Are you looking for small RV rentals for your vacation?
Or would you like to rent a class B RV near you or your area at the best prices to live in? If so, a compact RV rental might be the perfect fit!
For those that have little to no experience driving an RV, a compact RV rental is perfect.
How much does it cost to rent small RV? Well, Class B rental rates will depend on the rental location, model, season, and size of the vehicle. On average you should expect to pay between $100 and $200 per night.
There’s no better way to try before you buy than by renting a camper. Many people rent compact RV simply for a change of pace by taking an RV trip to a special event or destination.
In this article, I will explain why Outdoorsy our first choice for small RV rentals is and I´ll share how you can get the best deals on Camper Van rentals, Tear Drop Trailer rentals, and Class B rentals.
Table of Contents
Teardrop Trailer
Teardrop trailers are small, teardrop-shaped campers. They have one rounded end and one tapered end.
They are perfect for minimalistic campers looking for more luxury than one would find in a tent. Teardrop trailers are some of the smallest camper trailers available, so they are lightweight and easy to tow.
What is the Average Weight of a Teardrop Trailer?
What is the Average Weight of a Teardrop Trailer? On average, teardrop trailers weigh between 300 and 3,000 pounds. Teardrop trailers are light enough to be towed by nearly any vehicle with a towing hitch. This is possible thanks to the lightweight, compact designs they use..
There are very few teardrop trailers that weigh up to 4,000 pounds. Those trailers often have more amenities, like kitchen appliances and perhaps even small sinks and/or bathrooms.
Smaller trailers can even be towed by motorcycles, which makes them popular for road-trippers who pack light.
Do Teardrop Trailers Need Brakes?
Do Teardrop Trailers Need Brakes? Yes, depending on where you travel, though, you may need brakes. Some states require brakes on trailers. States that require brakes on trailers (some of these states have weight limits for brakes) include Rhode Island, Utah, Wyoming, California, and New York.
Some particularly light teardrop trailers do not come with brakes. This is dependent on the model of the trailer you buy/rent and the weight of the trailer.
Lighter trailers are safe to drive without brakes, which is why manufacturers do not always include them.
If your teardrop trailer does not come with brakes, you can often have them added to the vehicle. You will want to do that if you live in or travel to a state where brakes are required.
Read also: What Is The Average Cost To Install Trailer Brake Controller – (Facts & Numbers)
Can a Prius Pull a Teardrop Trailer?
Can a Prius Pull a Teardrop Trailer? Older models of Toyota Priuses were not rated to any towing capacity. However, in 2016 Toyota started making Priuses with a towing capacity of around 1,500 pounds.
That should give you enough towing capacity to pull a small teardrop trailer.
Prius models are popular amongst people who love nature. They are eco-friendly and easy to drive. This makes them the perfectly logical choice for anyone looking to camp in nature.
However, you will want to know if it has enough towing power to tow a teardrop trailer before you become invested in that plan.
Do Teardrop Campers Have Air Conditioning?
Do Teardrop Campers Have Air Conditioning? Yes, some teardrop campers have air conditioning, but not all do. Some teardrop campers that do include air conditioning are MyPod (Little Guy’s Trailers), Nest Egg Trailers, and FronTear (Oregon Trailers).
However, this will depend on the manufacturer and the model of teardrop trailer that you select.
If you do not have air conditioning included with your trailer, you can buy a small air conditioning unit.
I really like this Black + Decker BPACT10WT Portable RV Air Conditioner. It’s not terribly expensive but gets amazing reviews. Just follow the link to Amazon where you can see current pricing.
👉 Purchase: You can purchase this Black + Decker BPACT10WT Portable RV Air Conditioner today! Just follow the link to Amazon where you can see current pricing.
Can You Stand Up in a Teardrop Camper?
Most teardrop campers are around 5 feet tall, so most adults would not be able to stand in a teardrop trailer without hunching over.
A few models are available that are taller, but those are going to be less aerodynamic than most travel trailers.
Are Teardrop Trailers Aerodynamic?
Teardrop trailers are aerodynamic. This is achieved by the tapered design that they feature. The largest part of the trailer is closest to the bumper of the car, and the tapered end at the other side allows for efficiency.
Truck Campers
Truck campers are campers that rest inside the bed of a pickup truck. Having the right camper can make or break your vacation. Your options for campers will largely be dependent on which vehicle you have.
Some vehicles have very specific weight requirements, and it is crucial to address these when planning to use a truck camper.
How Much Weight Can a Half-Ton Truck Tow?
