Renting a Small RV

You’re planning a vacation or camping trip and have heard that renting a small class B RV, recreational vehicle, or camper van is a great choice for transportation and sleeping space. At Escape Camper Vans, we want to ensure you’re prepared for a terrific vacation. We’ll set you up with a comprehensive Van Life Guide and give you all the information you should know about small RV rentals in the rest of this article.

Why Rent an RV?

Renting an RV is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors and embrace the freedom of the open road. With an RV, you can travel to new destinations, enjoy breathtaking scenic views, and spend quality time with family and friends. RV rentals offer a convenient and affordable way to experience the RV lifestyle without the long-term commitment of owning an RV. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a beginner, renting an RV allows you to try out the lifestyle and see if it’s right for you. Imagine waking up to the sound of nature, having all the amenities you need on board, and creating unforgettable memories along the way. With RV rentals, the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination.

Types of Small RVs

Small RVs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each offering unique features and benefits to suit different travel needs. Here are some popular types of small RVs:

• Class B Motorhomes: These compact, fuel-efficient RVs are perfect for couples or small families. They are easy to drive and park, making them ideal for both city and countryside adventures.
• Class C Motorhomes: Slightly larger than Class B motorhomes, Class C RVs offer more space and amenities. They often include additional sleeping areas, making them a great choice for families or groups.
• Pop-Up Campers: Lightweight and easy to tow, pop-up campers are perfect for small families or couples looking for a simple and affordable camping experience. They can be easily set up and provide a comfortable place to sleep.
• Camper Vans: These van-style RVs are compact and versatile, making them perfect for solo travelers or couples. Camper vans offer the convenience of a smaller vehicle with the added benefit of having all the essentials on board.

Each type of small RV has its own advantages, so consider your travel needs and preferences when choosing the right one for your adventure.

Finding a Small RV Rental

Finding a small RV rental is easier than ever, thanks to online RV rental marketplaces like Outdoorsy and RVshare. These platforms allow you to search for RV rentals in your area, filter by price and amenities, and book your rental online. You can browse through a wide selection of RVs, read reviews from previous renters, and find the perfect RV for your trip. Additionally, you can check with local RV dealerships or rental companies to see what options they have available. Whether you’re looking for a compact camper van or a spacious Class C motorhome, there are plenty of options to choose from. Start your search early to secure the best deals and availability for your travel dates.

Top RV Rental Companies

When it comes to renting an RV, choosing a reputable rental company can make all the difference. Here are some top RV rental companies to consider:

• Cruise America: Known for its wide range of RV rentals, Cruise America offers everything from small Class B motorhomes to large Class A motorhomes. They have numerous rental locations across the U.S., making it convenient to pick up and drop off your RV.
• Outdoorsy: This peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace allows you to rent RVs directly from individual owners. Outdoorsy offers a diverse selection of RVs, including camper vans and Class B and Class C motorhomes.
• RVshare: Similar to Outdoorsy, RVshare is a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace that connects renters with RV owners. They offer a wide range of RV rentals, from compact camper vans to spacious Class C RVs.
• Escape Camper Vans: Specializing in camper van rentals, Escape Camper Vans offers uniquely hand-painted vans that are both eye-catching and well-maintained. They provide a great travel experience with all the amenities you need for a comfortable trip.

These companies offer reliable and well-maintained RVs, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable rental experience.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV in the US?

The average cost of an RV rental in the U.S. can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. For a nationwide base range, you’ll find prices from $75 to $450 per night. This is such a big range since the size of the RV can affect prices quite a bit. Smaller class B RVs will be on the lower end of that range, while larger class A and C RVs will be toward the higher end. 

Daily Rental Prices by RV Size 

To give you a better estimate, let’s break down the average rental prices you can expect in the U.S. by the RV’s size.

