Legends of America on the road in the West Texas Salt Flats.
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 decide 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 with 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 want to get away for the weekend. You can rent an RV for less than $10 a day. That means you could have your weekend travel and accommodation sorted for less than 20 bucks—less money than some hotels’ continental breakfasts! It’s also a great way to get into RVing if you’re new and want to build 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 help you avoid going into debt! Buying an RV and renting it out is also a good idea for those who can pony up the cash. But if you want to enjoy the comfort and mobility an RV provides (without 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 to RV somewhere and fly back, for instance. With millions of RV renters worldwide, you can likely plan a journey that lets you go from point A to point B without the hassle of returning to point A. Better yet, if you decide to rent out your RV (because let’s face it, not everyone uses an RV as their full-time domicile), why not consider leasing it to other people? It’s a win-win for both parties: instead of letting your RV gather dust in your driveway, you could have it accumulate Benjamins as others enjoy it far and wide. Plus, 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 rent an RV for an extended period, you can expect a discounted rate. Long-term rentals also offer a key advantage: 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 long-term renting is to make sure you have plenty of 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 on everything at a gas station. A fully stocked first-aid kit is also essential, since being injured far from medical help can be frightening.
Give Yourself Some Time to Look for a Great Deal
Choosing an RV that fits your budget and lifestyle is a decision you shouldn’t take lightly, especially for long-term rentals. Imagine deciding to rent a house for a year—would you go into the first empty house you see without knowing its features? Of course not! And the same rings true for RVs. You’ll be sleeping in your RV, but you’ll also spend hours inside, so the lounge suite and kitchen area must meet your standards.
Naturally, everyone’s budgets vary—sometimes dramatically—so it’s in your best interest to balance price and comfort when considering renting an RV.
Security
I’m not talking about guns and burglar alarms here; I’m talking about choosing a company committed to ensuring both lessor and lessee aren’t ripped off. A site like RVshare essentially serves as an insulating layer that protects both parties and helps things run as smoothly as possible. You can use these sites to rent out your RV with the peace of mind you would expect from a 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 is often called “dead money,” but it doesn’t have to be. As outlined in this article, you can save money renting an RV, as long as you plan carefully.
By utilizing basic supply-and-demand principles, you can take advantage of the vast demand for RVs throughout the US and beyond. Remember, this goes both ways—your wallet will thank you whether you are renting out your RV or hiring one for your own use.
RV sharing is a booming industry, and it’s an exciting prospect to rent an RV without breaking the bank as a consumer. Use these tips to save some cash, and enjoy what our great country has to offer!
For more information, see RVshare
©Submitted August 2016, updated October 2026.
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