What you need to know before renting a camper trailer
Renting a camper trailer costs between $75 and $300 per night depending on the trailer size, season, and how far in advance you book. You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance that covers towing (most personal auto policies do not). The rental company will inspect the trailer before you leave and again when you return, charging you for any damage beyond normal wear.
Unlike renting a car, you're responsible for operating equipment you may have never used before — the water system, propane appliances, brake controls, and leveling jacks. Most rental companies require you to watch a walkthrough video or attend an in-person orientation, and some charge extra if you decline. You'll also need to know your vehicle's towing capacity before you book, because a trailer that's too heavy for your car will damage it and void your rental agreement.
Camper trailers range from small teardrop models (under 2,000 pounds) that sleep two people to large fifth-wheel trailers (over 10,000 pounds) that sleep eight. The heavier the trailer, the more fuel you'll burn and the more carefully you'll need to drive. Many renters underestimate how much their towing vehicle will struggle on hills or in wind, so be honest about your comfort level with towing before you choose a model.
Key Takeaways
- You must know your vehicle's towing capacity before you book, because exceeding it will damage your car and violate the rental agreement.
- Rental companies charge $75 to $300 per night and require a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance that covers towing.
- You are responsible for damage to the trailer and for learning to operate systems like water, propane, and brakes during the rental period.
- Most rentals include a walkthrough or orientation video, and many companies charge extra for damage deposits or mileage beyond a set limit.
- Smaller trailers (teardrop, travel trailers) are easier to tow than larger models (fifth-wheel, toy haulers) but offer less living space.
Finding a camper trailer rental company
The largest national rental chains are Cruise America, El Monte RV, and Outdoorsy. Cruise America and El Monte have physical locations in most major cities and airports, so you can pick up and drop off locally. Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer platform where private owners rent their trailers, similar to Airbnb for RVs — prices are often lower, but you're dealing with individual owners rather than a company with standardized policies.
Regional companies like Escape Campervans (West Coast), Road Bear (Northeast), and Terrible Herbst (Southwest) often have better rates than national chains for specific regions. Check Google Maps or search "camper trailer rental near me" to see what's available in your area and read recent reviews on Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot. Look for complaints about hidden fees, damage charges, or poor customer service — these are common problems with RV rentals.
Book directly through the company's website when possible, because third-party booking sites like Expedia or Kayak sometimes show outdated availability or don't include all the fees. Call the rental company before you book to confirm your vehicle's towing capacity is acceptable and to ask about any current promotions or discounts for longer rentals.
Understanding what's included and what costs extra
Most camper trailer rentals include the trailer, basic kitchen equipment (stove, refrigerator, sink), bedding, and a damage waiver that covers accidental damage up to a set amount. They do not include fuel for your towing vehicle, propane for cooking and heating, or campground fees. Some companies include unlimited mileage; others charge per mile after a set limit (typically 100 to 150 miles per day).
Damage waivers typically cost $15 to $30 per day and reduce your out-of-pocket liability if you hit something or damage the trailer's exterior. Without a waiver, you could be charged $500 to $5,000 for dents, scratches, or broken equipment. Read the damage waiver terms carefully — some exclude damage to the roof, awning, or tires, or require you to report damage within 24 hours.
Additional fees you may encounter include late return charges (usually $50 to $100 per hour), generator use ($5 to $10 per day), pet fees ($25 to $50), and delivery to your home ($200 to $500). Some companies charge a cleaning fee if you return the trailer dirty. Ask for a complete list of fees before you book, not just the nightly rate.
Checking your vehicle's towing capacity
Your vehicle's towing capacity is the maximum weight it can safely pull behind it. This number is in your owner's manual, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, or on the manufacturer's website. Do not guess or assume — exceeding your towing capacity will damage your transmission, brakes, and suspension, and the rental company will charge you for repairs.
Towing capacity depends on your vehicle's engine, transmission, and frame. A Honda CR-V might tow 1,500 pounds, while a Ford F-150 can tow 5,000 to 14,000 pounds depending on the model year and engine. If you don't own a vehicle capable of towing, some rental companies offer truck rentals alongside camper trailers, though this adds significantly to your total cost.
