discounts.

3️⃣ Plan your vacation in the off-season (fall or spring). You will find seasonal discounts, campgrounds will be less crowded, and there will be a large variety of RVs to choose from.

4️⃣ Look for the rental companies that offer unlimited mileage, especially if you plan to cover long distances.

5️⃣ Avoid unnecessary add-ons. Bring your essentials like camping gear, sleeping bag, etc.

6️⃣ Pick up the vehicle yourself from the rental company instead of getting the drop-off service to save extra bucks.

7️⃣ If you have a pet, then look for pet-friendly offers to avoid pet charges.

8️⃣ Compare the prices of rental companies like RVshare, Outdoorsy, Cruise America, etc, to get the affordable deal.

9️⃣ Clean your RV and dump your waste tanks before returning the vehicle.

🔟 If you have a tight budget and are flexible with dates and destinations, then consider a one-way rental deal. In this option, you have to relocate the vehicle for the rental company. This deal has minimum charges.

Renting an RV for the first time can be overwhelming because of the hidden charges bubbling out one by one. That’s why we have given a step-by-step guide on how to secure your rental RV as a beginner, from research to return:

The first thing you need to do is research. Choose the type of RV you want to drive. You have to consider factors like the number of people traveling with you, the amenities you want to enjoy, and the fuel efficiency of different vehicles before deciding anything.

Pro Tip: Compare data of all the rental companies to find the best deal.

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Step 2: Set Your Budget & Identify Hidden Costs

Set your budget and then choose the rental company or the type of RV that aligns well with your budget. To avoid last-minute surprises of hidden costs, ask about all the hidden charges upfront.

Pro Tip: Negotiate with the owner (especially private owners or small rental businesses) about the custom quotes and hidden charges. Some owners lower the prices after negotiating.

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Step 3: Read Reviews & Verify the Rental Company

Not all rental companies are legitimate and professional. Many people face problems while renting an RV (especially from private owners). Therefore: Always check the reviews on Google, Yelp, and other platforms. Verify the license and certifications to ensure that the rental company is legitimate. Check if the company has 24/7 customer support available. Check their policies in case of damage or RV breakdowns in the middle of the road.

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Step 4: Secure Your Booking

Once you select an RV and check other requirements, secure your booking: Select your pickup and drop-off dates Select if you want to add any customized things. Carefully read the rental agreement and make the payment. Ask for confirmation and keep a copy of the booking details

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Step 5: Prepare for Pickup & Inspection

When you come to pick up your rental RV, check the motorhome thoroughly. Check for any damage on the exterior, test all appliances, and inspect the tires. Pro Tip: Take pictures or videos of the RV before driving to prevent any damage disputes later.

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Step 6: Know the Drop-Off & Return Process

You should know the return policies of the rental company to avoid any extra charges. Dump the waste tanks, clean the RV, and return all the RV accessories. Let the rental company inspect and then confirm that there is no damage. Pro Tip: Return the RV on time to avoid any late fee.

First-time RVers often ask the common question: Where can I rent an RV? What are the most reliable sources for this purpose? There are mainly three options to rent a motorhome:

There are many traditional RV rental companies that have established their own fleet of RVs for all the RV lovers. Also, these companies have a more professional setup, a variety of RVs, roadside assistance, and insurance. But they also have more strict policies and high rent rates than other rental options. Some of the famous rental companies are Cruise America, EL Monte RV, and Apollo RV.

Cruise America is the hub of the Rental RVs. You can rent class C motorhomes and travel trailers here. Class C motorhomes come in four different sizes: Compact Compact plus Standard Large The company offers air conditioning, toilet, shower, and refrigerator in its RVs. You need to pay for insurance if your auto insurance doesn’t cover rental RVs. Cruise America offers unlimited mileage (a special deal occasionally available), 1000-mile limited mileage, and pay-per-mile options to its customers. It also offers one-way rental options. But one big drawback is the add-ons expenses. You will have to pay for adding a kitchen set (dinner set, coffee cups, broom, etc- $125) and a personal kit (towels, pillow, sleeping bags, etc-$75). This rental company offers pretty generic RVs. If you want a luxurious experience in a fancy RV setup, then Cruise America is not the best option for you.

EL Monte RV is another RV rental company that has been renting RVs since the 1970s. This company offers you

⚫ Class A motorhomes

⚫ Class B motorhomes

⚫ Class C motorhomes.

From luxurious experience to minimalist setup, you can choose anything that matches your needs and budget. They also offer pickup & drop-off options along with setting your RV in the campgrounds ($175). EL Monte RV company has mixed reviews on Yelp and Tripadvisor. You will also see hidden add-up costs here, so read the rental agreement carefully.

