The Ultimate RV Test Drive: Rent Before You Buy
Have you ever dreamed of the RV lifestyle but felt hesitant about the commitment? Renting is your answer. It's the perfect, low-risk way to experience the freedom of the open road, try out different RV types and discover your unique travel style. A rental adventure allows you to learn firsthand what features you love and what you can't live without, all without the long-term financial investment of ownership. Think of it as the ultimate test drive. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a successful rental trip, from choosing where to rent to understanding the true costs. Let's get you on the road.
Step One
Where to Rent: P2P vs. Dealership
The first decision you'll make is where to rent your RV from. There are two main models, each with distinct advantages.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) platforms (like Airbnb for RVs) connect you with private RV owners. This often means more variety, a personal touch and potentially more included amenities like kitchen supplies.
Dealership or Corporate fleets offer a more standardized experience. You'll rent from a company's managed inventory, ensuring a consistent level of quality, cleanliness and process, though often with fewer RV choices and more à la carte fees for extras.
Which is right for you?
- Consider Peer-to-Peer if: You want a unique RV, enjoy a more personalized interaction with the owner and are looking for a rig that might feel more like a home.
- Consider a Dealership if: You prioritize a standardized, predictable process, prefer dealing with a corporate entity or need a last-minute or one-way rental option.
Step Two
Decode the Full Rental Cost
The advertised nightly rate is just the starting point. To avoid sticker shock, you need to understand all the potential fees that make up the total cost of your rental. From mandatory insurance to mileage fees and security deposits, these costs can add up quickly. Use the checklist below to build an accurate budget for your trip.
Your RV Rental Budget Checklist
Nightly Rental Rate
$75 - $450+ / night
Varies greatly by RV type, age and location. Class A motorhomes are the most expensive, while small travel trailers are the most affordable.
Insurance
$15 - $50+ / day
Mandatory. This is purchased through the rental company and is not covered by your personal auto policy. Packages often offer different levels of coverage and deductibles.
Mileage Fees
$0.35 - $0.75 / mile
Many rentals include 100-150 free miles per day. Overage charges apply beyond that. Some P2P rentals offer unlimited mileage packages, which can be a great value.
Security Deposit
$500 - $2,500+
Refundable. This is held to cover any damages, extra cleaning or fees incurred. The amount depends on the value of the RV. It is returned after the trip if the RV is in good condition.
Service/Prep Fee
$50 - $300+
A one-time fee some companies charge for cleaning, sanitation and preparing the RV for your trip (e.g., filling propane and water tanks)
Add-Ons (Optional)
Varies
Fees for extras like kitchen kits, linen packages, outdoor chairs, grills or pet fees. Dealership rentals are more likely to charge for these items.
Generator Use
$0 or $3-5 / hour
Some rentals include generator use, while others charge an hourly fee. Generators are needed for off-grid power when not plugged into campsite electricity.
Step Four
Insurance is Not Optional
One of the most important things to understand is that your personal auto insurance policy almost never extends to a rented motorhome. You are required to purchase temporary RV rental insurance through the rental company. This insurance typically provides liability coverage (for damage or injury you cause to others) and physical damage coverage (comprehensive and collision for the rental RV itself). You will choose a package at checkout, which will determine your coverage limits and your deductible—the amount you are responsible for paying in case of a claim. For towable trailers, your own tow vehicle's insurance provides the liability coverage, but the rental insurance covers damage to the trailer itself.
Step Four
Prepare for a Smooth Trip
A little preparation goes a long way. Before you hit the road, confirm what's included in your rental. Many dealership rentals come completely empty, so you may need to pack or rent kitchen and linen kits.1 During pickup, insist on a thorough walk-through and orientation. Have the owner or dealer show you how to operate all systems: the slide-outs, generator, water hookups and sewer dump. If you're new to driving a large vehicle, find an empty parking lot to practice turning and backing up before navigating busy roads. Finally, book your campsites well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Renter Questions, Answered.
The total cost is much more than just the nightly rate. Let's take a sample trip: a Class C motorhome at $175/night for 7 nights equals $1,225. Add daily insurance (~$30/day = $210), a one-time service fee (~$150) and taxes. If your trip is 1,000 miles and you get 700 free miles (100/day), you'll pay for 300 extra miles at ~$0.50/mile ($150). Your total cost before fuel or campground fees could easily be around $1,700-$1,800, plus a refundable security deposit of $1,000 or more.
In almost all cases, no. The vast majority of rental RVs, including most Class C and Class A motorhomes, have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) under the 26,000-pound threshold that would trigger special licensing requirements in some states. As long as you are over the rental company's minimum age requirement (typically 25) and have a valid standard driver's license, you are cleared to drive most rental RVs.
Mileage policies vary significantly. A common industry standard is to include 100 to 150 free miles per day with the rental. If you drive more than the allotted amount, you will be charged an overage fee, typically ranging from $0.35 to $0.75 for each additional mile. For long-distance road trips, it's highly advantageous to look for peer-to-peer rentals that offer unlimited mileage packages, as this can save you a significant amount of money.