If you are planning a vacation getaway with a hint of luxury, you have likely looked into renting an RV. These recreation vehicles can allow you to get into the farthest reaches of the country while still maintaining a bit of that at-home feel. The question is, how much RV do you need for your planned trip, and how much will those RVs cost?
What are the smallest and biggest RVs you can rent? The smallest RVs you can rent will be Class B motorhomes, which are known as conversion vans. On the other hand, the biggest RVs will be Class A motorhomes, which can rival the size of a full-length school bus.
While all RVs are classified into specific size categories, there are many different makes and models that fall into each category that can cause the size to differ slightly. Therefore, when you find the size class that best fits your needs, you will need to do additional research to find the exact model according to the specific size you choose.
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What Are the Smallest RVs You Can Rent?
When looking into renting RVs, there will be a couple of different options: motorized RVs and RV trailers that are pulled behind another vehicle. Within the category of small RVs, you will find Class B motorhomes and RV folding trailers, otherwise known as pop-up campers.
Related reading: How Do RV Rentals Work: 7 Expert Tips
Class B RVs
These RVs are converted vans that are used for camping purposes. They are motorized campers, so when the RV moves, the camp comes with it. They are the smallest possible RV that you can rent.
Features:
- Some amenities that most Class B RVs contain are folding beds, small cooking areas, and a heating unit. They will likely not feature much of a living area or restroom facilities.
- These RVs can accommodate up to four people and are about 17 to 19 feet long. They are great for quick camping trips while maintaining most of the mobility of a regular passenger vehicle.
Examples of Class B RVs include the Airstream Interstate Nineteen, Hymer Aktiv S, and Pleasure-Way Tofino Camper Van.
RV Folding Trailers
Also known as pop-up tents, these are another small RV option that can enhance your camping experience while being easily towed by a truck or midsize SUV.
Features:
- These trailers basically fold in while towed; when the camping destination is reached, they pop up to form a tent-like structure.
- They feature two beds, a sink, a faucet, and a small cooktop. These little trailers are unlikely to feature a living space or restroom facilities.
- While only 16 feet long when folded in, these trailers can pop up and reach lengths of up to 32 feet and can sleep up to eight people.
Some popular models of pop-up campers are the Jayco Jay Sport Pop Up Trailer, Coachmen Clipper Sport Pop Up Trailer, and the Forest River Rockwood Pop Up Trailer, to name a few.
What Are the Biggest RVs You Can Rent?
Just like with small RVs, big RVs come in both motorized and pull-behind trailer options. With these bigger RVs, however, you may need a large truck and a specialized towing package if you choose to go with a trailer.
Class A RVs
These are the biggest possible RVs you can rent, the real “granddaddy of them all.” These are the RVs most people think of when they hear the term “motorhome,” as they really are a home on wheels, with many Class A RVs more luxurious than some permanent residences.
These RVs are either gas or diesel-operated and are usually built on a commercial truck or bus chassis. Although they do not require a special license to drive, they can be somewhat difficult to maneuver, given their enormous size, for an inexperienced driver.
Features:
- Class A RVs come fully loaded with every possible amenity of a real home, with multiple sleeping quarters (including a master bedroom), bathroom facilities with a shower and toilet, a kitchen, a living room, and a dining space. They also have TVs installed throughout the cabin.
- These RVs can reach up to 45 feet in length and can sleep eight people.
Standard models include the Newmar Dutch Star, Entegra Aspire, and Tiffin Allegro Bus.
Before you continue reading, here is an article I wrote about Renting an RV to Live In: Everything You Need to Know
Fifth-Wheel Trailer
This is the largest RV trailer option, with living quarters to rival some small mobile homes. It gets its name from an extension in the front that reaches over the vehicle and looks like a “fifth wheel.” This wheel attaches to the cabin of the truck and requires vehicles with specialized towing capabilities, so make sure you have a properly equipped truck before renting one of these.
Fifth-wheel trailers offer all the same amenities of a Class A RV and are excellent options for staying in one place for an extended period. Some popular brands include the Keystone Montana, Dutchmen Voltage, and Jayco North Point.
Class C RVs
In terms of motorized RVs, this will fall in between Class B and Class A in terms of size. These RVs look approximately like a small shuttle bus from the outside, as it has a camper space attached to a truck or van cutaway chassis.
Features:
- Class C RVs will have many of the same amenities of Class A RVs and fifth-wheel trailers, with the main difference being more confined living and dining spaces.
- They offer considerably more mobility for less experienced drivers, as they range in length from 20 to 31 feet.
- They can sleep up to eight people.
Some popular models include the Winnebago Minnie Winnie, Thor Motorcoach Outlaw, and Tiffin Wayfarer.
RV Travel Trailer
This is the midsize option if you prefer pulling your RV, giving you the flexibility to set up camp, disconnect your vehicle, and go out and do some exploring. Towing an RV travel trailer will require a truck or SUV equipped with a special towing package to prevent swaying while in motion.
Most of these trailers offer a full set of amenities comparable to a Class C RV. However, some smaller versions do not have a bathroom with water and have a fold-out kitchen that is covered by a pop-up awning.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Big RV?
The cost of renting RVs varies widely based on several factors, such as rental channel, geographic location, availability, and time of year:
- RV rentals will cost more in recreation-heavy states like Washington and Colorado. They will also see upticks in rates during the summer months, especially around the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays.
- In addition, whether you rent from a private party, a commercial rental agency, or local RV dealers that offer rental options will impact your rate.
- Another thing to consider with larger RVs is that the full economy can be bad, and you may be charged a higher fee if you plan on parking in a national park or other pay-to-camp sites. Higher insurance costs could be another indirect expense when renting a bigger model.
With that said, the following list will provide a rough estimate of rental costs for the four main classes of big RVs:
- Class A RV – $175 to $275 per night for older models; $350 to $450 per night for models less than ten years old
- Fifth-wheel Trailer – $60 to $150 per night for older models; $150 to $300 per night for models less than ten years old
- Class C RV – $150 to $200 per night for older models; $225 to $400 per night for models less than ten years old
- RV Travel Trailer – $50 to $125 per night for older models; $125 to $200 per night for models less than ten years old
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Small RV?
As you can see from looking at the bigger RVs, trailers are generally less expensive to rent than motorized options. Also remember that while you may have fewer amenities with smaller RVs, you will likely pay less in fuel, camping fees, and insurance while allowing for greater mobility.
The following is a rough estimate of costs for small RV options:
- Class B RV – $100 to $200 per night for older models; $200 to $350 per night for models less than ten years old
- RV Folding Trailer – $50 to $80 per night for older models; $100 to $150 per night for models less than ten years old
In conclusion, the range of RVs in which you can rent for recreational use is quite broad, from small, towable trailers to massive motorhomes. There’s practically no limit to the choices you have available, especially when it comes to RV size.
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