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RV vacations are gaining in popularity. Whether you are traveling as an individual, couple, family, or large group, the benefits of renting an RV for your vacation are numerous. The main reasons people are choosing RV vacations over other options are cost and flexibility. If you are wondering How To Choose the Best RV or Trailer Rental then this article is for you!
Renting an RV is a very affordable way to travel. Most nightly RV rental rates are less than the cost of an average hotel room. You will also find more amenities in an RV rental than you would find in a basic hotel room, which makes an RV rental a great value.
A full kitchen, bathroom, and beds for up to ten people are all possible in an RV rental. RV rentals offer way more than what you would get from a similarly priced hotel room! If you take a trip of a week or more, many rental companies will discount your nightly rate, making it an even better deal.
With an RV rental, you also have the flexibility to travel wherever you would like to go. Some travelers move to a new location every night while others find a place they love and stay there for their entire trip! With an RV rental, the choice is yours!
If you are looking to rent an RV, we recommend looking for a peer-to-peer RV rental to save money and increase your options.
If you are new to RVing, you may be overwhelmed at the number of RV rental options out there. First, consider if you would like a drivable RV rental or a towable RV Trailer Rental. Then, check out the details of each RV type below and choose the option that will work best for you.
The prices below are estimates for each RV type. Keep in mind that depending on the make and model of the rig, the actual cost may be more or less than the rates listed below.
Drivable RV Rentals
Many people prefer drivable RVs because they are easier to drive and park. You also don’t have to deal with hitching and unhitching your rig. Another plus is that you have access to the inside of the RV even when you are driving.
Drivable RVs are typically more expensive because you are paying not only for the space but the horsepower to move the rig from place to place. However, many drivable RVs are just as affordable as a towable trailer and truck.
The four main drivable RV types are Class A, Class B, Class C, and truck campers. Let’s take a look at each of these types of RVs.
Class A RV Rentals
Class A RVs are the large motorhomes that look similar to tour buses. Class A RVs are the largest RVs on the road, and they are one of the most popular styles of RV as well. These large rigs tend to be more spacious. Many have multiple slide-out sections for extra room, which makes them feel much larger than a typical RV.
Class A RVs typically include luxury features and amenities. Full bathrooms and even a washer and dryer are commonly found in Class A RVs. Because of their large size and unique features, these rentals are usually the most expensive.
A Class A RV rental is an excellent option for couples looking for a first-class rental or larger groups and families.
Class A RV rental rates range from $200 to 400 or more per night. Weekly rental rates average around $1,750.
✅ Pros
Class As are the top-level RV rental. With features that you more commonly find in high-end homes, these RVs are sure to impress. There is also lots of room in Class A RVs. With sleeping areas for up to 10 people, Class As are excellent for large groups or those seeking extra space.
With lots of space and storage, Class A rigs are great for long-term living. If you plan to travel for months out of the year or an extended amount of time, you may want to consider a Class A RV.
⛔️ Cons
Class A RVs are large, which makes them more of a challenge to drive and park. If you are brand new to RVing, this may be difficult at first. Driving down winding mountain roads in these large rigs takes practice. Parking that is suitable for these RVs is often limited and hard to find. You may want to consider towing a smaller vehicle to use on your trip to make driving and parking easier.
Because of their size and quality, Class A rigs are expensive to maintain. You can expect to pay more in both fuel and insurance costs. If you are renting a Class A RV, the cost per night will typically be more than other RV classes as well.
Camper Vans and Class B RV Rentals
Class B RVs, also known as camper vans, are converted vans. The great thing about Class B RVs is that they can usually fit in a regular parking spot and are easy to drive. The easy maneuverability makes Class B RVs an excellent option for folks new to RVing. They are also great for people planning to explore the local area who do not want to tow an additional vehicle.
Camper Vans are the same size as a typical van with a higher roof so that you can walk upright inside the van. Because of their compact size, camper vans are best for one to two people.
