To rent an RV with RVshare, start by choosing the type and size that fits your trip. Then search available listings at your destination, compare prices and amenities, and book directly with the owner through RVshare’s secure online checkout. Every rental includes insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance, so first-time renters are covered from booking through return. Most people find the process simpler than they expect, and RV owners provide walkthroughs and helpful instructions so you feel comfortable before you leave.
Key Takeaways
- Most first-time renters choose a Class C motorhome or a travel trailer for the balance of space and ease of use.
- Every RVshare booking includes insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.
- Delivery and stationary rentals let you skip driving and towing entirely.
- Booking takes five steps, from search to confirmation.
- Owners set their own cancellation policies, so review the terms before you book.
- RVshare’s Booking Services team offers one-on-one help if you would rather not book on your own.
What Kind of RV Should You Rent?
Your first decision is whether you want a drivable motorhome or a towable trailer. Motorhomes are ready to drive right off the lot or out of an owner’s driveway. Towables hitch to a truck or SUV, which means you will need a vehicle rated to pull the weight. If you do not have a tow vehicle, or you would rather not drive a large rig at all, delivery and stationary rentals let you rent a towable that’s already in place. You don’t need to tow or set up anything.
Here are the main RV types to compare:
| RV Type | Best For | Ease of Driving | What to Know |
| Class A | Large groups | Moderate | Bus-like and roomy, with a driving experience unlike a regular vehicle |
| Class B | Couples or solo travelers | Easy | Campervan-style, simple to drive and park |
| Class C | Families | Easy | Box-truck shape, drives much like a large van |
| Travel Trailer | Budget-minded families | Towing required | Hitches to a bumper, some tow behind smaller trucks, tends to sway while towed |
| Fifth Wheel | Experienced tow drivers | Towing required | Hitches to a truck bed, needs a large truck, sways less than a travel trailer |
You will also see pop-ups, A-liners, and hybrids, which fall under the travel trailer category. Truck bed campers are their own class and are less common on RVshare.
Once you know the type, narrow down size, layout, and amenities. Ask yourself:
- How many people will be sleeping in the RV?
- What size vehicle am I comfortable driving?
- How big are the campsites I plan to use?
- Will I dry camp and need amenities like a generator or solar panels?
- Will I cook in the RV, and do I need counter space or an oven?
- Do we need a shower or toilet on board?
- Do we want extras included, such as linens, camping chairs, or sports equipment?
Should You Drive the RV, or Have It Delivered?
You can choose to rent and drive an RV yourself or have it delivered.
- Delivery rental: An owner drops the RV off at your campsite or destination and sets it up for you, then returns to pick it up at the end of your trip.
- Stationary rental: You rent an RV that stays parked in one spot for your whole trip, so there is no driving involved at all.
Both options let you experience a towable RV even if you do not own a truck. They also work well if you would rather not drive a large rig, or if you plan to fly to your destination and want the RV waiting when you arrive.
How Do You Book an RV on RVshare?
- Start on the homepage
Enter the city where you want to rent, your travel dates, and the size of motorhome you are interested in.
- Run your search
Select “Search” to see the listings available in your area.
- Narrow your options
Filter by price, then by type. “Driveable RV” shows Class A, B, and C motorhomes, and “Towable RV” shows the various trailers. You can also search by keyword, including specific makes and models, and use “Instant Book” to reserve without waiting for the owner to respond.
- Review the details
Select a listing to see the full description and a cost breakdown. Many owners discount longer stays, so check the daily, weekly, and monthly rates. The listing also shows what is included, whether delivery is offered, and whether the RV is pet-friendly.
- Ask questions and book
Message the owner with any questions directly from the listing, then select “Book” when you are ready to confirm.
What Insurance and Protection Does RVshare Offer?
Every RVshare rental includes RVshare Insurance and Protection, so you are covered from the moment you book. The Essential Package is added to your quote automatically, and you can choose a different package at checkout. Coverage is underwritten by RVshare’s insurance partner, Crum & Forster, and extends across all 50 states and Canada. Renters receive comprehensive and collision coverage, and motorhomes and trailers also carry the minimum liability coverage required.
Every rental also comes with 24/7 roadside assistance, which covers help like flat tires, battery issues, lockouts, and towing.
On top of insurance, the Worry-Free Rental Guarantee protects you when you book and pay through RVshare. It includes:
- Payment protection against listing fraud.
