Which is the Best RV Rental Company?
So, you’re finally planning your first RV road trip. For months, you’ve been anticipating the big event. You’ve already decided on a route filled with incredible scenery and booked the perfect campground. Only one step remains—finding the right RV rental.
Now, when comparing RV rental companies, there are three big names that stand out: RVshare, Cruise America, and Outdoorsy. They are the choice for many RV renters because of their dominant market share. But which among them is the very best?
In this post, we are going to compare these top three national RV rental companies, including the cost to rent an RV and then let you know our top pick for the best RV rental company at the end of the article.
RVshare
RVshare is the pioneer of peer-to-peer RV rentals. The company was established in 2012 after the founders purchased an RV for their honeymoon and later realized the high cost of maintenance. Instead of letting the RV sit idly, they decided to rent it out and offset some of the expenses. Today, RVshare helps over 60,000 RV owners to rent out their rigs across the US. Their popular peer-to-peer RV rental platform gives you access to a wide range of recreational vehicles.
What’s the Cost of Renting an RV with RVshare?
Owner Fees – Every RV owner sets a unique price for their rig depending on the vehicle’s make, model, and age. Some owners require a security deposit for damages, while others have a fee for excess mileage usage. Other expenses include clean-up, dump, pet, and generator usage fees. The average per night pricing ranges from:
● $175 to $300+ for a class A motorhome
● $100 to $200+ a class B motorhome
● $150 to $200+ a class C motorhome
● $50 to $125+ for a travel trailer
● $60 to $150+ for a fifth wheel
● $50 to $100+ for a pop-up camper
Company Fees – Apart from owner fees, there is the service fee, which the company determines. RVshare generally charges 5% of the total amount of the reservation, but this changes from time to time. It also excludes taxes and refundable fees.
Insurance Coverage and Protection
RVshare provides insurance for you and the vehicle so you can have peace of mind when adventuring. Their insurance protection is decent—up to $5000,000 in liability and $200,000 in RV value.
Other Features
● RVshare provides 24/7 emergency roadside assistance whenever you have a flat tire, battery issue, or accidentally lock yourself out of your rig
● You get to enjoy the 5% cash-back loyalty program
Pros
● Thousands of motorhomes and towable rigs to choose from
● Round the clock roadside help
● Membership privileges
Cons
● Less insurance protection compared to other options
● Inventory not diverse in less-populated areas compared to a platform like Outdoorsy
● May not be as responsive to customer needs as you would like
Cruise America
Unlike RVshare and Outdoorsy, which offer RV owners an online marketplace to rent their rigs, Cruise America is a corporate company that rents out its fleet of RVs. The company was founded in 1972 by a Florida native who wanted people to enjoy the benefits of an RV without the costs of buying and maintaining one. Today, it has 132 locations across the US and Canada.
What’s the Cost of Renting an RV with Cruise America?
Cruise America’s RV rental rates are pretty pricey compared to the other companies. While the average rate is $100 per night, you also have to pay 35 cents for every mile you drive. So, if you are going on a long road trip, the numbers could add up significantly. There’s also a generator fee of $3.50 per hour and kitchen utensils and bedding fees if you won’t bring yours. Note that rental costs change depending on the season.
Insurance Coverage and Protection
When you rent a rig with Cruise America, it comes with liability coverage of up to $1 million. There’s also a security deposit of $500 refundable upon the return of the rig.
Other Features
● Free towing and expense reimbursement plan for mechanical breakdowns
● Great Seasonal deals
● One-way rentals are available, and they are very affordable
Pros
● Their vehicles are inspected to ensure they are in pristine condition before being rent out
● Their rental options include some of the latest RV models
● Pets allowed in all RVs (may be a con if you are allergic to pets)
● No free mileage, so long trips can rack up the costs
● They primarily offer trimmed-down Class C motorhomes which means you can’t rent luxury Class A’s, camper vans, travel trailers, tent campers and toy haulers.
● Rental locations are limited to metro areas
● The rental process is longer and more complex
● A pattern of complaints from renters
Outdoorsy
Fondly known as the Airbnb for RVs, Outdoorsy is widely considered the best rental marketplace for new and experienced RVers. Launched in 2015, the company has grown exponentially to become one of the most trusted RV rental platforms globally. Over 15,000 RV owners use it to list their rigs, and the company’s goal is to make the 56 million idle RVs across the world accessible for hire. To build trust with renters, any person who wants to rent out their RV has to pass an application.
What’s the Cost of Renting an RV with Outdoorsy?
Owner Fees – Since RVs are rented out by individual owners, prices may vary significantly. Ideally, the prices reflect the market of the location you want to rent from. The type of your RV and season also influences the cost. Some owners may also charge for additional amenities provided, cleaning fees, and extra mileage. Their per night rates range from:
● $175 to $275+ for a class A motorhome
● $100 to $200+ for a class B motorhome
● $150 to $200+ for a class C motorhome
● $50 to $125+ for a travel trailer
● $60 to $150+ for a fifth wheel
● $50 to $100+ for a pop-up camper
Company Fees – Outdoorsy’s service fee depends on the total amount of your reservation. This can be anywhere between 5% and 20% of your booking subtotal. Discounts are frequently offered.
Insurance Coverage and Protection
Outdoorsy is known for its industry-leading insurance protection, covering up to $250,000 for comprehensive collision damage and up to $1 million for liability insurance.
Other Features
● Outdoorsy provides 24/7 roadside assistance
● They offer 24/7 RV technical support in case you need help operating some components
Pros
● Has thousands of motorhome and camper rental options
● You can find RV rentals pretty much anywhere in the US and Canada
● Offers great insurance protection
● They have a platform that’s easy to search for and book the perfect RV
● Boasts over 5,000 5-star reviews
● Incredible customer service
Cons
● Not all RVs are pet-friendly (which may be a pro if you are allergic to pets)
Our Recommendation: Outdoorsy is the Best RV Rental Company
If you want a rental company that goes above and beyond to improve your rental experience, we highly recommend Outdoorsy. The company’s overwhelming number of positive reviews (93% 5-star rating) highlights their excellent service and reliability. For a reasonable rate, you’ll easily find the perfect rig to take you on your much-awaited road trip. And let’s not forget their insurance protection packages beat all others. Note: Go RV Rentals is an affiliate marketing partner with Outdoorsy and may receive remuneration if you rent an RV through their platform after being referred there via our website. No additional fees are incurred with our free service to you. In fact, you can save money by using our Outdoorsy promo code.
Now you know, whenever you need an RV rental company you can trust, Outdoorsy is your best bet. Rent your ride and tick off that destination from your bucket list.
