Is It a Good Idea to Rent an RV?

We all want to make more time for vacationing and getting away. But whether you’re trying to figure out how to get time away from work, coordinating the schedules of your active family, or just deciding where to go, it’s not always as easy as packing up and leaving!

One travel idea that might seem attractive when you’re juggling a lot of different options and responsibilities is RVing. When you’re camping in an RV, you don’t have to worry about fitting all of your belongings into a tiny suitcase, or making ten different expensive hotel room reservations ahead of time. Your family will have room to bring along all their favorite goodies and also to stretch their legs and get space to themselves once you arrive at your destination. It’s like traveling with your own personal home base, with all the freedom and flexibility of road tripping — no annoying and time-consuming airport security lines necessary.

But if you don’t already have an RV of your own, you’re going to have to rent one. And just a quick Google search can reveal exactly how pricey that might be. So is it worth it? And if so, how do you find the best deal on an RV rental?

Renting an RV: What You Need to Know

One thing’s for sure — renting an RV is worth it, if you can find an affordable fit. Along with all the perks mentioned above, you’ll soon realize that RVing allows you a simultaneous sense of luxury and adventure you just can’t find in many other travel scenarios.

If you’re looking for a rugged trip filled with outdoorsy fun and opportunities to reconnect with nature, you can take your campervan hire out into the wilderness and get off the grid and away from it all. Or, if you’re looking to feel a little bit more pampered during your vacation, check out one of the many resort-style developed campgrounds you can find across the country. From swimming pools and game rooms to organized campground events, many of these sites really have thought of everything.

But first, let’s talk about the rental itself. What do you need to know about the process?

First of all, there are many different types and styles of RV available, and which one will work best for you and your family depends on what kind of trip you hope to accomplish. For instance, if you’re one of those adventurous, off-grid types, you might be comfortable in a small, pop-up trailer which offers little more than the bare requirements of a bed and a toilet.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling with a large family or just want to feel as comfortable as possible, a larger, more lavish Class A or Class C motorhome might be the right fit. These RVs basically come equipped with all the comforts of home — yes, including the kitchen sink!

Once you get a sense of what type of RV you’re looking for, you can begin to seek out rentals. Keep in mind if you want to travel in a trailer or fifth wheel, you’ll need a tow vehicle that’s capable of pulling it — usually a large SUV or pickup truck is required.

Many large, commercial RV dealerships only offer one or two different types of RVs for rent, so you may not have that many options at your local rental agency. And as far as pricing, be aware that the advertised per-night prices aren’t always the whole story. Even if you find a good-looking deal, you may be saddled with extra fees for mileage and clean-up, not to mention taxes and other charges that aren’t factored in. Always ask for a full, detailed estimate of your total cost before you sign any rental documents.

How to Find the Best RV Rental Prices

Whether you’re looking for a specific type of rig that your local commercial rental agency doesn’t offer or you just want to get the most bang for your buck, there’s an alternative RV rental option that might suit your needs better than a traditional dealership. You can actually rent an RV from a private owner!

RVshare is a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace that facilitates these rental deals, and it’s the largest one of its type in America. There are RV rentals of many different shapes, sizes and types available all across the country, no matter where your trip is starting from.

Plus, since these RVs are actually vacationed in and loved by their owners, they tend to be a lot more comfortable and cozy (and better kept) than their commercial dealership counterparts. Better yet, they’re usually offered at a much better rate! After all, private owners don’t have to foot the expense of overhead business costs, which can drive up rental prices.

When you rent an RV through RVshare, everything is taken care of through the website. Your communication with the RV owner and payment details are all kept safe and private through the platform, so you never have to worry about your security. Since RV owners and renters alike can rate their experience, you’ll know what to expect before you make a rental decision. Best of all, there’s no fine print or any additional fees to worry about; each rental vehicle includes a complete fee schedule and any renter expectations (such as age requirements, passenger limits, and whether or not pets are allowed) right there on the listing.

RVshare also offers a comprehensive insurance coverage package for each rental period, as well as 24/7 access to roadside assistance, all for free. It really is the easiest and most cost-effective way to try out this unique form of travel.

RVing is a great way to see the country at your own pace and without worrying about figuring out where you’ll sleep each night. It’s flexible, suitable for many different types of traveling, and it can be much more affordable than airfare and hotel rooms depending on where you’re headed.

Wondering “can I find a motorhome rental near me”? For more information and to get started on your own RVing adventure, check out the listings in your area. Who knows? You might get bitten with the bug so hard, you end up buying your own RV… and listing it during the off-season to earn some extra money yourself!