• Class B RVs (Camper Vans): These are the smallest RVs (about 19 to 24 feet long) and will cost about $75 to $200 per night. Class B rentals often include essential features like bathrooms, making them a convenient and comfortable choice for travelers.
• Class C RVs: These are a step up in size from class B RVs (about 25 to 35 feet long) and cost about $200 to $350 per night.
• Class A RVs: These are the largest RVs (about 30 to 45 feet long) and often come with more premium features that drive up daily rental costs at about $300 to $450+ per day across the U.S.

Most people find that renting a small RV is the best option. Smaller camper vans are much easier to drive and park since they aren’t as long and have more visibility around them. Plus, they generally come with the most essential features you need, like sleeping space, extra storage, and kitchen equipment. Combining that with the cost savings makes them an excellent choice.

Price Variations by State

When searching for information on “renting a small RV near me” or in specific states you’re traveling to, you’ll also notice that prices can fluctuate in different areas across the U.S. 

States with a lot of tourist traffic, like California, Florida, and Texas, often have slightly higher RV rental prices. Plus, you might see more expensive rental prices in areas like New York City that have a generally higher cost of living. 

Escape Camper Vans offers an affordable option with rental locations in higher-priced locations like California, Florida, and New York. We aim to keep prices competitive so anyone can have a great vacation on a budget. 

You can also rent a camper van in a lower-priced location like Phoenix, Arizona, and then take a road trip to a higher-priced state like Texas, stopping at scenic locations along the way. This makes for a great travel experience while avoiding any high in-state prices. 

Seasonal Price Variations

You’ll also notice that daily rental prices vary depending on the season and time of year. Due to high demand in popular travel seasons, most RV or camper van rental companies raise prices. You can often expect rental rates to increase by 25-50% in the biggest travel seasons, like the spring (March through May) or summer (June through August). 

If your travel schedule is flexible, you can often save money by renting an RV and traveling in slower times of the year, like the late fall or winter. It’s a good idea to search for “RV rental near me” during different times of the year to see how prices change in your area and determine the optimal time to travel. 

How the Length of Your Rental Affects Prices

Most RV or camper van rental companies will give discounts if you commit to a longer rental period. Therefore, the daily cost to rent an RV for two weeks would be higher than if you lease a small RV for a month. 

Since daily prices generally go down when you commit to renting for longer, it’s a great opportunity to take longer vacations. Plus, it’s generally cheaper than renting a hotel room to sleep in during that time and paying for other forms of transportation. 

Additional Expenses, Including Mileage Fees, You Need to Consider When Renting an RV in the U.S.

When renting a small RV or camper van, you must consider other expenses in addition to daily rental costs when budgeting for your trip. Let’s review those to ensure you’re as prepared as possible.

• Mileage fees: Most rental companies charge mileage fees of about $0.30-0.40 cents per mile. These are meant to help companies manage maintenance expenses and base prices on how much you use the vehicle. Therefore, it’s important to calculate the distance you’re planning to drive to accurately estimate costs.
• Fuel costs: You’ll need to fill up your RV at least a couple of times while traveling, so make sure you’re considering fuel costs. Certain states, like California, have higher gas prices per gallon. Also, be aware that camper vans get lower gas mileage than a standard car but get better gas mileage than larger class A or C RVs.
• Insurance expenses: When traveling, it’s a good idea to have collision or liability insurance that covers rental vehicles.
• Parking: You can’t park a camper van or RV just anywhere overnight, so you might have to pay for it to get a legal parking space. That said, many cheap options are available, like reserving a campsite. You might also be able to find free parking spots in public rest stops, public lands for boondocking, or big box store parking lots.
• Food and activities: Most small RVs come with kitchen equipment so you can cook your meals, which saves money compared to eating at restaurants. That said, you should still budget for food and the activities you’ll partake in when traveling.
• Service fees: Rental platforms often charge service fees to help maintain their operations, provide customer support, and ensure a secure experience for both guests and hosts. These fees are presented transparently, unlike potential hidden or post-trip fees that renters might face.

