Recreational vehicles (RVs) have always been quite the rage among campers and road trip enthusiasts. These vehicles are essentially houses on wheels, equipped with a mini fridge, countertop space, and sometimes luxurious amenities like heated floors and a king-sized bed. But, since these vehicles are expensive and depreciate quickly over time, many prefer renting instead of buying them. Companies like Kelley Blue Book list RV rentals available nearby so people can compare them and make informed decisions.
Types of RVs
Knowing the various types of RVs is important before renting one. Generally, these vehicles are classified into two categories, each with multiple sub-types.
Drivable RVs
Affectionately nicknamed motorhomes, these RVs allow one to drive and sleep in the same cabin unit. Drivable RVs are further divided into different classes.
- Class A drivable RVs look and feel like coach buses. Due to their sheer bulk, the transport departments of various states have made it mandatory for owners and drivers of these vehicles to possess a legitimate driver’s license.
- Class B RVs, also called camper vans, are much smaller and usually do not have an attached bathroom.
- Class C RVs are spacious and yet, unlike most RVs, easy to drive around. They resemble big trucks instead of full-on buses and are built on a van frame or a truck chassis.
Towable RVs
Unlike drivable RVs, these variants need to be towed by SUVs and large trucks. They can be thought of as extensions of giant tugboats on land. There are four kinds of towable RVs.
- Fifth-wheel RVs are called so because their owners need a specialized hitch to tow them. These RVs have massive kitchens and split-level floor plans.
- Travel trailers are like fifth-wheel RVs, except they do not need a hitch because a normal tow truck can pull them along.
- Truck camper RVs sit atop the bed of a large truck.
- Folding or pop-up trailers can be recognized by their pop-out canvas sides.
Factors to consider while renting RVs
Since renting an RV is a big decision, one must pay close attention to certain factors before proceeding. Not doing so can lead to disappointment as one would not get the experience that they wanted.
Set a budget
RV prices vary depending on certain factors, such as the inflation in the city the vehicle is being rented from, the time of the year, the number of people the vehicle accommodates, and its level of updates or luxury features. On average, renting a Class A RV can cost over $175 per night. This rate is over $100 and $150 for Class B and Class C RVs, respectively. Among towable RVs, travel and pop-up trailers cost over $50, while fifth-wheel ones cost over $60. The cost of renting other kinds of towable RVs is similar. Kelley Blue Book and other RV rental companies let buyers know about the changing costs of renting RVs, regardless of the state they live. So, visiting their websites may help one set a budget accordingly.
Assess the features
Different RVs offer different kinds of experiences to owners. Some are full-blown homes with attached bathrooms, fireplaces, refrigerators, and solar panels, while others only have basic amenities. Renters must choose the option that has the features they want while staying within the set budget range.
Consider the space
A person with a large family can purchase a large RV, but that would pinch their pockets. On the other hand, smaller RVs are cost-efficient but slightly lower on space. So, one must find the right balance between space and cost when shortlisting options.
Learn about campsites
The expenses do not end after renting an RV. When traveling to holiday destinations across the country using the vehicle, one may sometimes need to book a campsite. There are multiple levels of campsites, and their costs differ accordingly. The cheaper options only offer space to park RVs, while others provide access to camping gear, a grill, a patio, and other amenities and services. On average, RV campsites cost anywhere between $35 and $50 per night, but the premium ones even surpass $100. The demand for RVs is directly proportional to the prices of campsites. That means, the higher the demand, the more one would pay. Still, in most cases, people with both high and low budgets could book campsites around the country to enjoy their time away from home.
Popular RV rental companies
Several websites provide details about RV rentals, which one can visit to make a better decision.
- Kelly Blue Book
- RVshare
- Outdoorsy
- Cruise America
- Campanda
- Motorhome Republic
- Go RV Rentals
- RV Rental Connection
- RVnGO
- El Monte RV
These websites may help people connect with RV owners willing to rent out their vehicles. Apart from these websites, one can check out the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) directory, which offers extensive guidance for renting RVs.
