How much does it cost to rent an RV? That is what we are here to discuss, the daily cost of renting an RV, and all the factors you need to consider before making your decision.
Whether you are planning a few adventurous weekdays away from your regularly planned schedule or spending a weekend at a state park, you need to factor in a bunch of variables.
We can tell you now that, in most cases, renting an RV compares favorably to buying an RV or driving your car and renting hotels and cabins. Renting a recreation vehicle is also much more fun.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV?
Expect to pay anywhere between $50 to $300 per night. These are average prices we’ve seen listed on peer-to peer-platforms (RVs for rent by owners instead of companies) like Outdoorsy.
The price depends on the model, location, rental company/owner, RV age, and size. Renting an RV 10+ years or older vs a newer 2021 model will significantly decrease RV rental cost per night.
Then there are no-so-average prices. For instance, Luxurious RV trips typically cost about $275 to $425 a night.
It’s safe to say you can prepare to pay more for a Class B Motorhome than a pop-up camper. And, expect to pay on the higher end of these averages when you rent from commercial RV rental companies (not peer-to-peer)
Also, your RV rental costs aren’t the only cost you need to take into account when planning your road trip. You also want to consider other RV road trip expenses (more on these expenses below.)
What is the Average Cost of Renting an RV?
Here is a simple ball-park of costs to rent an RV based on peer-to-peer rental averages.Average rental prices for the different types of RVs: RV Types / Average Rental Price Chart
| Class A Motorhome | $175 to $275 |
| Class B Motorhome | $100 to $200 |
| Class C Motorhome | $150 to $200 |
| Toy Hauler | $100 to $200 |
| Fifth Wheel | $60 to $150 |
| Travel Trailer | $50 to $125 |
| Pop-up Camper | $50 to $100 |
Plan on traveling for a month or more? You can definitely negotiate a lower price when you opt for a long-term camper rental.
Related: How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV for a Month?
Which Are the Most Popular RV Rental Companies?
- Best Overall: Outdoorsy
- Best Customer Service: RVezy
- Best International: Camper Travel Bookings
- Best Traditional Rental: Cruise America
- Best Value: RV Share
- Best for Convenience: El Monte RV
On The Road & RV Expenses: Other Fees & Prices to Consider While Renting an RV
RV Campsite Rates and Fees
It cost to park your rig on campgrounds RV parks and some National Parks. The only time parking your RV is 100% free is when Boondocking.
So, prepare to pay $100 per night for RV resorts and as low as $30 for campsite spots.
Rental Insurance
These prices vary as well, but if you rent with Outdoorsy you’ll automatically get up to 1 million dollars in insurance protection.
Cleaning Fees
Like Airbnb, owners in the peer-to-peer RV renting market tend to charge a cleaning fee. Just return the RV in good shape for the next renter and these fees shouldn’t be an issue (still, always discuss the cleaning fees with the owner so cleanliness expectations are clear.)
The cleaning fees range from $50 to $100
Fuel and Mileage Fees
Filling up a Recreational Vehicle can be a doozy, it’s nothing like filling up a regular car. Class A RVs like the Tiffin Zephyr can hold up to 150 gallons, other Class A motorhomes can average 100 gallons of fuel.
You may deal with an RV rental company or owner who implements mileage restrictions and charge extra fees ($.25 to $.75 per mile over).
Also, there is often an additional fee for RVs returned without a full tank. Gasless return will cost you the amount to filler up and the additional $20-$50.
Propane
Propane usage may or may not be on a list of miscellaneous charges you’ll see on your rental receipt. These fees vary from $10 to $30, it really depends on usage.
You may want to purchase your own small propane canister for little camping adventures away from the RV.
Generator
This only applies to RV renters who plan on camping out in the boondocks without any type of electrical power or hookups. You may need an RV generator because all campers don’t have one.
You may come across an owner who charges a flat rate for unlimited generator use.
