Maya Chen
Renting an RV for a road trip is a great way to explore the country while enjoying the comforts of home. With a wide range of rental options available, from peer-to-peer sites to companies with large fleets, you can easily find an RV that suits your needs and budget. When planning your trip, it's essential to consider factors such as rental costs, insurance, gas, campground fees, and other hidden fees. Booking in advance and researching your destinations and campgrounds are crucial steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Whether you're looking for a stationary rental or a one-way trip, RV rentals offer flexibility, convenience, and the freedom to create unforgettable memories on the open road.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| RV rental companies | RVshare, Good Sam, Cruise America |
| Rental options | One-way rentals, stationary rentals, delivery-only rentals, standard rentals |
| Customer support | 24/7 roadside assistance, fraud checks, secure payment system, rental protection |
| Additional fees | Post-trip fees (e.g. cleaning, late, refueling), insurance, gas, campground fees, kitchen kit, bedding |
| Planning | Book in advance, research destinations, make reservations, check for hookups, prepare a packing list |
| Waste disposal | Designated areas, dump stations at campgrounds or rental facilities |
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What You'll Learn
Where to rent an RV from
There are several options for renting an RV for your road trip. You can either rent from a peer-to-peer site or a company with a large inventory.
RVshare
RVshare is a peer-to-peer rental site that offers a wide range of RVs for rent, from luxury Class A Diesel Pushers to Class B Camper Vans and Travel Trailers. They offer multiple rental options, including one-way rentals, stationary rentals, and standard round-trip bookings. They also provide 24/7 roadside assistance and rental protection for peace of mind.
Cruise America
Cruise America is a well-known company offering a selection of RVs for rent, including traditional motorhomes and compact RVs. Their pricing policy includes various add-on fees, such as per-mile charges and kitchen and personal kit fees. They also provide resources and guides to help you plan your trip, including information on RV camping in national and state parks.
Good Sam RV Rentals
Good Sam RV Rentals is another option, offering standard rentals where you can drive or tow the RV, as well as delivery-only rentals where the owner sets up the RV for you. They provide 24/7 roadside assistance and up to $1 million in coverage.
It's important to do your research and compare prices, amenities, and rental options before deciding where to rent an RV from. Booking in advance is also recommended to ensure you get the RV that best suits your needs.
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One-way vs round-trip rentals
When renting an RV, you will likely have the option of choosing between a one-way rental and a round-trip rental. With a round-trip rental, you pick up the RV from a location and return it to the same location. This is usually the default option.
One-way rentals, on the other hand, allow you to pick up the RV from one location and drop it off at another. This can be more convenient if you're planning a cross-country trip or if you're concerned about your ability to drive long distances back to your starting point. Companies like Cruise America offer one-way RV rentals from any of their 132 locations across the US and Canada. You can, for example, pick up your rental in Boston, New York City, or Washington, D.C., and travel south toward Florida. Alternatively, you could start off in Vancouver, Seattle, or Portland and travel south down the coast to California.
One-way rentals can be more expensive than round-trip rentals due to logistical issues. A one-way rental may also need approval from the RV supplier. Additionally, some companies, like Cruise America, charge per mile driven, so a one-way rental may not be the most economical option for a long-distance trip. It's important to understand the complete cost of a one-way rental before booking, including any additional fees for mileage, insurance, and kitchen or personal kits.
Round-trip rentals can be more cost-effective, especially if you're able to find a location with flexible pick-up and drop-off options. However, it's important to note that round-trip rentals may not always align with your vacation schedule or preferred route. In such cases, a one-way rental might be a more convenient option.
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Rental costs and fees
Renting an RV for a road trip can be an affordable way to travel, but it's important to be aware of the various costs and fees involved. The rental cost will depend on factors such as the vehicle type, your destination, and the length of your trip. According to RVshare, the average booking ranges from $150 to $450 per night. This is just the starting point, however, as there are several other costs to consider.
