27 RV Rental Mistakes That Cost $500+ (Real Stories)

Real Story: Aaron Olbrich rented an RV through RVshare and declined the security deposit waiver to save money. The owner claimed $2,972 in damages from a leaking air-conditioner vent, alleging Aaron left a vent open during rain. Without before/after videos, RVshare kept his $1,500 deposit and he remained liable for the additional $1,472.

Cost: $1,500 deposit lost + potential $1,472 additional liability = $2,972

How to Avoid:

• Purchase rental company insurance ($25-50/day) or security deposit waiver
• Take comprehensive video walkthrough before and after rental (timestamp it)
• Document odometer, generator hours, and every surface with photos
• Verify your auto insurance covers RVs (most don't cover motorhomes)
• Budget $175-350 for insurance on a week-long rental

Real Story: Low clearance accidents are among the most common RV mishaps. RVers report misjudging overpasses and crashing into them, destroying air conditioners, solar panels, and roof membranes. Road repaving can reduce bridge clearance by up to 2 inches without remeasuring signs.

Cost: $2,000-$10,000+ for roof damage, plus insurance deductible and citations

How to Avoid:

• Know your RV's exact height and add 6 inches for safety margin
• Post height labels (feet + metric) on dashboard and above windshield
• Use RV-specific GPS (avoids low bridges, weight limits, narrow roads)
• When in doubt, stop and measure - don't guess
• Most U.S. overpasses are 14-16 feet, but some states have lower clearances

Real Story: Forum users planning a 2,800-mile trip over 14 days (200 miles/day) discovered too late their rental included only 100 miles/day. At typical overage rates of $0.35-0.50/mile, this adds $490-$700. One rental company charges $1.75/mile - a 700-mile overage would cost $1,225.

Cost: $500-$1,500 depending on excess miles and rental company rate

How to Avoid:

• Calculate your total mileage before booking (use Google Maps)
• Most rentals include 100-150 miles/day - know your allowance
• Overage rates: $0.30-0.50/mile typical, some charge up to $1.75/mile
• Choose unlimited mileage rentals for road trips over 150 miles/day
• See our RV Rental Costs Guide for mileage fee comparison

Real Story: Dave caught his RV awning on a tree while navigating narrow campground roads. The impact sliced the fabric and bent the roller tube. After getting quotes, he paid $544 for fabric, roller tube, and shipping. "After 4 years and lots of driving, I got complacent," he admitted. Wind can also destroy awnings left extended - RVers report awnings ripped off during storms costing $300-$1,500 to repair.

Cost: $544-$1,500 (fabric $198, roller $192, labor $150-500, or full replacement $1,100-$1,800 for electric)

How to Avoid:

• Always retract awning before moving RV - no exceptions
• Retract awning if wind exceeds 15-20 mph
• Watch for tree branches when backing into campsites
• Use a spotter when navigating tight campground roads
• Check weather forecasts - storms develop quickly

Real Story: RV insurance typically doesn't cover tire replacement - only the damage resulting from a blowout. Renters face $300-700 per tire out-of-pocket, and blowouts can cause $1,000-$25,000 in additional damage (wheel wells, undercarriage, brake lines). Security deposits ($500-$1,000) often get applied to uncovered tire damage.

Cost: $300-$700 per tire + $1,000-$25,000 blowout damage to RV

How to Avoid:

• Inspect tires during pre-trip walkthrough (tread depth, cracks, bulges)
• Check tire age - RV tires over 6 years old are dangerous
• Purchase tire and wheel protection if offered ($15-30/rental)
• Drive at or below speed limit - tire failure increases with speed
• Avoid potholes and road debris

Real Story: Rental platforms charge $30-50/hour for late returns (1-hour grace period). However, if your delay disrupts the next renter's booking, you pay the full daily rate for every 8 hours late plus a $100 administrative fee. A 4-hour late return on a $200/day Class C rental = $200 daily rate + $100 admin fee = $300, not just $200 in hourly fees.

