So you’re thinking about renting an RV for the first time? Welcome to one of the most exciting adventures you’ll ever experience! As someone who’s helped hundreds of families plan their first RV trips, I can tell you that while it might seem overwhelming at first, renting an RV is easier than you think.

Why Rent an RV?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why RV travel has exploded in popularity:

  • Freedom & Flexibility: Travel on your own schedule, change plans on the fly
  • Cost-Effective: Combines transportation and accommodation into one
  • Family Bonding: Quality time without hotel rooms and restaurants
  • Access to Nature: Camp in stunning locations inaccessible to hotels
  • Safety: Your own private space with kitchen, bathroom, and beds

Types of RVs Available for Rent

Understanding RV classes is crucial for choosing the right rental:

Class A Motorhomes

  • Size: 26-45 feet
  • Sleeps: 4-8 people
  • Cost: $200-500/night
  • Best For: Large families, luxury seekers, experienced drivers
  • Pros: Most spacious, full amenities, easier to live in
  • Cons: Hardest to drive, worst gas mileage (6-10 mpg)

Class B Motorhomes (Campervans)

  • Size: 18-24 feet
  • Sleeps: 2-4 people
  • Cost: $150-300/night
  • Best For: Couples, small families, city parking
  • Pros: Easy to drive, great gas mileage (15-20 mpg), stealth camping
  • Cons: Limited space, smaller bathroom, less storage

Class C Motorhomes

  • Size: 20-33 feet
  • Sleeps: 4-8 people
  • Cost: $175-400/night
  • Best For: First-timers, families, balanced needs
  • Pros: Good balance of space and drivability, over-cab sleeping area
  • Cons: Moderate gas mileage (8-14 mpg)

Travel Trailers

  • Size: 12-35 feet
  • Sleeps: 2-10 people
  • Cost: $75-250/night
  • Best For: Those with tow vehicles, budget-conscious travelers
  • Pros: Cheapest option, use tow vehicle for day trips, easier storage
  • Cons: Requires proper tow vehicle, backing up is tricky, setup time

How Much Does RV Rental Cost?

Let’s break down the real costs (2025 pricing):

Rental Rates

  • Peak Season (June-August): Add 30-50% to base rates
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Standard rates
  • Off-Season (November-March): Save 20-40%

Additional Costs to Budget For

  1. Mileage: Most rentals include 100-150 free miles/day, then $0.35-0.50/mile
  2. Generator: $3-5/hour of use (often limited hours included)
  3. Propane: $25-50 to refill
  4. Campground Fees: $30-80/night for full hookups
  5. Gas: Budget $300-600 for a week-long trip depending on RV type
  6. Insurance: $15-50/day
  7. Cleaning Fee: $75-200 if not returned clean
  8. Prep Fee: $50-150 (one-time fee)

Total Cost Example (1-week Class C rental):

  • Rental: $250/night x 7 = $1,750
  • Mileage: 500 extra miles x $0.40 = $200
  • Generator: 20 hours x $4 = $80
  • Campgrounds: $50/night x 7 = $350
  • Gas: $450
  • Insurance: $30/day x 7 = $210
  • Prep fee: $100
  • Total: $3,140 (about $450/day for family of 4)

Compare that to hotels ($200/night), car rental ($80/day), and restaurants ($150/day for family) = $430/day without the RV experience!

Where to Rent Your RV

Peer-to-Peer Platforms

RVshare and Outdoorsy connect you with private RV owners:

  • âś… Wider selection, often cheaper
  • âś… More personal service, owner tips
  • ❌ Variable quality and cleanliness
  • ❌ Less consistent policies

Traditional Rental Companies

Cruise America, El Monte RV, Road Bear:

  • âś… Consistent quality and standards
  • âś… Nationwide locations
  • âś… 24/7 roadside assistance
  • ❌ Generally more expensive
  • ❌ Less character/uniqueness

My Recommendation: First-timers should consider traditional rental companies for peace of mind, then try peer-to-peer on future trips.

