RV Rental Cost: Best Way To Rent an RV for Beginners
It’s no secret that RV Rentals and car rentals couldn’t be more different than each other. Besides the costs, there are a ton of things you need to look out for if you want to rent an RV that you may otherwise not even consider when renting any other vehicle.
Renting an RV for the very first time can be a daunting experience. So to avoid that, here is your definitive guide to RV Rental Cost and 9 Beginner Tips you should look out for! Another really great site to find all different kinds of camping accommodations is Hipcamp.com
Why Should You Rent An RV?
First thing’s first: what’s so good about an RV anyway? Here are some of the benefits of renting an RV.
Perfect For Traveling With Bigger Groups
For one thing, it’s a great way to travel with family or friends! Particularly if your camping group is going to be a big one. The best part of camping trips isn’t just the camping experience, but the journey as well- Traveling comfortably with your loved ones will be another highlight to your trip!
The Rental Can Serve As A Trial
If you regularly go on trips involving a larger group, and you’re looking to buy an RV, then this rental can serve as the perfect test before making a huge investment in the vehicle. You can test out whether or not it suits your needs, whether you even need to purchase it, or if rentals will suffice.
Maximize Comfort
Most times, when you are embarking on a long trip with a large group of people, it can get extremely annoying to squeeze into smaller cars. This is especially the case if you’re going to be on the road most of the time. However, with an RV, that won’t be a problem. Everyone will have ample space to relax in, and it will guarantee you maximum comfort throughout the journey.
Beginner Tips For RV Rental
Now that you know its benefits and why you should rent an RV instead of buying it, you may be wondering about RV Rental costs. If you’re new to RV Rentals, then here are some tips to help you out when you’re choosing!
Plan Ahead Of Time
Deciding to rent an RV won’t be the only major decision you need to make. RV Rentals are a bit more complicated than that. Therefore, it is crucial to plan. Here are some things your plan can include
- Number of people
- Budget
- Specific activities
- Meals
With these things in mind, you can consider what type of RV will best suit you and your group’s needs. The last thing you need is to be underprepared when it comes to the actual rental. Make sure you’ve consulted with your group and hashed out every single detail. Planning from start to end is essential if you want to get the best deal for the amount you’re paying.
Know The Different Types Of RVs
Now that you’ve planned things out and confirmed that you would rent an RV, the next step is to make sure you know about the different types of RVs. As is the case with any vehicle, RVs have types as well. Each of them has different costs and serving different purposes.
RVs are mainly divided into two categories, the first of which is Drivable RVs – these are also known as motorhomes because you drive and sleep in the same vehicle. Drivable RVs are further classified into the following divisions:
Class A RVs: Advanced
The defining characteristic of Class A RVs is their sheer size – they resemble buses more than vans. Depending on the type and model, these can reach a size of around 40 feet. As such, they are most suitable for people who have experience with driving buses. They offer a lot of space as well, so you can be sure to be extra comfy throughout the trip.
However, we would not recommend this class if you’re a beginner because it is too large and difficult to handle for a first-time user. Furthermore, because of its size, it won’t be easy to find parking spaces for this one.
It’s definitely more luxurious than its counterparts. Just keep in mind the difficulty of driving and parking as well. These RVs may also require a special license you may have to test for, so it’s better to consider other options as a beginner.
Class B RVs: Beginners
Class B RVs are the smallest out of all the types. For this reason, they are straightforward to drive, particularly for beginners. They are also referred to as camper vans, so it won’t be too difficult to get used to driving them. And you don’t need any special licenses to drive them. Essentially, it’s a slightly bigger car, so it’s a great option for beginners.
However, although they are easier to drive, they are too small to fit many people. If you want maximum comfort, then only a couple of people could fit easily into the van. It’s great if you’re traveling with a single friend or partner, but it is not suitable for bigger groups. They aren’t as luxurious as other RVs and will likely have smaller beds, kitchenettes, and maybe an outdoor shower.
Class C RVs: Beginners
Class C RVs fall somewhere between both A and B. They are much easier to drive than a huge Class A. At the same time, you have more space than a Class B RV. Similar to Class B, you won’t need a special license to drive this RV. Class C RVs can also accommodate a larger group of people, so it’s perfect for traveling with family or friend groups, and everyone can fit into the numerous beds comfortably.
In contrast to Drivable RVs, Towable RVs are towed by SUVs or pickup trucks, so you will sleep and drive in different vehicles. Here are some of the main types of Towable RVs:
Popup Trailers: Beginners
Popup trailers and smaller and more lightweight than other towable RVs. Because they are small, you can tow them with almost any vehicle: SUVs, pickup trucks, and even cars. In addition, the canvas sides can pop out and give you ample space for sleeping and relaxing.
However, due to their size likely, most of these RVs won’t have showers or toilets; indoors or outdoors. Also, like Class C RVs, these won’t fit a lot of people, so they’re better for smaller groups or pairs of travelers.
Fifth Wheels: Advanced
Fifth wheels RVs need to be attached to a hitch that can only be attached to the bed of a pickup truck. They’re heavier and larger in size, as compared to Popup trailers. Unlike the Popup Trailers, you’ll need to rent a special tow truck as well – not any vehicle will do. The main pro when it comes to Fifth wheels is that they have a split-level floor plan – it’s almost like you never leave your home!
Naturally, they’re harder to drive and require extra investments for the tow truck, so make sure you keep that in mind when considering this.
