RV ownership is expensive. You have to spend the money upfront to buy it, and then the costs can keep adding up as you need to maintain it and possibly pay for storage. It simply isn’t an option for everyone. The perfect alternative is renting an RV.
Source: campanda.com
How Much Would Renting an RV Cost in General?
- What price range can one expect? Prices can vary significantly for RV rentals because they depend on how long you want to have the RV, the type of RV you choose, the mileage you will drive, and the amenities you desire.
- What sort of service do you get when renting an RV? While service may vary, you will get the chance to look over the RV before your trip to familiarize yourself with it and learn everything you need to know about using it.
- Is it easy to drive a motorhome? The ease of RV driving depends on your experience level. If you haven’t driven a large vehicle before, there may be a learning curve.
- Is it a good idea to rent a motorhome for trips outdoors? An RV is the perfect choice for an outdoor getaway because you can stay right near the attractions and areas you want to visit.
- What kind of trips can you take with an RV? You can go almost anywhere you want in an RV. However, they are not the best for city trekking.
- Is it best to rent or buy? Unless you will use your RV the majority of the year, it is generally a better economic decision to rent one.
What Factors Determine the Price Range for Renting an RV?
You probably want to know about the pricing you’re an RV rental, which makes sense as most of us need to be budget-conscious. Prices depend mainly on various factors, including:
Average prices of 2020
According to Crazy Family Adventure, the average cost per night for an RV rental is $149 to $199. However, this can vary a lot based on the type of motorhome you rent and your rental agreement’s different conditions.
For Class C RVs, which are usually more top-of-the-line with lots of amenities, you can get for around $70 a night. A Class B motorhome can come in at approximately $67 per night. If you want a budget rental, you could score one for about $35 each night.
One thing to keep in mind is that rental agreements usually require you to rent the vehicle for at least three days minimum. So, you have to figure that when thinking about costs. The $70 a night motorhome will cost you $210 minimum since you have to pay for three days.
With this minimum rental period stipulation in mind, the $149 to $199 average estimate may run a bit low.
Add-On Prices & Factors to Consider
Speaking about base pricing is rather a moot point because you will have extra costs associated with the rental. These might include:
- Campground rates
- Cleaning fees
- Amenities packages
- Generators
- Setup and delivery fees
- Gas
- Extra mileage
- Taxes
- Rental insurance
Campground Rates
Campground rates can add up quickly as you travel. The actual rate will depend on what you get with your site. Sites with hookups to water and electricity will typically cost more.
One option to consider if you will travel quite a bit is a monthly campground rental. TripSavvy explains that a monthly RV site rental allows you to park in the same spot on every visit, and you will know you always have a spot reserved. The costs will depend largely on location. More popular places can charge a lot more because there is more demand.
Cleaning Fees
When you finish your trip, you may have to pay extra fees for cleaning. In some cases, rental companies will add a cleaning fee automatically to your bill.
Amenities Packages
You can opt-in for a range of features in your RV that will increase the price, such as fully stocked kitchens or bedding kits. At the campground, amenities may include access to water, electric and satellite TV.
Generators
If you plan to stay in parks without hookups to electricity, you may want to get a generator. This will cost you extra to rent the generator and for the fuel to run it.
Setup and Delivery Fees
You may be able to avoid setup and delivery fees if you pick up your motorhome and handle the details yourself. However, if you are new to RVing, you may need to pay for this extra help and service.
Gas
Class A motorhomes have an average gas mileage of six to eight miles per gallon, which is horrible compared to your everyday vehicle. Smaller RVs will get better gas mileage, but don’t expect any of them to be great. Expect to set aside a large portion of your budget for fuel costs.
Extra Mileage
Most rentals do not have unlimited miles, but you may be able to add this to your package for an extra charge. You should plan to pay upon drop off for your mileage, though.
Taxes
Expect to pay taxes on your rental. This will vary from location to location based on local and state tax laws.
Rental Insurance
You should consider getting rental insurance if it is optional. Some companies make it mandatory since the vehicle is a considerable investment, and any loss would be expensive.
Source: ightninrv.com
What Are Some Good Websites to Get a Bargain for Renting RVs?
RV rental companies come in two forms. Peer-to-peer rentals work similarly to Airbnb, where you rent the RVs from other people directly. The other option is a rental company that maintains a fleet of RVs to rent them out.
Peer-to-peer networks are usually more budget-friendly, but rental companies typically provide you with more options and newer models.
- RVshare – large selection of owners and an excellent range of RVs, rates as low as $50 per night, 24/7 customer service
- Outdoorsy – peer-to-peer option with owners all over the U.S., pet-friendly rentals, easy to use rental system
- Cruise America – CNET explains this is the largest RV rental company in the U.S., wide variety of RV options in all sizes
- Escape Campervans – Covers U.S. and Canada, nice range of small to large rentals, all late models, custom-painted murals on every RV
Driving Your Car & Using Hotels vs. Using a Motorhome
When you decide to rent an RV, you get your vehicle and accommodations in one. The other option you have is to drive your vehicle and stay in hotels. You may wonder which one makes the most sense financially.
When driving your vehicle and using hotels, you have the costs for your vehicle, gas, wear and tear, and the hotel room. Using a rented RV involves the vehicle rental rate and fuel. Already, you have more costs wrapped up in using your vehicle.
In addition, when using an RV, you can easily adjust the expenses by opting in or out of various extras, along with choosing a smaller RV to minimize the rental price. Since it is much more customizable, it is likely cheaper to rent a motorhome for your vacation.
Bottom Line – Will It Break the Bank?
When it comes to renting an RV for your next vacation, the bottom line is that you can get some great deals that will make it highly affordable no matter your budget. With the average cost starting around $149 per trip, you should be able to have a nice vacation while enjoying the unique perks of RVing.