Booking Your First RV Rental: Step-by-Step

1. Plan 3-6 Months Ahead

  • Peak season books up fast
  • Early booking discounts available
  • More vehicle selection

2. Choose Your RV Size Wisely

Don’t oversize! Most first-timers regret going too big:

  • 2 people: Class B or small Class C (under 25’)
  • 4 people: Class C (25-30’)
  • 6+ people: Large Class C or Class A (30-35’)

3. Read Reviews Carefully

Look for mentions of:

  • Cleanliness
  • Owner/company responsiveness
  • Mechanical issues
  • Hidden fees
  • Accurate descriptions

4. Ask These Questions Before Booking

  • What’s included? (Bedding, kitchen supplies, chairs, hoses?)
  • What’s the cancellation policy?
  • Is there 24/7 roadside assistance?
  • Are there mileage limits?
  • What happens if there’s a mechanical breakdown?
  • Do you provide a pre-rental tutorial?

5. Get Proper Insurance

Your options:

  1. Rental company insurance: Most comprehensive but expensive
  2. Your auto insurance: Call to verify RV coverage
  3. Credit card coverage: Often covers collision damage
  4. Third-party RV insurance: Companies like RV Rental Insurance

Pro Tip: Never skip liability insurance!

What to Pack for Your RV Trip

Already in Most Rentals

  • Bedding (sometimes)
  • Kitchen basics (pots, pans, utensils)
  • Bathroom essentials (toilet, shower)
  • Water hoses and electrical cords

You Need to Bring

  • Food & Water: Stock up before your first night
  • Toilet Paper: RV-safe only! (Scott 1000 or similar)
  • Cleaning Supplies: Paper towels, trash bags, dish soap
  • Personal Items: Toiletries, medications, clothing
  • Tools: Flashlight, duct tape, zip ties
  • Entertainment: Books, games, outdoor gear
  • Leveling Blocks: Sometimes not included
  • Surge protector for electrical hookups ($50-150 investment)
  • Water pressure regulator
  • Disposable gloves
  • Camping chairs and outdoor rug
  • BBQ grill or portable stove

First-Time RV Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Doing the Walk-Through

Take your time! Ask for:

  • Slideout operation
  • Awning deployment
  • Black/gray tank dumping demo
  • Hookup procedures
  • Generator operation
  • Appliance tutorials

Take videos of everything - you’ll forget 50% within an hour.

2. Overpacking

RVs have weight limits! Overpacking can:

  • Damage the RV (expensive!)
  • Create unsafe driving conditions
  • Reduce gas mileage further
  • Void your rental agreement

Rule of thumb: If you’re carrying it in, you probably don’t need it.

3. Not Planning Campground Reservations

Book campgrounds in advance, especially for:

  • National parks (6 months ahead)
  • Popular summer weekends
  • Holiday periods
  • Beach locations

Apps like Campendium and The Dyrt are essential for finding and booking sites.

4. Ignoring Weight Distribution

  • Don’t put everything in the back
  • Do distribute weight evenly side-to-side
  • Secure everything before driving (cabinets, drawers, loose items)

5. Forgetting to Retract Before Driving

Check these every single time before moving:

  • âś“ Slideouts retracted
  • âś“ Awning rolled up
  • âś“ TV antenna down
  • âś“ Steps retracted
  • âś“ All exterior compartments closed and locked
  • âś“ Power cord disconnected
  • âś“ Water hose disconnected
  • âś“ Sewer hose stored

Create a physical checklist and tape it to the dashboard.

Driving an RV: What You Need to Know

It’s Easier Than You Think!

  • Modern RVs have power steering and automatic transmissions
  • Backup cameras are standard
  • You’ll adapt within the first hour

Key Driving Tips

  1. Take it slow: Drive 5-10 mph under speed limit
  2. Wide turns: Swing wide to avoid curbs
  3. Check clearances: Low bridges, drive-thrus, gas stations
  4. Mirror awareness: Check constantly, know your width
  5. Plan your route: Avoid tight city streets and low clearances
  6. Brake early: Takes longer to stop
  7. Wind awareness: Semis and wind gusts will push you

Backing Up

  • Practice in empty parking lot before your trip
  • Use a spotter (agree on hand signals first)
  • Go slow - inch by inch
  • When in doubt, pull forward and restart
  • Consider pull-through sites for your first trips

