Renting Trucks To Tow Campers: Is It Possible?

Renting a truck to pull a camper is possible, but it can be a complicated process. While some rental companies offer trucks with towing capabilities, others do not allow any form of towing with their vehicles. Additionally, the type of hitch required for your camper is an important consideration, as fifth-wheel hitches are less commonly available in rental trucks. Cost is another factor, as renting a truck for towing can be expensive, with additional fees and insurance costs. Overall, while it is possible to rent a truck to pull a camper, it requires careful research and planning to find a suitable and cost-effective option.

Truck rental companies

There are several truck rental companies that offer trucks with towing capabilities. Here are some popular options:

U-Haul

U-Haul is one of the most popular options for truck rentals in the United States and Canada. They offer pickup truck rentals with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, suitable for towing a wide range of travel trailers or campers. While they don't offer fifth-wheel hitches, U-Haul trucks come with a receiver hitch for easy towing. They also have specialized equipment available for rent if you need to tow a car, motorcycle, or other items. U-Haul allows towing with their pickup trucks and has a section on their website to help you choose the right trailer and equipment.

Budget

Budget is another well-known truck and moving van rental company in the United States. They offer a variety of trucks with different towing capacities, including full-size pickup trucks capable of towing up to 10,000 pounds. This makes them a good option for those with heavier campers or travel trailers. Like U-Haul, Budget also allows for convenient pick-up and drop-off at different locations.

Enterprise

Enterprise Truck Rental offers a range of dependable, well-maintained pickup trucks with towing capabilities. Their trucks have spacious interiors, powerful engines, and receiver hitches for towing. Enterprise has over 500 locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, making it convenient for customers to find a nearby branch. They also offer custom rental programs and full-service fleet solutions, including vehicle telematics, fuel programs, and trucking supplies.

Hertz Penske

Hertz Penske allows towing with their vehicles, provided that the tow bar and package were installed by Hertz. However, you must use a trailer rented from the company and not your own equipment. Hertz has recently gone through a policy change that enables towing with their vehicles, but penalties will apply if you damage the vehicle.

Penske Truck Rental

While Penske Truck Rental generally does not allow anything other than Penske-owned trailers on their trucks, there may be some flexibility depending on the specific location. It is worth calling your local Penske branch to inquire about their policies and truck availability.

Car Rental Companies

Some car rental companies, such as Avis, National, and Enterprise, do not allow towing with their vehicles as it is against their company policies. However, Enterprise operates a separate Truck Rental service that does provide trucks with towing capabilities. It is always a good idea to check with the rental company directly to understand their policies and offerings.

RVShare or Outdoorsy

RVShare and Outdoorsy are online platforms where you can rent RVs, campers, and towable trailers directly from owners. While these companies typically don't offer truck rentals, there are some listings that include a truck and trailer combination. This could be a good option if you're looking to practice towing or want a more comprehensive rental package.

When choosing a truck rental company, it is important to consider factors such as towing capacity, cost, availability, and any additional equipment or services offered. It is also essential to disclose your intention to tow and understand the legal implications and insurance requirements.

Camper weight

The weight of a camper can vary significantly depending on its size, features, and amenities. Small campers typically have a dry weight of 1,100 to 3,500 pounds, while large campers can weigh up to 11,000 pounds or more when fully loaded. The weight of your camper will also depend on how much gear, water, and supplies you pack for your trip.

Before renting a truck, it is crucial to know the weight of your camper to ensure the truck has sufficient towing capacity. Renting a truck with a towing capacity well above the weight of your camper is recommended for safety and peace of mind. This means you should consider the weight of your camper when it is fully loaded, rather than its empty weight.

Additionally, the weight distribution within the camper is important. Tongue weight, or the amount of pressure the hitch exerts on the truck, is influenced by the weight and distribution of weight in the camper. Proper tongue weight improves stability and handling while towing.

When determining the weight of your camper, consider the weight of optional equipment, holding tanks, passengers, and gear. These factors can significantly impact the overall weight and should not be overlooked.

Understanding the weight of your camper is essential for safe and effective towing. It allows you to choose the right rental truck, ensure a stable and balanced setup, and avoid overloading the truck's capacity, which can lead to safety hazards and mechanical issues.

Hitch style

When it comes to the style of hitch you need to rent a truck to pull a camper, there are two types commonly used: the traditional ball hitch and the fifth-wheel hitch. The former is more common and easier to find, while the latter is unique and requires a specialised setup.