Peer-to-peer RV rentals are a sharing-economy-based model where individual private owners rent their vehicles to the customers through an online platform. The platform offers a variety of RVs with different personalised layouts. Moreover, this option is cheaper than traditional rental companies. Famous peer-to-peer RV rentals are Outdoorsy, RVshare, and RVezy.

Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer RV rental platform that offers a variety of RVs for rent. From modern-styled RVs to vintage motorhomes, you can pick any vehicle according to your taste.

⚫ Outdoorsy has many filters to sort out, like kitchen & bathroom facilities, unlimited mileage & generator use, tailgate & festival friendly, pets & smoking allowed, etc. You can literally choose any amenity you want.

⚫ Outdoorsy allows instant booking, which enables you to book an RV without waiting for the owner’s approval.

⚫ Some owners offer “Bring it to me and set it up at the destination” service to their customers.

One big drawback of Outdoorsy is its questionable customer support. Many people complain about the ghosted hosts while some users have reported issues with responsiveness and support quality.

RVshare is the largest and most popular online community for RV renters and owners. It has an entire fleet of RVs, from drivable vehicles to towable trailers.

⚫ RVshare has a whole long listing to filter from. You can filter vehicles by unlimited mileage, freshwater tank, generator use, and other amenities.

⚫ Every booked vehicle also gets road assistance from RVshare.

⚫ One of the best features of this rental platform is its 24/7 customer support. Their team will help you find a similar RV if your booked RV is misrepresented.

⚫ They verify RV owner accounts and conduct fraud checks to ensure secure payment between their customers. If anything goes wrong, they also have a refund policy.

From luxurious experience to minimalist setup, you can choose anything that matches your needs and budget. They also offer pickup & drop-off options along with setting your RV in the campgrounds ($175). EL Monte RV company has mixed reviews on Yelp and Tripadvisor. You will also see hidden add-up costs here, so read the rental agreement carefully.

Sometimes local dealerships also rent RVs along with selling them. They offer better rates than traditional rental platforms. This is an ideal option if you want to rent before buying an RV or if you want to test a specific model.

RV rental insurance typically depends on various factors, including RV type, rental company’s policies, coverage level, trip duration, and your personal auto insurance. Traditional rental companies offer optional insurance packages, while peer-to-peer platforms often provide insurance options for renters.

These companies (Cruise America or EL Monte RV) charge anywhere from $25-$50 per day. Typically, the coverage includes liability and a Collision Damage Waiver, which covers repair costs if the RV is damaged in an accident.

These platforms (RVshare or Outdoorsy) charge around $40-$100 per day. Their coverage includes liability, physical damage, and roadside assistance.

While not mandatory, RV rental insurance is highly recommended to avoid costly damages, liability claims, and accidents. Always check if your auto insurance covers RV rentals to avoid double costs.

Geography highly impacts the rental costs of RVs. Here’s how geography affects the rental prices:

💠 Places popular among tourists have a high demand for rental RVs and, therefore, have high rental prices.

💠 Rental companies in big cities and those near airports, typically charge higher due to increased demand as compared to rural or remote areas.

💠Rents also go up during the peak seasons (summer) in popular areas.

💠 Some states impose higher taxes on rental companies, which end up in higher rental charges.

Budget-friendly RV rental areas in the USA are Ohio, Indiana, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, etc. These areas and any rural areas of the US have moderate rents. You can rent an RV in these locations if you’re on a tight budget.

The most expensive RV rental locations in the USA are California, New York, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, etc. These areas and any urban areas of the US have high RV rents.

One-way RV rentals allow you to pick up an RV from one location and then drop it off at another location. It’s a one-way trip. It will be cost-effective only if:

🟠 Rental companies like Cruise America offer discounted deals for relocating the RV to specific locations.

🟠 You have no plan to return to the starting point, as it will save fuel costs.

🟠 You’re moving to another city, so one-way rentals will be more budget-friendly than a separate moving truck and hotel stays.

Scammers trap many innocent renters with fancy deals, causing them to lose their hard-earned money. You can spot RV rental scams by paying extra attention to some factors, which are:

🟠 Always use trusted rental companies like Cruise America or Outdoorsy to rent an RV. Avoid random Craigslist or Facebook listings.

🟠 Spot the scam by recognizing the deals that are too good to be real. Scammers lure customers by offering low rental charges for premium RVs.

🟠 Always ask the owner for extra photos or a video call to ensure that the RV is real. Request documents to confirm that the RV is owned by the owner.

🟠 Avoid off-the-platform payment methods or payment through wire transfer. Pay through a secure payment method of rental companies.

🟠 Clearly communicate with the owner about hidden costs to avoid any post-trip fees.