Can You Rent an RV One Way? 24 Insider Tips

Sometimes, life finds us in places where we just want to travel the world. Having the privilege to rent an RV to do so is definitely a plus. Traveling feels different, depending on the route you take or how you transport yourself and your family. In some cases, it can be extremely stressful, and you just want to go back to the place that you tried desperately to get away from.

Can you rent an RV one way? It is possible to rent an RV one way, and we have twenty-four tips to help you do just that without the hassle. There is so much that you need to know before going and putting your name and money on that weekend vacation. Some fees and costs need to be taken into consideration.

1. Campgrounds

2. Cleaning Fees

3. Setup or Delivery Fees

4. Fuel

5. Mileage

6. Taxes

7. Rental Insurance

8. Deposits

9. Online

10. Meals

11. Care Supplies

12. Peer-to-Peer

13. RV Attachments

14. Sewage

15. Outdoor Items

16. Pack for Your Activities

17. Emergency Kits

18. Basic Needs

19. Personal Needs

20. Medical Needs

21. Cleaning

22. Basic Survival Needs

23. Communication Tools

24. Clothing

Any trip, no matter what, is more beneficial when it is planned out and researched fully. This way, very little comes as a surprise. You’re is already looking for surprises as you are going out and away from your normal day-to-day routine. To keep your anxiety down, it is best to plan things out. A detour is okay when you are safe, and it is maybe a stop along the way or simply one more activity added.

Table of Contents

Can You Rent an RV One Way?

Renting one way means that the RV you rent is taken to one solid location and then someone from the company you rented from can bring back the RV. If you are moving and want to avoid hotels, or if you are deciding on sticking around in your next destination once you get in and get settled. Do your research to find out everything you can about the company you are looking to rent from and their fees that are included in everything. You do not want to be caught blindsided with fees that you were not aware of.

Before you continue reading, here is an article we wrote about the topic: Do RV Rentals Include Mileage? (Free Unlimited Miles)

Can you rent an RV and drop it off in another state?

You can rent an RV and drop it off in another state. Some companies cover that but are forewarned that there are fees and there are also costs that will be included when taking the RV back to the owner or place of parking. You must also be aware that it is needed to plan well ahead of time as some RVs may not be available for that amount of time needed to travel. If you are traveling out three days, it is going to take three days to travel back and most places will make sure that you cover mileage and fuel in that RVs trip home.

Cost Watching Tips

With this, you may want to take account of how long the trip back with taking, and how much the company charges for that service. Also, make sure to see about mileage as well and how much that will cost you. If you are driving coast to coast, you might want to make sure of that. Shop around for companies before settling. Find one that fits you and your traveling pals will need.

Campgrounds

1. Campgrounds

campgrounds can vary in cost and certain areas during the seasons can become higher according to season. Check-in with these areas well ahead of time before your planned trip. You may be able to save some cost just by certain days, companies, or area. In most cases, you can sign up for a camping club membership that allows you a discount off of your stay in any group campground. This is something that pays off continuously especially if you travel a lot.

2. Cleaning Fees

Depending on the renter, you may or may not have a cleaning fee. You must check this. However, one way to save costs and show a little bit of gratitude is to clean up the rental before you return it. Returning a clean vehicle helps you in your future renting needs if you ever feel you need to do so.

3. Setup or Delivery Fees

Depending on where you live, and where the RV is being brought or taken too depends on the fee of delivery setup. Depending on the distance it has to travel to get to you, it depends on the amount that it will cost. If you decide to pick up the RV yourself, make sure to be extra careful when getting it.

4. Fuel

Fuel is not cheap! Make sure you take into consideration how much it will cost for the RV you plan on renting! Per fill up, it can cost quite a bit, and when you add multiple fill-ups, it is safe to say you will be paying quite a bit for fuel. This is not including fuel for set up, delivery, or return that may come with the one-way rental.

5. Mileage

When it comes to mileage with RVs, it can vary depending on the company and the renter. It also depends on the type of RV that you are wanting to rent. Be sure to take into account emergency mileage as well, just in case something happens.

6. Taxes

Taxes are on everything! Be sure when you are planning that you include taxes. There are taxes on gas, mileage, insurance, and the RV rental itself. After adding everything together you will be paying quite a bit of tax but also depending on the area that you are renting from, you will be paying their tax. Not yours.

7. Rental Insurance

To protect yourself and the RV you rent, it is important to have rental insurance that will help you save money but also save you if any damage is given to the vehicle. If an emergency happens, it can also help you get your money back on any deposits as well that you may have incurred.

Money Saving Tips

It is helpful to get all of the tips before going out. This way you know what you are looking at when getting ready to go out. It is frustrating trying to plan things out and getting caught off-guard with changes and hang-ups that can potentially cause one to just give up and not go. So, make sure to start early and write everything out.

8. Deposits

You will more than likely have to pay deposits, whether it is for the RV or the campgrounds. On RV rentals they can range from $500-$3000 for a deposit and is required before leaving. This is used to cover any unexpected costs or emergency costs while it is rented.

9. Online

Booking an RV online and early can save money along with allowing discounts. If you are booking out of season, you will be able to catch cheaper rates which allows you more bang for your buck. You can look for regional and Groupon discounts as well.