When you call the rental company, tell them your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. They'll confirm whether the trailer you want is safe for your car. If it's not, they'll suggest a lighter model. Ignoring this step is the most common cause of accidents and damage claims in camper trailer rentals.
What happens during pickup and return
Pickup typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The rental company will walk you through the trailer's systems — how to fill and drain the water tank, how to light the stove and furnace, how to operate the brakes and leveling jacks, and where the circuit breaker and propane shutoff are located. They'll show you how to hitch the trailer to your vehicle and how to check the lights and brake connections. Take photos or video of the trailer's condition before you leave, especially any existing damage.
At return, the company will inspect the trailer for damage, check the odometer and fuel level, and confirm you've emptied the water tanks and returned all equipment. If they find damage you didn't report, they'll charge your credit card. This is why documenting the trailer's condition at pickup is critical — you need proof of what damage existed before you rented it.
Return times are usually strict. If you're late, you'll be charged an hourly fee that can add $50 to $200 to your bill. Plan to return the trailer at least an hour before the important date to account for traffic or unexpected issues.
Insurance and liability for camper trailers
Your personal auto insurance may not cover towing a trailer, and it almost certainly does not cover damage to the trailer itself. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask whether your policy covers towing liability. If it doesn't, the rental company's damage waiver becomes essential.
Rental companies require you to carry liability insurance that covers towing. If your policy doesn't, you can purchase a short-term towing endorsement from your insurance company (usually $20 to $50 for a week) or buy the rental company's damage waiver. The damage waiver is not insurance — it's a contract that limits your financial responsibility if you damage the trailer.
If you cause an accident that injures someone or damages someone else's property, your personal liability insurance should cover it, but confirm this with your insurance agent. Do not assume the rental company's waiver covers liability to third parties — it typically covers only damage to the trailer itself.
Planning your trip and campground reservations
Campgrounds fill up quickly during peak season (May through September), especially near national parks and beaches. Book your campground before you book your camper trailer, because availability determines where you can go. Many campgrounds require reservations weeks or months in advance, and some do not accept trailers over a certain length or weight.
Use Campendium, ReserveAmerica, or individual campground websites to find spots. Check the campground's hookup options — full hookups (water, electric, sewer) cost more but let you stay longer without dumping tanks. Some campgrounds have no hookups, which means you'll need to be more careful about water and waste management.
Plan your route before you leave, noting fuel stops, rest areas, and low-clearance bridges or tunnels. Towing a trailer is slower and more tiring than driving a car, so don't plan to drive more than 8 hours per day. Budget extra time for setup at each campground, especially if you've never used a camper trailer before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special driver's license to tow a camper trailer?
Most states do not require a special license for towing trailers under 10,000 pounds. Some states require a commercial license if the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer exceeds a certain threshold (usually 26,000 pounds). Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm the rules for your vehicle and trailer combination.
What if I damage the trailer and don't have a damage waiver?
You'll be charged for all repairs. Minor dents or scratches can cost $500 to $1,500; major damage like a bent frame or water leak can cost $3,000 to $10,000. The rental company will send you an invoice after they inspect the damage. This is why purchasing a damage waiver for $15 to $30 per day is usually worth the cost.
Can I rent a camper trailer one-way, like a car rental?
Some national companies like Cruise America and El Monte offer one-way rentals, but they charge a drop-off fee (typically $200 to $500) on top of the nightly rate. Peer-to-peer platforms like Outdoorsy usually require you to return the trailer to the owner's location. One-way rentals are more expensive, so compare the total cost before you book.
What should I do if the trailer breaks down during my trip?
Call the rental company when ready — they have roadside information agreements and will either send someone to fix it or arrange a replacement trailer. Do not attempt major repairs yourself. Keep the rental company's emergency number in your phone before you leave for your trip.
Are there age restrictions for renting a camper trailer?
Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 or 25 years old and have a valid driver's license for at least two years. Some companies charge extra for drivers under 25. Ask about age requirements when you call for a quote.