Firstly, insurance is an important factor. While some platforms like RVshare offer comprehensive and collision coverage as part of their rental package, others, like Cruise America, charge extra for insurance. It's worth checking whether your auto insurance policy covers RVs, or if you need separate RV insurance.
Another cost to consider is mileage. Some companies, like Cruise America, charge per mile driven, which can quickly add up on a long road trip. It's worth looking into different rental companies and their pricing policies to find the most cost-effective option for your trip.
There are also various "extras" that you may need to pay for. These can include camping equipment, bedding, and cookware, which are often provided for an additional fee. For example, Cruise America charges $110 per "kitchen kit" and $60 per person for sheets and pillows. Some companies, like RVshare, may also charge a cleaning fee if the RV is returned exceptionally dirty, so it's important to check their policies.
Finally, don't forget to budget for other expenses like gas, campground fees, and food. These costs can add up quickly, so it's important to be realistic about the overall costs of renting an RV for your road trip. Planning ahead and mapping out your overnight stays can help you save money by taking advantage of free lots or staying with friends.
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What to pack
Packing for an RV road trip can be daunting, but it's important to remember that less is more. You want to feel comfortable and relaxed during your trip, so only bring the essentials and try to avoid overpacking.
Start by checking what items are included with your RV rental. Many companies provide kitchen gear, bedding, outdoor chairs, and safety equipment. Some companies may also offer kits with additional items for rent, such as kitchen utensils, cookware, bedding, and pillows for an extra fee. Knowing what's included will help you determine what else you need to bring.
Next, create a packing list focusing on the essentials. Here are some categories to consider:
Toiletry Kit:
Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, tweezers, etc.
Pharmacy:
Allergy medication, anti-inflammatory medication, cold medication, prescriptions, etc.
Hair Needs:
Brushes, combs, hair ties, clips, a hairdryer, etc.
Clothing:
Pack clothes that layer well and can adapt to changing weather conditions.
Food and Kitchen Supplies:
Bring non-perishable food items and kitchen supplies, such as stackable bins or crates to keep things organized.
Safety and Emergency Supplies:
Include a multi-tool, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, roadside emergency kit, duct tape, jumper cables, and a flashlight.
Cleaning Supplies:
Trash bags, a mop, broom, vacuum, hot pads, grill, foil, and ziplock bags.
Other Useful Items:
A wine corkscrew, a cooler for packing lunches, and real glass wine glasses if you want to enjoy a drink.
Remember, the key is to pack only what you need and to make the most of the storage space available in your RV. Enjoy your road trip!
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Where to dump waste
Dumping waste is a concern for anyone planning an RV road trip. It is important to remember that waste should only be dumped in designated areas.
Your first step should be to call ahead to any campgrounds you will be staying at and ask if they have dump stations. Many RV campgrounds will have dump stations, but some won't, so it is important to plan ahead. If you are renting your RV from Cruise America, you can also make use of the dump stations or information at your RV rental facility.
There are also several websites and apps that can help you locate dump stations. RV Dump Sites provides a map-based search engine that allows you to see RV sanitation dump stations in your area. You can also submit reviews and read other users' reviews of the dump sites. Harvest Host also has a feature on their website that shows dump sites.
If you are looking for free dump sites, many waste water treatment plants will let you dump waste for free. In Texas, there are many free overnight RV parks that allow you to dump waste for free. Some RV dealers also have dump stations.
Finally, if you are unable to find a dump station, you can always dump your portable toilet into an RV dump station at a campground or RV park.
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Frequently asked questions
According to RVshare, the average booking ranges from $150 to $450 per night. Other costs include insurance, gas, campground fees, and food.
You can choose an RV based on style, size, and amenities. If you're renting for a long road trip, you might want to avoid an RV that charges per mile driven.
Some companies charge extra for kitchen and personal kits, which include bedding, cookware, and other essentials. There may also be post-trip fees, such as cleaning fees, late fees, or refueling fees.
You can rent an RV through peer-to-peer sites or companies with large inventories, such as RVshare or Cruise America. It's recommended to book as early as possible to ensure you get the right RV for your trip.
