If you’re renting an RV, there’s a pretty good chance that it won’t be your dream RV. But most longtime RVers will agree that it’s a great way for you to test the waters and see if the lifestyle is good for you.
Renting an RV can also be a great way to see what size and style RV is right for you and your traveling companion(s). Some people find that they prefer a compact campervan that’s easy to maneuver, while others realize they need the space and amenities of a larger motorhome. Trying out different layouts, sleeping arrangements, and storage options can help you determine what works best before making a big purchase.
Another benefit of renting is getting a feel for the realities of RV travel. From setting up at a campsite to handling hookups and learning how much power and water you actually use, renting allows you to experience the daily routines of RVing without a long-term commitment.
It’s also a chance to test out driving a bigger vehicle, backing into campsites, and navigating different types of terrain—skills that take some practice but are essential for a smooth RVing experience.
For some, renting an RV is about adventure, whether it’s a cross-country road trip, a national park tour, or a special event like a festival or family reunion.
Others rent because they’re considering buying an RV and want to try different models before deciding.
Have you ever rented an RV? If so, have you done so more than once or just one time? After you vote, please leave a comment telling us why you rented one and about your experience. If you’ve never rented one, would you like to?
MORE POLLS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
- Do you have a favorite RV trip of all time?
- How often do you drink soda/pop?
- Have you ever driven with your RV to Alaska, or do you plan to?
- Do you swim in campground pools?
- What’s the longest you’ve waited in line at a dump station?
RVDT2866
We rented a Class C when we went to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe for 2 months.
We rented a MH from Cruise America to travel the Pacific Coast – San Francisco to Oregon. It was a great experience and we didn’t have to tow our own rig across the country – although that would be fun too and we will do it one day
You need a just plain “No” as an option. I might rent one someday, or I might not, who knows? But, I never say, “Never”. 🙂
Renting different types of RVs was the perfect way for us to decide what type of RV to buy.
I guess it depends what you rent, we rented class Cs. We have now had two travel trailers and last year have upgraded to a fifth wheel, which we love
We rented from Cruise America before buying. We wanted to be sure RVing was for us. We rented one I think twice then went out and bought our first RV.
I rented a Class A once…..after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 ripped off the roof of my house and destroyed almost everything inside. I parked in my driveway for over a month while awaiting finalization of my homeowners insurance.
I do not see a place to vote. I have refreshed the page and have reloaded the article.
My vote would be no.
I started out in Cub Scouts in tents, then to a camper, and now a 30′ 5th wheel that is great. Very little to no issues with it. Will probably be the last one I ever buy.
We didn’t because I couldn’t find a model that was similar to what we wanted to buy. Instead we bit the bullet and just bought an RV with absolutely no experience. Like a roller coaster, it’s been quite a ride, but I’d do it again.
We rented a motorhome from “Just Go” in Great Britain. Toured Great Britain for 30 days. This was my most favorite RV trip mentioned in your last poll. We will do it again.
btw, I couldn’t find a place to vote on this poll either
Renting is how we got the bug. We rented a class C and realized we liked it right away. The only draw back was the lack of mobility we had when it was set up. So we bought a trailer and a truck and we have had no complaints since.
I never got the poll pop-up. All I got were ads.
Sorry, Steve. We’re working on it. It worked over the weekend when I proofed it, and I can see that there have been 310 responses (votes) on it this morning. So, it disappeared recently, apparently. It should be back shortly. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
When I was a kid back in the 1960’s my parents rented a tent trailer one year and then rented a truck camper another year for vacation, before they finally purchased a motorhome a few years later.
Not rented, but almost 30 years ago, borrowed a pop-up from relatives.
We will be renting a class C in July since we sold our class A a few months ago.
Our daughter and family rented one from private party to join us camping on coast, I saw how well she cleaned it and it looked great! Owner refused to release the $300.00 cleaning fee because of a turmeric stain on plastic cutting board. My SIL offered to go buy another full Costco pack for him but no…he kept $300! They are from opposite coast so no sense in taking to small claims, lesson learned.
We have rented 6 RVs for month or longer vists in Europe, New Zealand and Hawaii. 5 out of the 6 were very good. Our first rental, in Hawaii, was so bad we cancelled the trip.
Renting the brand and model of RV you are interested in purchasing if available is by the far the smartest and best money spent in the shopping process.
Real world experience with an RV will always top what you “Think” you like about the make and model you wish to purchase.
Rent an RV with a huge billboard plastered on both sides? Yea, thanks but no thanks.
We rented a Class C for our first trip to Alaska. This was due to time restraint. I couldn’t get enough time off work to drive all the way from NE. Ohio to Alaska and back. We flew into Anchorage and spent 10 days going around the state.
When my kids & I were newly single, we rented a park model for our first 3 day vacation. Mainly I learnt that we didn’t need that much space (30 ft trailer) I didn’t get 1 since at the time I was backpacking, and looking into family tent camping. 47 years later I bought my fiberglass molded trailer after reading this newsletter for 12 years