Travel Trailers: Advanced
Travel trailers are more like a fifth wheel in structure. They’re large and heavyweight, so that they might need experienced drivers. However, this option might not be recommended for a beginner because the maneuvering may require more skill than the average driver has.
However, unlike a fifth wheel, these can be towed by minivans or SUVs, besides trucks. So, despite being a tiny bit smaller in size, these won’t require as heavy an investment as a fifth wheel might.
RV Rental Costs
As we get here, you are likely familiar with the different types of RVs and may already have some idea in mind about what you want to rent. However, when renting an RV, you will probably need to pay at least one deposit beforehand. Because of this initial cost, you will need to have this prepared in advance.
For RV Rentals, you will need to pay for insurance as well. Even if it is not stated explicitly, it will probably be included in additional costs anyway, so be aware of that.
Here, your planning will be handy when your RV Rental company gives its rate per mile. RV Rental costs are daily rates, so keep in mind that RV rates tend to increase during peak season. As a result, the following prices may vary.
| Class A | $175 to $275 |
| Class B | $175 to $275 |
| Class C | $150 to $200 |
| Popup Trailer | $50 to $100 |
| Fifth Wheel | $60 to $150 |
| Pop-up Trailer | $50 to $125 |
Naturally, the bigger the group, the larger RV you’ll need. And the larger the RV, the higher the cost will be.
Budget Accordingly
Make sure you budget according to the prices stated and the place you made. Budgeting for the RV Rental won’t just be about the huge initial cost. You’ll need to create a budget for the entirety of the trip. The basic plan should include the cost of the RV you end up choosing, insurance costs, extra fees, gas fees, meals, and any activity you may have planned otherwise.
Keep a reserve for extra costs as well – you never know what can happen down the road, and it’s best if you have some additional cash for any issue that pops up while you’re traveling.
Parking An RV Is Nothing Like Parking A Car
As mentioned earlier, certain RVs may be harder to maneuver than a regular car. Particularly one of the larger ones. Similarly, parking an RV is completely different from parking a car as well. Don’t be afraid to ask other RV drivers for help – they’ll likely give you insider tips you might not hear anywhere else!
The most important thing to keep in mind is that RVs need special parking spaces. So, make sure you have done your research about your destination. You can’t park an RV in any regular car park. Call ahead to different places to make sure they have the space available for RV parking. Make sure you choose an RV park that has good reviews from other RV drivers, so you know the quality of service.
Research On Prices
On top of researching parking spaces, make sure you’ve set aside some money for RV parking as well. These can hike up pretty high depending on the area, so ensure that you’ve got that covered before you set out. Try to look into as many parking spaces as you can, especially about similar trips to your own. You’ll get more relevant advice that way.
More often than not, private RV parks are closer to your final destination. It can be tempting to go for these, but they generally have exorbitant prices. A little walk won’t do much harm, but a private RV park may empty your bank account.
Save Up On The Smaller Things
By now, the costs you’ve calculated may have piled up to be a huge investment. There’s just no way around it. For the comfort and fun you get from an RV, it’s only natural that you get charged equally. However, don’t lose hope – you don’t need to keep wasting your money on every single thing.
Because of the huge RV Rental cost, it is important to save up on smaller things. One way you can do that is by saving up for meals. Instead of stopping at every single stop and racking up a huge bill for whatever you choose to order, try to pack some meals ahead of time.
Even if you don’t pack big meals, snacks can always come in handy on the road. Depending on the RV, you’ll have a regulator to store the meals in as well, so you don’t need to worry about them getting spoiled.
Take Extra Care When Driving
Driving an RV can come close to driving a train when you take brakes into account. However, unlike a car or van, you can’t slam on the brakes for an emergency stop. So when it comes to an RV, you’ll need to plan when you want to stop before you actually step on the brake.
Because of its massive size, stopping immediately is impossible, so make sure you keep a safe, if not excessive, distance between the RV and the car ahead. This is both for your safety and the other drivers’ safety. It’ll allow you enough time for a stop in case there’s an issue.
Also, make sure you slow down completely when you’re taking turns. Unlike cars, you can neither brake nor turn sharply. Even the smallest RV is pretty huge, so turning sharply will only result in the vehicle tipping over or crashing. Like stopping, make sure you plan your turns, so you don’t run into any problems on the go.
Also, beware gusts of wind – they can tip over the RV if they’re too strong, so it’s dangerous to drive under those conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to learn every detail about RV driving before you embark on your trip and check the weather forecast beforehand.
Beware Of The Extra Costs
Renting an RV doesn’t only consist of the rent and insurance. Many people mistake not paying for additional costs upfront, and they suffer when they arrive at RV parks instead. RV Rental costs generally don’t include generators and propane, so when you reach RV parks, you may have to empty your wallet to pay for them.
Now that you’re aware of it don’t make the same mistake! Please make sure you pay for such things upfront because the original cost will be much cheaper than what you might have to pay at the RV park itself (they tend to exploit customers more). Many companies offer generators and propane right off the bat, so make use of that opportunity and pay the cheaper amount.
Get On Your Way!
Now the only thing left to do is hit the road! Keep these tips in mind as you’re navigating your way through RV Rental companies and RV Rental costs, and you’ll surely get the best offer for your choice. The key to the best trip and the best deal is planning in as much detail as you can. Assuming this experience goes well, you might even consider investing in your very own RV as well.
For beginners or first-time renters, renting an RV is a great way to determine whether the RV life is suitable for you and your family or friends. Obviously, it is by no means a cheap method, but it offers many facilities and benefits you’ll be hard-pressed to find when it comes to other vehicles!
