RV rental prices range from $75 to $300 per day depending on the vehicle size, season, and how far in advance you book

A small Class B motorhome (basically a van with a bed and kitchen) typically costs $100 to $150 per day. A mid-size Class C runs $150 to $250 per day. Large Class A diesel pushers can reach $250 to $400 per day. These are ballpark figures — the same RV rents for less in November than in July, and less on a Tuesday than a Friday. Peak season (May through September) adds 30 to 50 percent to the base rate.

The rental company's location matters as much as the vehicle type. An RV renting for $120 per day in rural Montana might cost $180 per day in Southern California or near national parks. Booking 60 days ahead typically saves 15 to 25 percent compared to booking two weeks out. Last-minute bookings (under a week) often cost more, though some companies discount heavily to fill inventory.

Beyond the daily rate, you will pay a mileage fee (usually 25 to 50 cents per mile), a damage waiver (often $15 to $35 per day), and a generator fee if you want to run air conditioning off-grid ($5 to $15 per day). Fuel is your responsibility. Propane for the stove and heater is sometimes included; sometimes it is not. Bedding, kitchen utensils, and towels may be included or cost $50 to $150 extra.

Key Takeaways

  • Daily rates start around $100 for a small Class B and climb to $250 or more for a large Class A, with seasonal swings of 30 to 50 percent.
  • Mileage fees (25 to 50 cents per mile), damage waivers ($15 to $35 per day), and generator fees ($5 to $15 per day) are separate from the base rental rate.
  • Booking two months ahead typically saves 15 to 25 percent; booking within a week often costs more.
  • Fuel, propane, and optional add-ons like bedding kits can add $200 to $500 to a week-long rental.

How the daily rate breaks down by RV size

Class B motorhomes are the smallest and cheapest option. They sleep two to four people, have a compact kitchen and bathroom, and fit in a standard parking space. Rental companies charge $100 to $150 per day. You are essentially renting a well-equipped van. These work for couples or small families on a tight budget, but the confined space becomes noticeable on a two-week trip.

Class C motorhomes are the middle ground. They sleep four to eight, have a full kitchen and bathroom, and sit on a truck chassis. Daily rates run $150 to $250. They are the most common rental because they balance comfort and cost. The trade-off is that they are harder to park and maneuver than a Class B, and fuel economy is worse.

Class A motorhomes are the largest and most expensive. They sleep six to ten, have multiple slide-outs for extra living space, and feel like a small apartment on wheels. Daily rates start at $250 and easily reach $350 to $400 for newer models. Fuel costs are high, and parking in towns becomes a real problem. Most people rent these for longer trips where the extra space justifies the expense.

Travel trailers and fifth wheels are towed behind your own vehicle (or a rental truck). They cost less per day than motorhomes — typically $60 to $150 — but you pay separately to rent the tow vehicle. The math often works out similar to a Class C motorhome, but you get more living space for the money. The downside is setup time at each campground and the skill required to back up and level the trailer.

Seasonal pricing and booking timing

Summer (June through August) is peak season everywhere. Rates are highest, availability is tightest, and you may face minimum rental lengths of five to seven days. A Class C that rents for $180 per day in April might cost $250 in July. National park gateways and coastal areas see even steeper premiums.

Shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) offer a middle ground. Rates drop 15 to 30 percent from peak, and you have more flexibility on dates and minimum stays. Fall is particularly good if you can travel in late September or early October — the weather is still pleasant in most regions, but families are back in school and prices fall.

Winter (November through March) is cheapest, especially in cold climates where RV travel is less common. Rates can be 40 to 50 percent below summer. The trade-off is limited campground availability, shorter daylight hours, and the need to winterize systems or avoid freezing. Southern regions like Arizona and Florida stay busy year-round but still see winter discounts compared to summer.

Booking 60 days ahead typically unlocks the best rates. Most companies offer a 10 to 25 percent discount for advance bookings. Booking two to three weeks out puts you in the middle of the pricing curve. Booking within a week usually costs a premium unless the company has excess inventory they need to move quickly.

Hidden fees that add up fast

The daily rate is only the starting point. Mileage fees are charged per mile driven and typically range from 25 to 50 cents per mile. On a 1,000-mile trip, that is $250 to $500 extra. Some companies offer unlimited mileage for an extra $10 to $20 per day, which makes sense if you plan to drive more than 100 miles per day.

Damage waivers (also called loss damage waivers or LDWs) reduce your financial liability if the RV is damaged. They cost $15 to $35 per day and are optional but strongly recommended. Without one, you could be liable for thousands in repair costs. Read the fine print — some waivers exclude certain types of damage or have high deductibles.

