Exploring Camper Rentals: Taking Your Home On The Road

Renting an RV is a great way to explore new places while enjoying the comforts of home. With a wide range of options available, from drivable RVs to towable trailers, you can find the perfect camper to suit your needs and budget. RV rentals offer flexibility, allowing you to travel at your own pace and explore both popular destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations. Whether you're planning a cross-country trip or a local camping adventure, renting an RV provides a unique and memorable travel experience.

Camper van vs. motorhome

If you're planning a road trip and are looking for a vehicle that you can travel and live in, you might be considering a camper van or a motorhome. Here's a detailed comparison of the two to help you decide which one is right for you:

Size and Shape

Campervans are typically smaller and more compact than motorhomes. They usually start as regular vans that are converted to include sleeping and cooking facilities. On the other hand, motorhomes are purpose-built and generally larger, with a longer wheelbase. This extra space in motorhomes means that the driving cab is often separate from the living quarters, providing more room and a more comfortable experience.

Sleeping Capacity

Campervans typically sleep 2-3 people, with a double bed at the bottom and sometimes an additional single bed built into the high-top roof. Motorhomes offer more space and can sleep 2-6 people, depending on their size.

Amenities

Most campervans come with a kitchenette or equipment for cooking meals inside, but they rarely have showers or toilets onboard. Motorhomes, on the other hand, usually have fully-equipped kitchenettes, a living space, and separate sleeping quarters. They often include additional luxuries such as a television, air conditioning, and a DVD player. Motorhomes also tend to have more storage space, which can be accessed from the outside of the vehicle.

Driving and Maneuverability

Campervans are generally easier to drive and manoeuvre than motorhomes due to their smaller size. They are usually not much bigger than a large family car, making it easier to find parking spaces and navigate through narrow roads or country lanes. However, vintage campervans may have their own unique driving quirks. Motorhomes, especially larger ones, may require a different type of driving licence and can be more challenging to drive and manoeuvre due to their size and weight.

Cost

Campervans are typically more affordable to rent than motorhomes, with lower daily rental rates and better fuel efficiency. The running costs of a campervan tend to be lower, as they are smaller and more fuel-efficient. However, there are exceptions, as vintage or high-end campervan models can sometimes cost as much as basic motorhomes.

Campsite Options

Due to their smaller size, campervans are allowed on more campsites and can access off-the-beaten-track locations that may not be suitable for larger motorhomes. Some smaller campsites may only allow campervans and not motorhomes.

Convenience and Comfort

Motorhomes offer more convenience and comfort, with separate living and driving quarters. Once parked, you can easily access the living area and make use of the amenities. Campervans, on the other hand, often require some setup, such as popping the top, swivelling seats, or folding out tables to create a living and sleeping space.

In conclusion, both campervans and motorhomes have their advantages and disadvantages. Campervans are ideal for those seeking a more affordable, fuel-efficient, and manoeuvrable option, with access to a wider range of campsites. On the other hand, motorhomes provide more space, comfort, and convenience, with separate living quarters and additional amenities. The decision between a camper van and a motorhome depends on factors such as your budget, driving experience, travel style, and personal preferences.

Towing a trailer

Renting a camper for a road trip can be a fun adventure, but it's important to understand the challenges and requirements of towing a trailer. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to help you prepare for your journey.

Choosing the Right Equipment:

Firstly, ensure your vehicle has the capacity to handle the weight of the trailer and any cargo load. Check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver's side door frame. This indicates the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow. The RV Dry Weight, passenger weight, cargo, and liquids must not exceed this capacity.

Hitching the Trailer:

Select the appropriate hitch for your vehicle and trailer. Common options include a receiver hitch, a heavy-duty fifth wheel, or a gooseneck hitch. Ensure you follow the proper procedures for hitching, including checking the coupler and wiring, and securely connecting the safety chains.

Driving with a Trailer:

Driving with a trailer requires extra caution. Increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping times. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and manoeuvring to prolong the life of your vehicle. Be vigilant and anticipate potential problems on the road to reduce the risk of accidents. Trailer sway can occur due to crosswinds, large trucks, downhill grades, and high speeds, so consider using a hitch stabilisation device.

Parking and Manoeuvring:

When parking or manoeuvring with a trailer attached, choose spaces that allow for a complete turnaround. Avoid tight spaces that may require complicated backup manoeuvres. Always be patient and take your time when changing lanes or passing other vehicles. Remember that your blind spots increase when towing a trailer, so consider installing tow mirrors for improved visibility.

Maintaining Your Setup:

Keep your towing setup secure to prevent theft. Use a trailer lock to protect your coupler, and a hitch lock to secure your trailer hitch. Regularly inspect and maintain your trailer brakes and brake controller to ensure they are properly adjusted and calibrated.

Camper rental costs

The cost of renting a camper depends on several factors, including the class and age of the camper, the season, and the number of people travelling.

For example, an average 25-foot class C motorhome, the most popular rented model, will cost about $1500-$2000 per week. They usually come fully equipped with kitchen utensils, plates, glasses, cups, cooking pots, towels, and bedding. Camper rentals (Class B motorhomes) generally cost a bit less at $1200-$1600 per week, but are suited for 2 people or solo travellers.

