Renting a travel trailer is different from renting a car or van because you need a tow vehicle, a valid driver's license, and often a deposit larger than you'd expect
A travel trailer is a towable RV that you pull behind your own vehicle or a rental truck. Unlike a motorhome, it has no engine of its own. When you rent one, you're responsible for having a vehicle with enough towing capacity to pull it safely, understanding how to hitch and unhitch it, and knowing the rules of the road for towing. Most rental companies require you to be at least 25 years old, carry a valid driver's license, and provide proof of insurance before you can take one off the lot.
The rental process itself takes longer than a standard car rental. You'll need to inspect the trailer with the rental agent, learn how to operate the water, electrical, and waste systems, and understand what damage you're responsible for if something goes wrong. Many companies charge a damage waiver fee on top of the daily rental rate, and some require a security deposit that can run into the thousands of dollars.
Key Takeaways
- Your personal vehicle must have a towing capacity rating that exceeds the trailer's dry weight by at least 20 percent, or you'll need to rent a tow vehicle separately.
- Rental companies typically require you to be 25 or older with a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance before you can rent.
- The total cost includes the daily rental rate, a damage waiver or insurance fee, mileage charges if not unlimited, and often a security deposit of $500 to $2,000.
- You are responsible for learning how to hitch, unhitch, and operate all systems before you leave the lot, and the rental company will walk you through this during checkout.
- Cancellation policies vary widely, so confirm what happens to your deposit and rental fees if you need to cancel before your trip.
Checking whether your vehicle can tow the trailer
Before you book a trailer, you need to know your vehicle's towing capacity. This is the maximum weight it can safely pull, and it's different from payload capacity (what you can carry in the bed or cargo area). You'll find the towing capacity in your vehicle's owner's manual, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, or on the manufacturer's website if you search by year, make, and model.
Compare that number to the trailer's dry weight—the weight of the trailer itself with no water, propane, or cargo inside. A safe rule is that the trailer should weigh no more than 80 percent of your vehicle's towing capacity. If your truck can tow 5,000 pounds, for example, you should rent a trailer that weighs 4,000 pounds or less when empty. If your vehicle doesn't meet this threshold, ask the rental company whether they offer tow vehicle rentals or partnerships with truck rental services.
Towing also requires the right hitch class. Most travel trailers use a Class II or Class III hitch, which your vehicle either has or doesn't. If you don't have one installed, the rental company may be able to recommend a shop that can install one temporarily, though this adds cost and time to your rental.
What rental companies require before checkout
Every rental company has a rental agreement you'll sign before you take the trailer. This document spells out what you're responsible for, what damage is covered by the damage waiver, and what you'll pay out of pocket if something breaks. Read it carefully, because it's a legal contract and you're liable for anything it says you are.
You'll need to show a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance. Some companies require that your insurance specifically covers towing or RV rental; others don't. Call your insurance agent before you book to confirm your policy covers a rented travel trailer. If it doesn't, the rental company will offer their own insurance or damage waiver, which typically costs $15 to $40 per day depending on the trailer size and your deductible.
Most companies also require a security deposit, usually charged to a credit card. This deposit is held during your rental and released after the trailer is returned and inspected. Deposits typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the trailer's value. If you return the trailer with damage beyond normal wear, the company will deduct repair costs from the deposit.
Understanding the total cost of renting
The daily rental rate is only part of what you'll pay. A travel trailer might rent for $100 to $200 per day, but the final bill often includes mileage charges, a damage waiver, taxes, and sometimes a delivery or pickup fee if the trailer isn't at the location where you want to pick it up.
Mileage is charged per mile on some rentals and is unlimited on others. If mileage is charged, it typically runs $0.25 to $1.00 per mile. A 500-mile trip could add $125 to $500 to your bill. Ask whether the quote you receive includes unlimited mileage or if there's a mileage cap before you commit.
Some rental companies charge a one-time setup or cleaning fee, usually $50 to $150. Others charge extra if you want to pick up or drop off at a location different from their main lot. Factor these into your budget before you book, because they're straightforward to miss in the initial quote.
What happens during the walk-through inspection
Before you leave the lot, the rental agent will walk you through how to operate the trailer. This includes how to connect and disconnect the electrical cord, how to fill and drain the fresh water tank, how to use the toilet and shower, how to operate the propane system if the trailer has one, and how to raise and lower the stabilizer jacks. This walk-through usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and you should ask questions about anything you're unsure of.
The agent will also do a damage inspection with you, noting any existing dents, scratches, or interior damage on the rental agreement. Take photos or video of the trailer's condition before you leave, because this protects you if the company tries to charge you for damage that was already there. Keep these photos until after you've returned the trailer and your deposit has been released.
Ask the agent where the spare tire is stored, how to change a tire if you get a flat, and what to do if something breaks down on the road. Get the rental company's roadside information number and keep it in your phone. Some companies include roadside service; others charge for it separately.
Rules and restrictions you need to know
Travel trailers have weight limits for cargo and passengers. The rental company will tell you the maximum number of people the trailer can sleep and the maximum weight you can carry inside. Exceeding these limits can damage the trailer and void your insurance coverage.
Most rental agreements prohibit towing the trailer on unpaved roads, driving it in severe weather, or taking it off-road. Some companies restrict where you can travel geographically—for example, they may not allow rentals to cross certain state lines or to travel at high elevations. Read the restrictions section of your agreement carefully, because violating them can result in additional charges.
You're also responsible for following all towing laws in the states where you travel. Speed limits for towing are often lower than for regular driving, and some states require special lighting or safety chains. Check the towing laws for each state on your route before you leave.
Cancellation policies and what to do if plans change
Cancellation policies vary by company and by how far in advance you cancel. Some companies offer a full refund if you cancel more than 7 days before your rental date; others charge a cancellation fee regardless of when you cancel. A few companies offer no refund at all once you've booked.
Your security deposit is separate from your cancellation policy. Even if you cancel and get a refund of your rental fees, the deposit may not be returned if the company has already charged it to your card. Confirm the cancellation policy and deposit terms before you book, and ask what happens to your money if you need to cancel.
If you need to shorten your trip after you've already picked up the trailer, contact the rental company when ready. Some companies will refund the unused days; others won't. The sooner you notify them, the better your chances of getting a partial refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special driver's license to tow a travel trailer?
Most states don't require a special license for towing a travel trailer under a certain weight, typically 10,000 to 15,000 pounds. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the weight threshold. If the trailer exceeds that weight, you may need a commercial driver's license, though most rental trailers stay under this limit.
What if my vehicle doesn't have a hitch?
You can have a hitch installed at a shop, which usually takes a few hours and costs $300 to $800 depending on the hitch class. Some rental companies can recommend shops or have partnerships with installers. Alternatively, you can rent a tow vehicle from the same company or a truck rental service if your vehicle isn't suitable for towing.
Am I covered if the trailer breaks down on the road?
That depends on whether the rental company includes roadside information and what your damage waiver covers. Mechanical breakdowns are usually not covered by damage waivers, which typically cover collision and weather damage only. Ask the rental company what roadside services are included before you pick up the trailer.
Can I tow the trailer with a rental truck?
Yes, many rental companies offer truck and trailer packages, or you can rent a truck from one company and a trailer from another. Confirm that the truck's towing capacity matches the trailer's weight, and make sure your insurance or the rental company's coverage extends to both vehicles.
What happens if I return the trailer late?
Late fees typically run $50 to $100 per hour or a percentage of the daily rate, depending on the company. Some companies charge a full day's rental if you're more than a few hours late. Confirm the late fee policy and return time before you book, and plan to return the trailer with time to spare.