Cost: $300-$1,200+ depending on RV class and delay length

How to Avoid:

• Plan to return 2-3 hours early to account for traffic and cleaning
• Set phone alarms for departure time and each checkpoint
• Return time is usually 11 AM-12 PM - know your contract
• Call immediately if you'll be late - some owners are flexible
• Check traffic and weather the night before return day

Real Story: Forum user called their insurance company to verify RV rental coverage. The rep confirmed coverage for rental vehicles but explicitly stated "motor home" was excluded. Renters who discover this after an accident face thousands in liability and damage costs with no insurance protection.

Cost: $2,000-$50,000+ in uncovered liability and damage (varies by accident severity)

How to Avoid:

• Call your auto insurance before booking - verify motorhome coverage
• Don't rely on credit card coverage (often excludes RVs and liability)
• Purchase rental company insurance if your policy doesn't cover RVs
• Get written confirmation of coverage from your insurance agent
• Budget $25-50/day for comprehensive rental coverage

Real Story: "Backing into a campsite is difficult even with experience," RV safety guides warn. New renters commonly hit power pedestals, trees, picnic tables, or other RVs. One rental company notes this is among the most frequent damage claims, running $500-$3,000 depending on what you hit and the damage to your RV.

Cost: $500-$3,000 (plus potential damage to campground property)

How to Avoid:

• Always use a spotter outside the RV when backing up
• Walk the site first - identify obstacles (trees, posts, rocks)
• Practice backing up in empty parking lot before your trip
• Go slow - backing mistakes happen when rushing
• Consider pull-through sites for first rental

Real Story: RV rental companies charge $35-$390 if you return the RV without dumping waste tanks. Roadsurfer charges $390 for this service. Most renters report $75-150 fees. "If you fail to empty your waste tanks before returning your RV, expect to pay," rental policies warn.

Cost: $75-$390 cleaning fee

How to Avoid:

• Dump tanks the morning of return or night before
• Use campground dump stations (usually free for guests)
• Public dump stations cost $10-25 vs. $75-390 return fee
• Learn the dumping process during pre-trip instruction
• Black tank must be emptied first, then gray tank (flushes hose)

Real Story: Most rentals include 2-4 generator hours per day. Overage rates range from $3-$15/hour. NV RV Rentals charges $15/hour for generator overages. Running AC all day in summer heat can rack up 8-10 generator hours daily. Over a week-long trip: 6 hours/day over allowance × 7 days × $5/hour = $210 in unexpected fees.

Cost: $150-$400 per week depending on usage and rate

How to Avoid:

• Know your daily generator hour allowance (typically 2-4 hours)
• Use shore power hookups instead of generator when available
• Run AC only when needed - open windows during cooler hours
• Cook outside to avoid running AC while cooking
• Track generator hours daily (meter on control panel)

Real Story: Planning a trip with "just a little extra" mileage adds up fast. 500 miles over allowance at $0.40/mile = $200. Companies charge $0.30-0.50/mile typically. RVshare hosts set their own overage rates - some charge $0.20/mile, others $0.50/mile.

Cost: $100-$500 depending on excess miles

How to Avoid:

• Map your route and calculate exact mileage before booking
• Add 10-15% buffer for detours and side trips
• Check mileage allowance daily (odometer readings)
• Choose unlimited mileage if your trip exceeds 1,000 miles
• Consider stationary "basecamp" rentals for exploring one area

Real Story: Standard prep/cleaning fees run $50-100, but returning an RV "covered with dirt, soot, trash, food, wine stains" triggers additional cleaning charges. Professional RV detailing costs $20-30 per foot. For a 25-foot Class C: $500-750 deep cleaning. Renters report surprise charges of $150-400 for excessive dirt.

Cost: $150-$750 depending on cleaning needed

How to Avoid:

• Return RV in same condition as received - clean thoroughly
• Sweep/vacuum floors, wipe counters, clean bathroom
• Remove all trash and food items
• Clean refrigerator and turn it off (leave door propped open)
• Spend 1-2 hours cleaning before return vs. $150-400 fee

Real Story: Cruise America charges $250 for pet-related cleaning issues. Carpet stain removal costs $30 per foot professionally. Pet hair removal runs $25 minimum. One renter faced $400 in fees for pet stains and lingering odor requiring professional deodorizing.