How Much Weight Can a Half-Ton Truck Tow? Assuming that you are not going to modify the hitch or any other towing portions of your vehicle, you will be able to tow around 9,000 to 10,000 pounds.
If you want to increase your towing capacity, you can use a weight-distribution hitch, which does exactly what the name says and helps distribute the weight on your hitch.
You can also upgrade the axles and braking system in your truck if you plan on towing a lot of weight often.
Read also: How Much Does It Cost To Install A 5th Wheel Hitch Near Me? [UPDATED]
What Happens if You Exceed Towing Capacity?
What Happens if You Exceed Towing Capacity? Exceeding the towing capacity is very dangerous for that vehicle. If you go over the towing capacity, you can damage the engine and transmission. Those are expensive car parts to repair and replace.
Furthermore, you can damage your brakes with the extra pressure needed to stop the vehicle and trailer. You can even warp your chassis.
Not only are those damages expensive, but they are also dangerous. Brake or chassis failure while driving can lead to a terrible accident.
Does Maximum Towing Capacity Include Truck Weight?
Does Maximum Towing Capacity Include Truck Weight? Gross combined vehicle weight includes the weight of everything in your vehicle and the trailer. Curb weight is the weight of the vehicle itself without passengers or gear.
Towing capacity is determined by subtracting the curb weight of your truck from the gross combined vehicle weight of your vehicle and the trailer.
Can a Ford F150 Carry a Truck Camper?
Can a Ford F150 Carry a Truck Camper? Yes, there are truck campers that you can use with a Ford F150. Many of these are smaller, lighter, or pop-up campers. However, the F150 is not the best-rated for carrying weight, it is a more practical everyday truck.
The Ford F150 is one of the most popular pickup trucks in the United States. It makes sense that people would want to use them with campers when going on vacation. Many campers have been designed with the Ford F150 in mind.
Can I Leave My Tailgate on with a Truck Camper?
It will depend on the weight of your truck camper if you can leave your tailgate on. Many tailgates are not designed to support the weight of truck campers, so it is likely safer just to take the tailgate off.
Class B Motorhomes
Class B Motorhomes are some of the smallest motorhomes you can rent/buy. They are also called camper vans because they look similar to panel vans.
They are popular because they can be driven as an everyday car. They are flexible and can park just about anywhere.
Despite their compact size, class B motorhomes do have a wide variety of amenities. Many have bathrooms and kitchens.
Many more also include generators, so you can camp away from society and still have the luxuries of home.
👉 Class B motorhomes are easier to drive than many other motorhomes because they are so compact. You can drive them on narrow roads and park them anywhere.
They also are easier to back up and turn around corners, because they are not as long as class A motorhomes and camper trailers.
👉 They do not have as much space as other motorhomes, so they can be difficult if you want to take the whole family, but for a small trip, they are great!
Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes are the mid-range size option for motorhomes. The front is like a van or truck, but the back is more like a large, class A motorhome. Class C motorhomes are better for families than Class B motorhomes because they tend to be slightly more spacious.
Class C motorhomes are still easy to drive, like their class B counterparts. They do not include any trailers, so they are easier to back up.
They do require more turning room than their class B counterparts.
👉 Class C motorhomes have a larger sleeping capacity, so you can take several friends or family members on the road with you.
👉 The smaller space also means you will not have to use as much energy to heat or cool the class C motorhomes. They are a great way to get the luxuries you want while still saving money and hassle.
Pop-Up Campers
Pop-up campers are amazing and practical small camper options. They are trailers that can be folded, packed, and stored for easy transportation.
Some have hard sides, and others have fabric sides like tents.
Pop-up campers are easier to drive and move than other trailers. They fold down small enough that you can still easily use your rearview mirror while driving. They also tend to be very light, so they can be towed by many vehicles.
👉 They do not have as much space as other campers, but they are compact and easy to tow.
They may not have the amenities of other trailers, so if you want a full kitchen, bathroom, and air conditioning, a pop-up camper may not be right for you.
👉 If you are looking to bring lots of gear or enjoy an upscale camping adventure without spending all of your money, pop-up campers are great!
