Renting A Vehicle To Tow Your Camper: Is It Possible?

If you're looking to rent a vehicle to tow your camper, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, it's important to note that most rental companies will allow you to use their vehicles for towing, but you'll need to follow their specific guidelines. For example, Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations do not allow towing with their standard rental cars, but their Enterprise Truck Rental locations offer select pickup trucks that are capable of towing. Similarly, U-Haul offers box trucks that can be used for towing, although they lack brake controllers. Alternatively, you can rent a tow vehicle along with your trailer from websites like Outdoorsy, which offers this option as long as your vehicle qualifies for their insurance program. When choosing a rental company, it's essential to consider your specific towing needs, such as the weight and size of your camper, to ensure you select the right vehicle.

Rental companies that allow towing

Enterprise Truck Rental

With Enterprise Truck Rental, you can rent a variety of vehicles capable of towing, including pickup trucks, cargo vans, and straight trucks. They offer daily, weekly, and monthly rental options. Their Ford F250 and F350 pickup trucks have a maximum conventional towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. Keep in mind that Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations do not allow towing or hitches with their rental vehicles.

U-Haul

U-Haul is another option for towing a camper. They offer a range of rentals capable of towing, such as pickup trucks, and their exact models and towing restrictions will depend on the location and availability. U-Haul also provides the convenience of one-way rentals, although these can be pricier.

Budget Truck Rental

Budget Truck Rental allows towing as they have truck models in their fleet that can handle different weights and sizes of trailers. Contact them directly or check their website for specific models and towing restrictions.

Penske Truck Rental

Penske Truck Rental offers a range of truck rentals from over 2,500 locations across North America. They also provide 24/7 roadside assistance.

Hertz

Hertz is a global car rental company that offers SUVs and minivans suitable for towing. As with other companies, the availability of specific models and restrictions will depend on factors like rental location and dates.

Outdoorsy

Outdoorsy is a platform where trailer owners can offer their tow vehicles for rent. The requirement is that the tow vehicle must qualify for their insurance program.

FINN

FINN provides a car subscription service with vehicles available for towing, including trucks and SUVs. Their subscription terms range from six to 12 months, and they include insurance, maintenance, doorstep delivery, and roadside assistance in one monthly payment. With FINN, you can tow up to 11,220 pounds with certain trucks, such as the Ram 1500 or the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Insurance requirements

When renting a vehicle to tow a camper, it is essential to consider the insurance requirements to ensure you are properly covered in case of any mishaps. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the insurance process:

• Check Rental Company Policies: Before renting, carefully review the insurance policies of the rental company. Some companies, like Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National, explicitly state that they do not allow towing with their standard rental vehicles. However, they may offer separate truck rental services that allow towing, such as Enterprise Truck Rental. Understanding the specific policies will help you choose a suitable company that aligns with your towing needs.
• Vehicle Type: The type of vehicle you choose plays a crucial role in determining the possibility of towing. Most regular rental cars and SUVs are not designed or permitted for towing. Opt for a pickup truck with a higher towing capacity to ensure it can handle the weight and size of your camper.
• Hitch Options: Select a rental company that provides hitch options compatible with your camper's requirements. This ensures a secure and proper connection between the vehicle and the camper.
• Insurance Coverage: Before renting, check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage limits and any additional coverage options. Standard rental insurance may not cover damages caused by towing, so it's important to clarify this beforehand.
• Driving Experience: Towing a camper requires a certain level of driving experience and skill. Assess your comfort level and consider hiring a professional driver if you feel unsure about your abilities. Towing is more complex than regular driving and requires defensive driving techniques to prevent accidents.
• Understand Your Towing Needs: Determine the weight and size of your camper to choose the right rental truck. Consider the bed size of the truck to avoid multiple trips, which can be costly and time-consuming. Opt for a truck with a towing package, as companies often provide assistance in selecting the right weight and size for your specific needs.
• Required Equipment: Ensure you have the necessary towing equipment, such as a tow dolly, receiver hitch, and safety chains. Some rental companies include these items in their towing package, while others require you to rent them separately. Verify what is included in your rental package to avoid additional costs or last-minute surprises.
• Fuel Options: Consider the pros and cons of gas versus diesel engines for long-distance towing. Diesel engines are often more fuel-efficient and require less maintenance, making them a cost-effective choice for extended trips.
• Return Conditions: Be mindful of the return conditions stipulated by the rental company. They usually require the removal of any attached towing equipment and expect the vehicle to be returned in the same condition as when it was rented.
• Protection Packages: When renting a vehicle for towing, consider opting for protection packages offered by the rental company. These packages can provide additional peace of mind and cover unexpected costs in case of accidents or damage during your trip.
• Trailer Insurance: If you are renting a trailer separately, note that most car insurance policies do not cover damage to the trailer itself. Consider purchasing a separate policy or adding an endorsement to your existing policy to cover any damage or liability related to the trailer.

Remember to carefully review the insurance requirements and policies of the rental company and your personal insurance provider to ensure you are fully covered for any eventualities during your trip.