Setup/Delivery Fees:
When peer-to-peer RV renting, some owners offer to set up the RV at the campground you’re occupying. Others require that they set up at the campground you’d be occupying.
This fee averaging $150 to $200.
Taxes
You have to pay taxes based on the state you’re renting the RV in, no matter where you live.
So, when you rent an RV online from your house in Kansas, but the RV rental is in Washington, you’ll pay Washington sales taxes.
With All Other Fees Accounted for, How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV?
The average nightly cost to rent an RV is $208 for all RV types and camping fees. These numbers arent including possible setup/delivery fees.
For a more accurate number, How much will it cost you to rent an RV? consider these 3 factors:
- The cost per night the rental company charges.
- Then you figure about how many miles your trip will be
- Then multiply the number of nights
5 Tips: How Do I Save Money on My Rental & RV Trip?
Tip #1: To save on parking or overnight stays, join an RV Club like Escapee, Harvest Host, and Passport America. Memberships like Passport America often pay for themselves after the 1st stay at affiliate campsites.
You do not need to be a full-time RVer to reap the benefits of an RV Club Membership.
A second method to saving on parking and campground fees is boondocking. Find a boondocking/RV-friendly parking lot or somewhere off the beaten path to set camp (for free).
The downside to free parking is there are no hook-ups for water, electricity, or any other basic amenity you may need. So, when boondocking, have everything you need in your rig.
Tip #2: What Is The Best Time to Rent an RV? Travel after peak season. Everyone doesn’t get the luxury of picking their vacation time, especially when planning with a family, kids, or multiple people in general.
If you do have the luxury of choosing when you hit the road, pick off-peak travel seasons. Off-peak means fewer people and cheaper campsite fees.
Tip #3: Book Your Campground Ahead of time. Not only does this save you a potential headache of finding places to camp, but it can save money.
Campgrounds and RV parks often give financial incentives for booking a spot.
Tip #4: Save by Cooking! Bring your own food and utilize that RV kitchen or set up camp and grill. Buy groceries instead of stopping fast-food spots, restaurants, and snacking at truck stops.
Tip #5: Scour for the best gas prices if you don’t have a membership with gas discounts. You can save a bunch just by planning your gas stops ahead of time, instead of random truck stops (which can be a part of the fun, so up to you).
We highly recommend RV Trip Wizard to plan your road trip route. It’s like Waze for RVers, with lots of awesome activities and scenery you can add to the adventure.
Is Renting an RV Cheaper Than a Hotel Room?
Yes, renting an RV is cheaper than a hotel room. According to TripSavvy, you save 20% to 60% in travel costs when you rent an RV.
What is the Cheapest Way to Rent an RV?
The cheapest way to rent an RV is through a peer-to-peer RV renting platform. Searching through an RV sharing site vs an RV rental company will definitely get you a cheap RV rental and more room to negotiate terms.
Is it Expensive to Rent an RV?
Renting an RV can get expensive (up to $450 a night) if you don’t plan with a budget in mind. Read through this “How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV?” post your you’ll get a better understanding of how expensive or cheap renting an RV can be.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent an RV with a Driver?
A hired driver’s rates can start at about $30 per hour and increase from that point. Plus, the cost of the rental.
You can also expect to pay for other driver fees like:
– Food and Lodging
– Gratuities
– Pickup and Drop Off services
Start Planning To HitThe Road
So, Is it a good idea to rent an RV? Yes, it is a good idea to rent an RV. And, now that you’re equipped with the information above about How Much It Costs to Rent an RV, you can make it as affordable or luxurious as your heart desires.
All you need to do is begin the process, you’ve already made a good start by reading this, now make the next move.
The next move can be as simple a deciding how long you plan to rent t an RV, are you going for a week? or, where are you going? are you planning to drive your RV rental cross country?
One thing for sure, what we’ve learned in this “How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV” post, is it all depends. With that being said, make sure to communicate with the RV owner or company to clarify the fees and policies. That includes any deposits, cancellations, or refunds.
Happy Travels!