Generator fees run $5 to $15 per day if you want to run air conditioning, microwave, or other high-power appliances when parked without shore power. Many campgrounds provide electrical hookups, so you may not need this every night, but budget for it on boondocking days.

Fuel surcharges are rare but appear occasionally when gas prices spike. Cleaning fees ($75 to $200) are charged if you return the RV dirty inside or out. Propane refills may be your responsibility if you use more than what came in the tank. Bedding and kitchen kits cost $50 to $150 if not included. Some companies charge $25 to $50 to deliver or pick up the RV from your location instead of their office.

Fuel costs and how to estimate them

RV fuel economy is poor compared to cars. A Class B gets 18 to 22 miles per gallon. A Class C gets 10 to 14 mpg. A Class A gets 6 to 10 mpg. Diesel fuel is often cheaper per gallon than gasoline but Class A motorhomes use a lot of it.

For a 1,000-mile trip in a Class C averaging 12 mpg, you will burn roughly 83 gallons. At $3.50 per gallon (prices vary by region and time), that is $290 in fuel. Add that to a $200 per day rental ($1,400 for a week) and mileage fees ($250 to $500), and fuel becomes a significant line item. Budget for fuel separately from the rental rate.

Fuel prices fluctuate, so check current prices in the regions you will travel. Diesel is often available at truck stops and is sometimes cheaper than gasoline, but availability varies. Plan your route to avoid remote areas where fuel is scarce or expensive.

Comparing one-way rentals and local pickups

Most RV rentals are local pickups — you rent and return to the same location. Some companies offer one-way rentals where you pick up in one city and drop off in another. One-way rentals typically cost 30 to 50 percent more than a round-trip rental of the same length because the company has to position the vehicle back to its home base.

One-way makes sense if you are doing a long cross-country trip and do not want to backtrack. It does not make sense for a week-long loop from your home city. Calculate both options before booking. A one-way rental from Los Angeles to Las Vegas might cost $1,800 for a week; the same week as a round-trip from Los Angeles might cost $1,200.

Delivery and pickup services are available from some companies for an extra fee ($50 to $150 each way). This saves you a trip to their office but adds to the total cost. If you are renting for a week or longer, the convenience may be worth it.

Where to book and what to compare

Major RV rental companies include Cruise America, El Monte RV, and Outdoorsy (a peer-to-peer platform similar to Airbnb). Regional companies often have lower rates than national chains. Costco Travel offers discounted RV rentals to members at select companies.

When comparing quotes, make sure you are looking at the same vehicle type, the same dates, and the same add-ons. One quote might include a damage waiver and unlimited mileage; another might not. The lowest daily rate is not always the best deal if hidden fees are higher.

Read recent reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or RV-specific forums. Pay attention to complaints about damage charges, unexpected fees, or vehicle condition. A company with slightly higher rates but better reviews may save you money and stress.

Ask about cancellation policies before booking. Most companies allow free cancellation up to 30 days before the rental; some charge a fee for cancellations within 14 days. Travel insurance that covers RV rentals is available and costs $50 to $150 for a week-long rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special driver's license to rent an RV?

No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for Class B and Class C motorhomes in all states. Some states require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for Class A motorhomes over a certain weight, but most rental Class As do not trigger this requirement. Check your state's DMV website or ask the rental company before booking.

What happens if I damage the RV?

Without a damage waiver, you are liable for all repair costs, which can easily exceed $5,000 for major damage. With a damage waiver, your liability is usually capped at a deductible ($500 to $1,500). Read the waiver terms carefully — some exclude damage from towing, off-road driving, or hitting low-hanging branches. Take photos of the RV before leaving the lot and document any existing damage.

Can I rent an RV for just a weekend?

Yes, but weekend rates are often higher than weekday rates, and some companies have three-day minimums. A Friday-to-Sunday rental might cost $600 to $800 for a Class C, compared to $500 to $700 for a Monday-to-Thursday rental of the same length. Book early if you want a weekend rental during peak season.

Is propane included in the rental?

Usually the RV comes with a full propane tank, but whether refills are your responsibility varies by company. Some include one free refill; others charge per gallon. Ask before you book. Propane is inexpensive (usually $3 to $5 per gallon at RV parks), so this is a minor cost unless you are boondocking for weeks.

What if I go over the mileage limit?

You pay the per-mile overage fee, typically 25 to 50 cents per mile. There is no hard limit — you can drive as much as you want, but each mile costs money. If you plan to drive more than 100 miles per day, buy unlimited mileage upfront; it usually costs $10 to $20 per day and saves money in the long run.