Renting a rig is a great way to try out RVing—here are some tips to make the process easier for first-time renters–
The following written content by Sanna Boman
Camping chairs are included with many RV rentals. | Photo: Sanna Boman
Renting an RV is an easy and affordable way to try out the RV lifestyle without committing to a major purchase. As someone who typically tent camps—but doesn’t always enjoy it—I recently decided to rent a motorhome for a trip to the desert. It was the perfect excuse to elevate my camping experience and get a taste of what sleeping in the great outdoors could look like with (most of) the luxuries of home.
There are plenty of options available for those looking to rent an RV. In my experience, peer-to-peer platforms (for any type of rental, not just RVs) typically offer a greater range of options at a lower price point than traditional rental companies. So I started by scrolling through listings on RVshare and Outdoorsy until I found exactly what I was looking for: A 24-foot Jayco Redhawk Class C motorhome, located not too far from me and available during my requested dates.
While I’ll admit that driving a vehicle of this size on California freeways during rush hour was a bit nerve-racking at first, it ended up being the perfect choice for the trip. Despite dry camping far from amenities, I had a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and a plush bed to keep me comfortable, warm, and well-rested during the entire trip.
I live in a busy city with limited parking, and owning an RV is not the most practical choice for me. However, being able to rent one for trips like this is a great option, and I will definitely do it again.
Here are six things I learned from my experience as a first-time RV renter.
1. Pick your own level of commitment
Renting an RV is a great way to ease into RVing and future vehicle ownership, and you can start as basic as you’d like. Perhaps you want to try sleeping in a motorhome or trailer, but you’re not quite ready for driving or towing a big rig yet. Rent from an owner who offers delivery, and have them deliver the rig to the campsite for you. Then all you need to do is show up to camp without worrying about things like parking, leveling, connecting to hookups, or emptying tanks.
I wanted more of the full experience, so I rented a motorhome, drove it to my destination, and set up camp myself. However, I did pay extra to have the owners dump the black and gray tanks at the end of the trip. Dumping is a natural part of RV ownership—but having someone else do it for you is a nice perk of renting.
2. Make sure you ask for a proper walkthrough
Even if you have previous RV experience, you’ll want to get a thorough walkthrough of the unit you’re renting. All RVs are different, and you want to make sure you know how your specific one works, including any quirks or tricks. It’s a good idea to film the walkthrough on your phone in case you need to reference something later. This is also a good time to ask any questions—no matter how stupid they might sound—and ask for demonstrations. Have the owner show you how to turn on the generator, open and close slides, and check the battery and tank levels. Make sure you know where hoses, batteries, and fuse boxes are located.
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