Leasing A Camper Van: Is It Possible?

can you lease a camper van

Camper van leasing is a topic that has gained traction as more people embrace the digital nomad lifestyle. While it is not possible to lease a camper van in the traditional sense, like one would a car, there are alternative options available. The most common approach is to opt for a long-term rental, which can provide the flexibility and perks of having a camper van without the responsibility of ownership. This option is particularly appealing to those who want to try out the camper van lifestyle before committing to a purchase.

Characteristics Values
Leasing options Camper van leasing options are limited.
Rental options Camper van rental options are available for short-term and long-term.
Rental period Camper van rentals are usually arranged by the week or month.
Rental cost Camper van rentals typically cost $50-$200 per night.
Long-term rental cost Long-term rentals may cost closer to $50 per night.
Long-term rental benefits Long-term rentals are more cost-effective and allow for more time to explore.
Maintenance Rental companies handle maintenance and liability.
Mileage Rental companies may charge mileage fees per mile driven.
Fuel Fuel expenses should be considered, along with the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Insurance Insurance is required for rentals and is more expensive for camper vans than for cars.
Roadside assistance Rental companies often offer 24/7 roadside assistance.
Storage Storage fees for camper vans can be expensive.

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Rent-to-own campervans

When you rent a campervan, you get to enjoy the perks of van life without the burden of monthly payments, maintenance expenses, storage fees, and insurance costs. It's a chance to try before you buy, ensuring you're comfortable with the adjustment to living in a van for extended periods.

When you rent a campervan, you enter into an agreement with an RV dealership or the current RV owner. Part of your payment goes towards the principal of the loan, while the other part covers rent-to-own fees. At the end of the agreement, you will own the campervan.

  • No credit check: Rent-to-own only requires proof of identification, residence, and income.
  • Little to no down payment: Many rent-to-own agreements require little to no money upfront, making it easier to get your hands on a campervan right away.
  • Older RVs: Rent-to-own allows you to get your hands on older, vintage campervans that banks typically won't finance.
  • Motivated sellers: RV dealers or private sellers may be more flexible with rent-to-own contracts to make room for new inventory or generate quick income.
  • No long-term commitment: Renting gives you the freedom to try out the campervan lifestyle without locking yourself into a purchase.
  • Higher cost: Rent-to-own campervans typically come with a higher price tag than bank financing as you're covering both rental and principal payments.
  • Frequent payments: Rent-to-own contracts often require weekly or bi-weekly payments, which may be challenging depending on your financial situation.
  • Maintenance and ownership costs: Many rent-to-own agreements require you to cover all maintenance, repairs, storage, and insurance costs, just like you would as an owner.
  • No credit improvement: Rent-to-own contracts don't report on-time payments to the bank, so they won't help you rebuild your credit score.
  • No refunds: If you decide against purchasing the campervan, you'll forfeit the money paid towards the rental portion of the lease.

Where can I find rent-to-own campervans?

You can explore rent-to-own options through local RV dealerships or private sellers on platforms like RVezy, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or RV Trader. Companies like Boho Camper Vans and Voyager Campervans also offer campervan rentals, providing fully-equipped vans for your adventures.

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Long-term campervan rentals

There are many reasons why you might want to rent a campervan long-term. Perhaps you're looking for accommodation alternatives or want to get away for a whole summer before school starts again. Maybe you're changing career paths and want to have an adventure before you start your next job. Or perhaps you want to take an extended trip without using up your PTO.

Where to find long-term rentals

Chain RV dealers rarely offer serious long-term rentals, so peer-to-peer RV rental companies like Outdoorsy are the best place to find them. Using Outdoorsy's RV search, you can find local RV owners to rent from, and you can contact the owners directly to talk about extended rental periods. Simply enter a city and your estimated dates, and you’ll get a list of reliable RVs to choose from.

