How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV? (Price Guide)

Renting an RV lets you try the lifestyle, or take a single big trip, without owning anything. The nightly rate is only part of the bill, though. Mileage, generator hours, cleaning, insurance, campground fees, and fuel all come on top, and a motorhome burns far more gas than a car.

Three sources cover the ground here. Go RV Rentals publishes an index of average nightly rates, reported by RV News. RVshare lists ranges by RV type. NerdWallet covers longer monthly rentals. They measure different things, so their numbers do not line up exactly.

The Go RV Rentals index reports average nightly rates for four kinds of RV.

Per night, a Type A motorhome averages $343, a Type B averages $252, and a Type C averages $225. A travel trailer is the least expensive at $128. These are averages across many rentals, so an individual listing can sit well above or below them.

The type matters because bigger rigs cost more to build and run. A trailer needs a vehicle that can tow it, which is another cost if you do not already have one. A motorhome includes the engine and driver's seat, so you pay for everything in one booking.

RVshare publishes ranges instead of averages. A range tells you what the market looks like from cheap to premium, and it is usually more useful when you are shopping.

A Class A motorhome runs $150 – $450 per night, a Class B campervan $100 – $350, and a Class C motorhome $100 – $400. Travel trailers come in at $50 – $200 per night and fifth wheel trailers at $60 – $300.

Note that fifth wheels need a truck with a special hitch in the bed, which not every pickup has.

Monthly rentals are priced differently from nightly ones. NerdWallet gives monthly ranges by RV type.

For a month, a towable trailer costs $1,590 – $5,370/mo. A Class C motorhome costs $3,600 – $10,500/mo, a Class B motorhome or campervan $3,840 – $8,190/mo, and a Class A motorhome $5,070 – $12,000/mo.

Monthly rentals often come with mileage limits, so a long trip can add charges quickly. Ask what is included before you book. Some owners offer discounts for longer stays, and others do not.

The sources report different ranges for what looks like the same question. That is not an error. Each one measures something different.

RVshare shows $50 – $450 per night, NerdWallet shows $50 – $300 per night, and the Go RV Rentals average is $198 per night. The differences may come from the mix of RV types counted, the time of year, which listings were included, and whether the figure is an average or a range.

The rental rate is not what you spend each day. Gas, campground fees, and insurance matter too.

RVshare estimates the all-in daily trip cost at $150 – $600 per day including gas, campground, and insurance. That range is wide because trips differ. A short drive to a state park costs far less than a cross-country run with a big motorhome.

• RV type and size.
• Season. Summer and holidays are usually more expensive than the off season.
• Location and demand in that area.
• Rental length.
• Mileage or generator allowances, and extra charges beyond them.
• Insurance, which may be required by the owner or rental company.
• Add-ons such as kitchen kits, bedding, and delivery to a campsite.

Before you book, add up the other expenses.

1. Fuel. Motorhomes use far more fuel than a standard car.
2. Campground or RV park fees.
3. Insurance, if your own policy does not cover a rental.
4. A security deposit, which is usually refunded.
5. Propane, dump station fees, and cleaning.
6. Tolls and parking, which can be higher for larger vehicles.

• Travel in the off season, when owners often lower rates.
• Choose a smaller RV or a trailer if you already have a suitable tow vehicle.
• Compare peer-to-peer listings with traditional rental companies.
• Read the policy on mileage and generator use before you pay.
• Book early for peak dates.

Match the rig to the trip. A campervan suits two people covering distance and sleeping in different places. A trailer works for a family that wants to park for a week and use a separate vehicle for day trips. A large motorhome offers the most space and amenities, with the highest rental and fuel costs.

Think about driving, too. Larger rigs are harder to park and may be restricted on some roads and in some campgrounds. Ask the owner for a walkthrough at pickup, and photograph the RV before you leave so any pre-existing damage is documented.