The cost to rent an RV and travel the country can vary, depending on a lot of factors. And while RV rental prices can be hard to pin down at first, we’ll share all of the things you’ll want to know to accurately plan your budget. In this article, we’ll take a look at RV rental prices for each type of motorhome and trailer, plus any extra costs you may need to consider.
Average Motorhome Rental Prices
The average RV rental prices when you’re searching for a rig is going to depend on the type of motorhome you rent. Larger Class A or fifth-wheel trailers are going to cost more than a small pop-up trailer or Class B campervan.
Your rental price will also depend on when and where you rent it. Peak travel seasons like spring break or summertime may be more expensive than times when fewer people travel. Renting in a big city can also be more expensive than renting in a less trendy spot.
Class A Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes are the largest motorhome class. They’re the large, tour bus-style motorhomes that allow you to camp with a wide variety of amenities at your fingertips.
Class A motorhomes in California average around $275 a night to rent, although it’s not unusual to see many in the $300 range. In many other popular cities, they average about $250 a night.
Since these are averages, you’ll also find outliers for much cheaper – down to just $150 a night. But you’ll also find much more expensive rates. Some high-end rentals can even go up to $700 a night.
Class B Campervans
Class B campervans are the smallest type of self-contained RV. These are the #vanlife vans, and while they’re small, you can pack a lot in them! They’re great for solo travelers, as well as adventurous couples or very small families.
Class B campervans average about $200 a night in many popular cities, but you can find them for less than that. There are even some for rent under $100 a night. The overall price range for renting a Class B campervan is from $100-$350 a night.
Class C Campers
Class C campers are a good compromise between a large Class A motorhome and a small Class B van. These are the campers with an overhang in the front, which can be used as extra sleeping or storage space. You can rent a Class C in many markets for between $175 – $200 a night. Overall, they range from $100 at the low end to $400 for newer models with lots of amenities.
Average Travel Trailer Rental Prices
If you prefer to tow a trailer rather than drive a motorhome, there are a variety of options and price ranges for that as well. Pop-up trailers are lightweight, and you can often use a crossover, SUV, or even a car to tow them. Fifth-wheel and travel trailers are much larger, and you may need a large truck to tow those. Many RVshare owners will also set the trailer up for you at your campground for an extra fee.
As a whole, trailers are less expensive than self-contained motorhomes.
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers can range from 8 to 40 feet, and their rental prices range as well. You can find travel trailers to rent for under $100 a night, but most are in the $100 – $200 range.
Fifth-Wheel Trailers
Fifth-wheel trailers are large travel trailers that you will need a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck to pull. They are attached to the truck with a U-shaped coupling mounted to the truck bed. Fifth-wheels are often between $175 and $200 a night.
Pop-Up Trailers
Pop-up trailers are the smallest trailer category. They fold down to be towed flat on a small trailer bed. When you arrive at camp, you pop the sides and top up for a trailer that protects you from the elements. Some pop-up trailers are very basic, while others can have kitchens and even bathrooms. Pop-up trailers average about $100 a night, although many are less expensive than that.
A cost comparison by RV rental type.
Let’s take a look at the different RV types and how they compare on their rental costs.
| RV Type | Average Rental Cost per Night |
| Class A | $150 – $450 |
| Class B | $100 – $350 |
| Class C | $100 – $400 |
| Travel Trailer | $50 – $200 |
| Fifth Wheel | $60 – $300 |
| Pop-Up Trailer | $50 – $100 |
What Goes Into the Cost to Rent an RV?
The cost of renting an RV will vary, depending on several factors.
- RV class: The size and class of RV you rent will affect the rental price. In general, a large Class A motorhome is going to cost more than a pop-up trailer. Also, self-contained rigs are generally more expensive than trailers that require customers to provide their own tow vehicle.
- Amenities: RVs with more amenities – full kitchens, larger bathrooms, laundry machines – will usually cost more to rent than more basic motorhomes or trailers.
- Age: The newer the RV or trailer model, the more expensive they generally are.
- Seasons: Busy seasons like summer, spring break, or holidays may cost more than in the off-season. As a general rule, if kids are in school, rental prices will be lower. You may also save on other prices like admission fees during this time as well.
Other Costs to Consider: Gas, Generator Usage, Delivery and More
Along with your RV rental fees, there are a few other costs to consider when renting an RV. If you’re watching your budget, you may want to see if you can limit or eliminate these fees to reduce your RV rental costs.
Gas prices
Most RVs get much lower gas mileage than your standard vehicle, and your gas might add up to a substantial cost. You may want to calculate how many miles your trip will be, and calculate the gas mileage for the vehicle you’ll be using. This will give you a good idea of how much to budget for gas.
Keep in mind, even if you’re using your own vehicle to tow a trailer, that extra weight will also affect your gas mileage.
Campground fees
If you’ll be staying at a campground, you’ll want to budget for those fees as well. Basic campsites with no hookups are going to be a lot less expensive than RV resorts with electric, water, and sewer hookups. Resorts may also have amenities like pools, nature activities and trails, planned events, laundry rooms, showers, and more.
Cleaning fees
Some RV listings show an extra fee for any additional cleaning that’s required. If you return your RV clean, and in the condition it was rented to you, you may avoid these extra charges. Discuss any cleaning fees with the RV owner to make sure you know what you will, and won’t, be charged for.
Mileage fees
There may also be mileage fees associated with your rental. These can vary, so make sure you understand the fees before signing your rental agreement. Some owners allow unlimited mileage for free, while others select a number of free miles. If you go beyond the free miles, you can be charged for those extra miles.
Generator usage
If you rent an RV with a generator, you may also be charged a usage fee. Many owners will include a certain number of free hours, and if renters go beyond those hours, they’re charged incrementally. Other owners may charge for all generator usage … and some may not charge for any.
Pet fees or deposits
Some pet-friendly rentals may require an extra deposit, or have an extra fee for allowing your furry friend to travel with you.
Extra perks
Owners may also offer extras for additional fees. Some owners are willing to drop off and set up an RV or trailer at campsites within a certain radius of their rental. Others may include extra equipment like kayaks, fire pits, chairs, or extra linens or dishes. And some offer services like propane refills or tank dumping so you don’t have to worry about them. Each of these extras may come with an extra fee.
Renting an RV is a great way to make lasting memories and explore new places. But you’ll want to make sure you have an accurate budget for your rental and the extra costs that may come with it. Once you’ve calculated these costs, you can relax and enjoy the ride!