Travel trailers are another option, costing about $95-$175 per night or $600-$900 per week. You may also need to rent a pickup truck to tow the trailer. Park model rentals can be as little as $150 per night for a cabin that sleeps up to 8 people.

It's important to note that there may be additional costs, such as insurance, vehicle maintenance, extra mileage, and amenity charges.

When considering renting a camper, it's a good idea to compare prices, dates, and models from different companies to find the best option for your needs and budget.

Camper insurance

When it comes to insuring your camper, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of RVs and the specific insurance requirements for each.

Motorhome Insurance

Motorhome insurance is designed for vehicles that can be driven, such as Class A, B, or C motorhomes. It provides coverage for both the RV and any liability that might arise while on the move. Nearly every state mandates RV liability coverage, and you will need to purchase a separate motorhome insurance policy if you drive your camper.

Travel Trailer Insurance

Travel trailer insurance, on the other hand, is designed for non-motorized trailers towed behind your vehicle. It primarily covers the trailer itself and may also include liability protection at your campsite. While no states require insurance for trailers, if you finance or lease your travel trailer, your lender will likely require comprehensive and collision coverage to protect against physical damage.

Factors Affecting Insurance Costs

Several factors influence the cost of RV insurance, including state requirements, your driving history, and the condition and age of your RV. The type and level of coverage you choose will also impact the price, with higher liability limits typically resulting in higher premiums. You can often get discounts if you're a good driver, a defensive driver, or a student, or if you have a commercial driver's license.

Coverage Options

In addition to liability coverage, you can also opt for collision coverage, which will repair or replace your RV in the event of an accident, and comprehensive coverage, which protects against non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Other optional coverages include roadside assistance and personal property coverage.

Insurance Providers

When it comes to choosing an insurance provider, companies like GEICO and Progressive offer specialized RV insurance with a range of coverage options and discounts. Progressive, for example, offers RV insurance starting at $125 per year, while GEICO provides coverage for a variety of RV types, including motorized and towable RVs, travel trailers, and haulers.

Renting an RV

If you're renting an RV, the rental company will usually offer its own coverage options, ranging from basic to premium. Your existing auto insurance policy may provide some coverage, but it's essential to check with your insurer beforehand to understand what is and isn't covered.

Camper rental companies

Renting a camper is a great way to explore the world and gain freedom and flexibility during your travels. There are two main types of camper rental companies: traditional and peer-to-peer. Traditional camper rental companies, such as Cruise America and El Monte, operate similarly to rental car companies, with a fleet of vehicles designed specifically for rent. This option offers consistency, cleanliness, and the convenience of one-way rentals. On the other hand, peer-to-peer platforms, including RVshare, Outdoorsy, and RVezy, connect RV owners with renters, offering greater variety, competitive prices, and the possibility of delivery to your location. These platforms provide extensive networks of owners, 24/7 support, roadside assistance, and insurance coverage.

When choosing a camper rental company, it is essential to consider your needs and preferences. Traditional companies provide consistency and the convenience of one-way rentals, while peer-to-peer platforms offer a diverse range of options and potentially lower prices. Additionally, factors such as pickup and drop-off times, equipment rental options, roadside assistance, and insurance coverage should be considered.

Cruise America

Cruise America is a well-known traditional camper rental company with over 123 locations across 33 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. They offer five types of RV rentals, including Class C motorhomes and towable trailers, that can accommodate three to seven travellers. While they charge per mile driven and have additional fees for cooking gear and bedding, they provide a straightforward booking process and the option for one-way rentals.

El Monte

El Monte is another traditional camper rental company with 27 U.S. locations and one international location in Tokyo. They have a fleet of over 1,500 vehicles, including Class C and Class A bus-shaped RVs. El Monte does not charge for generator usage, which can be beneficial for those planning to "boondock" without hookups. However, their booking process is less sleek, and they have fewer options for one-way rentals compared to Cruise America.

RVshare

RVshare is a popular peer-to-peer camper rental platform, claiming to be the "first and largest" in the market. They offer more than 100,000 vehicles through their intuitive search platform. RVshare provides 24/7 chat support and a rental guarantee, ensuring assistance if the RV owner is unreachable or the vehicle does not match the listing. They also offer resources to help renters understand the different types of rentals available.

Outdoorsy

Outdoorsy is another leading peer-to-peer camper rental site, boasting over 1 billion days of available RV inventory across 4,800 cities and 14 countries. They offer 24/7 customer support, roadside assistance, safety checks, and $1 million in insurance coverage. Outdoorsy provides a wide variety of options, including campervans, trailers, pop-up campers, and fifth-wheel trailers.

RVezy

RVezy, originally founded in Canada, has expanded into the U.S. market and is now one of the top peer-to-peer camper rental platforms. They offer hundreds of rentable RVs, particularly in and around Tampa, Florida, and are known for their appealing rental rates. RVezy has earned a reputation as a trusted and reliable option, with over 150,000 five-star-rated bookings.

Frequently asked questions