Interested in RV traveling without owning one? Check out RV Share
“Own” a cool Airstream trailer by renting one for a week with RV Share.
IN THE ERA OF COVID AND SOCIAL DISTANCING…
… camping became a go-to activity for families to escape the confines of their homes and experience a safe vacation. And in the post-pandemic era, it’s showing no signs of slowing down: According to the 2021 Annual North American Camping Report, the proportion of U.S. campers who camped for the first time in 2020 was five times greater than in 2019, a trend that’s likely to continue this year. But not everyone loves tent camping (myself included, if I’m being honest). Enter the convenience of RV Share.
The country’s largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace with more than 100,000 vehicles, it’s like the VRBO of RVs, where travelers who don’t want to commit to buying their own can rent one for their outdoor adventures.
“RVs are a unique way to experience the outdoors with all the luxuries of home,” says the company’s PR Director Maddi Bourgerie. “They allow travelers to pick their own adventure. Whether it is a road trip with multiple stops, camping lakefront, or visiting a National Park, RVs make for a unique experience that allows travelers to connect with nature without roughing it.”
If you’re interested in renting a vehicle from RV Share, Bourgerie offers some tips for first-timers:
1. UNDERSTAND COSTS.
The average weekly rental on the site is $1,000, which includes insurance, cleaning and miscellaneous fees. First-time RVers should also factor in other travel costs like gas, food, tolls and campground expenses. The most common post-trip expenses may include mileage overage fees, generator usage and dumping fees. To make sure you understand the full cost, read the listing thoroughly before booking.
2. LEARN THE RV TYPES.
Class A, the “big guns” of the RV classes, usually fully loaded with all the amenities of home including usable living space, $200 to $275 a night
Class B, also known as a campervan, varies in amenities as not all come with a bathroom. Most Class Bs sleep 2-4 people and are great for adventuring off-road and make for a great road-trip vehicle since it drives like a van, $150 to $200 a night
Class C is larger and can range from 19-30 feet long. They sleep up to 8 people, and offer a full bathroom and kitchen. Similar to driving a Uhaul truck, they are heavier and slower on the road but also work great for families and trips featuring multiple stops, $150 to $200 a night.
Travel Trailer, $90 to $125 a night.
3. KNOW WHERE RVS AREN’T RECOMMENDED.
They’re not always welcome at every state and national park campground. And depending on the campground, they might only allow tent camping or an RV up to a certain size. I also wouldn't recommend stopping in a big city on a road trip because they’re not great for city driving.