Renting a recreational vehicle is similar to renting a car, with a few important exceptions. These distinctions may have you asking questions before contacting an RV rental agent. Learn what to expect and show up prepared for a deal that will get you on the road in record time.
Can You Rent Out an RV?
Whether you can rent out an RV depends on the source of the rental. While some companies may require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent, most of them require drivers to be 25 years old. You also need to secure insurance whether it’s through your existing coverage or a policy sold specifically for RVs and pay a deposit.
You should consider what features you want in your RV rental. Do you need a toy hauler for your ATVs? Are you willing to sacrifice central air in exchange for a pop-up trailer that you can attach to your own vehicle, allowing you to leave the trailer at the park and cruise the area without it?
Finalizing these details ahead of time will make your rental transaction less stressful. It will enable you to stay on track so that you won’t end up with an RV that doesn’t suit your needs.
How Can You Rent an RV?
To rent an RV, you have to sign a contract that details the terms of the lease as well as provide proof of identity, insurance, and ability to pay, which may include having to provide a credit card to the company to put on file. Read the contract carefully. The terms will vary according to vehicle type and the renter, but most include clauses about what happens if the RV breaks down and is returned late or in worse condition than when it was rented.
If you reserve an RV ahead of time, be prepared to put down a deposit. The exact amount will depend on the state of the rental vehicle as well as the anticipated mileage, extra features, and length of the trip. You should anticipate the rental agent requiring you to pay for the deposit with a major credit card.
Can You Rent a Campervan?
RVs come in many different sizes, and this question is synonymous with asking, “Can you rent a small RV?” These types of vehicles usually are easier to handle and appropriate for small groups of two to four people. Best of all, they are more fuel efficient than larger models.
If you’re asking how can you rent a camper trailer, consider how you intend to haul it. Your vehicle will need a trailer hitch, and you should make sure it’s capable of towing the camper. It’s also crucial that you know how to drive, back up, and park a trailer safely.
Aside from the basic question of can you rent an RV trailer, you also need to consider what type of RV trailer appeals to you the most. Teardrop trailers are compact enough to haul behind smaller vehicles, even motorcycles, and offer the bare basics of travel comfort and space. Larger trailers, such as fifth wheels, may be as long as 40 feet and require a large truck to haul while medium-sized RV camper trailers balance size, features, and weight and can be towed by a pickup.
Can You Rent an RV Quickly?
You can rent an RV just as quickly as a rental car if you go in prepared with proof of insurance, or are willing to buy insurance, a valid driver’s license, and a major credit card. It also helps if you already know what type of RV and specific features you want. You can even reserve a vehicle ahead of time so that you are assured it will be available and waiting when you’re ready to hit the road.
Where Can You Rent an RV?
You can rent an RV from a rental company or private owners who would rather lease out their campers than let them sit when not in use. You can find RVs to rent online, in the newspaper, and in the yellow pages. You may even know a friend or family member who can make a rental recommendation from personal experience.
It is up to you whether you want to rent an RV that’s close to where you live or near your vacation destination. Renting close to home means you can save on hotel bills and make the road trip a true family event, with the added convenience of space, on-board bathroom facilities, comfortable beds, added storage space for luggage, travel mementos and bikes, and running water. Renting near your travel destination may mean saving on mileage and fuel and not having to navigate a large vehicle through congested city traffic.
Can You Rent Out Your RV?
While a lot of people treasure their RVs and would be lost without one, they are expensive to maintain. One way to finance the cost of owning one is to rent it out when it is not in use. Even if the RV is paid off, the secondary income stream can be a welcome addition to someone’s budget.
There are advantages and drawbacks to renting out your RV. Of course, the extra income and ability to meet new people are the benefits. The primary disadvantage is that even if you have a contract stating that the renter is responsible for keeping the RV in the condition in which it was rented, some people may not adhere to the contract.
When you start asking yourself questions about renting an RV, you are opening the door to the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. Prepare for your adventure by deciding on the size and style of RV you want, and then make a list of those features you cannot live without, such as satellite TV, indoor plumbing, a stove, air conditioning, and a sufficient number of beds. You then will be ready to locate the RV of your dreams.