The RV lifestyle is something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. But not everyone should buy an RV. Renting an RV is a much better option, especially for those who take only one or two trips a year. But how much should you set aside as rent for a motorhome? Read below to answer the question: How much to rent an RV for a week?
RVs cost anywhere between $500 to $2,500 per week, depending on the RV type and the person you rent it from.
But there are ways you can reduce the weekly cost and plan a trip on a budget. Continue reading to learn those simple tricks.
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How Much Does an RV Cost Per Week?
As already mentioned, the weekly rates for RVs start from $500 and can go as high as $2,500.
But this is a rough estimate. To calculate a more accurate range, you need to consider a few things. And these are:
- RV type
- RV model and make year
RVs are broadly classified into five different categories. These are Class A, Class B, Class C, Travel Trailer, and Fifth Wheel.
Class A RVs are the most spacious, with upscale amenities. On the other end of the spectrum, you have travel trailers the size of a regular SUV with fewer amenities. These differences reflect in their weekly rental prices.
The other factor is model and year. In general, newer models are priced higher than older models. That’s because they’re in much better shape and driving condition. And depending on the brand, newer RVs have all the latest amenities and features.
So taking the above factors into account, here’s how much you should expect to pay per week for renting an RV:
- Class A – $1225 to $1925 (newer models); $800 to $1500 (older models)
- Class B – $700 to $1400 (newer models); $600 to $1200 (older models)
- Class C – $1000 to $1400 (newer models); $840 to $1100 (older models)
- Travel Trailer – $350 to $900 (newer models); $300 to $500 (older models)
- Fifth Wheel – $420 to $1000 (newer models); $330 to $750 (older models)
You should consider your budget first and then select an RV in accordance.
How Much to Rent an RV for a Week?
The price range mentioned in the section above is the standard range. But there’s a trick you can apply to reduce the overall cost of renting an RV for a week.
The cheapest way to rent an RV for a week is to book on a peer-to-peer rental platform and opt for a ‘Weekly Plan.’ To understand this better, you’ll want to discover how RV rentals work.
RVs are usually priced at a daily rate, on a per day or night basis.
When you rent an RV — irrespective of the type — the rentee will bill you for each day by default. But when booked for a week, most companies offer a discount, ranging from 10% to 40%, depending on the season.
So for a Class A motorhome with a price tag of $200 per night, a 10% discount would translate to $140 in savings!
If you need the motorhome for a week, you must explicitly convey the same to the rentee. That’s the cheapest way to rent an RV for a week. Otherwise, they will bill you at a daily rate.
Another way to reduce the RV cost is to rent the motorhome directly from an owner instead of going through a dealership. This way, you’ll have more control over cost and the RV selection process.
Peer-to-peer rental platforms make it easy for owners to list their RV for rent and renters to rent it.
How Much to Rent an RV for a Month?
Like weekly bookings, companies offer monthly reservations as well. If you’re planning a month-long trip to travel across the United States, opt for a monthly plan.
When compared with the daily RV rates, you can save significant money for monthly bookings.
Renters will offer you discounts in the same range as weekly bookings or even more.
So taking the above example of $200 per night, it sums up to $6,000 per month. With a $10 discount, the savings add up to $600. While it may not sound much, a penny saved is a penny earned!
But there are other things you need to know.
Not every company offers discounts for monthly reservations. In fact, most don’t even provide RVs for rent for such a long time frame. Part of the reasoning is it’s not in their best interest. They’d make more if they handed out the RV on a daily or weekly basis.
Finding such offers becomes even more challenging during the peak holiday season. Renters switch to daily rates and restrict other plans to generate more revenue during that time period.
The trick here is to plan and book an RV well in advance, which can be six months to a year.
How Much to Rent an RV for a Year?
Looking to rent an RV for an entire year? Unless you’re a full-time RVer who likes exploring different places, renting an RV for a year doesn’t make sense.
Even at $60 per night, which is the lowest tier in the RV rental market, the cost to rent an RV for a year will stand at $18,000. For higher models, the bill will come out at $100,000.
Only full-time RV vloggers can recoup that level of investment. And it’s unlikely you’ll find a discount.
Things to Look at Before Renting an RV
If you’re concerned about the cost of renting an RV for a week, there are other things you need to know.
More specifically, you should know how to find the best RV for yourself. Here are a few criteria to look at when prospecting RVs for your trip:
Number of travelers on the trip
The first thing you need to check is the number of people you’ll have on board. This should include kids, elders, and pets (it helps to plan for their space).
Most people overlook this and jump straight to the pricing table. But when planning for an RV trip, get clarity on this figure first.
The RV type
This is directly tied to the first one. The type of RV you select will depend on the number of occupants.
Getting the RV type right is essential since the types are priced differently.
You could save significantly more by renting a Class C motorhome or a towable trailer. These also offer a higher mpg than Class A motorhomes, which translates to more savings.
Even if you’re a large family or have kids, a Class C motorhome might just fit your needs since they have bunk beds. Pets can sneak in on any of the beds. So, you may not necessarily need a large motorhome.
But it’s important to balance cost with comfort and to be generous wherever required.
Insurance and taxes
You’d have to pay insurance costs for renting an RV. At times, this is included within the daily rates, while other renters have it under the ‘Additional Cost’ section.
RV rental insurance offers protection against damages. Thus, if you come across a minor or major accident on the trip, the insurance policy will bail you out financially to some degree.
You should check if your current auto policy covers it already. Some policies extend such coverage under certain circumstances. Or, your homeowners’ policy may provide this coverage as well. Therefore, contact your existing insurance carrier to check on this.
If not, the renters will offer the RV rental coverage for a fee. It can range anywhere from $10 to $50 per day. Some companies will also charge you per mile, with rates hovering in the $0.50-$1 per mile range.
