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If you don’t own an RV but still want to hit the road for a summer trip, renting an RV is a great option. As with renting a car, there is a minimum age to rent an RV. In most states and RV rental companies, the minimum age is 25 years old.
Drivers that are in their teens and early 20s tend to be considered high-risk drivers. RV rental agencies are cautious about loaning out their rigs to younger drivers. However, if you don’t meet the minimum age to rent an RV, there are options.
In this article, we will look at the minimum age for renting an RV. We will also share information about how to rent an RV if you are younger than the minimum age for renting.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent An RV In The US?
The minimum age to rent an RV is pretty consistent no matter where you are in the US, or which rental agency you use. The standard age for renting an RV or even a car is 25 years old. There are a few rental companies that will allow individuals 21 years old or older to rent an RV, but they are limited.
Young adults tend to get frustrated by this rule. Even drivers who are less than 25 and have a clean driving record are often not allowed to rent an RV. While your driving record may be perfect, the insurance and rental industry uses statistics to make its rules.
Most states allow drivers 21 and older to rent an RV. However, out of caution, many RV rental companies bump the minimum age to rent an RV to 25.
The numbers tell RV rental companies that drivers between the ages of 18 and 25 tend to have more accidents. The industry-wide minimum age of 25 years old to rent an RV really stems from companies looking to protect their fleet. By limiting rentals to those individuals over the age of 25, insurance rates are lower, and rental costs can be kept low as well.
How To Rent An RV If You’re Under 25 Years Old
If you are looking to rent an RV and you are not yet 25 years old, there are some companies that will rent to younger drivers. Keep in mind, by younger, we mean those drivers who are at least 21 years old.
Drivers that are between 21 to 24 years of age may be assessed an additional charge to rent an RV. Some RV rental companies may require an additional fee or have a higher rental rate for younger drivers. Either way, expect a higher cost for RV rental insurance.
If you are less than 25 years old, you should carefully research RV rental companies to find those that specifically rent to those who do not meet the minimum age to rent an RV. Just keep in mind that you may pay more, and there could be a limit to the type and size of RV allowed.
So if you are 22 years old and want to rent a luxury Class A, do not be surprised if the RV rental company says no. But there are many Class B vans, Class C motorhomes, and towable trailers that are pretty nice inside.
Is There a Surcharge for RV Drivers Under 25?
Historically, many well-known RV rental companies would assess a surcharge for drivers between 21 and 24 years of age. This surcharge was intended to protect the rental company from younger drivers with less-than-stellar driving records.
Some RV rental companies still assess a surcharge for drivers under 25. It is a minimal surcharge, usually $15 to $30 per day. However, the rental surcharge is becoming less common with RV rental companies. With a growing Millennial and GenZ population ready to enjoy their first road trips, young driver surcharges are slowly disappearing.
More and more RV rental companies are lowering their minimum rental age to 21 years old. As this trend continues, you are likely to see young driver surcharges disappear as well. If you want to skip the surcharge now, find a rental company that has a lower minimum age to rent an RV.
4 Peer-To-Peer RV Rental Company Minimum Age Requirements
There are lots of companies out there today that are renting RVs. Some are similar to car rental agencies, while others give you the opportunity to rent a privately owned RV. Whatever the case, you should know the minimum age to rent an RV from companies near you.
To help you with this research, we have compiled eight popular RV rental companies and will break down their rental policies as they pertain to driver age.
1. Outdoorsy
The great thing about Outdoorsy is that all the campers, motorhomes, and travel trailers are privately owned. Since they first started, Outdoorsy connects you with an RV owner that wants to make the most of their investment by sharing it with others.
Outdoorsy does require drivers to be at least 25 years old. They stick to this higher age because they do not own or control the “fleet” of RVs for rent. With a minimum rental age of 25 years old, private RV owners can feel comfortable that their RV is in experienced hands.
2. RVshare
RVshare, like Outdoorsy, pairs you with an RV owner that is looking to make the most of their investment. This peer-to-peer RV rental company offers you the ability to rent either drivable or towable RVs. They also have many RVs that offer the option to have the rig delivered and set up by the owner at your campground destination.
As with many peer-to-peer RV rental companies, RVshare does require renters to be at least 25 years old. This policy is intended to protect the owners of each RV from damage.
3. RVezy
RVezy is another popular peer-to-peer RV rental company. The nice thing about using a company like RVezy is that you tend to have a wider variety of options.
RVezy does require that renters are at least 25 years old. However, this company also provides insurance as a standard part of every rental. This doesn’t change the minimum age for renting, but it does make the renting process easier since you don’t have to search for RV rental insurance yourself.
4. RVnGo
Though RVnGo is similar in its business model to the three peer-to-peer RV rental companies above, they do have some unique options that you will not find with the others.
RVnGo does have a strict age policy for renting RVs. They only accept renters that are 25 years old or older.
As you can see, if you are under the minimum age to rent an RV, going through peer-to-peer RV rental companies is not the best route for you. But exploring those that maintain their own RV fleets can be your best opportunity!