While Class B RVs are smaller than Class A and C rigs, many pack a big punch in terms of amenities. A queen-size bed, small kitchen, dinette, and bathroom are typically found in Class B RVs. Newer camper van models are equipped with modern appliances and luxury finishes such as leather interior seating and more.
Class B RV rental rates average around $175-200 per night, with weeklong rental rates around $1,200.
✅ Pros
The biggest pro of a camper van rental is that it is so easy to drive. One of the biggest concerns of those new to RVing is driving and parking the rig. A camper van eliminates this fear.
If you plan to explore the area that you will be visiting, camper vans are a convenient option. Running errands or visiting downtown areas is no problem in a Class B RV.
Another plus of the compact size of Class B RVs is that they cost less to drive. You will not need as much gas as you would with a larger rig and repair costs are typically lower as well. If you are renting a Class B, you will find them to be very reasonably priced.
⛔️ Cons
The downside of Class B RVs is that your interior living space is limited. A camper van is not the type of rig for folks who want to travel in one rig with friends or family. There is also limited storage space in camper vans. Despite their small size, camper vans can still be expensive to purchase when compared with other RV types.
Class C RV Rentals
A Class C RV is what most people think of when they imagine an RV. These RVs had some features of Class A rigs in a smaller size. Class C RVs can be anywhere from 20 to 33 feet in length. There are usually multiple sleeping areas, which makes these RVs great for families, friends, or couples traveling together.
Most Class C RVs have a kitchen, bathroom, dinette, and bedroom. In most of these RVs, there is an additional sleeping area above the front seats of the vehicle. Usually, the couch or dinette converts into a bed as well, giving you lots of options for sleeping multiple people.
Class C campers are smaller and more comfortable to drive than Class A rigs. While not as easy to maneuver as a Class B, they are a good compromise for many new RVers, especially when you consider all of the amenities that are found in a Class C RV.
Class C rigs are the perfect option for families or anyone looking for lots of amenities on a smaller budget.
Class C rental rates average around $200 to $250 per night with weekly rental rates of approximately $1,400.
✅ Pros
Class C RVs are more affordable than Class A campers and easier to drive and park as well. In spite of their smaller size, there is still a wealth of amenities in a Class C RV. The multiple sleeping and storage areas are perhaps the biggest pluses of a Class C RV.
⛔️ Cons
While smaller and more affordable than a Class A rig, Class C campers can still be difficult to drive for those new to RVing. Maintenance and fuel costs, while cheaper than a Class A RV, are always more than most towable rigs. You may also want to bring along another vehicle for your trip, so be sure to factor that in when considering your budget.
Truck Camper Rentals
The smallest and often most affordable campers to rent are truck campers. Truck campers are regular pickup trucks with a hard-sided camper installed in the bed of the truck. Truck campers usually have a bed and a small kitchen, along with a bathroom. Easy to drive, truck campers are an excellent option for one of two people.
Truck campers are very basic and are a step up from camping. This style of camper is a great option for folks looking to spend the majority of their time outside. You can relax in nature and get cozy in a warm, dry bed at night or even cook in your own small kitchen! Having a small bathroom is a considerable step up from tent camping, making truck camping ideal for folks transitioning from tent camping to RV camping.
You can find truck camper rentals for as low as $175 per night or around $1,100 for a week-long rental.
✅ Pros
The biggest pro of a truck camper is that it is just as easy to drive as a regular truck. You can park it anywhere, and it is one of the most economical RV options in terms of fuel. For a very low cost, you can have a warm, dry place to sleep along with a basic toilet and kitchen.
⛔️ Cons
In terms of RV amenities, a truck camper is lacking. While you have a very basic setup, there is not much in terms of space and unique features. While great for one or two people looking for a tent camping upgrade, truck campers are not ideal for larger groups or very extended camping trips.
Towable RV Trailer Rentals
Towable RVs differ from drivable RVs mainly because you will need a tow vehicle to pull them. Not all towable RVs require a large truck to tow them. Many smaller towable RVs can be hauled with smaller trucks, SUVs, and even cars!
