What is the cheapest way to rent an RV for a month?
What is the cheapest way to rent an RV for a month?
$1,100 – $4,500 cost to rent a camper for a month
$2,600 – $7,800 cost to rent a motorhome for a month
Cheapest way to rent an RV
The cheapest way to rent an RV for a month is to shop around for the best price on the smallest RV, camper, or travel trailer that will comfortably fit your family. Renting an RV for a month costs $1,100 to $4,500 for a towable camper or $2,600 to $7,800 for a drivable motorhome.
| RV type | Sleeps | Average rental cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Camper | 2 – 8 | $1,100 – $4,500 |
| Motorhome (Class A, B, & C) | 2 – 8+ | $2,600 – $7,800 |
*Base RV rental fees only; towing vehicle not included.
The cheapest ways to rent an RV include:
Rent a smaller camper to save money on rental and fuel costs.
Rent directly from the owner on a peer-to-peer platform for the best rental rates.
Limit or avoid the add-on fees where possible.
Pay attention to factors that affect the rental costs, such as renting an older camper, renting off-season, and booking round-trip rather than one-way rentals.
Get estimates from multiple companies to compare base rental prices and add-on fees.
Read on for more details on these money-saving strategies.
Cheap RV & camper rental costs
The cheapest way to rent a camper for a month is to choose a small pop-up camper for $1,100 to $2,300. These units are easy to pull, and while they won’t have all the bells and whistles, they'll give you a comfortable and weatherproof sleeping space.
The cheapest drivable RV you can rent is a small Class B motorhome or camper van for $2,600 to $5,600 per month.
| RV type | Sleeps | Average nightly rental cost* | Average monthly rental cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop-up camper | 2 – 4 | $50 – $100 | $1,100 – $2,300 |
| Travel trailer | 2 – 8 | $60 – $125 | $1,400 – $2,800 |
| Fifth wheel | 4 – 6+ | $75 – $150 | $1,600 – $3,400 |
| Toy hauler | 4 – 8 | $100 – $200 | $2,100 – $4,500 |
| Class B camper van | 4 – 6 | $125 – $250 | $2,600 – $5,600 |
| Class C motorhome | 2 – 4 | $150 – $300 | $3,200 – $6,800 |
| Class A motorhome | 4 – 8+ | $175 – $350 | $3,800 – $7,800 |
*Base RV rental fees only; towing vehicle not included.
Pop-up campers are the smallest and most affordable, with rental costs of $1,100 to $2,300 per month, but keep in mind they don’t have separate living, sleeping, or bathroom spaces.
Pull-camper RVs like travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers cost $1,400 to $4,500 per month to rent, not including a towing vehicle. If your vehicle doesn’t have the towing capacity to pull the rental unit, you'll also need to rent a pickup truck with the appropriate towing hitch.
Class B motorhomes are the cheapest drivable RV at $2,600 to $5,600 per month. These motorhomes may feel cramped with the combined living and sleeping spaces but are far more fuel-efficient than other RVs.
Class C motorhomes are a middle-ground choice and cost $3,200 to $6,800 per month to rent. They offer separate living and sleeping spaces and strike a good balance between size and amenities.
Class A motorhomes are the most expensive drivable RVs with rental costs of $3,800 to $7,800 per month. They're more spacious and have huge panoramic windows but may not fit in some campsites and can be challenging for new drivers to park.
RV cost by rental company
Another cheap way to rent an RV is to rent directly from private owners on peer-to-peer platforms like RVshare or Outdoorsy. These rentals typically range from $1,100 to $6,000 per month and include a wide selection of RVs to choose from, often with more flexibility than traditional rental companies offer.
| Company | Average rental cost per month* | RVs available |
|---|---|---|
| RVshare | $1,100 – $4,800 | Class A, B, C, and towable RVs |
| Outdoorsy | $1,100 – $6,000 | Class A, B, C, and towable RVs |
| Cruise America | $2,000 – $7,200 | Class C and towable travel trailers |
| El Montel RV | $2,400 – $6,000 | Class A, B, and C motorhomes |
| Road Bear RV | $3,000 – $7,800 | Class A, B, and C motorhomes |
*Base RV rental fees only; towing vehicle not included.