Towing weight – capacity – 10 Popular Vehicle Models
In the table below you can find the towing weight or maximal towing capacity of 10 popular vehicle models:
| Vehicle Model and Type | Average Towing Weight / Capacity Max. (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | 1,000 lbs |
| Chevy Cruze | 1,000 lbs |
| Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
| Toyota Rav4 | 3,5000 lbs |
| Sedan | 1,000 to 4,000 lbs |
| Toyota Prius | under 1,000 lbs |
| Toyota Corolla | under 1,500 lbs |
| Subaru Outback | Up to 3,700 lbs |
| Buick | up to 1,500 lbs |
| Kia Sorento | 3,500 lbs |
| Small (Quarter-Ton) Trucks | 6,500 |
| Half-Ton Trucks | 8,500 |
| Three-Quarter-Ton Trucks | 15,000 |
| Full-Size SUVs | 7,200 |
How Much Can I Tow? – Towing & Payload Capacity Explained
How Much Can I Tow? – Towing & Payload Capacity Explained >> Check out the video below:
Small RV Rental Prices
Small RVs are perfect for anyone hoping to travel on a budget. They are compact and they are often less expensive than their larger counterparts.
Many of the smaller options do not require large parking spaces, which again makes them a less-expensive option. As always when road-tripping, do not forget to budget for gas money and campsite fees.
Teardrop trailers
Teardrop trailers can vary in price depending on the amenities you want, the model of the trailer, and the year of the trailer. On average, teardrop trailers will cost between 50 and 150 dollars per night. More expensive trailers likely will be able to sleep more people or will have better amenities like bathrooms and kitchens.
Take note that whenever you are towing a trailer, the gas mileage of your vehicle will go down, so that will likely result in an added expense.
People renting their teardrop trailers may include some propane for the generator, so check if you will need to pay for that or if it is included.
Truck Campers
Truck Campers are not as easy to rent as others. This is because you will have to make sure that the truck camper you rent will fit on this vehicle.
For this reason, the prices can greatly vary and it will require more work on your part to make sure that the vehicle will match the camper.
On average, truck campers cost between 150 and 200 dollars per night. They will add weight to your vehicle, affecting the gas mileage. An added benefit, though, is that they can be parked almost anywhere, so you will not need to pay as much in campsite fees.
Class B Campers
Class B Campers cost between 100 and 250 dollars per night to rent. Class B campers often have the great, vintage look that has become iconic for camper vans.
You can often find these vintage camper vans available for rent. Sometimes they cost more because the owner has likely worked hard to keep the camper functioning at a high-capacity for so many years.
Class B campers do not require extra weight added to a trailer, so the gas mileage of the vehicle will not be affected too much.
This makes it easier to budget for these campers. You also do not need to worry about needing extra-long campsites to park a class B camper.
Class C Campers
Class C Campershave more space than class B campers, so they will cost more to rent. They also may require larger campsite spaces, because they are longer than other small RVs. They cost around 150 to 300 dollars per night to rent. Larger, newer class C campers will cost more than older and smaller class C campers.
Some class C campers have sides that can expand to give you extra room. These may cost more, but if you want to bring the whole family, they can make the vacation significantly more comfortable.
Pop-Up Campers
They range in price from 60 to 100 dollars per night. This makes them a great budget option because they are cheaper than other campers and cheaper than most hotels.
Pop-Up Campers are a great option for anyone new to trailer camping. They are less expensive than many other trailers. They are also lighter, so they will save you gas money. They are easier to tow, as well.
Read also: Pop up Camper Rentals: Find The Best Deals And Save Money!
Where to Rent a Small RV or Compact RV
Outdoorsy is one of the best websites for renting all sizes of RVs. Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer rental site. This means that people who own RVs can rent them out, just like Airbnb, but for RVs. This is an easy way to rent because there are tons of RVs available in all shapes and sizes.
Because the owners are renting their own RVs, there is more pressure to take care of the RV, so you are less likely to rent a tired, rundown RV.
To use Outdoorsy, simply search for the RV you want in your desired area. You can search from your location or your destination. You can add filters for price, size, and other amenities. Each RV owner can set their own rules about pets, concerts, and families, so there are a wide variety of options available.
If bringing your pets is important, you can filter for RVs with pet-friendly options. If you are interested only in RVs with heating and air conditioning, there is a filter for that. Once you have selected your RV, you set up with the owner for a pick-up and drop-off time/date.
You will sign a contract with the RV owner to handle details like cleaning and quality control. If there is ever a problem, Outdoorsy will help mediate.
If you cannot find an RV in your location, Outdoorsy also offers delivery for some RVs. Find the RV of your dreams without breaking the bank!
Read also: 55 Best Small Travel Trailers / lightweight Travel Trailers For Sale
Are There Class B RVs for Rent or Small RV for Rent Near Me?