Because they are not motorized, towable RVs are typically much cheaper than drivable RVs. With towable RVs, you also have the peace of mind of not having to worry about engine trouble or issues with the rig. Also, you can unhitch your RV and check out the area with your tow vehicle instead of needing to move your entire camper or bring another car along on your trip.
The main types of towable RVs are travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and pop-up campers. Let’s take a look at each of these types of RVs.
Travel Trailer Rentals
Travel trailers are one of the largest categories of RVs with options in all shapes and sizes! In general, travel trailers are RVs that you tow with another vehicle. You will need a good size truck to haul most travel trailers, but many can be towed with a passenger car or SUV.
Travel trailers vary widely in size, with some as small as four feet and others up to thirty feet or more. There is a wide variety in terms of space and amenities in travel trailers, and you want to make sure that your vehicle can tow whatever size travel trailer you choose.
Travel trailers are great for families and larger groups. While you can get smaller travel trailers, such as teardrop style campers, that have only the basics such as a small cooking area and bed, most travel trailers are packed with features. Multiple sleeping and sitting areas, kitchens, and full bathrooms are standard in most travel trailers.
It is best if you have some towing experience if you plan to rent a travel trailer. You will want to practice reversing and parking the travel trailer before you set out on your adventure. If you are not sure about backing up the travel trailer, you can always select a pull-through campsite!
While you are driving, you cannot have anyone in the travel trailer. Be sure the vehicle you are taking on the trip can accommodate everyone that is coming with you. Otherwise, you may need someone to drive an additional car.
Travel trailer rental rates vary based on size and range from $125-175 per night. Weekly rental rates average around $875.
✅ Pros
The best thing about travel trailers is that there are so many different types and floor plans to choose from! There is indeed a travel trailer for everyone, and you are sure to find something that meets your needs. Whether you are renting or buying, travel trailers are more affordable than motorized RVs. You can also unhitch your trailer to explore the area, making the convenient for getting around.
⛔️ Cons
The biggest downside of a travel trailer is that it can be challenging to maneuver. Driving in reverse and backing into campsites can be downright impossible for new RV drivers. Another concern is that you do not have the space of the travel trailer for passengers during your travel.
Fifth-Wheel Rentals
Similar to travel trailers, fifth-wheels are larger trailers that range from 20 to 40 feet in length. Unlike travel trailers, fifth-wheels always require a large, heavy-duty pickup truck for hauling them from place to place. Fifth-wheels connect to the tow vehicle by an extension that comes over the back of the truck. This style of hitch makes them a bit easier to maneuver than traditional travel trailers. However, towing experience is still recommended for this type of rig.
Because of their larger size, fifth-wheel trailers have more features and amenities than travel trailers. Fifth-wheels offer more space and often feature full-size kitchens, couches, and even fireplaces! Most fifth-wheels have at least a slide-out or two, adding to the feeling of spaciousness.
As many as eight people can be comfortably accommodated in most fifth-wheels, making them an excellent option for larger families and groups. As with travel trailers, you cannot ride in the fifth-wheel trailer while it is being towed. Be sure that your tow vehicle will accommodate the number of people you are bringing on your trip or plan to bring a second vehicle.
Fifth-wheel rental rates range from $135 to 200 per night with weekly rental rates averaging $1,050.
✅ Pros
Fifth-wheels offer amenities and space similar to that of Class A rigs but at a much lower cost. Their large size makes them ideal for those traveling with families and friends, and they are very spacious. The trailer can be unhitched, freeing your tow vehicle for exploring your location.
⛔️ Cons
Due to their large size, most fifth-wheel trailers will not fit in national park campgrounds or even some state and private campgrounds. If you have a specific campground or location in mind for your adventure, you may want to check the length restrictions in advance before choosing to rent a fifth-wheel.
Fifth-wheels also require a large tow vehicle and will be more expensive in terms of gas usage than smaller RVs. Passengers cannot ride in the fifth-wheel while you are traveling, and parking and driving these large rigs will take some experience.