Pros of long-term campervan rentals

  • You get to see more places: When you rent for a longer period of time, you can take your time at each stop and really get to know the area.
  • It's cheaper: The longer you rent, the cheaper it gets.
  • Try before you buy: An extended campervan rental is a great way to "try before you buy" and figure out if the extended road warrior life is for you.
  • No monthly payments: You won't have to lock yourself into high-dollar monthly payments if you’re not entirely sure about the purchase.
  • No maintenance expenses: When you rent a campervan, you don’t have to spend money on maintenance and repairs.
  • No off-season storage fees: Storage fees can be expensive! Why spend your money on storage fees for something you may not use often?
  • No insurance expenses: Campervan insurance can be more expensive than everyday car insurance.
  • No need to worry about roadside assistance: Most rental companies offer 24/7 roadside assistance.

Cons of long-term campervan rentals

  • It can be difficult to find long-term rentals: Finding a long-term rental will be slightly more challenging than finding your average week-long rental.
  • You can't lease an RV like a car: Unlike a car lease, which is typically for at least a year, an RV rental agreement is usually arranged by the week or by the month.
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Campervan leasing vs. buying

Leasing a Campervan

Leasing a campervan is a great option if you're looking for a long-term rental—usually a month or more. It's perfect for those who want the flexibility of a campervan without the commitment of buying.

Pros of Leasing:

  • You can try out the campervan life before committing to a purchase.
  • No need to worry about maintenance expenses, as they are typically covered by the leasing company.
  • Leasing companies often offer 24/7 roadside assistance, giving you peace of mind while on the road.
  • There are no off-season storage fees to worry about.
  • You don't have to pay for campervan insurance on top of your everyday car insurance.

Cons of Leasing:

  • Leasing a campervan can be more expensive in the long run compared to buying, especially with mileage restrictions and potential surcharges for extra mileage.
  • There may be limitations on the number of miles you can drive in a given year.
  • You don't own the campervan, so you can't make any customisations to suit your travel plans and lifestyle.

Buying a Campervan

Buying a campervan is a significant financial investment, but it offers the advantage of ownership, flexibility, and customisation.

Pros of Buying:

  • You have complete freedom to travel whenever and wherever you want without the restriction of lease agreements.
  • There are no mileage caps, so you can explore to your heart's content.
  • You can customise your campervan to suit your specific needs and preferences.
  • By taking good care of your campervan and minimising depreciation, you can improve its resale value.

Cons of Buying:

  • The initial purchase cost is high, and there are ongoing maintenance and storage costs to consider.
  • You'll need to factor in the cost of insurance for your campervan.
  • Buying a campervan means committing to a significant financial investment, which may not be feasible for everyone.

Both leasing and buying a campervan have their advantages and disadvantages. Leasing is ideal for those who want a long-term rental and the flexibility to try out the campervan lifestyle without the commitment of buying. On the other hand, buying offers the freedom of ownership, customisation, and unlimited travel. Ultimately, the decision depends on your unique needs, preferences, and financial circumstances.

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Campervan rental costs

Rental Location and Duration

The cost of renting a campervan can vary depending on your location. For example, rental companies like Escape Camper Vans offer different rates for their depots across the United States, including Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. Additionally, the rental duration plays a significant factor in the overall cost. Generally, the longer you rent the campervan, the better the daily rate you can secure. Many companies offer discounted rates for weekly and monthly rentals.

Season and Demand

The time of year and demand for campervans can also impact the rental cost. High seasons, such as summer or popular travel periods, tend to have higher rates compared to low seasons or off-peak travel times. For example, Escape Camper Vans' high season is from March 15 to October 15, and they recommend booking a few months in advance to secure better rates.

Vehicle Size and Type

The size and type of campervan you choose will affect the rental cost. Larger and more luxurious campervans, such as the Mercedes Sprinter or Class A RVs, will typically cost more per day due to their increased amenities and maintenance requirements. In contrast, more compact and basic campervans, like the Dodge Ram Promaster or Class B RVs, are generally more affordable. For instance, Escape Camper Vans' Del Mar model is larger and more expensive than their more compact Santa Cruz model.

