If you like the idea of traveling by RV but aren't ready to purchase a camper, renting an RV is a good option. As with most travel-related bookings, prices for RV rentals fluctuate significantly and frequently - much as you would expect with airline tickets.
Getting an Idea of RV Rental Pricing
Unit type, availability, location and season are factors that can impact rental cost. Last minute bookings typically cost more than ones you schedule in advance.
According to Roadtrip America, EL Monte RV and Cruise America are the two largest RV rental companies, so they are good places to start when you are wondering what it might cost to rent an RV. Be warned - this is not a cheap travel option.
The rates provided here are given for general information purposes only. Rental rates for RVs change often. Go directly to the rental companies for current pricing information. Also keep in mind that kitchen and linen kits are not included in rental pricing, and additional mileage charges and other costs to the rental company may apply, as well as fuel and campsite costs along the way.
El Monte RV
El Monte RV has just over 35 RV rental locations in the U.S. You can check both round-trip and one-way RV rental pricing via their website by entering the location and dates for your trip. Class A and C units are available.
Example 2-Way Pricing
As above, these prices are based on searches conducted on January 5, 2015 for a ten-night trip, with pick-up on July 1 and return on July 11.
- A Class C rental picked up in Los Angeles, California ranges from $2,300 to $3,400 depending on size, sleeping capacity and slideouts. Renting a Class A (bus-style) unit costs between $3,250 and $5,100 depending on size and model. All Class A units have slideouts.
- In McKinney, Texas (which is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro), a Class C rental ranges from $2,300 to $3,400, while a class A unit rents for between $3,030 and $5,030.
- In Salt Lake City, Utah, a Class C rental costs between $2,400 and $3,500 and a Class A rental costs between $3,350 and $4,200.
Example One-Way Pricing
One-way rentals are not available at all locations - it is limited to some sites in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida Nevada and New York. To illustrate one-way rental pricing, you could pick up a unit in Las Vegas, Nevada and drop it off in Los Angeles, California. As of January 1, 2015, if you were to book this option with pick up on July 1 and drop-off on July 11, the cost would range from $2,300 to $3,400 for a class C unit and between $3,150 and $4,100 for a bus.
Cruise America
Cruise America has over 100 RV rental locations in the U.S. and Canada offering compact (19 feet), standard (23 to 25 feet), intermediate (28 feet) and large (30 feet) units for rent. You can check round trip rental pricing and availability via their website by providing details about your needs. You will need to select the state and city where you will pick up the unit and the start and end date for your trip. All of their RVs are Class C units.
Example 2-Way Pricing
The prices below are based on searches conducted on January 5, 2015 for a ten-night trip, with pick-up on July 1 and return on July 11.
- A standard rental picked up in Austin, Texas costs $1390. For a larger model, the cost is $1,490. Kitchen tools and linens are extra. Compact units are not available at this location.
- In Orlando, Florida a standard or compact unit costs $1,090 and a large unit costs $1,190.
- In Alaska, where the only location is in Anchorage, the cost is significantly higher for the same timeframe and length. Renting standard or compact unit costs $2,090 and a large unit costs $2,190.
Liability insurance is included, and there is no additional charge for vehicle prep.
One-Way
If you are interested in a one-way RV rental from Cruise America, you will need to call the company at 800-671-8042 to check availability. Expect one-way rentals to cost significantly more than ones where you pick up and drop off at the same location.
Ready to Rent
If the cost of renting an RV is in your budget, your next step will be to determine availability. Check with El Monte and Cruise America, as well as research to determine if there are other options in your local area, or another city where you could begin your RV adventure. See GORVing.com to look for options convenient to you.