Toy Hauler Rentals
If you have a UTV, ATV, or golf cart that you would like to bring on your adventure, consider a toy hauler. Similar to a travel trailer, these rigs have space for your small “toy” vehicle, as well. Toy haulers are relatively new and are very popular with anyone bringing large “toys” on their trip. Whether you have a motorcycle, UTV, ATV, or jet ski, the toy hauler can handle it!
Toy haulers range from around 20 to 35 feet and have a back section with storage for your toy. The front part of the rig is living space, and once your toy vehicle is removed, that “garage” space can often be converted into living space as well. Bathrooms, kitchens, and sleeping areas are all standard in toy haulers.
Toy haulers can have a traditional travel trailer, ball hitch style, or they can be fifth-wheelers. Either way, you will need a large, heavy-duty truck to pull them. It is recommended that you have some towing experience if you choose to rent this type of rig.
Toy haulers can comfortably sleep anywhere from two to six people, depending on the floorplan. Their size and flexibility make them an excellent option for anyone from couples to families and large groups.
Toy hauler rental rates range from $150 to $250 per night with weekly rental rates around $1,100.
✅ Pros
The best part about toy haulers is that you can bring the fun with you! Having dedicated space for your ATV or motorcycle makes them an excellent choice for those seeking adventure.
The fact that you can still accommodate a good number of people is another plus of the toy hauler set up. Toy haulers are also cheaper than similarly sized motorized RVs.
⛔️ Cons
The downside of toy haulers is that they, like all travel trailers, can be challenging to drive. You will want some experience before setting out on the road. Just like with travel trailers, you cannot ride in the trailer when driving, so you will need to have enough seating for your entire group in your vehicle.
Toy haulers have less interior living space than other RVs of similar size. Of course, if you can convert the cargo area, you can mitigate this issue.
Pop Up Camper Rentals
A great economical option for your vacation rental is a pop-up camper. These lightweight campers can be towed with an SUV or even some cars. Pop-ups have all the basic amenities you would need for your camping trip. Bathrooms and small kitchens are typical in pop-up campers, along with one to two sleeping areas.
Pop-up campers are an excellent option for anyone looking to make the jump from tent camping to RV camping. You will find amenities and features that make camping much more enjoyable at a very affordable price.
While some pop-ups are made of canvas, exposing you to the elements, many are hard-sided and offer more protection from the great outdoors. Pop up campers can sleep up to five or six people depending on the layout.
Pop-up campers are ideal for weekend getaways or short camping trips. Because you are exposed to the elements, they are not suitable for long-term RV living. There is also not much storage in pop-up campers.
Pop up camper rental rates are as low as $75 per night with a weekly rental price of around $525.
✅ Pros
Pop-up campers are inexpensive to purchase or rent, making them a great starter RV! They can also be pulled by most vehicles, which makes them convenient for anyone without a large truck. Pop-up campers are also pretty easy to maneuver, another plus for new RVers.
⛔️ Cons
With a pop-up camper, you get the basics, but there is limited space and storage. Pop-ups are not ideal for bad weather or long-term travel. If you have a canvas style pop-up camper, wear and tear are common, and repairs are often needed over time.
We hope our guide helps you make your RV rental decision. No matter what type of RV you choose, we hope you enjoy your RV camping adventure!
Related Questions?
1. Where is the Best Place to Rent an RV or RV Trailer Rental?
The best place to find an RV rental with the widest selection to choose from is through an RV Rental Company called Outdoorsy. For some great info on how to find the best RV Rentals check out our article called How To Find the Perfect RV Rental By Owner.
2. How Much Does an RV or RV Trailer Rental Cost?
There are many factors that determine the cost of an RV rental. These factors include the time of year, type of RV, length of rental, and your negotiating skills. To learn more about RV Rental Costs check out our article called How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV?
3. Are Pets Allowed in RV Rentals?
In many cases, pets are allowed in RV and RV Trailer Rentals. For the complete scoop check out our article called Are Dogs Allowed In RV Rentals?
Mike Scarpignato – Bio
Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.
Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.
We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.
We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.