Campground Etiquette

The Good Neighbor Rules

  1. Quiet hours: Usually 10pm-8am
  2. Keep pets leashed and pick up waste
  3. Don’t walk through other sites
  4. Respect generators hours: Usually off 10pm-8am
  5. Keep your site clean
  6. Mind your awning and slideouts: Don’t encroach on neighbors

Hookup Order

Arriving:

  1. Level the RV (front-to-back, then side-to-side)
  2. Extend slideouts
  3. Connect electrical (30 or 50 amp)
  4. Connect water
  5. Connect sewer (if staying more than a night)

Leaving:

  1. Disconnect sewer, flush hose, store securely
  2. Disconnect water, drain hose
  3. Disconnect electrical, store cord
  4. Retract slideouts
  5. Raise jacks/levelers

Dumping Tanks: The Least Fun (But Necessary) Part

Don’t be scared - it’s easier than you think!

The Process

  1. Wear gloves!
  2. Connect sewer hose to RV outlet
  3. Put other end in dump station hole
  4. Open black tank valve first (let it fully drain)
  5. Close black valve
  6. Open gray tank valve (this rinses the hose)
  7. Close gray valve
  8. Disconnect and rinse hose
  9. Store everything

Pro Tips

  • Only dump when tanks are 2/3+ full
  • Use RV-specific toilet paper
  • Add tank treatment to prevent odors
  • Never dump on the ground (massive fines!)
  • Use “poop gloves” you throw away after

Money-Saving Tips for RV Rentals

  1. Book early: Save 10-20%
  2. Travel off-season: Save 30-50%
  3. Join Good Sam: Campground discounts (10-20% off)
  4. Boondock when possible: Free camping on BLM/Forest Service land
  5. Skip the extras: Bring your own bedding, kitchen supplies
  6. Return it clean: Avoid $150+ cleaning fees
  7. Watch your mileage: Plan efficient routes
  8. One-way rentals: Sometimes cheaper than round-trip
  9. Weekly rates: Usually 15-20% off daily rates
  10. Fill up outside rental lot: Gas at return locations is marked up

Your First Night: What to Expect

It Will Feel Weird

  • RVs make noises (creaks, rattles, furnace cycling)
  • Beds are smaller than home
  • You’ll hear neighbors and wildlife
  • Temperature regulation takes practice

Make It Comfortable

  • Test heat/AC before bedtime
  • Close all vents and windows if cold
  • Park in shade if hot
  • Use campground-provided power (save propane)
  • Set up your outdoor space (chairs, rug, lights)

The Magic Moment

That first morning, opening your door to nature, coffee in hand, no hotel checkout time - that’s when you’ll understand why people love RV travel.

Resources for Planning Your Trip

Essential Apps

  • Campendium: Campground reviews and booking
  • The Dyrt: Campground discovery
  • AllStays: Dump stations, campgrounds, Walmart locations
  • Gas Buddy: Find cheapest fuel
  • RV Parky: Overnight parking spots
  • iOverlander: Free camping spots

Helpful Websites

  • FreeCampsites.net: Free boondocking locations
  • Recreation.gov: National park reservations
  • RVillage: RV community and advice
  • YouTube: Search “[your RV model] walkthrough”

Final Thoughts: Just Do It!

I remember my first RV rental - I was terrified of driving it, dumping tanks, and looking like a rookie. But here’s the truth: everyone was a first-timer once, and the RV community is incredibly welcoming and helpful.

Your first trip won’t be perfect. You’ll forget to retract your step. You might take a wrong turn. The black tank valve will be slightly intimidating. That’s all normal and okay.

What matters is that you’re about to experience travel in a completely new way. You’ll wake up to mountain views, fall asleep under the stars, and create memories that hotel stays simply can’t match.

Ready to Book Your First RV?

Check out our city-specific RV rental guides to find the best rental companies in your area:

Or browse our complete campground reviews to start planning your route!

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below - our team of experienced RVers is here to help!

About the Author: Sarah Jenkins has been traveling and writing about RV adventures for 8 years. She’s helped thousands of families plan their first RV trips and specializes in making RV travel accessible for beginners.