Insurance and Protection

When renting an RV, it’s essential to have the right insurance and protection in place. Most RV rental companies offer insurance options, including liability insurance and collision insurance, to cover potential damages and accidents. Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing extra coverage, such as roadside assistance or trip cancellation insurance, for added peace of mind. Before signing your rental agreement, be sure to read the fine print and understand what is covered and what is not. This will help you avoid any unexpected expenses and ensure you’re fully protected during your trip. Having the right insurance allows you to focus on enjoying your adventure without worrying about potential mishaps.

By following these tips and choosing the right rental company, you can have a fantastic RV rental experience and create lasting memories on the road.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV in Texas?

As mentioned earlier, Texas is one of the states where it might cost a bit more to rent an RV. In general, small class B RV rental prices in Texas range from about $80 to $250 per night. Therefore, if you were to rent a small RV for a week in Texas, it would cost you between $560 to $1,750. Larger Class A or C RV rentals in Texas usually range from $250 to $450+ per night. 

During popular tourist seasons, you might even see higher daily rental prices. March and April are popular months for people to travel to Texas when students are on spring break and the state has milder temperatures. Many people also travel to Texas often during the holidays when they can soak up the warmer weather. 

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Small RV in Florida? 

Renting a small RV or camper van in Florida often averages around $75 to $200 per night. When you secure a longer-term rental, prices lean toward the lower end of that range. 

Popular tourist destinations in the state, like Miami or Orlando, might have even higher average daily rental prices, especially during top travel seasons like the spring or fall when the state has milder temperatures. 

How Much Are Payments on a Small RV?

When you see a small RV for sale, you might also wonder about the costs of buying one. 

Class B RV prices typically cost around $60,000 for a vehicle in good condition and $100,000+ for brand-new vehicles. Most people will get an auto loan since that’s a very high upfront cost. With a typical interest rate of 5-6%, a 10% down payment, and loan terms of 10-15 years, you can expect monthly payments to be somewhere between $500 to $1,000+. 

Plus, when you buy a camper van or small RV, you have to consider other expenses like maintenance, regular insurance payments, and potentially storage costs if you can’t park it at home. All that can add up and become costly, especially as the vehicle gets older and needs more maintenance. 

Many people find they prefer going with small RV rentals instead. Rental companies take care of things like maintenance and storage, allowing you to just get in the vehicle and go when you want to take a trip. You also don’t have to deal with such a big commitment of 10-15 years to actually pay it off. 

The average person usually only travels a few times per year, so renting is generally the better choice and will save you money over making monthly payments on an RV that you aren’t always using. 

Additional Tips for Renting an RV

To wrap things up, here are a few extra tips on how to get the most out of a small RV rental.

• Consider a one-way RV rental: Many travelers enjoy renting an RV to stop at scenic places along the way to their destination, such as going from Los Angeles to San Francisco. However, the drive back home can feel like a hassle, so consider a one-way rental where you can drop your RV off at your destination and quickly fly back home instead.
• Research deals and promotions: Some rental companies might have deals and promotions during slower times of the year. Do some research about RV rentals in your area to see if you can find a good price that lowers your travel costs.
• Research companies before renting: When you rent a small RV, you want to make sure it’ll be reliable, well-maintained, and from a company with great customer service. Read some reviews on companies to make sure the one you choose has a history of great quality and service.
• Consider a pop-up camper: Pop-up campers are lightweight, towable RVs that provide comfortable accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts. They are an affordable rental option with amenities like kitchen and sleeping areas, and their collapsible design makes them easy to tow.

Rent Affordable Class B Rentals at Escape Camper Vans

Escape Camper Vans offers affordable rentals in 11 locations across the U.S. Our uniquely hand-painted camper vans are eye-catching and well-maintained, providing you with a great travel experience. 

Our camper vans come with helpful features like:

• Queen size beds
• Foldaway tables and benches
• Propane stove
• Refrigerator
• Sink with a water tank
• Extra storage
• And more

Ready to plan your trip? Reserve a camper van today, or contact us with any other questions.