Renting an RV is an exciting and convenient option for those who love the outdoors and are looking to experience a unique method of travel. Being able to venture into different places with the same amenities you can get from home is an extraordinary experience, especially if you get to share it with loved ones.
When renting an RV, the first thing you need to do is map the journey ahead. There is no other way to get the most out of your rental than by planning your activities and budget beforehand. After all, where you’re going, what you’d like to accomplish along the way, and where you’re planning to stay will impact the type of motorhome you’ll need for your adventure.
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Best RV Rental Companies
There are several established RV rentals in the U.S. and most of them proudly cater to different types of campers. Therefore, there’s little in the way of you accomplishing your travel checklist, be it solo or with friends and family.
In this blog, we’re not simply sharing the best RV rental companies, we’re also highlighting how each of them might be a better fit for your vacation over the other. If that sounds exactly what you’re looking for today, then read on!
RVshare: Best RV Rental Company for Solo Travelers
RVShare is a community-driven, peer-to-peer rental platform that brings together campers from all over the world and recreational vehicle owners in the U.S. In that sense, it’s like an Airbnb for RV rentals!
RVShare is perfect for any traveling party, but even more so for solo travelers who tend to have a more specific set of requirements for their trip. Using the RV rental site is very straightforward. In seconds, you can search for a high-quality Class C motorhome based on your needs and preferences. You can even filter to accommodate your budget and pick up location.
RVShare Overview:
- Locations: All 50 states and Washington, DC
- RV type: All classes of drivable and towable RV rental
- Starting price per night: $89 for Class C RVs, $69 for Class B RVs
- Minimum stay: Three nights, but variable up to seven nights based on owner discretion
Why Should You Choose RVShare?
RVShare will grant you plenty of exciting options from the community, whether it’s towable RVs like a fifth wheel, travel trailer, toy hauler, or pop-up campers. There is also a good selection of Class A Motorhomes, which is the largest and most luxurious type of RV, as well as Class B and Class C units, which are generally more streamlined and agile.
Finally, you can also get discounts through RVshare Rewards where you’ll earn perks each time you rent an RV. If you are an enthusiast, you can get 5% back from each rental that is credited to your next rental with RVshare.
Cruise America: Best for Company for Families/Groups
Cruise America offers motorhome rentals for compact, standard, and large RVs. Thus, you will have flexible options if you are traveling in a group. Additionally, the company supports group booking of two or more vehicles depending on availability.
One important thing to note is that listed rental prices change depending on the season. Thus, you’ll typically see lower fees during winter months; though nothing is guaranteed. Another advantage that Cruise America provides is that they support pick up and drop off to over 127 locations across 33 states in the U.S. and Canada. Foreign guests also have 31 rental points available over select states, including Alaska in limited months.
Out of all the established RV rentals in the U.S., Cruise America provides the most number of one-way rental opportunities all year round. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a more flexible itinerary and schedule.
Cruise America Overview:
- Locations: 126 across the US and Canada
- RV type: Class C RVs
- Starting price per night: $299
- Minimum stay: Three nights
Why Should You Choose Cruise America?
Cruise America is more like a traditional rental company that manages its own fleet of RV and travel trailers. Therefore, you can expect consistency in their vehicle’s configuration and take advantage of the company’s expansive network across the U.S. and Canada.
However, this could mean that sometimes you’ll miss out on the chance to find unique setups and more flexible rigs that are native to a peer-to-peer RV rental platform. Still, Cruise America offers a myriad of benefits and is considered one of the best and largest RV rental companies in the U.S.
Escape Campervans: Best Camper Van Rentals for Couples
We reckon that Escape Campervans owns the most catchy name in the bunch, but how do their vans actually fair on the road? Well, they do stand out just as much thanks to their contemporary exteriors that are beautifully hand-painted. Naturally, the company’s premium vans are perfect for couples due to their compact size and great mobility.
Escape Campervans only support 11 pick-up locations across the U.S. but they do have 600 vans on their fleet that come in different sizes and varying amenities. For example, The Mavericks, Big Sur, and Del Mar camper vans feature table and dining that converts into a sleeping area once you’re done with dinner or tabletop games.
Escape Campervans Overview:
- Locations: 12 across the US and Canada
- RV type: Class B RVs
- Starting price per night: $95
- Minimum stay: Three nights
Why Should You Choose Escape Campervans?
If style and mobility are a bigger priority, then Escape Campervans is arguably the most exciting option on this list. The biggest trade-off is that camper vans are not built for big groups and you’ll also be sacrificing a lot in terms of space and amenities. As such, we recommend this rental platform for solo travelers and couples who are out for a dreamy road trip or are just trying to get into the RV lifestyle for the first time.
Outdoorsy: Best RV Rental Company for Pets
Outdoorsy offers pet-friendly rentals for travel trailers and RVs. But more than that, they also have one of the largest and most dynamic fleets in the U.S. with a selection spanning from fifth wheel trailers, Class A RV to Class C RV, as well as custom travel trailers and motorhomes.