The taxes are usually paid by the owner. But, again, cross-check to make sure it’s not an additional or hidden charge.
Driving condition of the vehicle
Last but not least, you should check how well the motorhome is rolling on the road. Since you’re planning a week-long trip, it helps to ensure that the RV is in top driving condition.
It’s also important to note that different types of RV drive differently. Driving a Class A motorhome would feel like maneuvering a bus, while a Class B RV feels like a minivan.
Ask for a test ride and drive the RV for a few kilometers. Check if the steering and the seating are to your liking. You should also test the braking system, GPS navigation, visual monitoring, and lights (both indoor and outdoor).
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How to Save Money on a Rental RV
Looking for ways to keep costs as low as possible while still enjoying an awesome rental RV? In addition to booking through a peer-to-peer marketplace, we recommend using some of these tips.
- Book Early or During Off-Peak Times: RV rental prices fluctuate based on demand. By booking your RV several months in advance, you can often secure lower rates. Additionally, traveling during off-peak seasons (like spring or fall) not only saves money but also means less crowded campgrounds.
- Choose Smaller RVs: While larger RVs offer more space, they come with higher rental costs and increased fuel consumption. Opting for a compact or mid-size RV can significantly reduce both rental fees and fuel expenses, allowing for a more budget-friendly trip.
- Look for Discounts: Many RV rental companies offer promotions or discounts for various groups. Check for offers related to AAA memberships, military service, or loyalty programs. Some companies also provide discounts for rentals exceeding a week, so it’s worth inquiring.
- Negotiate: Don’t hesitate to ask about special deals or negotiate the price, especially for extended rentals. Many rental companies are open to discussion, particularly if you express interest in renting for a longer duration.
- Consider One-Way Rentals: If your trip allows for it, one-way RV rentals can save money on fuel and time spent driving back to the starting location. Some companies offer reduced fees for this option, especially if they need to relocate their fleet.
- Plan Your Route: Planning your travel route can help minimize fuel costs. Consider taking scenic byways or routes with fewer steep inclines, which can improve fuel efficiency.
- Limit Add-Ons: Many rental companies offer extras like GPS, kitchen kits, or camping gear for an additional fee. Bringing your own equipment or planning to travel without these items can help cut down on costs.
- Use Free Campsites: Research free or low-cost camping options through platforms like Campendium or local state parks. This can significantly reduce accommodation costs, allowing you to allocate more funds toward experiences or activities during your trip.
By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy your RV adventure without breaking the bank.
FAQs About RV Rental Costs
Check out these answers to common questions about RV rental costs:
What factors affect RV rental costs?
- RV type: Larger, more luxurious RVs like Class A motorhomes are typically more expensive than smaller travel trailers or camper vans.
- Season: Peak travel times, like summer or holidays, can increase rental rates due to higher demand.
- Location: Rental prices may vary based on where you’re renting. For example, renting in popular tourist destinations or near national parks can be more expensive.
- Rental duration: Longer rentals often come with discounted daily rates compared to shorter trips.
- Amenities and features: RVs with additional features such as air conditioning, solar power, upgraded kitchens, or entertainment systems may come at a higher cost.
- Delivery and setup: If you want the RV delivered to a campground or location, companies may charge extra for delivery and setup.
Are there any additional fees associated with RV rentals?
Yes, there can be extra costs on top of the base rental fee. Common additional charges include:
- Mileage fees: Some rentals come with a limited number of included miles, and you’ll be charged for any miles beyond that limit, usually between $0.25 to $0.50 per mile.
- Generator fees: If the RV has a generator, there may be a limit on free hours, with additional hours costing extra (typically $3 to $5 per hour).
- Cleaning fees: Some rental companies charge a cleaning fee, especially if the RV is returned in poor condition.
- Security deposit: Many RV rental companies require a refundable security deposit, ranging from $500 to $1,500, depending on the RV.
- Insurance: Rental insurance is often required, either provided by the rental company or through a third party. Costs vary based on coverage, but typically range from $10 to $50 per day.
- Pet fees: If pets are allowed, there may be an additional pet cleaning or damage fee.
Do RV rental prices include gas?
No, the rental cost typically does not include gas. You are responsible for fueling the RV during your trip. Depending on the type of RV, fuel costs can add up quickly:
• Class A Motorhomes: Typically get 6-10 miles per gallon (mpg).
• Class C Motorhomes: Average around 8-12 mpg.
• Class B Camper Vans: More fuel-efficient, with 15-20 mpg in some models.
Always factor fuel costs into your total budget when planning an RV trip.
Are there any hidden costs when renting an RV?
To avoid surprises, ask about the following potential hidden costs:
- Fuel costs: Both for driving and generator use.
- Campground fees: These vary widely based on location and amenities. Some campsites with full hookups can cost $30 to $80 per night.
- Dumping fees: If you need to empty the RV’s wastewater tanks and haven’t done it yourself, some companies charge a fee for dumping services.
- Late return fees: Returning the RV late can result in additional fees or a full extra day’s charge.
Do RV rental companies offer unlimited mileage?
Some RV rental companies offer unlimited mileage, but this is not always standard. Most rentals come with a daily mileage limit (typically 100 to 150 miles per day), and you’ll pay extra for exceeding that limit. Be sure to ask about mileage policies when booking your RV to avoid additional charges.
Estimating the RV rent for a week is part of the overall trip budgeting process. You need to figure out associated costs like fuel and gas, RV park fees, groceries, etc. With some clever planning, you can take that much-awaited road trip to your favorite RV park.
Are you looking for an RV for a week for your road trip? Browse the Outdoorsy RV rental catalog and select the motorhome of your choice.