4 Fleet RV Rental Company Minimum Age Requirements
1. Escape Campervans
Escape Campervans is a great option if you are under 25 and looking to rent an RV. This company rents smaller-sized camper vans, which may be an easier-to-handle option for younger drivers. Escape Campervans’ minimum age to rent an RV is 21. What is even better, they do not charge a Young Driver Fee for renters under 25.
2. Cruise America
Cruise America is a larger rental company for RVs. It is actually a U-Haul subsidiary. With tons of experience renting to drivers, Cruise America allows drivers 21 and over to rent their Class C motorhomes. They also do not assess an additional fee for drivers under 25 years old.
3. El Monte RV
El Monte RV is a dealer and rental company. This company offers Class A and Class C motorhomes to rent. They require drivers to be at least 21 years of age to rent their RVs. However, they do note that in some states where they operate, the rental age is 25 (due to state laws). You will need to do your research before you rent from El Monte if you are under 25 years old.
4. Road Bear RV
Road Bear RV is a luxury RV rental company. It is part of the corporate group that also owns El Monte. If you are looking for an RV option that is more upscale, this is a great place to look. However, they do require their renters to be at least 25 years old.
Companies That Rent RVs To People Under 25
If you are under 25 and really want to rent an RV, you do have options. Your best bet is to stick with larger rental companies that own their fleet of rental RVs, such as Cruise America or El Monte RV. You may also find that local RV dealers have rental programs that allow drivers under 25 to rent RVs.
You will need to do your research before you rent an RV, even from companies like Cruise America. Many states require RV renters to be at least 25 years old. If you live in a state with this law, and you are under 25, you will not be able to rent an RV.
Also, keep in mind while you may be able to rent an RV if you are under 25, you may still have to pay higher insurance rates. Typically, companies that do allow younger drivers to rent without a “young driver” fee assess a higher insurance rate. Make sure you read the fine print and ask about RV rental insurance rates if you are between 21 and 24 years old.
8 Tips for Renting An RV the First Time
The first time that you rent an RV, you will be surprised at how simple it can be if you are prepared and have done your research. If you are ready to rent an RV for the first time, here are some of our tips to help the process go smoother.
1. What Do You Need To Provide When Renting An RV?
Most rental companies require that drivers have just a few basic items to rent an RV. You will likely be asked to provide, at minimum, a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. However, some rental companies do require that you also provide proof of full coverage auto insurance, employment history, and a credit check.
2. Do You Need A Special License To Drive An RV?
In most cases, you do not need a special driver’s license to rent an RV. Many people skip renting RVs because they think that a CDL is required. There are a few states that do require a CDL for larger vehicles, so make sure that you know the laws in the states where you are traveling.
3. How Much Does It Cost To Rent An RV?
The cost of renting an RV if you are under the minimum age to rent an RV will vary depending on how long you are renting, the company you select, and the size of the RV. Generally, you can expect to pay over $1,000 for a weekly rental from a company like Cruise America or El Monte. Daily rates are typically around a few hundred a day.
4. Is It Cheaper To Travel By RV Or Stay In Hotels?
Traveling by RV can be cheaper than staying in hotels, but it really is a trade of costs. You can save money with RVs because you can cook meals instead of eating out, but you have to factor in fuel, RV rental insurance, and other expenses.
5. Can You Sleep Anywhere In An RV In The USA?
No. You cannot park your RV anywhere in the USA overnight. Many states do not allow people to overnight at highway rest stops, for example. There are lots of apps like RV Trip Wizard or Harvest Hosts that will help you find a place to stay for the night.
6. What States Are Most RV Friendly?
You will find that there are states that are really RV friendly, meaning they have RV rental-friendly laws, and it is easy to find places to stay overnight. Florida, South Dakota, and Texas are three states that are particularly RV friendly.
However, even if you are traveling to RV friendly states, make sure that you read up on state and local laws pertaining to RVs so you don’t end up with a pricey ticket.
7. What Do I Need To Know If The RV Rental Breaks Down?
The rental company will provide you information on what to do if the RV breaks down while you are on the road. Make sure that you read your rental documents carefully and ask questions before you hit the road.
8. What To Do Before Returning An RV Rental
RVs are living spaces, so do care for them kindly. When you return your rental RV, make sure you clean it up and remove all your possessions. As with rental cars, you will need to fill the gas tank unless you have pre-paid for gas.
A good rule of thumb is to leave the RV better than you found it. The same is true for campsites.
Final Thoughts On The Minimum Age To Rent An RV
Renting an RV if you are younger than 25 can be challenging. But that doesn’t mean it is impossible. You will need to look for companies that have a minimum age to rent an RV that fits your needs and budget.
While some companies will rent to drivers that are 21 years old, you will need to read the fine print. Make sure that you know what additional costs you may pay to rent an RV as a younger driver.
Related Reading:
1. Drivable vs Towable RV Rentals – Which is Best?
2. RV Rental Insurance For RV Owners
3. Private RV Rentals vs RV Dealers with Large Fleets
4. How to Find Cheap RV Rentals Under $100 a Night
Jason Gass – Author and Part Time RVer
Jason Gass is a full-time freelance writer and part-time RVer whose goal is to share great stories around a campfire with good friends.
When he’s not working, he spends most of his time camping, searching for the best breweries, and road-tripping in his teardrop trailer with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.
