The Definitive Guide to Renting an RV (in 2022)

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An RV rental is a great way to take a family vacation. It allows you to pack your things once and take them along wherever you go.

Renting is also an ideal way to get a feel for the RV lifestyle and determine which RV type fits your needs (see RV Type Pros & Cons).

Before Renting an RV – Questions to Ask!

Ask the following questions of the rental companies you are considering:

  • How new are the RV’s?
  • The older the units the more potential for breakdowns.
  • How many miles are included in the base rental fee and how much does it cost for additional miles?
  • What is the average fuel consumption of the RV model I am considering?
  • What type of reservation and down payment fees are required?
  • Are there any processing fees when using a credit card?
  • What are the security deposit fees and policies?
  • What are the cancellatoin fees and policies?
  • Are there any restrictions on where I can take the RV?

    Dirt roads, off-road, very hot locations, etc., may be off-limits.

  • In case of breakdown, are towing and repair costs covered by the rental company? What if breakdown occurs in Canada or Mexico?
  • Can I tow behind the RV? Are there additional equipment or fees involved?
  • Are there any pet restrictions or fees?
  • Can I take the RV into Canada or Mexico? What other fees, policies, or restrictions apply?

Also consider the following:

  • Include fuel costs in your budget.

    RV fuel consumption ranges between 6 and 13 miles per gallon (mpg). The larger the RV the more fuel it will consume. In the absence of more accurate information, we suggest you budget for 8 mpg.

  • Include propane costs in your budget.

    Propane in cold weather can become a significant expense.

  • Include campground fees in your budget.

    Nightly rates range from free to $75, depending on where you stay. Call the campgrounds you intend to visit ahead of time.

  • Call your insurance company to determine if your car insurance covers the rented RV.
  • If you plan on renting an RV around 30′ or longer, check with the campgrounds where you plan to stay to make sure they can accomodate large RV’s.
  • If rental company provides a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list on their web site, be sure to read it.

Where to Rent an RV?

RVShare

  • The first and largest peer-to-peer RV company!
  • Real RV owners list their rigs for rent, so you work directly with RVers like you!
  • RVShare has Class A’s, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and everything in between
  • You can rent by your local area or your destination.
  • RVshare offers industry-first rental insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance.

Check prices on RV rentals at RVShare.

Outdoorsy

  • One of the largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplaces!
  • Works with both private owners and professional rental fleets.
  • Offers vintage to modern, Class A to teardrop, and everything in between!
  • Safe, easy, fully insured, free to join, and no membership fees.

Check prices on RV rentals at Outdoorsy.

RVEzy

  • Excellent peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace.
  • Known for their excellent customer service and coverage!
  • Based in Canada, rapidly expanding into the rest of North America
  • Rentable inventory of over 10,000 campers!
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, and an easy-to-use app.

Check prices on RV rentals at RVEzy.

RVnGo

  • Coast-to-coast person-to-person RV rental network!
  • Focuses on easy, affordable rental costs and zero host listing expenses!
  • Not quite as large a network as other P2P RV rental marketplaces, but growing rapidly.

Check prices on RV rentals at RVnGo.

Local RV Rentals

Local RV Rentals

Finding a dependable RV rental company is crucial to the enjoyment of your travel. Depending on the type of RV and the duration of your travel, renting can be quite expensive, making it even more important to do a little research up-front.

The key ingredient to a pleasant rental experience is to work with a dependable company and rent dependable RVs.

The Recreational Vehicle Rental Association (RVRA) is here to help you!

You can use their rental dealer locator to find an RV rental service near you. In addition to the major nationwide branches shown on this list, you’ll also find local mom n’ pop and regional operations. 

Sometimes, the smaller companies offer the best service and best rates. Support your local economy, and reach out to your local RV rental dealership.

Benefits of local RV rentals may include:

  • Lower total fees and rates
  • Flexible minimum booking periods
  • Diversity of inventory and RV types
  • In-house service technicians

You can also perform a web search for “RV rental near me,” and Google or Bing will return a list of local rental RV dealerships.

RV Rental Companies

Hot Hint! All the companies on this list – and several more, such as Jurnii and Road Bear – are all owned by a conglomerate named Discovery Rentals Pty Ltd, doing business under the website campertravelusa.com. They also own and operate some of the largest RV rental companies in Australia and New Zealand. So if you’re in need of a corporate RV rental, one of their brands is likely to have the largest selection!

Cruise America

  • Largest RV rental company in America!
  • Offers three sizes of Class C motorhomes + Truck Camper rentals
  • One-way, round-trip, and long-term contracts available
  • High fee prices, but full corporate coverage.

El Monte RV

  • Smaller, more personal corporate RV rental company
  • Coast-to-coast in 12 states + Japan
  • Offers Class C, Class A, and Temporary Housing rentals
  • Round-trip and one-way rentals available

Escape Campervans

  • Premium Class B and smaller (think Jeep) campervans!
  • Easy to travel, park, and explore!
  • 13 depots in North America, concentrated west of Denver and along the West Coast
  • Minimal booking flexibility, but high customer service
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Andy Herrick is a blogging nerd, #8 Enneagram, wannabe bread baker, INTJ, RV industry professional, and small business entrepreneur. He can be found hanging out with his lovely wife and family, skiing, cycling, climbing, hiking, and convincing anyone who will listen why dogs aren’t really that great of pets. Also, he runs this website.

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