Rent an rv to drive cross country

Prepare for your best road trip yet.

Published on May 15, 2020

There's nothing like a good road trip. Whether you're planning to drive across the country or just explore your home state, road trips offer the opportunity to see cities, towns, and everything in between through a unique perspective.

And since it might be a while before we can jet off to our favorite destinations across the globe, road trips also provide a convenient way to get away while avoiding much of the hassle (and safety risks) of other forms of travel. You can certainly set out on a journey in your own car, but an RV or motorhome allows you go wherever you like without having to plan your itinerary around hotels. If you don't have an RV of your own, don't fret, as there are plenty of options for renting an RV.

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Keep reading for three RV rental companies that travelers swear by.

RVshare

RVshare allows vehicle owners to rent to customers directly. The site provides information about the owner, as well as customer reviews, so you're able to get a clear picture of the vehicle, which is especially important when renting directly. You can also search for RVs that are available for both pickup and delivery. A wide variety of vehicles across the country and affordable nightly rates make RVshare stand out. Plus, a trip planner tool will help you find the right RV for your specific trip.

The company even lets customers search for vehicles near a number of national parks, and the site offers RV guides for each park. An RV located near the Grand Canyon National Park averages about $130 per night, for example.

To rent: rvshare.com

Outdoorsy

Another peer-to-peer service, Outdoorsy not only offers RV rentals, but also travel trailers, camper vans, pop-up trailers, and fifth-wheel campers. You can also search through a variety of categories to find the option that best suits your trip, from family- and pet-friendly RVs to vintage vehicles. Simply enter your trip dates, number of guests, and price range, then use the map function to find RVs in your area. Owners are required to follow safety and cleanliness protocols, including cleaning vehicles with disinfectant and antibacterial cleaners before and after each rental.

You can also search for vehicles near national parks — and there are plenty of options. For example, Outdoorsy has over 1,300 rentals near Joshua Tree National Park.

To rent: outdoorsy.com

Cruise America

Cruise America offers RVs at 128 rental centers in the U.S. and Canada, with vehicles that are meticulously inspected and cleaned following a protocol that exceeds CDC guidelines. You can choose from four categories: Large RV, Standard RV, Compact RV, and Truck Camper. When looking at prices, it's important to note that Cruise America charges $0.35 per mile in addition to a nightly rate. A tool on the company's website allows you to compare the vehicles to make sure you choose the right one for your trip. There's also an extensive renter's guide and the option to add on Renter's Kits with necessities like cookware and bed linens for an extra charge.

To rent: cruiseamerica.com

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Editor's Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure.

If you're renting an RV for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions: How much does it cost to rent an RV? What kind of RV or trailer should I rent? What should I pack? Thankfully, we have the answers to your RV questions, so you can hit the road with confidence this summer. We spoke to Paige Bouma, vice president at RV Trader, and Megan Buemi, senior manager of content marketing at RVshare, to get their expert advice on everything from RV rentals to road trip packing lists. With people across the country gearing up to explore the great outdoors during their summer vacations, here's what you need to know to join them.

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How much does it cost to rent an RV?

RV travel can be very affordable, but it all depends on your preferences. One of the most common questions from first-timers is "how much is it to rent an RV?" While there's no clear-cut number, there are a few things to consider. First, you have to factor in the RV rental cost. This varies based on the vehicle type, where you're going, and the length of your trip, but according to RVshare, "the average booking is $150 per night and $1,000 for a four- to five-night rental." Other costs include insurance, gas, campground fees, food, and more. Bouma notes that it's a good idea to map out where you're staying overnight ahead of time, so you can park at free lots or at friends' homes.

What should I pack for my RV trip?

There's a fine line between overpacking and not having what you need. Like any trip, you'll want to pack the clothing and supplies necessary for the activities you have in mind. Buemi says to "pack thoughtfully," noting that renters should "speak to the RV owner about what they keep on board for their renters, such as linens and cookware." Bouma notes that it's important to have a tool kit and first-aid kit on hand, in case of emergencies. If you're traveling with kids, don't forget games, craft supplies, movies, kitchen supplies, and of course, sticks, graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate for making s'mores.

How should I plan my RV trip?

Bouma says that planning is a great way to get the whole family involved in the trip. Research your route and destinations ahead of time, plot out where you'll stay overnight (and make reservations for sought-after campgrounds), plan your meals, and make sure you have enough water in your tank and gas in your generator. Oh, and figure out where you'll have hookups for water and power, too.

What RV should I rent?

Choosing the right RV for your next vacation can seem like a daunting task because there are so many brands and models out there. Let factors like budget, the number of people traveling, the destination, and the length of the trip help narrow things down. Consider whether you want a motorhome or a towable trailer (and make sure your car can tow whatever trailer you choose). Buemi says to "decide what is most important to you, such as pet-friendliness, number of beds, a full kitchen, fun outdoor space, and more."

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Where should I rent my RV?

So, you know what kind of RV you want and what you're bringing on your trip, but how do you actually get your vehicle? Luckily, there are several convenient options for booking your next RV. Peer-to-peer sites like RVshare and Outdoorsy connect RV owners directly with vacationers looking to rent. There's also Cruise America which has an impressive inventory at a number of rental centers across the U.S. and Canada. And, if you find yourself accustomed to the RV life, you can always head to RV Trader to buy your own camper.

What else do I need to know before renting an RV?

If you rent an RV, you'll have to decide whether to drive it, tow it, or pick it up at your destination. If you're not into the idea of driving or towing something so large, some RV rentals will even drop it off at your desired campground. When renting an RV for the first time, be sure to get a walk-though from the owner. Buemi advises, "Setting up an RV at a campground may be new to you, so ask the owner to give you detailed instructions on all aspects of their rig, such as how to use the electrical hookups, open the awning, dump the tanks, etc." Even if you're renting, make sure you have insurance and assistance in case of an accident. RVshare offers up to $200,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage plus free 24/7 roadside assistance and towing and tire service.

Bouma also notes that drivers can often forget how tall their RVs are (especially with their AC units on top). Be cautious when driving under anything with low clearance, including fast-food drive-throughs.

How do I plan an RV trip cross country?

6 steps to planning a successful RV road trip.
Choose the right RV for the road trip you want to plan. ... .
Make a plan that matches your budget. ... .
Book campsites far in advance of your departure date if possible. ... .
Plan an RV-friendly route. ... .
Research RV parking in advance. ... .
Adjust your estimated time of arrival..

How long can you shower in an RV?

If water conservation is a priority because you're dry camping, 5 minutes or less in the shower is recommended. If you have water hookups and conserving water isn't necessary, you can technically take a shower for as long as your hot water will last. When RVing, a 10-minute shower is reasonable.

Can you move around in an RV while driving?

It's illegal to sleep, walk around or even be inside an RV like a travel trailer, fifth wheel or any kind of pull-behind campers while it's moving. However, you can sit inside a Class A, B, and C motorhome that has seat belts, and you can legally use some of the facilities inside while driving.

Can you cook while an RV is moving?

You can use the oven in your RV while driving as long as you have an external generator to power your kitchen. With that being said, you should never use the propane hookup for your RV while you're driving, though. Doing so can be extremely dangerous, so it's best to save any propane-powered cooking for the campsite.