The easiest way to find if there are small RVs available near you is to search on Outdoorsy. Outdoorsy lets you use a filter that will only find Class B RVs in your selected location. If there are not class B RVs available near you, you can widen the search but still specify that you would like a smaller RV.
If you are unhappy with the class B RVs in your area, you can also rent a campervan or a class C RV. These RVs are also smaller and would have many of the same features as class B RVs.
If after all of this, you still cannot find an RV that fits your needs, you can search for Class B RVs that are available for delivery. On Outdoorsy drivers have the option to make their RVs deliverable. It costs an extra fee, but it is incredibly convenient. With this option, you will easily be able to find the perfect RV.
One-Way Compact RV Rental – What You Need to Know?
One-way RV rental is a great option for anyone hoping to see sights without doing a round-trip journey. One-way RV rental gives you the chance to pick up an RV in one location, drive to another, and then use another method of transport to return home.
👉 The owner or rental agency will make sure the RV returns to its home base.
When you use a one-way RV rental, you will have to pay an extra fee. This fee covers the charge of returning the RV to its home base.
👉 This fee could be between 200 and 800 dollars, depending on how far you take the RV from its beginning location.
When you rent through Outdoorsy, it is the choice of each owner whether or not the RV is available for a one-way rental. You will have to confirm with the owner before renting.
👉 When using a one-way rental, you need to make sure the RV is ready for returning when you finish your trip.
This may include filling it with gas and cleaning it. Be sure to check your rental agreement to make sure you are returning it in prime shape.
Read also: Can You Rent an RV One Way? 24 Insider Tips
2 Person RV Rental- What You Need to Know
If you are only planning on hitting the road with one other person, there are plenty of options for you that will save you money.
👉 You likely do not need a large motorhome that can sleep six people. Any of the camper options in this article would have plenty of room for two people to use.
While any camper will work, you should carefully plan your trip around which campsites are best for your camper. You may need a campsite with more amenities if your camper does not have much to offer.
👉 If you are inexperienced with RVs, renting a class B or class C camper is probably the best option for you. You do not need to worry about high ceilings, and you also do not need to worry about pulling a trailer.
Read also: Do RV Rentals Allow Pets? (Pet Friendly Companies)
Luxury Small RV Rental – Where and How To Rent?
Renting through a peer-to-peer RV site like Outdoorsy or RVshare is a great place to find luxury small RV.
45′ Entegra Cornerstone | Luxury Diesel RV Rental >> Check out the video below:
Minivan RV Rental- What You Need to Know
If you are looking for a small RV, you may be able to find a minivan that has been converted into an RV.
Search for small RVs on outdoorsy or another rental site. Specify that you only need it to sleep about two people.
Similarly, if you drive a minivan and you want to add a trailer for extra sleeping space, there are several options available.
You will need to check the towing capacity of your minivan and rent an appropriate trailer. Pop-up campers and teardrop trailers are likely the best options when towing with a smaller vehicle.
Top Small RV Rental Destinations
If you are looking for an easy, fun vacation in your small RV, these destinations are sure to please. They have beautiful sights and fun activities that you can enjoy from the comfort of your compact RV.
Things Compact RV Renters Love in Florida
Florida is a popular vacation spot in all seasons. You will love the beaches, the theme parks, and the Everglades. There is so much to do, you will want to take another trip just to fit it all in!
Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine is great if you are hoping to explore nature and enjoy beautiful beaches. Anastasia State Park is full of unique wildlife.
If you enjoy birdwatching, it is the perfect destination for you. You can also try boating, fishing, biking, hiking, canoeing, and beachcombing.
Because compact RVs are so easy to drive, you can easily take them to explore other popular Florida locations, while saving money by parking in a campground.
Disneyworld and Universal Studios are two of the most popular theme parks in Florida. You can enjoy fun rides and meet your favorite movie and television characters.
Florida has plenty of beautiful campgrounds to visit and cities if you want to get back into society and try shopping centers and restaurants.
Things Compact RV Renters Love in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a popular vacation spot for anyone who wants to try out some of their dozens of casinos. There is so much more to offer than just casinos, though. It is a great spot to explore campsites in the desert.
It is also a perfect destination if you want to take a camper vacation during the winter because it will still be warm enough for camping.
Camp at a campsite like Canyon Trail RV Park in Boulder City. It is not far from Las Vegas, so you can eat dinner and catch a magic show at the Las Vegas Strip and then get away from society and enjoy your camper at night.
When you stay in this area, you can see beautiful sights like the Hoover Dam. Another great option in this area is Lake Mead.
