Motorhome Rentals
If you picture an RV road trip in your mind, chances are you see images of a motorhome cruising down the open road. Large, driver’s side window down, passenger in the back making lunch, kids playing cards at the dining table, dog lying on the floor. At least that’s how I picture the quintessential RV road trip! Want to learn more about renting a motorhome? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here is everything you need to know if you're going to rent a motorhome.
What is a Motorhome?
Wikipedia defines a motorhome as “a type of self-propelled recreational vehicle”. In other words, it is an RV that has living space and driving capabilities all in one. You aren’t towing an RV but rather driving one. Your engine, driver's seat, passenger seat, it’s all there along with your living room, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters. Motorhomes are the OG of RVs and have been around for over 100 years!
There are a variety of motorhome layouts. The majority of motorhomes sleep 2-10 people, have at least one slideout, kitchen, and one bathroom. Some options include just one bed over the driving cab that are ideal for solo campers or couples, or there are larger options with a private master bedroom and bunkroom great for families. Motorhomes can vary in length from about 20’-40’. One of the main reasons you may want to rent a motorhome is the variety of configurations. There are even different types of motorhomes to fit your needs!
Types of Motorhomes and Rental Prices
Class A
If you’re looking to ride in style, a Class A is the way to go. Class As are the largest motorhomes and are known for being the most high end of RVs. The driving area is integrated into the living space and offers a large, expansive front window. These luxury RVs for rent resemble buses. They are built on a heavy-duty chassis or stripped truck chassis. You can find compact Class A motorhomes around 25’, but they are usually on the bigger side and can reach up to 45’. They can sleep up to 12 people.
Class As are generally going to sleep the largest number of campers of all the types of motorhomes. Layouts usually include a master bedroom in the rear of the rig, sometimes a bunk “room” in front of that with two or four beds, and a dinette and/or couch in the living area that converts into beds. They usually have 2-3 slideouts giving them a roomy feel.
Like all RV rentals, prices will vary when you rent a Class A motorhome. Depending on the location, time of year, age of the motorhome, and layout, you’re going to pay anywhere from $175-$450/night. You can save money by renting an older Class A and traveling outside of peak dates.
Class B
Want to rent a motorhome that’s small, easy to drive, and can really get you off the beaten path? A Class B motorhome is more or less a van with all of the amenities of other motorhomes. You still have your sleeping area, kitchen, and bathroom, but it’s not much larger than a typical automobile. It drives like a car and is easily maneuverable anywhere you want to take it. If your dream RV vacation includes sleeping as close to the crashing ocean waves as you can possibly get, or having a campfire under the stars in a remote area of a National Park where RV size is limited, renting a Class B RV might be the right choice for you.
Class B motorhomes are best for a small group. They generally sleep 1-4 people comfortably. In addition to beds, these RVs usually come equipped with a kitchenette and wet bath. Most layouts have the bed in the back of the RV and the kitchen and RV toilet areas in the middle behind the driver and passenger seats. Arrangements that sleep more people will also include a bunk area. Class B RVs do not have slideouts, so what you see is what you get.
Renting a Class B RV can be less expensive than renting other types of motorhomes. It all depends on the type of Class B, how new/old it is, location, and time of year. A Class B that is over ten years old will generally run $100-$200/night and a newer model anywhere from $150-$300/night.
Class C
A Class C motorhome sits in the middle of Class As and Class Cs in terms of size. They run smaller than Class A RVs, are built on a truck or van chassis, and are a bit easier to drive and maneuver. They are larger than a Class B, so sleep more people and offer move living space. They generally range from 23-26 feet and sleep up to 6-8 people.
Class C RVs are known for the bunk bed over the cab. They will then have the living, dining, and kitchen areas in the middle of the rig, followed by a bathroom and additional sleeping area in the rear. Some models have a slideout or two giving them a little more wiggle room inside.
Like the size, Class Cs are going to be middle of the road when it comes to motorhome rental prices. Depending on the age, size, and season, renting a Class C will run $150-$400/night.
How to Rent a Motorhome
Thanks to peer-to-peer RV rental companies, renting a motorhome has never been easier. You can use a traditional rental such as Cruise America, but using a website such as Outdoorsy or RVshare gives you more control over the type of RV you rent and the price you pay. Motorhomes for rent on these websites are owned by individuals who set their rental rates, so you’re able to find a range of prices. They also offer a variety of motorhome types where companies that have a fleet of RVs generally have one type to choose from.
On a website such as Outdoorsy, you’ll want to set a few filters before searching for motorhomes for rent. From the search page, select the Vehicle Type you prefer Under Drivable vehicles, you’ll find Class A, Class B, and Class C. Choose any and all motorhome types you’d like to include in your search results.
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of motorhome you’re looking for, you can set additional filters such as price, the number of guests, and delivery options. Keeping filters broad will give you the most results. If you are flexible on dates and the general pick-up location, keep those filters unchecked to get a look at the best rates and options available. Once you’ve found the motorhome of your dreams, click Request Booking and wait for the owner to approve your request. Once approved, pay the rental deposit, and she’s all yours for your upcoming RV getaway!
Why Rent a Motorhome
There are so many RVs to choose from, so why rent a motorhome? Probably the number one reason to rent a motorhome is the fact that it doesn’t involve towing. Because the RV includes an engine, driving area, and is “ self-propelled”, you don’t need a tow vehicle like with a 5th wheel or travel trailer. Only having one vehicle to worry about makes driving simpler and more maneuverable.
What’s also nice about not having a tow vehicle is the fact that campers can ride in the motorhome while traveling. While it’s important to remain buckled up as much as possible, passengers can take a bathroom break or make lunch without pulling over! Want to lay down and take a nap rather than try and sleep in an uncomfortable seat? Go right ahead and lay down! You’ll be at your camping destination before you know it.
Pros and Cons
Considering renting a motorhome? Here is a list of pros and cons to keep in mind.
Pros
No towing
Comfortable for travel
Easy setup and teardown
Accessibility. Camp places not accessible while towing.
Maneuverability
Cons
Day use. The entire rig has to be taken when exploring for the day if no car is being towed behind the motorhome.
Living space. There is generally more space in a fifth wheel or travel trailer.
Floorplans. There isn’t a ton of variety when it comes to the layouts of motorhomes.
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