Cost: $250-$500 for stains, odor, and deep cleaning

How to Avoid:

• Only book pet-friendly rentals (confirm in writing)
• Use seat covers and blankets to protect upholstery
• Clean pet hair daily with vacuum or lint roller
• Clean accidents immediately - don't let stains set
• Open windows for ventilation to prevent odor buildup

Real Story: RVshare adds a 15% administrative fee to post-trip charges. Outdoorsy charges up to 20% service fee on rentals. These fees can add 50%+ to the advertised nightly rate. A $150/night rental becomes $210/night after platform fees, insurance, and prep fees.

Cost: $200-$600 on week-long rental (15-20% of rental cost)

How to Avoid:

• Get complete written quote before booking (all fees itemized)
• Budget for 15-20% platform fees on peer-to-peer rentals
• Compare total cost (not just nightly rate) between platforms
• Direct rentals from owners may save platform fees (use escrow)
• Read fee disclosures in checkout process carefully

Real Story: Propane refills cost $2-4/gallon at stations, but $5-6/gallon for tank exchanges. Mobile delivery adds $50 service charge. Most RVs have 20-30 gallon tanks. Returning empty: $60-120 cost vs. $10-30 if you refill before return. Some companies charge premium rates ($6-8/gallon) for refilling.

Cost: $100-$240 if company refills vs. $30-80 if you do it

How to Avoid:

• Refill propane at U-Haul or Tractor Supply ($3-4/gallon)
• Check propane level day before return
• Budget $30-80 for propane refill on week-long rental
• Don't use tank exchange (costs more, get less propane)
• Ask owner's preferred refill location during pickup

Real Story: RVshare deposit disputes often hinge on before/after documentation. One renter lost their $1,500 deposit because "they don't have a before and after video" proving damage existed prior. "The clearer your pre-trip documentation, the easier it is to prove what happened," rental guides emphasize.

Cost: $500-$1,500 deposit loss for pre-existing damage

How to Avoid:

• Take comprehensive video walkthrough (timestamp visible)
• Photo document every surface, panel, appliance, scratch
• Record odometer and generator hours at pickup
• Have owner sign acknowledgment of documented damage
• Repeat full documentation at return before owner inspection

Reality: Most listings include a $50-200 prep/cleaning/sanitization fee. First-time renters see the $150/night rate but miss the $150 one-time prep fee, adding 14% to a 7-night rental cost.

Cost: $50-$200 one-time fee

How to Avoid:

• Review full cost breakdown before booking
• Prep fees are standard - budget for them upfront
• Ask what prep fee covers (cleaning, sanitization, tank chemicals)

Reality: Cruise America charges extra to rent cookware, dishes, and bedding. Personal kit (linens, towels, pillows): $70-100/rental. Kitchen kit (pots, pans, utensils): $80-120. Total: $150-220 for "basics" many renters assume are included.

Cost: $70-$220 for kits

How to Avoid:

• Bring your own bedding and towels (saves $70-100)
• Bring basic cooking gear from home (saves $80-120)
• Confirm what's included in rental before booking
• Peer-to-peer rentals usually include these items

Reality: Even without damage, pet hair triggers cleaning fees. Minimum $25 for basic removal, up to $100 if embedded in upholstery. "Renters may need to vacuum thoroughly before return to avoid cleaning fees," policies state.

Cost: $25-$100 pet hair removal

How to Avoid:

• Vacuum RV daily if traveling with pets
• Use lint rollers on upholstery before return
• Bring portable vacuum designed for pet hair
• Spend 30 minutes final cleaning vs. $25-100 fee

Reality: If you can't dump at campgrounds, public dump stations cost $10-25 per visit. Over a 2-week trip without hookups: 2-3 dumps = $30-75. Budget travelers trying to save on campgrounds end up spending more on dump fees.