If your camper uses a traditional ball hitch, you will have a wider range of rental truck options available to you. This style of hitch is commonly found on pickup trucks and moving trucks, which can be rented from companies like U-Haul and Budget. These trucks typically offer towing capacities ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds, which should be more than sufficient for most campers. Keep in mind that you will need to know the weight of your camper when it is fully loaded to ensure you rent a truck with an appropriate towing capacity.

On the other hand, if your camper requires a fifth-wheel hitch, your options become more limited. Fifth-wheel hitches are usually installed on heavy-duty trucks due to the weight limits of fifth-wheel RVs. Rental companies that cater to this need may require more time to locate and reserve a suitable truck for you. Additionally, you will need to confirm that your fifth-wheel camper is compatible with the hitch provided on the rental truck.

When renting a truck with either hitch style, it is crucial to disclose your intention to tow a camper. This ensures that you have the proper insurance coverage in case of any accidents or damage. It is also essential to understand the basics of towing, including weight distribution, tongue weight, and proper hitch usage, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Rental costs

The cost of renting a truck to pull a camper will depend on several factors, including the make and model of the truck, the rental company, the distance travelled, the duration of the rental, and any additional insurance policies or fees.

Rental trucks can be obtained from truck or car rental dealerships, such as U-Haul, Penske Truck Rental, Budget Truck Rental, Flex Fleet Rental, and Enterprise Truck Rental. These companies offer a range of trucks with different towing capacities, from small pickup trucks to full-size moving trucks.

U-Haul, for example, offers pickup truck rentals with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, which is suitable for towing a wide variety of travel trailers or campers. Their rates are generally affordable and reasonable, but there may be extra fees for using a hitch and a deposit for towing. It is important to know the weight of your camper to ensure it does not exceed the towing capacity of the rental truck.

Budget Truck Rental is another popular option, offering a range of trucks with different towing capacities to accommodate heavier campers. Their rates are generally higher than U-Haul, as they offer different sizes of trucks.

Penske Truck Rental also offers trucks with high towing capacities, but they typically do not allow the use of trailers that are not owned by Penske. However, this may vary depending on the specific location.

According to Camper Grid, the rental rates for a truck that can pull a fifth-wheel RV range from $89 to $475 per day, with a price-per-mile ranging from $0.20 to $0.69. They recommend budgeting around $100 to $150 per day for a rental truck, excluding gas expenses.

In addition to the daily rental rate, there may be other costs to consider, such as gas, insurance, mileage fees, supplies, taxes, and towing equipment rentals. These additional costs can add up quickly, so it is important to factor them into your budget.

When renting a truck to pull a camper, it is essential to disclose your intention to tow to the rental company. This ensures that you have the proper insurance coverage and don't encounter any legal issues in the event of an accident.

Overall, the cost of renting a truck to pull a camper can vary significantly depending on your specific needs and the company you choose. It is always a good idea to shop around and get quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate for your particular situation.

Legal implications

Renting a truck to pull a camper comes with several legal implications that you should be aware of. Here are some key points to consider:

• Disclosure: It is important to disclose your intention to tow a camper when renting a truck. Failing to do so could lead to legal issues in the event of an accident or other problems. Be transparent with the rental company and ensure you have their approval for towing.
• Insurance and Deposits: Renting a truck for towing may require additional insurance coverage or the payment of a deposit. Be prepared for these extra costs and understand the terms and conditions of the rental agreement regarding towing.
• Weight Capacity: Always ensure that the towing capacity of the rental truck is suitable for your camper's weight. Overloading the truck can be dangerous and may void your rental agreement or insurance coverage. Know the weight of your fully loaded camper and choose a truck with sufficient capacity.
• Hitch Compatibility: Understand the type of hitch your camper requires, whether it's a traditional ball hitch or a fifth-wheel hitch. Ensure the rental truck has a compatible hitch and that it fits the receiver on your camper. Incompatible hitches can cause safety issues and damage.
• Licensing: Check if you have the appropriate license to drive a rental truck for towing purposes. Different states and countries may have specific requirements for operating such vehicles. Ensure you comply with all relevant laws to avoid legal consequences.
• Passenger Safety: Legally, you cannot travel with passengers inside a camper or fifth wheel while it is in motion. Ensure your rental truck has sufficient seating capacity for everyone in your group. Consider bringing an additional vehicle if needed to comply with passenger safety regulations.
• Rental Company Policies: Familiarize yourself with the policies of the rental company regarding towing. Some companies, like Avis, National, and Enterprise (for car rentals), do not allow towing with their vehicles. Make sure you rent from a company that explicitly permits towing to avoid legal issues.

Frequently asked questions