Renting an RV can be a wise decision for a number of situations.  Renting can be a great introduction to the RV lifestyle for the uninitiated. Keep in mind, that on a short trip of a week, it is difficult to get comfortable with RV operation, and you will probably encounter a certain amount of stress.  For those who are anticipating buying an RV, or trading to a different model and type of RV, an RV for rent is a good way to try out different types, as most are available for rent.  This way, you can try different models to evaluate a future purchase, honing in on the type of rig that works best for you and your needs.

a scene from rv the movie

Begin your search in your local Yellow Pages, or go online to www.rvra.org which is the address of the Recreational Vehicle Rental Association.  If you are traveling during the busier times of year, notably the major holidays and the summer months, it is wise to reserve your RV, months in advance.  It will be difficult to get one that you desire on a spur of the moment decision during these peak times.  In the off seasons, most notably during the winter, this won’t be as much a concern.

Class C's are a very popular rental.

The most common recreational vehicle rentals are the Class A and Class C motorhomes, which account for up to 90 percent of all RV’s rented.  Rates will vary seasonally depending on the time of year you are renting.  Off season winter rates are of course cheaper than during peak travel times.  Rates also vary according to the type of RV.  Tent trailers come in at the lowest, while rates for large Class A motor home rentals top these figures.  Travel trailer rentals, fifth wheel rentals, and toy haulers can be found at some companies.  These can be found with a little more effort and are becoming more common in the marketplace.  The non-motorized rv’s are cheaper to rent than the motorized of course.  This can be good for those who own an adequate tow vehicle.

Class A rentals for those who can afford it.

Other expenditures to keep in mind while estimating the total cost of a trip will be the use of the generator which comes equipped on most units.  There will be a meter that records your usage during your rental period.  Your generator use will vary; if you are staying at RV parks during the entire trip you probably won’t use it at all.  If you plan on staying out in the primitive camps with no hookups available, and/or in dense forests, you may use it a great deal.  The generator will need to used when running the microwave, air conditioning, TV and so on in places without hookups.  Check the rate the rental company charges for generator use so that you can be aware of how much you will be charged.

Motorhome rentals come in all degrees of luxury.

Many rental companies offer a furnishings package that can be convenient to take out some of the tedious planning of your trip.  For a flat fee of around $85, they will stock the RV with bedding, towels, cookware, dishes and utensils.  Other packages available will include power cords, toilet paper and chemicals, and other useful items you will most likely need.  Sometimes purchasing these various add-ons will take some of the planning required out of your trip making things easier.  You can then focus mostly on personal gear like clothes, books and travel guides, electronic equipment and so forth.

Tent trailers can be rented for an economical choice.

In addition to the above extra expenses, another one to consider is that most rental centers will request a cleaning deposit.  If you bring back the unit with the holding tanks full, or the interior is dirty, or there is damage done to the rig, they will most likely not return it.  There are a number of companies that will take care of the holding tank cleanup for you though.  If this is important to you, look for this service as for many, this is probably one of the most unpleasant “jobs” in RV life.

Travel trailers can be rented with a little searching.

Make sure that the rental dealer demonstrates all aspects of operation of the rig you are renting.  Make sure you are clear as to how things work, and make sure that you are provided with a full set of instructional manuals that make sense to you, before setting off.  As a final step make sure you do a thorough walk around of the unit, taking note of damage and defects, the same as when renting a car.  During your trip is not the time to try and figure out how to operate your equipment as that time will take away from your enjoyment of your travels.

Lastly, keep in mind that most RV’s that you can rent, can be purchased from the rental companies or a dealer if renting from them.  If you end up really liking the rig you rent, perhaps negotiate a purchase price with the rental company.  Great deals can be had on RV’s two or three years old as most get rid of them after this period of time.  Also many will subtract the rental price off of the purchase price, making it an even more attractive option.  Renting an RV could turn into a path towards becoming an RV owner.