The Best Options for Renting an RV Online
Renting an RV has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing travelers to experience the joys of camping and road tripping without actually purchasing a vehicle of their own. Naturally, this has given rise to a number of online outlets that make finding and booking an RV easier than ever. But sorting through all of the options can be a challenge, especially when all you want to do is hit the road.
So which RV rental sites are the best? Which are the most trustworthy? Unsurprisingly, they all have their own unique benefits and services, but most will help you find the right vehicle for you. Below, you’ll find the options that we recommend:
Photo Credit: Winnebago
Why Rent an RV?
If you already own an RV, you might wonder why anyone would rent one? As it turns out, there are lots of reasons why renting is a good idea. For instance, it gives travelers the option to experience RV camping without actually committing to buying one. Some may find they love the lifestyle and decide to purchase a motorhome or towable of their own. Others may just enjoy the convenience that comes with using one for a brief period of time. Others may discover they don’t appreciate the RVing at all, thus saving them a lot of money had they purchased one of their own.
But even if you already own an RV, there are still reasons why you might want to rent one. For example, if you don’t have the time to drive your rig all the way across the country, you might rent one at your destination instead. Similarly, if you’re traveling abroad, renting a camper is a great way to see another country, while still enjoying the RV experience.
Photo Credit: Bluetti
Who Rents an RV?
RV rentals are popular with both veteran RVers and complete beginners alike. Many want to try camping in a recreational vehicle to see if it fits their personal tastes, while others simply appreciate the convenience that comes with driving a vehicle that also serves as their home away from home. As noted above, some want to try out the lifestyle before buying a rig of their own and renting can help ease them into the buying process.
In other words, RV renters come from all walks of life and experience levels.
Photo Credit: Grand Design
What Kinds of RVs Can You Rent?
Depending on the outlet, nearly any type of RV can be rented. Motorized models, including Class A and C coaches and Class B camper vans, are the most popular, in part because they are easier to insure. But towables are also an option, although they usually require the renter to have a large enough tow vehicle to safely pull them. Insurance coverage does get a little more murky when renting a travel trailer or fifth-wheel, however, so be sure to read the fine print.
Some of the most popular online rental sites operate under a peer-to-peer business model that is similar to Airbnb. In other words, when you rent a rig from one of these outlets, you’re actually renting it from the owner, with the website or app only helping to facilitate the process. The site takes a cut of the rental fees, but doesn’t actually interact with the vehicle in any meaningful way. Instead, the owner ensures the RV is in full working order, and is clean and stocked with gear and supplies before delivering it to the renter.
That said, some rental outlets do maintain their own fleet of RVs, just like a car rental agency. Those that fall into this category usually have a limited number of models and vehicles to choose from, but the transaction is very familiar to anyone who has rented a vehicle before.
Photo Credit: Airstream
The Best RV Rental Websites
Outdoorsy
Probably the biggest and most well-known RV rental platform in the US and Canada, Outdoorsy falls into the peer-to-peer category. The site offers both motorized and towable options, and renters can even choose to have the vehicle delivered to a campsite and set up for them. Just choose a location, when you want to go, how many people are in your group, and the type of RV you want to stay in. outdoorsy.com
RVshare
RVshare is another popular RV rental platform that provides access to a wide range of models across all 50 states. Users can select from drivables and towables, and elect to have the vehicle delivered to a specific location. Transparent pricing and a deep inventory make the process quick and easy. rvshare.com
Good Sam RV Rentals
Along with all of the other benefits it provides members, Good Sam offers peer-to-peer RV rentals, too. The company also has a deep catalog of options, including Class A, B, and C models, towables, and even truck campers. Members receive 24/7 roadside assistance and have up to $1 million in insurance coverage, which definitely adds peace of mind when setting out on a trip. rvrentals.com
Photo Credit: Cruise America
Cruise America
Cruise America is one rental outlet that owns and maintains its own fleet of RVs. Most models fall into the Class C category, although the company does offer a few small travel trailers as well. Pricing is very competitive, but there are a limited number of pick-up locations to choose from, which could impact availability. cruiseamerica.com
RVezy
Another peer-to-peer rental service, RVezy, offers motorized and towable options in both the US and Canada. Like most of its competitors, this site offers the option of having the RV delivered, and insurance coverage is included with each rental. Pricing is solid, but the inventory might not be quite as deep as elsewhere. rvezy.com
Go RV Rentals
While not quite as well-known or flashy as some of the other sites on this list, Go RV Rentals still gets the job done. The site covers the US and Canada and delivery and setup if needed. 24/7 roadside assistance and insurance are standard features, with RV options ranging from simple teardrops all the way up to Class A luxury coaches, with some very unique models in between. gorvrentals.com
Photo Credit: Cavan Images/Getty
Motorhome Republic
The largest RV rental agency in the world, Motorhome Republic operates in the US, Canada, and a number of other countries across the globe. In fact, Cruise America falls under the same corporate umbrella with both sites offering similar service. Most rental models are Class B camper vans or Class C coaches that are owned and operated by the company. If you’re heading to places like Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, or even South Africa, you’ll find appropriate options here. motorhomerepublic.com
Campstar
Looking for a site to book an RV rental, campsite, and outdoor equipment all in one place? Campstar has you covered. In addition to operating in the US and Canada, the site also offers rentals in Australia, Finland, Germany, France, and Iceland. Domestic pick-up spots are limited, however, and available inventory can be quite small depending on your location. campstar.com
These are your best options for renting an RV, both here in the US and internationally. Keep them in mind when planning your next camping adventure.
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