Camping has always been a popular way to enjoy a vacation, accounting for around 40% of leisure trips in the United States in 2021. While tents are a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors, if you're looking for an extra touch of luxury on your camping vacation, why not consider an RV? While you might wonder how much RV rentals are, we've put together this handy guide to help answer that question.
Renting an RV can be a surprisingly affordable way to enjoy exploring the country, with one in four vacationers choosing an RV when embarking on a camping trip. In fact, if you're looking for a family vacation idea that everyone will enjoy, renting an RV from a website such as RVShare could be the vacation of your dreams.
Ashleigh Rudolph, Founder/CEO of Pine Road Travel Co and travel expert, has some handy tips for spotting RV rental red flags. "Pictures of the RV rental can be very telling. If there are only a few pictures, ask the renter for more. You should see every inch of the RV before you decide to rent it. Same goes for information and specs for the RV. If the renter doesn't provide a lot of information on the RV itself, ask for more. You want to see a listing with as many pictures and information as possible! And of course, check reviews, whether that is for a rental company or a peer-to-peer rental."
They also have some great tips on sourcing good deals. "The easiest way to source great deals is to sign up for company newsletters, which will notify you of upcoming sales. RV rentals tend to be cheaper in the off-season so try traveling in the shoulder seasons. Or book with a RV travel planner, such as Pine Road Travel Co, who can get great deals on the RV rental for you."
Why should you rent an RV?
Ashleigh Rudolph, Founder/CEO of Pine Road Travel Co, says, "When booking a RV, keep an eye on additional fees and optional items. Most RV rental companies or rentals will charge for mileage driven, generator usage, a preparation fee, and a cleaning fee. You can also usually add in kitchen or bedding items for an additional cost. So even if the nightly cost of a RV looks appealing, keep in mind that there are likely other fees that will drive that price up. Ask questions about what is included and what is not."
Vacationing in an RV is a fantastic experience – no matter whether you buy or rent an RV. We've broken down the average cost you can expect to pay for buying versus renting below.
• Buying an RV: The cost of an RV may range between $40,000 and $300,000. You may need to spend approximately $1,000 every year on periodic maintenance as well.
• Renting an RV: Renting an RV can cost you between $50 and $450 per night.
On average, RV owners spend 30 days using their RV in a year. For those who expect their use to be more casual, renting an RV can be a more affordable option. Renting an RV can offer other benefits over other vacation options, including:
• Safety: RVs are safer than tents, with the ability to lock away personal possessions.
• Flexibility: Traveling with an RV means that you aren't tethered to the schedules of hotels, flights, and trains.
How much are RV rentals?
With so many different factors to consider, predicting how much RV rentals are isn't necessarily straightforward. Ranging from between $50–$450 per night, RV rental rates wary depending on rental location, the number of people traveling, the rental company, the age and class of vehicle and more.
Before getting into costing details, let’s explore the various classes of RVs commonly rented in the U.S. market.
• Class A RVs: Class As are huge vehicles with king-size beds, the best hot tubs, washers, dryers and all other luxurious amenities. They also come with a mobile garage to accommodate an additional car.
• Class B RVs: Class Bs are mid-sized vehicles with basic amenities such as storage space, a bathroom, a dining area and a sleeping room. These are also called camper vans. With a great fuel economy, Class Bs are perfect choices for those looking for budget camping.
• Class C RVs: These are intermediate vehicles bigger than Class Bs but smaller than Class As. Though Class Cs cannot tow another vehicle, they come with all the amenities you may need while camping. If you feel a camper van is too small for your requirements, you can opt for a Class C.
• Travel Trailer: Travel trailers are trailers towed behind a road vehicle. These are available in different sizes to meet the diverse requirements of people. They come with amenities such as a bed, kitchen, microwave, television and bathroom.
• Fifth Wheel: These are the biggest travel trailers available with all kinds of luxurious amenities you can often find in Class A RVs.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 10 years or older (Cost per night) | Newer (Cost per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | $150–$275 | $350–$450 |
| Class B | $100–$200 | $150–$300 |
| Class C | $100–$200 | $200–$350 |
| Travel Trailer | $50–$100 | $100–$200 |
| Fifth Wheel | $60–$150 | $150–$350 |
These rental rates are approximate figures. The actual rental rates may vary from one rental provider to another.
The number of people traveling and the city where you are renting the RV would also affect the rental costs. Let’s estimate how much a renter may expect to pay for a 2-person, 4-person, and 6-person RV in various regions such as Las Vegas, San Diego, Alaska, Los Angeles, Houston, New Jersey, Seattle, and Orlando.
How much are RV rentals in Las Vegas?
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 2-Person | 4-Person | 6-Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Fee | A stellar camper van costs around $125 per night. | A 2019 Class C (Freedom Elite RV) costs around $165 per night. | A 2019 Class C (Jayco Redhawk RV) costs around $189 per night. |
| Insurance, Cleaning & Service Fees | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost |
| Sales & Use Tax | 8.38% on rental cost | 8.38% on rental cost | 8.38% on rental cost |
| Total rent for three nights | $575 | $760 | $870 |
How much are RV rentals in San Diego?