Outdoorsy Overview:
- Locations: All 50 US states, select locations in Canada
- RV type: All classes of drivable and towable RV rentals
- Starting price per night: $68 for Class C RVs, $58 for Class B RVs
- Minimum stay: Two nights, but variable up to seven nights based on owner’s discretion
Why Choose Outdoorsy?
Outdoorsy also has a pet-friendly and ADA-accessible filter built into its inventory search. While the platform does host plenty of pet-friendly rigs, it remains critical that you check campground pet rules on your destinations to avoid any hassle. To prepare even better, you can also check the RV rental company’s recommendations and guides on traveling with pets.
RVnGO: Best RV Rental Company for One-way Trips
RVnGO is an emerging RV rental platform that offers peer-to-peer rentals and sales for RVs and other varieties of motorhomes. The company also supports one-way rentals in limited locations. Most notably, RVnGO doesn’t charge reservation fees and service fees for both the RV owners and renters. Instead, RVnGO charges a daily rent insurance fee that ranges from $25 to $70 based on vehicle class and another $15 per day for the designated 24-hour roadside assistance.
RVnGO Overview:
- Locations: All 50 states plus Washington, DC
- RV type: All classes of drivable and towable RV rental options
- Starting price per night: $112 for Class C RVs, $228 for Class B RVs
- Minimum stay: Three nights, but variable up to seven nights based on owner’s discretion
Why Should You Choose RVnGO?
RVnGO is a peer-to-peer rental place that has great coverage across the U.S. and has a fairly huge selection of motorhome class A/B/C. The pricing structures seem a little different from standard rental, but all the other requirements are pretty much aligned. In addition, RVnGO offers a more fleshed-out insurance package and a 24-hour roadside assistance guarantee at a minimal fee.
Lost Campers: Best Cheap RV Rental company
The first thing you need to know about Lost Campers is that all rentals are inclusive of unlimited mileage as well as kitchen kits and camping gear. It’s widely-considered one of the most budget-friendly camper van rentals in the U.S.
Since 2007, the company has remained family-owned and operated, therefore, retaining its values and commitment to their fellow camping enthusiasts. Lost Campers offers a selection of vans with 2 to 5 seating capacities that are inclusive of free bedding, free kitchen kits, and free basic camping equipment.
- Locations: Los Angeles, San Francisco
- RV type: Class B RVs
- Starting price per night: $79
- Minimum stay: Three nights
Why Should You Choose Lost Campers?
Lost Campers is worth checking out if your planned vacation is right around California where the rental company’s only two locations are pinned. Arguably, it offers the most bang for your buck since this rental service has affordable pricing on top of excellent freebies that you would be hard-pressed to get anywhere else.
Go Explore It: Best RV Rental for Going off the Grid
Go Explore It (former Adventure Travel Sport Rentals) is known for fully equipped off-road-capable adventure van rentals. The RV rental company offers camper vans, motorhomes, and rugged rigs and overland vehicles off-the-grid destinations. The company is relatively new, having been founded in 2014, but has an established following and connection in its base in Colorado.
- Rental Location: Denver
- RV type: Class B RVs
- Starting price per night: $275
- Minimum stay: Three nights
Why Should You Choose Go Explore It?
Like Lost Campers, Go Explore It is limited by its availability due to its location. Otherwise, if you’ll be spending time around the area and specifically looking for a powerful rig that will support your off-the-grid bug, then Go Explore It is a well-established rental company that you should definitely scout.
Do You Need an Insurance for RV Rentals?
If your RV is a rental vehicle, you will need to secure a separate RV insurance policy unless the RV rental company offers insurance themselves.
In general, all RV rental companies require renters to have full coverage. Depending on the rental service company’s policies, the vehicle insurance or protection plan may be inclusive or a premium on top of the daily rental.
How to Choose the Best RV Rental Companies?
When renting an RV, it’s best to put strong consideration on factors such as location, types of RV, budget, and the people who are joining the trip. No matter what your next adventure looks like, the perfect RV rental should provide you with a living space and temporary housing that you’ll be truly comfortable at.
If you’re going solo, we recommend peer-to-peer rentals since you’re likely to get more custom options in that market. Meanwhile, to avoid hassle during long trips or family vacations, renting from an established fleet like Cruise America, which supports hundreds of locations for easier pick up and drop offs, might be the more suitable option.
Final Reminder When Renting an RV for the First Time
Most states call for drivers who are 21 years of age to rent RVs or travel trailers. Meanwhile, other places need you to be at least 25 in order to earn a permit. Some destinations may also require a special license depending on the classification of your recreational vehicle.
While most RVs only need a standard license, you can check with your service provider or local state department if additional documentation will be required during your trip. To help you get started, you can get more information from our related post about the special licenses required in different states. Lastly, don’t hesitate to bookmark our blog as we have more tips about RV life coming your way soon!
Read here about essential travel trailer accessories to have with you on your next journey.
