How to Get the Best Deal Renting an RV

Legends of America

Legends of America on the road in the Salt Flats of West Texas.

By RVShare.com

Perhaps one of the hardest questions to answer when planning an RV trip is whether to rent or buy.

Of course, everyone’s circumstances are different. If you make the decision to rent an RV, make sure you don’t just get a fair deal, but, instead, a great deal.

Most people are familiar with the stereotypical RV rental dynamic. You’ll go to a dealership, agree on a fixed rate, and then hustle to get the RV back in one piece. It’s a tried-and-true system, and has its advantages… but is it the best solution?

Let’s first consider some typical rental arrangements.

Paying Short-Term Rent on an RV

This is a fantastic idea for those of you who just want to get away for the weekend. You can rent out an RV for less than $10 a day. That means you could have your weekend travel and accommodation sorted for less than 20 bucks. That’s less money than some hotels’ continental breakfasts! It’s also a great way to get into RVing if you’re green and looking to get some experience.

The fact is, not everyone who wants to rent an RV has the time or money to rent one for months at a time. By using a site like RVshare, you have several great options to ensure that you don’t wind up in debt! Buying an RV and renting it out is also a good idea for those who can pony up the cash. But if you just want to enjoy the comfort and mobility that an RV provides (while not worrying about the up-front costs), renting an RV might be the best approach for you.

Additionally, RVshare offers a ‘One-Way Trip’ option for some RVs. This is especially useful if you plan on RVing somewhere and flying back, for instance. With millions of RV renters worldwide, there’s a good chance you can plot a journey that will give you the freedom to go from point A to point B without the inconvenience of having to go back to point A again. Better yet, if you decide to rent out your own RV (because let’s face it, not everyone uses an RV as their full-time domicile), then why not consider leasing out your RV to other people? It really is a win-win for both parties, because instead of letting your RV accumulate dust in your driveway, you could instead have it accumulate Benjamins as it is enjoyed by others far and wide. Plus, just like when you’re renting an RV on RVshare, you don’t need to collect it each time a renter is finished using it, since the next occupants can pick up the RV from a new location each time it changes hands; you don’t have to bring it back to where it started.

Paying Long-Term Rent on an RV

As you might imagine, if you hire an RV for an extended duration, you can expect to receive a discounted rate. There is also a key advantage of long-term rentals: you don’t need to pay all at once.​ This affords you even greater flexibility in your travel plans and budget! Many renters on peer-to-peer RV rental marketplaces like RVshare love this idea because of the discounts they receive.

Another key thing to remember about renting on a long-term basis is that you should make sure that you have abundant supplies. Long-life food is the obvious thought, but don’t forget about a backup gas supply, matches, toiletries, batteries, and other important amenities.

Naturally, resupplies will be necessary for long-haul trips, but you can expect to be paying premium prices for the bare essentials if you have to stock up everything at a gas station. It is also important to have a fully stocked first-aid kit since being injured a long way from medical aid can be a frightening proposition.

Give Yourself Some Time to Look for a Great Deal

Deciding on an RV that fits your budget and lifestyle is a decision that you shouldn’t take lightly, but this is especially so for long-term rentals. Imagine if you were deciding to rent a house for a year—would you just get into the first empty house you see without any idea of its features? Of course not! And the same rings true for RVs. Not only will you be sleeping in your RV, but you will often be spending hours sitting inside, so it’s crucial that the lounge suite and kitchen area meets your particular standards.

Naturally, everyone’s budgets vary—sometimes dramatically so—which means it’s in your best interest to balance price and comfort when considering to rent an RV.

Security

I’m not talking about guns and burglar alarms here, but I’m instead talking about opting to work with a company that is committed to ensuring both lessor and lessee aren’t ripped off. A site like RVshare essentially serves as the insulating layer that protects both parties, ensuring things run as smoothly as possible. You can use these kinds of sites to rent out your RV with the peace of mind that you would expect to get from any leading company.

Furthermore, RVshare’s rental service, for example, is booked through a secure payment system that is backed by a $10,000 Peace of Mind guarantee. It also offers 24/7 roadside assistance, which means you don’t need to panic if you run out of gas or the battery dies!

Conclusion

Legend of America on the road.

Renting has often been called “dead money,” but this doesn’t have to be the case. As outlined in this article, there are a couple of ways you can save money renting an RV, as long as you take care to plan.

By utilizing basic supply-and-demand principles, you can take advantage of the vast demand for RVs that has spread throughout the US and beyond. Remember that this goes both ways—your wallet will thank you regardless of whether you are renting out your RV or hiring one for your own use.

It’s clear that RV sharing is a booming industry, and it’s an exciting prospect that, as a consumer, you can rent an RV without breaking the bank. Please use these tips to help you save some cash, and be sure that you enjoy what our great country has to offer!

For more information see RVshare

© Submitted August 2016, updated January 2021.

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