Cost: $10-$75 total for trip

How to Avoid:

• Stay at campgrounds with hookups (includes free dumping)
• Flying J and Love's offer dump stations ($5 for members)
• Some rest areas have free dump stations
• Use apps to locate free dump stations

Reality: "The most common mistake Outdoorsy sees is renters putting the wrong fuel into the van," industry reports state. Putting gasoline in a diesel engine or vice versa can destroy the engine ($8,000-$15,000 replacement). You're liable for the full cost.

Potential Cost: $8,000-$15,000 engine replacement

How to Avoid:

• Confirm fuel type during pre-trip instruction (write it down)
• Place a large label on dashboard: "DIESEL ONLY" or "UNLEADED ONLY"
• Check fuel cap label before every fill-up
• Pause at pump and verify nozzle matches your fuel type
• If you make a mistake, don't start engine - call roadside assistance

Reality: "ALWAYS bring the slide in before driving," RV manuals warn in bold text. A forgotten slideout can destroy the slide mechanism, exterior panels, and cause $3,000-$10,000 in damage. The impact can also damage buildings, trees, or other vehicles you pass.

Potential Cost: $3,000-$10,000 slideout mechanism and panel damage

How to Avoid:

• Create pre-departure checklist and follow it religiously
• Physically walk around RV before moving - visual check of slideouts
• Place reminder sign on driver's seat: "SLIDEOUTS RETRACTED?"
• Make it a two-person check: one outside confirming, one inside

Reality: "Retract awning if wind exceeds 15-20 mph," RV safety guides recommend. Wind can rip awnings completely off the RV, destroying the fabric, arms, and mounting hardware. Storms develop quickly - always check weather forecasts.

Potential Cost: $300-$1,500 (see Mistake #4)

How to Avoid:

• Check weather forecast morning and evening
• Retract awning before leaving campsite (even for short trips)
• Retract awning at night (storms often hit overnight)
• Don't trust awning tie-downs in wind over 20 mph

Reality: Google Maps doesn't know your RV's height, weight, or length. It routes you under low bridges, down narrow streets, and onto roads with weight restrictions. RV GPS apps prevent these mistakes by providing RV-appropriate routes.

Potential Cost: $2,000-$10,000 bridge strikes, $500-$2,000 stuck/towing

How to Avoid:

• Use RV-specific GPS apps (RV Trip Wizard, Copilot, Good Sam)
• Enter your RV's height, weight, and length into GPS
• GPS shows which lane to use, elevation changes, curve warnings
• Cross-reference routes with RV forums for problem areas

Reality: "Don't skip the pre-trip instruction session by the RV technician," rental guides emphasize. Renters who skip this spend hours struggling with hookups, waste systems, and controls. Worse, they make expensive mistakes operating systems incorrectly.

Potential Cost: $200-$2,000 from operating systems incorrectly

How to Avoid:

• Schedule 90 minutes for pre-trip instruction (don't rush)
• Take notes and photos of control panels and hookup procedures
• Ask owner to demonstrate: hookups, waste system, generator, leveling
• Practice backing up in parking lot before hitting road
• Get owner's phone number for questions during trip

Reality: "There is a surprising amount of storage space, but everything that isn't secured while traveling is subject to movement," renters report. Exceeding weight limits damages tires, suspension, and brakes. Unsecured items become dangerous projectiles during sudden stops.

Potential Cost: $500-$3,000 tire/suspension damage, safety hazard

How to Avoid:

• Ask owner about weight limit and current weight
• Weigh your gear before loading if close to limit
• Use storage bins that secure items during travel
• Distribute weight evenly - heavier items low and centered
• Empty waste tanks before traveling (water is heavy)

Reality: "There are few things that are worse than the sound of an RV backing out when the electrical and sewer hookups are still hooked up," experienced RVers warn. Driving off with hookups attached causes $500-$2,000 damage to hookup panels, RV inlet, and campground pedestal.

Potential Cost: $500-$2,000 hookup damage

How to Avoid:

• Create laminated checklist and place on driver's seat
• Disconnect: shore power, water, sewer (in that order)
• Retract: slideouts, awning, stabilizer jacks, TV antenna
• Secure: outdoor items, doors, cabinets, refrigerator
• Walk around RV completely before entering driver's seat