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 2-Person | 4-Person | 6-Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Fee | A 2016 camper van (Custom Promaster 2500) costs around $165 per night. | A 2021 Class C (Ford Thor Chateau) costs around $179 per night. | A 2018 Class C (Jayco Odyssey Entegra) costs around $195 per night. |
| Insurance, Cleaning & Service Fees | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost |
| Sales & Use Tax | 7.75% on rental cost | 7.75% on rental cost | 7.75% on rental cost |
| Total rent for three nights | $756 | $820 | $895 |
How much are RV rentals in Alaska?
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 2-Person | 4-Person | 6-Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Fee | A camper van costs around $170 per night. | A 2017 Class C (Thor Motor Coach Chateau) costs around $200 per night. | A 2018 Class C (Coachmen Leprechaun 210QB Ford 350) costs around $250 per night. |
| Insurance, Cleaning & Service Fees | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost |
| Sales & Use Tax | 8% on rental cost | 8% on rental cost | 8% on rental cost |
| Total rent for three nights | $780 | $918 | $1,147 |
How much are RV rentals in Los Angeles?
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 2-Person | 4-Person | 6-Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Fee | A 2018 Class C (Forest River Forester) costs around $150 per night. | A 2019 Class C (Coachmen Prism) costs around $215 per night. | A 2022 Class C (Cross Trial) costs around $250 per night. |
| Insurance, Cleaning & Service Fees | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost |
| Sales & Use Tax | 9.25% (7.25% statewide rate and 2.25% district rate) | 9.25% (7.25% statewide rate and 2.25% district rate) | 9.25% (7.25% statewide rate and 2.25% district rate) |
| Total rent for three nights | $695 | $994 | $1,156 |
How much are RV rentals in Houston?
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 2-Person | 4-Person | 6-Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Fee | A 2022 Class B (Thor Motor Coach Scope) costs around $190 per night. | A 2015 Class B (Coachmen Freedom Express) costs around $215 per night. | A 2018 Class C (Coachmen Freelander) costs around $250 per night. |
| Insurance, Cleaning & Service Fees | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost |
| Sales & Use Tax | 8.25% (6.25% statewide rate and 2% district rate) | 8.25% (6.25% statewide rate and 2% district rate) | 8.25% (6.25% statewide rate and 2% district rate) |
| Total rent for three nights | $837 | $988 | $1,150 |
How much are RV rentals in New Jersey?
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 2-Person | 4-Person | 6-Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Fee | A 2015 Class C (Ford Transit) costs around $170 per night. | A 2022 Class B (Thor Motor Coach Majestic 23A) costs around $200 per night. | A 2020 Class C (Jayco Redhawk RV) costs around $250 per night. |
| Insurance, Cleaning & Service Fees | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost |
| Sales & Use Tax | 6.625% on rental cost | 6.625% on rental cost | 6.625% on rental cost |
| Total rent for three nights | $775 | $910 | $1,140 |
How much are RV rentals in Seattle?
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 2-Person | 4-Person | 6-Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Fee | A 2021 camper van (Cabana) costs around $160 per night. | A 2016 Class C (Forest River Sunseeker MBS) costs around $227 per night. | A 2020 Class C (Jayco Redhawk SE 22C) costs around $300 per night. |
| Insurance, Cleaning & Service Fees | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost |
| Sales & Use Tax | 10.25% on rental cost | 10.25% on rental cost | 10.25% on rental cost |
| Total rent for three nights | $750 | $1,057 | $1,400 |
How much are RV rentals in Orlando?
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 2-Person | 4-Person | 6-Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Fee | A 2019 camper van (Ram Promaster) costs around $170 per night. | A 2020 Class C (Coachmen Freelander 20CB) costs around $200 per night. | A 2021 Class C (Jayco Redhawk 26M) costs around $225 per night. |
| Insurance, Cleaning & Service Fees | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost | 45% of the rental cost |
| Sales & Use Tax | 6.5% on rental cost | 6.5% on rental cost | 6.5% on rental cost |
| Total rent for three nights | $772 | $910 | $1,020 |
Assumptions, Terms and Conditions:
- The rental costs, service charges, and cleaning charges are estimated based on the data gathered from the largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplaces such as Outdoorsy, RVShare, and Cruise America.
- These costs are valid only for Class B and Class C RVs. The costs may go up significantly if you opt for Class A and Fifth Wheel RVs.
- The rental costs are only approximate figures; actual costs may vary depending on the time of travel.
- Only vehicles manufactured in 2015 or later are considered for the calculation.
- The cleaning and service charges may vary from one rental provider to another.
- The insurance cost may vary depending on the type of coverage, the age of the vehicle, and the length of the trip.
- Many rental companies ask for a refundable deposit. These calculations don’t include the refundable deposit.
- If you opt for delivery of the RV to your location, it may cost you an extra $100-$150 depending on the class of vehicle.
On a whole, the three-night rental cost for Class B and Class C RVs may cost you between $550 and $1,400, depending on the number of passengers and rental location. The three-night RV rental costs may exceed $1,400 if you choose to rent Class A and Fifth Wheel RVs.