10. Meals

One tip that is highly suggested is to bring your food! If you buy on the road or order along the way you will be spending a lot more, so make sure to budget that in as well. Save, plan, and buy and buy a little extra. For those late day hankerings when you have had so much fun and you do not feel like cooking. Make sure to include snacks as well.

11. Care Supplies

It is advised that you bring all of your care and bedding supplies. If you have to get it on the road or have the rental company provide it, you will be paying more. Typically, a well-planned trip should be fairly covered, and you should be able to save quite a bit of money.

12. Peer-to-Peer

A growing world in the world of RV rentals is called peer-to-peer RV rentals. This is where RV owners search for people to rent their RVs too. In most cases, these types of programs are found a line and can be searched for by price, size, and location. Be sure to know where you are going and what you will be needing before reserving an RV.

Packing and Prepping Tips

While you are planning for your trip, make sure to not forget your checklist. Having to stop and purchase things or scrambling around can be frustrating. Whether you are renting an RV for one way, or you are going for a full round trip, here are some things you need to make sure it is with you.

Here, you can find an article from our website about the topic: Dogs in Travel Trailers: Here is What You Need to Know

13. RV Attachments

If you will be stopping and hooking up anywhere, you need to make sure that you can connect and that the connecting attachments are in the RV of which you will be using for your trip. If they are there and you don’t know how to use them, you must have someone show you how to properly hook and disconnect them. This includes water and electricity.

14. Sewage

It is important and healthier if you know how to empty and clean out the sewage area of the RV, and also make sure the be very careful as this could wind up one of the most “stinkiest” days you may ever have. Make sure you are shown how to do this if you do not already know. Sewage can cause damage and it could cost you more money if you do not take the time to learn it and empty it.

15. Outdoor Items

Whether you plan on sitting outside, cooking outside, or simply playing outside you need to make sure that you have those items. Also be sure to include things like bug spray, sunscreen, and other needed outdoor items. You may need to take toys to keep children entertained or maybe even dogs if you take dogs with you on your trip.

16. Pack for Your Activities

Try and plan out your activities in the beginning. If you need certain shoes, or life jackets, or anything for any of your activities; you must pack those. This way you do not have to buy new ones in another area and wind up having to pay more money than what is needed.

17. Emergency Kits

No matter where you go or what you do, it is important to make sure that you have emergency kits close by. It is suggested to have one in a compartment on the outside if a place is available, but also two on the inside. Make sure that the RV is equipped with a fire hydrant as well. Nothing is worse than having an emergency and being stuck without any kits or any way to stop something from happening even worse.

18. Basic Needs

Make sure to bring your basic needs such as bedding, towels, rags, or any other must-have that may be needed. Also make sure that you have pots, pans, dishes, cups, and cutlery so that you have something to cook and eat with while you are out seeing the world. You may also decide to

19. Personal Needs

Personal needs such as toothbrushes, combs, deodorants, body soap, shampoos, and whatever else you may need. If you are not going to be gone long, check with your local store and see if they have trial size bottles that you can use. This way you do not have to take in all of these large bottles with you on your trip. Also, do not forget the toilet paper and paper towels.

20. Medical Needs

Make sure that you pack all of your medical needs as well. Medicines are a must-have and must not be forgotten to be taken while out. Your health is very important so make sure to take those and any other medical supplies that you need to make it through the day. Also, make sure to keep a few things such as Tylenol or over the counter medications that you may need.

21. Cleaning

You want to keep clean as well while you are out and about, so make sure to pack things such as dish soap, cleaning products, trash bags, sponges, and other materials that will be needed as well. You may find that cleaning wipes may come in handy as well, but make sure not to flush those as they can clog up the sewage system in the RV. If you are going to need to wash clothes, be sure to bring some laundry detergent and a couple of wash bags so that you can clean your clothes along the way.

22. Basic Survival Needs

Basic survival needs are important for anyone to know who is traveling. You never know what can happen and what you will need in the time of an emergency. Being able to have a basic survival kit is a good thing to have. This should include at the least a multi-tool, a flashlight, water purification tablet, duct tape, flint (or lint from a dryer is good as well), matches, small first aid, and maybe a tarp.

23. Communication tools

You must be able to keep communication no matter what happens, so it is safe to get ahold of some walkie talkies. In some remote areas, cell phone signal still does not exist and it is important that especially in an emergency, you can contact outside of where you are. Some walkie talkies are said to reach up to thirty-six miles, so even if you go hunting or searching for wood and something happens, you can at least try and call back for help as opposed to trying to find the signal to call someone.

24. Clothing

Make sure to pack the appropriate clothing!!!! You will not be able to enjoy your trip if you do not have the right attire to participate if the place offers. Packing smart can also keep you safe while allowing you to pack lighter than trying to pack everything you own.

Pack Light

While the list is long, you can still pack light. Remember that the number of items you decide to take affects the towing capacity on the RV or the vehicle that you are using to tow the RV. Also remember that the heavier something is, the more gas it will burn. Making sure that you pack light and pack smart allows you to be able to enjoy your time away from home to the fullest without having a bunch of hiccups due to unnecessary packing.

Keep it Smart and Simple

Planning everything out with as much detail as possible help save money and time when you are taking off on an adventure. It also helps if you are going one way in an RV. Make sure to plan financially, plan your needs, and anything else that you will be involved with. Make sure to check into everything before booking or agreeing to anything. You never know what you can be saving yourself from with the proper time planning.