The first question that will pop into anyone's mind when considering renting a recreational vehicle is
how much to rent an RV? The best response to that question is not totally satisfactory if one is looking for a quick, catch-all answer:
It depends.
You're thinking, "Gee, thanks. I could have figured that out." Sorry, it's really not that difficult. Here are some things to figure in determining the cost of renting an RV:
- The cost per night the rental company charges. That's the term they use - cost per night. By the way, during peak vacation months such as July and August, those nightly rates can vary.
- Then you figure about how many miles your trip will take. Using something like Google Maps will make that a piece of cake. Most RV rental companies charge a certain amount per mile. That's from 35 to 50-cents per mile.
- You'll then multiply the number of nights you'll be renting the RV by the nightly rate and add that to the mileage times the cost per mile. For example, if the nightly rental rate is $99 and the total mileage traveled at, say, 38-cents per mile, a five-night, 500-mile trip would be $685.
- Most RVs come with a generator, so there is a relatively small charge associated with the generator. In hotter months generator use will increase as the onboard air conditioner is used more.
- In determining how much it costs to rent an RV, you should also consider the cost of kitchen utensils (pots, pans, etc.) and bedding. If the RV rental company provides those items, there will be a fee; however, you usually have the option of bringing your own utensils and bedding. In that case, of course, there is no fee charged for those items.
Before you rent an RV, there are some things you should do, including determining the exact dates of your trip or vacation, making an online reservation with a reputable
RV rental company, and possibly making a deposit or credit card hold amount for the rental.
Considering the convenience of taking "home" with you and your family, renting an RV is quite the bargain, especially when you consider the issues and costs associated with air travel and the hassle of checking in and out of motels. And unlike a motel, your RV rental features all the comforts wherever you decide to stop.