Additional charges and fees
The cost to rent an RV is more than just the quoted base rental rate. RV rental companies add various extra fees for mileage, generator usage, service fees, and taxes. Controlling these costs wherever possible can help you stay on budget.
| Fees | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Rental insurance | $10 – $20 per day (basic liability) $20 – $40 per day (standard coverage) $30 – $80 per day (enhanced coverage) |
| Security deposit | $500 – $1,000 |
| Roadside assistance | $5 – $20 per day |
| Mileage fees | $0.25 – $0.75 per mile over limit |
| Service fees | 5% – 20% of the total rental cost |
| Cleaning fees | Percentage: 10% to 15% of base rental Flat rate: $75 to $300 per rental period |
| Dump fees | $50 – $150 |
| Taxes | 10% – 25% of the base rental rate, depending on the location |
| Delivery / drop-off fees | $100+ each way |
| One-way fees | $200 – $500+ |
| Pet fees* | Daily rate: $5 – $15 per pet Flat rate: $50 – $200 per rental period |
| Kitchen kit* | $110 – $130 |
| Personal linen kit* | $50 – $55 per person |
| Generator rental* | Daily rate: $25 – $100 per day Usage rate: $3 to $5 per hour of use |
*Optional fees
Other ways to save on RV rental
Finding the cheapest way to rent an RV requires a bit of research and planning. RV rental prices aren't straightforward, with rates varying week to week based on demand and availability. Consider these additional ways to reduce the total rental costs:
Extend the rental period: The longer you rent, the more you will save. Ask about monthly discounts that offer 25% to 30% savings or more off the nightly rate.
Book off-season: Try to be flexible with your dates since peak summer rates are 25% to 50% higher than off-season months.
Reduce transport costs: Choose pick-up and drop-off spots that don’t incur added transport fees.
Book in advance: Book early for better prices and better vehicle selection.
Sacrifice the luxuries: Consider smaller or older RVs with fewer luxuries. Older units with higher miles and basic interiors and finishes will cost less but still give you a comfortable place to sleep.
Reduce the extra costs: Bring supplies from home. Additional fees for camping gear, linens, cookware, generators, or solar setups can accumulate.
Watch your fuel: Reserve the most fuel-efficient RV you can find. Mileage ranges for Class A and C motorhomes range from 6 to 14 mpg, while smaller camper vans may achieve 20 mpg or more.
Book cheaper campgrounds: Full hookup campsites cost $40 to $100 per night and dry RV sites range from $25 to $50 per night. State or National Park sites are often cheaper but may not include any hookups and often require reservations far in advance.
Cheap RV rental FAQs
What is the cheapest type of RV to rent?
The cheapest type of RV to rent is a small camper you tow behind your own vehicle. The cheapest drivable RV is a small Class B camper van.
Where can I rent a cheap RV?
You can rent a less expensive RV by using a peer-to-peer platform such as RVshare or Outdoorsy to rent directly from the owner rather than from a traditional RV rental company.
Is renting an RV worth it?
Renting an RV can be worth the cost, depending on the RV you choose. RV travel provides flexibility and can be an affordable way to see the country if you stick with money-saving strategies like renting a small RV directly from the owner and limiting the add-on fees where possible.
Should I rent an RV instead of buying one?
If you want to avoid the cost of buying an RV, renting is a budget-friendly way to enjoy road trips. Plus, it lets you try out different RV types and get a feel for RV travel before deciding on a big purchase.
Getting estimates from RV rental companies
Most RV rental companies offer online booking where you input your travel dates and destination and specify the RV size and type you need. The resulting quote typically includes the base rental rate, and additional fees might significantly increase the overall cost.
For a more accurate estimate of your RV rental expenses, follow these tips:
Gather estimates from various sources, including both direct rental companies and peer-to-peer platforms. This comparison ensures you get the best deal for your RV adventure.
Before booking, have an idea of your preferred travel dates. If your dates are flexible, consider booking during periods of lower demand to save money.
Explore the available RV floorplans and select the smallest RV that comfortably accommodates your family's sleeping needs.
Use Google Maps to estimate your travel distance. This helps you anticipate potential per-mile charges.
Consider additional costs for extras such as generators, pet fees, kitchen kits, and personal linens.
Questions to ask an RV rental company
Ask these questions to ensure the best RV rental experience with fewer surprise costs:
What does the rental cost include? Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Are there extra charges for mileage or the use of the generator?
How much lead time do you recommend for making a reservation?
What is your cancellation policy, and are there associated fees?
Can you provide details about the available sizes and amenities for your rental RVs?
What insurance coverage do you include with the rental, and can I purchase additional coverage?
What procedures are in place in the event of an accident or damage to the RV?
Where is the pick-up location, and are alternative drop-off points available?
What are the designated check-in and check-out times?
How often are the RVs inspected and maintained?
Does the rental fee include emergency roadside assistance?
Does the fee include camping equipment, such as chairs or a grill?
Is it possible to rent additional items like bedding or kitchen supplies?
Are there restrictions on the RV's permissible routes or off-road usage?
Are there specific age or license requirements for drivers?
Can you provide references or share customer reviews from previous renters?
What is the fuel policy, and is it necessary to return the RV with a full tank?
What are the requirements for cleaning the RV before returning it?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.