You can get out of the heat of the sun and enjoy swimming, boating, kayaking, and floating.
Don’t forget to bring your barbecue, because you can enjoy grilling after a long day of play!
Things Compact RV Renters Love in San Diego
If you love beaches and sun, San Diego is the perfect vacation destination for you. You can park at a campsite near Mission Bay and enjoy the sun and the beach every single day.
Try paddleboarding, sea kayaking, and fishing.
San Diego is also home to several theme parks like Sea World and Legoland. It is not a long drive to Disneyland, so you could easily do a day trip.
If you enjoy golfing, check out the Mission Bay Golf Course. There are dozens of biking and walking trails, so you can get out and get moving in the beautiful weather.
Balboa Park has a beautiful pavilion that sometimes hosts outdoor shows. It includes the open-air Spreckels Organ, which is the world’s largest outdoor organ!
San Diego has fantastic cuisine. Enjoy street tacos and California burritos. California burritos include French Fries for a delicious surprise.
San Diego has plenty of fun activities to keep you on your toes.
Things Compact RV Renters Love in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is full of rich history. It also has beautiful parks to explore for gorgeous views. You are sure to learn a lot and have endless fun.
You can stay at the Boston Minuteman Campground and have access to the historic city of Boston. In Boston, you can explore the Boston National Historical Park.
This area is called the “cradle of Liberty,” and it is a great location for any history buffs in your camping group.
There are beautiful forests you can camp in during the night. With a compact RV, it is easy to then take a day trip into the city of Boston to explore some of their beautiful museums and shops.
Another popular camper destination in Massachusetts is Salem. Salem is the site of the historic Salem Witch Trials. You can do historical and cultural tours in the city.
If you are more interested in the paranormal, there are also ghost/haunted tours you can try out.
Massachusetts has beautiful piers. It is a great place to try out some of the best seafood in America. You can also try your hand at sailing. Visit Massachusetts today!
Things Compact RV Renters Love in New Jersey
New Jersey is another popular destination in the Northeastern United States. It is close to New York City, but it has its own unique culture and destinations to enjoy. It is great if you want to explore the big cities with all of their rich cultures.
Liberty Harbor RV Park is great if you are looking for a less-expensive way to explore New York City. From the RV park, there is a ferry service to take you straight to downtown Manhattan.
You can see shows on Broadway, visit the museums, shop in Soho, grab lunch in Chinatown, and then watch an opera at the Metropolitan Opera House.
There is so much to do, and your camper will be waiting for you when you are done.
If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, New Jersey has plenty of options for that as well. You can stay at the Hospitality Creek Campground. It is right by the beach so you can swim and enjoy the sun.
They also have an Olympic-sized swimming pool, if you are passionate about swimming. Other activities include baseball, horseshoes, and volleyball.
When you take your compact RV to New Jersey, there are plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Small RV Rentals FAQs
Let’s close out this page about compact and small RV rentals with answers to some of your most frequently-asked questions about them!
What is the smallest RV you can rent?
What is the smallest RV you can rent? Class Bs are the smallest motorhomes you can rent. They are roughly the size of a panel van.
If you are looking at trailers, pop-up campers and small teardrop trailers are likely the smallest camper trailers you can rent.
Can you rent an RV with unlimited miles?
Can you rent an RV with unlimited miles? Yes, you can! When you rent through Outdoorsy or another peer-to-peer rental site, each owner has the option to rent the RV with unlimited miles.
If they use this option, you can drive as far as you want without incurring any extra fees.
Read also: Do RV Rentals Include Mileage? (Free Unlimited Miles)
Can I drive an RV with a car license?
Can I drive an RV with a car license? Yes, if you can drive most RV with just your car license. However, if you are driving a particularly large RV (over 26,000 pounds), you may need a special license.
The compact options in this article will all be small enough to drive with only a car license.
How old do you have to be to drive an RV?
Different rental agencies may have unique age requirements. It is easier to rent an RV if you are 25 years old or more. Many agencies may still rent to those 21-25 years old, but they have limited options and increased insurance requirements.
Conclusion
If you are looking to get away with a small group of friends or just your partner, compact RVs are the best way to save money.
You can explore with your regular vehicle and a teardrop trailer. You can detach your teardrop or pop-up trailer and explore the site without the extra weight.
Other compact RV options include truck campers, class B, and class C motorhomes. These smaller options are less expensive than larger RVs and they are usually easier to drive.
The flexibility offered by compact RVs gives you the chance to travel just about anywhere and find great vacation spots!
References
https://www.thorindustries.com/
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