Towing equipment and accessories

When it comes to towing equipment and accessories, there are a few key components that you'll need to ensure a safe and smooth towing experience. Firstly, a proper tow bar is essential to keep the vehicle securely attached to your camper. In the event that the hitch comes loose, an emergency breakaway brake system will automatically apply the brakes to the towed vehicle, preventing any accidents.

To protect the towed vehicle from debris kicked up by the camper, a tow guard—essentially a large mud flap for the back of the camper—is recommended. This will prevent rocks and other objects from damaging the front of the vehicle being towed. Additionally, a wiring kit is necessary to ensure that the brake lights of both the camper and the towed vehicle are in sync.

There are also a number of other accessories that can enhance the towing experience. For instance, a battery charging system can be used to keep the towed vehicle's battery charged during transit. When it comes to selecting the right towing accessories, it's important to consider the specific make and model of your camper and vehicle, as well as the type of hitch you'll be using.

Online retailers such as etrailer.com and Camping World offer a wide range of towing accessories, including hitches, ball mounts, and weight distribution systems. etrailer.com, in particular, offers a Fitguide to help you find the right equipment for your setup, taking the guesswork out of the selection process.

Rental costs

The cost of renting a vehicle to tow a camper varies depending on the company, vehicle type, rental duration, and location. Here is a detailed breakdown of the rental costs:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

According to a user on Reddit, Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations do not typically allow towing with their rental vehicles. However, their Truck Rental locations offer select pickup trucks suitable for towing. The user mentions that they rented a full-size truck (either a 250 or 350-class) from Enterprise for a surprisingly low rate. They paid a couple of hundred dollars for a two-day rental. Another user comments that they rented a 250-class truck for a week and towed their travel trailer from North Carolina to Colorado, paying a little over $500.

Road Adventures

Road Adventures, a partner with AAA Travel, offers both camper rentals and tow vehicles. Their prices vary depending on the camper and vehicle type. For example, renting a Little Guy T@G trailer for four days costs $465, while a 14-day rental of a luxurious Airstream Interstate is priced at $5,698. They also offer packages that include both the camper and the tow vehicle. For instance, renting a Little Guy T@B trailer with a GMC Acadia for seven days is $1,999.

Outdoorsy

Outdoorsy is a platform that connects trailer owners with renters. Trailer owners can offer a tow vehicle as an add-on to their trailer listing, providing renters with a convenient option during checkout. The only requirement is that the tow vehicle must qualify for Outdoorsy's insurance program.

U-Haul

U-Haul box trucks can be used for towing, but it is important to note that they do not have brake controllers as their trailers have surge brakes.

Home Depot

According to a user on Reddit, Home Depot offers van rentals that could be an option for local trips. They mention that the prices are reasonably priced.

Hitching a trailer correctly

Line up your vehicle:

Position your vehicle so that it is in a straight line with the trailer. This will make it much easier to back up towards the trailer coupler. Have your helper stand off to the side and guide you in the right direction.

Raise the coupler:

Stop your vehicle when it is about a foot away from the trailer tongue. Adjust the trailer coupler height so that it will clear the trailer ball as you back up the rest of the way. If the coupler is too high, lower it until it is just a few inches above the ball.

Align the ball and coupler:

Slowly back up the vehicle towards the coupler, using extreme caution. Rely on your helper to guide you and make sure the coupler lines up perfectly with the trailer ball. If it's not lining up, pull forward and try again.

Lower the coupler onto the ball:

Put your vehicle in park and engage the emergency brake. Use the trailer jack to lower the coupler until it rests on the ball. Make sure the coupler latch is in the upright, unlocked position. Grease the trailer ball to maintain a smooth connection and prevent wear.

Latch the coupler:

With the coupler seated on the ball, engage the latch and secure it with a safety pin or coupler lock. Test the connection by jacking up the trailer tongue slightly. If the coupler comes off, unlatch and try again, shifting the tongue forward or backward to get it fully seated.

Attach the safety chains:

Attach the safety chains in a crisscross pattern underneath the coupler. This is a legal requirement in many places and will catch the coupler if it disconnects from the ball. Make sure the chains do not touch the ground and are rated to meet or exceed the gross trailer weight.

Retract the trailer jack:

Once the coupler is secure, fully retract the trailer jack so it is out of the way for towing. Some jacks can swing up parallel to the ground, while others have a leg that retracts into the jack post.

Plug in the trailer wiring:

Plug your vehicle wiring harness into the trailer. Wrap the harness around the trailer tongue to limit excess wire. Ensure the harness doesn't touch the ground but has enough length to make turns without tension.

Check the trailer lights:

With your helper observing the trailer lights, turn them on one at a time to ensure they are working. Check your right and left turn signals, hazards, running lights, and brake lights. If a light is not working, use an electrical tester to check the vehicle-to-trailer wiring connection.

Final checks:

Once you have the coupler hooked up and the trailer ready to tow, it is a good idea to double-check your work. Verify that the trailer ball matches the coupler size, the trailer ball is properly torqued, the coupler latch is locked, the trailer jack is retracted, and the safety chains are attached correctly. Also, check that the running lights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning on both the vehicle and the trailer.

Frequently asked questions