- A Customer Solutions team to answer questions before and after your reservation.
- Rental assistance if the RV is significantly misrepresented or you are denied access to it.
- Rebooking assistance to find another RV if an owner cancels at the last minute.
- Security deposit protection to help you dispute any charge withheld wrongfully.
To stay eligible for the Guarantee, pay all funds through RVshare’s secure payment system. If an RV is significantly not as described, is unsafe or unsanitary, or you are denied access, contact Customer Support within 12 hours of pickup. For other covered situations, contact support within 30 days of the incident.
What Is RVshare’s Cancellation Policy?
Owners set their own cancellation policy, so always check the terms on the listing before you book. There are three options:
| Policy | Full Refund | Partial Refund | No Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible | 30+ days before the trip | 50% within 30 days of the start date | — |
| Standard | 30+ days before the trip | 50% if 14–29 days before the trip | Within 14 days of the start date |
| Strict | 30+ days before the trip | — | Within 30 days of the start date |
All refunds are minus the RVshare service and screening fees. If an owner cancels, you receive a full refund minus the screening fee.
Can Someone Help You Book?
If you would rather not book on your own, are not sure what you are looking for, or need to change or cancel a reservation, RVshare’s Booking Services team can help. You can reach them by phone, chat, or email, Monday through Saturday, for one-on-one support tailored to your trip.
One TrustPilot reviewer said that this was her first time renting online, and she found the customer service agent she worked with to be very patient, pleasant and friendly. Her call even saved her some money after they discovered she was signed up for more insurance coverage than she wanted.
What if Something Goes Wrong During My Rental?
Even with good planning, things occasionally go wrong on the road. Here is what to do.
Contact the owner first
Let the owner know what happened, and they will tell you how they would like to handle it. If the issue is minor and will not cause further damage, they may tell you to carry on. If it could get worse or affect your trip, they may ask you to arrange a repair.
Call roadside assistance or a mobile mechanic
For something like a flat tire, RVshare’s 24/7 roadside assistance will come to you. RVshare’s mobile mechanics can also handle select repairs on site. If neither can resolve the issue, you and the owner will decide on the best option, which may include patching the problem, having the owner come out, visiting a local repair shop, or ending the trip early.
Report any damage at return
Note any damage on your return form. For minor damage, repair costs come out of your security deposit. For more extensive damage, the insurance deductible comes out of your security deposit, and in rare cases you may owe more than the deposit amount.
Expert Tip
New to RVing? RVshare’s Road Diaries articles and YouTube channel walk through the details firsthand, from choosing a class to handling your first campground setup. They are a fast way to build confidence before your trip.
Common Mistakes First-Time Renters Make
- Renting more RV than you need: A larger rig is harder to drive and park, and many campsites have length limits. Make sure yours fits the size of your group and your comfort level for driving.
- Skipping the walkthrough: Do a careful inspection at pickup and review the departure form before you sign it so any existing damage is documented.
- Overlooking the cancellation policy: Cancellation terms vary by owner. Be sure to read them before you book, especially for holiday or event travel.
- Forgetting to budget for fees: Insurance, the service fee, and any delivery charges are added to the base rate, so check the full cost breakdown before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Rent an RV
Yes, you can rent an RV without any experience. Most RVshare renters are first-timers. Owners provide walkthroughs, operating instructions, and trip guidance so you feel comfortable before you leave. If you would rather not drive at all, delivery and stationary rentals are available.
For most rentals, you do not need a special license. A standard driver’s license is enough. Very large motorhomes can have different requirements in some states, so confirm the rules where you are traveling if you are renting a big Class A.
Yes, insurance is included when you rent an RV. Every RVshare rental includes insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance, added to your quote automatically. You can choose a different coverage package at checkout.
Report any damage on your return form. Minor repair costs come out of your security deposit, and larger claims apply the insurance deductible against your deposit. In rare cases, you may owe more than the deposit amount.
Yes, you can rent an RV without driving it. Delivery rentals are dropped off and set up at your site, and stationary rentals stay parked for your whole trip. Both are good options if you do not have a tow vehicle or prefer not to drive.
Popular dates around holidays and major events fill up early, so booking a few weeks ahead gives you the best selection. Last-minute rentals are often still possible with Instant Book listings.
Ready to Start? Browse RV rental options in your destination and find the right fit for your trip.