Mileage and Fuel Costs

In addition to the daily rental rate, most companies charge mileage fees, usually ranging from $0.30 to $0.40 per mile driven. These fees help base prices on your usage, so you only pay for the miles you accumulate during your trip. Additionally, fuel costs can vary depending on the vehicle's fuel type and its fuel efficiency. Campervans are generally more fuel-efficient than larger RVs, with some smaller models achieving over 20 miles per gallon. However, it's important to consider the current fuel prices and the vehicle's fuel efficiency when budgeting for your trip.

Extras and Add-Ons

When renting a campervan, be mindful of the inclusions and extras offered by the rental company. Some companies provide essential items like bedding, kitchen equipment, camp chairs, and tables, while others may charge additional fees for these items. Other potential costs to consider include one-way rental fees, pet fees, insurance, and roadside assistance.

In conclusion, renting a campervan offers a flexible and adventurous travel option, and by considering the various cost factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision and budget accordingly for your next campervan trip.

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Campervan rental companies

Yes, you can lease a camper van! There are many companies that offer camper van rentals, and they are a great way to try out van life before committing to buying your own van.

Outdoorsy

Outdoorsy is the Airbnb of campervan rentals. It is one of the largest camper van rental companies in the US and provides an online platform where owners connect with RV and van renters. The platform is a peer-to-peer marketplace, meaning you rent from private RV and van owners instead of a company-owned fleet. You'll find an extensive range of RVs, from luxurious Class A motorhomes to compact campervans, with Class B and C RVs, tent campers, and everything in between. Outdoorsy also offers comprehensive insurance and a review feature that makes choosing a breeze.

Escape Campervans

Escape Campervans is one of the largest van rental companies in the US, offering their own converted vans for rent. They have rental locations in more than 13 cities, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando. Their vans can sleep 2-5 people, and rental rates begin at $33 per day.

RVshare

RVshare is a peer-to-peer marketplace, similar to Outdoorsy, that has received thousands of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. Their site is easy to navigate and search for a camper van rental near you. It's as simple as entering your location and trip dates to view available camper vans. You can filter the results based on the type of camper van, price, delivery, and pet-friendly options.

Travellers Autobarn

Travellers Autobarn offers surprisingly affordable vans for rent, with locations in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. They offer minivan rentals in addition to larger converted campervans. The best part? Every van rental from Travellers Autobarn comes with unlimited daily miles. That means no extra charge for driving farther!

Cruise America

Cruise America is one of the biggest RV rental companies, with locations across the US. They have four models that can sleep anywhere from 2-7 people. They also sell pre-owned RVs at a reduced cost.

Native Campervans

Native Campervans is a local company that offers fully-equipped, customized camper vans for long and short-term journeys. They have rental locations in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. They offer three types of vans: the "Smalls," the "Biggie," and the "Squad." The "Smalls" is a remodeled Dodge Grand Caravan, and the "Biggie" is a Ram ProMaster HighRoof. The "Squad" has a bed and a waterproof rooftop tent, sleeping a total of four people.

Peace Vans

Peace Vans offers retro camper van rentals, specializing in old-school VWs. Based in Seattle, WA, they offer their retro camper van rentals across the Pacific Northwest. They also specialize in the repair and maintenance of VW campers and are the largest VW camper van shop in North America.

These are just a few examples of the many campervan rental companies out there. With the growing popularity of van life, there are more and more options popping up, so you're sure to find the perfect one for your next adventure!

Frequently asked questions

No, you cannot lease a campervan in the traditional sense, as they are less commonly available for lease than regular vehicles due to requiring more maintenance. However, you can opt for a long-term rental, which can be more flexible and affordable than a lease.

Renting a campervan can be a more affordable option than buying one, as you won't have to worry about monthly payments, maintenance expenses, storage fees, or insurance expenses. Renting also allows you to try out the campervan lifestyle before committing to a purchase.

Long-term campervan rentals can be more affordable than shorter rentals, as rental companies often offer discounted rates for extended periods. You also get to see more places and spend more time at each stop.

To find a campervan lease or long-term rental, search online for terms like "monthly camper van rental near me" and compare options from different companies. You can also try peer-to-peer rental services, which allow you to rent directly from individual owners, giving you more flexibility in terms of price and rental duration.

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