6 important things to know before renting your first RV

A few years ago, my husband and I packed up our two daughters and flew to Las Vegas, where we embarked on an unforgettable adventure. We spent a week discovering the top national and state parks of the Southwest on our first RV trip. Spoiler: We became RV travel enthusiasts and have taken several more trips since.

Since that first journey, we've learned a lot about RV travel. Here are six tips to help you get ready for your road trip, especially now that RV rentals are gaining popularity for socially distanced family vacations.

1. Licensing requirements and types of RVs

Whenever we mention we're going on an RV trip, people often ask, 'Do you need a special license to drive one?' Rest assured, in all 50 states, RVs under 26,000 pounds (which most are) don't require a special license. There are two main types of RVs: drivable motorhomes and towable ones, with various subcategories in each.

Drivable RVs, commonly known as motorhomes

Drivable RVs, or motorhomes, let you drive and sleep in the same vehicle. There are three classes: A, B, and C. Only Class A motorhomes may exceed 26,000 pounds, potentially requiring a special license, but with many models under that weight, you can easily avoid the heavier ones. So, what sets the three classes apart?

Class A motorhomes are the largest, resembling coach buses. They weigh between 13,000–30,000 pounds and range from 21 to over 41 feet long. Although they offer the most space, I don't recommend renting one for your first trip unless you're experienced with bus-sized vehicles. Parking can be a challenge, and you're limited to spaces that fit their size.

Class B RVs, also called camper vans, are the smallest and easiest to handle. While they're more compact, sleeping fewer people and offering smaller beds and kitchenettes, they're ideal for one or two travelers. Bathrooms, if included, are usually wet baths, sometimes with outdoor showers. These are great for couples but may not suit families or groups.

Class C RVs are ideal for first-time RVers. They offer more space than Class Bs while being easier to drive than Class As. Weighing around 10,000–12,000 pounds, they don’t require a special license and range between 20–38 feet in length. Built on a truck or van frame, they handle like a large truck with wide turns.

Towable RVs

As the name suggests, towable RVs are towed by an SUV or truck, meaning you don't sleep where you drive, unlike motorhomes. Types include fifth wheels, folding trailers, toy haulers, and utility trailers.

Folding or popup trailers are small and lightweight, so most SUVs, trucks, and even some cars can tow them. With canvas sides that extend, they provide space for sleeping, cooking, and lounging. Some models include bathrooms, but many don’t.

Fifth wheels require a special hitch in the bed of a pickup truck. Heavier than most travel trailers, they need high tow-capacity vehicles. These trailers often have split-level layouts and spacious kitchens with islands and full-size appliances, offering a home-like feel.

Travel trailers are similar to fifth wheels, but the key difference is in how they're towed. They don't need special hitches and can be pulled by minivans, SUVs, or trucks. They're also generally smaller than fifth wheels.

Truck campers are perfect for those wanting a rustic experience without the hassle of pitching a tent. The camper sits on the back of a truck, eliminating the need for a hitch. Most models allow you to cook, dine, and sleep comfortably.

2. Top websites for RV rentals

Just like booking a hotel, there are many options for renting an RV. You can rent from traditional RV rental companies, or even from car rental companies like Avis or Enterprise. Peer-to-peer platforms, similar to Airbnb, also offer RV rentals.

RV rental companies

Here are two options if you'd rather rent from a company than a private owner.

Cruise America: With 121 locations nationwide, it's one of the most popular RV rental companies. However, it only rents Class C RVs, so the selection is limited.

El Monte RV: Operating in 27 states, El Monte offers both round-trip and one-way rentals. Like Cruise America, its offerings are limited to Class A and Class C RVs.

For flexible travelers, consider a relocation rental, which can cost as little as $1 and save you a lot on your trip.

Peer-to-peer rental platforms

The two main peer-to-peer RV rental platforms are Outdoorsy and RV Share. Both offer rentals in all states, with Outdoorsy also available in Canada and Australia. My family has used Outdoorsy for our last three RV trips, and it’s often called the 'Airbnb of RVs.' They offer both towable RVs and motorhomes.

While I haven’t personally used RV Share, it operates similarly to Outdoorsy. The key difference is that RV Share is popular for one-way rentals, which is ideal for non-loop trips.

