The Cheapest Way To Rent An Rv For A Month

Appealing to all types and ages of vacationers; from romantic getaways to group road trips, to family adventures, traveling with an RV is rapidly growing in popularity. However, when it comes to renting an RV for a month, the information available is almost overwhelming and the additional costs seem to just keep increasing.

But all hope is not lost. By drawing up a clear and realistic plan of your holiday, you can begin to budget and shop around for the RV vacation of your dreams. Ensure that you know the type of RV you want, research the company you are renting from, and highlight any additional costs ranging from insurance to where you plan to stay at night.

In doing so, you’ll ensure that you are seizing the best deal for yourself. Keep reading for more information on the types of RV and their costs, additional expenses, other options, and some splendid money saving tips!

Types of RV and their average rates

The first thing to consider when planning your RV vacation is the type of RV best for your trip. The average cost of renting an RV for a month is $1500 to $4500, breaking down to an average cost of $50 to $150 per night.

Class A Motorhome  

Costing an average of $4,000 to $8,000 to rent per month, the class A motorhome is by far the most expensive. The biggest type of RV, seating 8 – 12 people and coming complete with a full bathroom, kitchen, living quarters and potentially other amenities such as a washing machine or an entertainment system.

Class C Motorhome

Costing an average of $3,000 to $6,000 to rent per month. Complete with living space, convertible tables and couches/beds, the class C is extremely similar to the class A in many ways, except for its more modest size which is reflected in the price.

Class B

Often referred to as a camper van, the class B can cost an average of $2,000 to $5,500 to rent per month. Including a shower, toilet and fridge, the compact class B is much easier to drive than its gigantic cousins. Ideal for no more than two people, the class B is also a great way to save on fuel.

Travel Trailer

Using a ball and coupler to attach to the towing vehicle, a travel trailer costs an average of $1,500 to $3,750 to rent per month. Costing a fraction of the price of a class A motorhome, a travel trailer is fully detachable, meaning you can keep your regular vehicle for quick trips upon vacation. With multiple slide outs, two or more bedrooms and a variety of floor plan layouts, the travel trailer is a good cheap-to-mid range option.

Fifth Wheel

Ranging from an average of $1,800 to $4,500 to rent per month, the fifth wheel trailer can be more expensive than a travel trailer. The main difference is that a fifth wheel uses a jaw hitch to attach to the bed of your truck, placing more weight directly over the rear axle, resulting in more manoeuvrability. However, the fifth wheel also includes slightly more luxurious amenities.

Pop-Up and Tear-Drop Campers

From an average of $1,200 to $2,500 to rent per month, a pop-up or tear-down camper is by far the cheapest way to travel whilst still maintaining an RV type vacation. Trailer towed by a vehicle; the pop-up camper also allows you to sleep in a residential-style bed. Many are also equipped with an inside cooking area and a toilet, combining motorhome luxuries with an affordable price.

Companies and their additional costs

The cheapest way to rent an RV for a month is through peer-to-peer RV rental companies. They connect RV owners with those looking to rent an RV, thus having a large selection at a variety of prices. Many peer-to-peer rental companies will also have fantastic deals and discounts, allowing you to save even more on your holiday.

It is, however, important to understand what amenities are included and at what extra cost. Such extras will often include fuel, mileage fees, generator fees, cleaning fees, extra equipment, and insurance.

Keep any additional fees in mind when planning and budgeting your trip, cut down on the price of unnecessary amenities by asking the RV owner if you can rent without them. Remember that a smaller RV, while being cheaper to rent itself, will also be cheaper when it comes to fuel and insurance.

Where to stay at night

When planning your RV vacation, it is also important not to forget about campsite fees. On average, campsites range from $30 to $60 per night, but can soar to $100 per night for a luxury RV park. Ensure that you do your research about the cost of the campsites along your route and plan accordingly.

Alternatively, you can also choose to boondock, staying on public property such as the woods or a beach. With no basic amenities i.e., water and electric, boondocking is a fantastic way to save money and experience true camping, whilst having the basic comforts met by your choice of RV.

National parks, such as Yellowstone, are also an excellent choice. Many offer monthly passes to accommodate a longer stay, and the Grand Canyon charges as little as $10 per night for the NPS (National Park Service) site—a complete bargain!

Other Options

For those on a strict shoestring budget, there are plenty of other great options to help you save money. Sites and apps such as Craigslist are also great ways to find RVs, and since Craigslist is free, there are no transaction fees like those you would get from an agency. Be on the lookout for any potential scams though! Similarly, Facebook groups are also a great way to find local deals.

Alternatively, you can also investigate options such as planning your trip during an off-peak season. This will allow you to make the most of low cost offers and, more often than not, not have to deal with fully booked and overcrowded campsites or other places to stay. As summer is by far the most expensive season, try to plan your vacation for the fall, winter, or early spring to enjoy a full RV vacation at a fraction of the cost.