How to Rent an RV

Many Americans have recently discovered the joys of RV travel, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. With the ability to control who comes and goes into the RV and enjoy a private bathroom and sleeping spaces, more and more people are realizing that RVs offer the perfect travel solution in this new normal. 

If you’re considering dipping your toes into the RV lifestyle, you might want to rent a rig, too. But how do you go about doing that? What is the best approach? Here are a few tips to help you rent an RV and hit the road in style.

Choose an RV Type 

The beautiful thing about RV travel is that there are many different types of vehicles from which you can choose. From camper vans to luxury Class A coaches, there is a rig to suit every need and travel style. The first step in renting an RV is to do research and learn about the types of RVs so you can uncover the style that will work best for you. Are you traveling alone or with a pet and want to have the flexibility to be in more remote areas? Then a camper van or truck camper may be a good option for you. Are you part of a family of four and need ample space to live, sleep, and work? Then a Class A, Class C, travel trailer or a fifth wheel could do the trick. Which of these you choose will depend on how much space you need, whether you want to tow the rig or opt for a motorized one, and what types of features are important to you and your family. 

Select a Rental Platform

The three main companies from which you can rent an RV are Cruise America, RVShare, and Outdoorsy. Each platform has its own pros and cons, so you’ll want to choose an option that works best for you and your needs. Cruise America operates on a traditional rental model, one very similar to car rental agencies. RVShare and Outdoorsy, however, are peer-to-peer rental platforms, meaning that RV owners rent their RVs to users through the platform, helping RV owners and the company earn money through each rental. Each of these companies has seen record-breaking growth, with all reporting that RV rentals have skyrocketed in the past two years.

Before you book, be sure to read all the fine print and details on each RV rental site you are considering. This will ensure that you understand fees, how you will be charged, how you will be protected, how the company or vehicle owner will be protected, and so on. 

Book an RV

Now that you know the RV type you want and the rental platform through which you want to rent, it’s time to book! RV rental sites operate similarly to other travel booking sites, so you’ll just have to enter the dates you’re looking for and select a few options, such as the RV type and any features or amenities you want to have in the rig. Then a list of your options will appear and you can send a request to book a particular rig for your chosen dates. 

Are you ready to join the many RV enthusiasts out there on the road and begin an exciting new journey? Then it’s time to rent an RV. If you’ve ever rented a rig before, tell us about your experience in the comments or contact us today!