3. Campsites: What you need to know

Getting the RV is just the beginning — you'll also need to book campsites instead of hotels. Campsites vary from basic spots with just parking to luxurious ones with lake views, resort pools, golf courses, and more. Prices range from $35 to $50 per night, but luxury sites can exceed $100, especially with demand so high.

Many campsites offer weekly and monthly discounts for longer stays. Keep in mind that campsites in popular destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park, the Grand Canyon, and other national parks can book up far in advance.

When booking campsites, think about what's included and what matters most to you. Does the site offer water, dump stations, electrical hookups, cable, internet, restrooms, etc.? For electrical hookups, know if your RV requires 30 or 50AMP, or if it has a converter to use either. This is crucial when choosing a spot, as is deciding if you want a pull-through or back-in site. Pull-throughs are often pricier since they're easier to park in—you just drive in and continue forward to leave. Backing in can be more challenging.

Let's talk about the dreaded poop situation.

People always ask, 'Is dealing with the toilet gross?' It’s a valid concern, but it’s actually simple and quick. Most RVs come with gloves for handling the black tank hose (if not, buy some). Dumping the tank takes about five minutes. The RV owner should give you a detailed rundown (record it for reference), and other RVers are usually friendly and willing to help if needed. You can also check out YouTube videos that show the process.

Boondocking

If you're looking to cut costs on campsites, consider boondocking for a night or two. Boondocking is when you're camping off-grid, staying overnight in a parking lot, or at a campsite without hookups — meaning no water, electricity, or sewer access. Always check signs and local regulations to ensure you're allowed to park. You can also find free spots on the Boondockers Welcome website, which connects you with hosts offering private sites.

Just because a campsite doesn’t have hookups doesn’t mean you won’t have access to water or electricity. Before boondocking, fill up your RV's fresh water tank for water use and, if it has a propane tank, use that for power. Just keep in mind these won’t last forever. Most freshwater tanks hold between 20–100 gallons, and a 30-pound propane tank gives about 24 hours of generator use.

4. Average cost of renting an RV

How much does it cost to rent an RV?

Like hotels, RV rental prices can fluctuate significantly based on the time of year, the local cost of living, the RV's capacity, and how modern or luxurious it is. These average prices from Outdoorsy can give you a rough idea, but keep in mind demand may drive prices higher.

• Class A: $175 to $275 per night.
• Class B: $100 to $200 per night.
• Class C: $150 to $200 per night.
• Travel trailer: $50 to $125 per night.
• Fifth wheel: $60 to $150 per night.
• Pop-up trailer: $50 to $100 per night.

Keep in mind, some rentals include a set number of miles, and you may need to pay a per-mile fee if you exceed that. However, some RV rentals do offer unlimited mileage.

5. RV insurance

RV Share includes basic insurance in its rental fees, but you have the option to purchase additional coverage. According to their website, the standard insurance offers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the RV's value, along with $1 million in liability coverage. Additionally, you'll receive free 24/7 roadside assistance and towing as well as tire service. For more details, you can read about their policy here.

Outdoorsy collaborates with Liberty Mutual insurance to provide three coverage levels: Peace of Mind, Essential, or Risk Taker. At the very least, you'll receive up to $1 million in physical damage protection and liability coverage, alongside 24/7 roadside assistance and customer support. More information can be found here.

6. Useful apps for RV travelers

FreeRoam: This app helps you discover free RV camping spots and overnight parking options. It also provides insights into traditional RV campgrounds, including reviews and ratings on campsite crowd levels, cell reception quality, safety, and accessibility.

GasBuddy: GasBuddy shows you the lowest fuel prices in your area and allows you to search by brand and fuel type. Its trip cost calculator is especially useful for budgeting while planning your journey.

RV Checklist: Aids in preparing for your road trip and packing. This app features checklists that are particularly useful for novice RVers who may not know where to begin.

Free Zone Wi-Fi: This app shows you 5 million hotspots across the U.S., provides maps to help you reach them, and sends automatic alerts when you come within range of a Wi-Fi signal.

Coverage?: As you embark on your RV journeys, you’ll soon discover that not all roads provide equal cell service. This app offers a comprehensive cellular coverage map for popular carriers throughout the United States.

In Summary

RVing is an enjoyable adventure that everyone should experience at least once. Keep in mind that RV sites and rentals are currently in high demand, making it a great time to explore this unique way of traveling across the country.

Who knows? You may find yourself falling in love with the RV lifestyle just like we did!