Tips to Rent an RV Without Overspending

Embarking on an RV adventure offers a unique blend of freedom, flexibility, and the comforts of home on the road. However, without careful planning, costs can add up. Here's a guide to renting an RV without overspending, along with a comparison between a 7-day RV vacation and a traditional trip involving flights and hotels.

1. Choose the Right RV Type
   Select an RV that suits your travel party's size and needs. Opting for a smaller, more fuel-efficient model can lead to significant savings. For instance, Class B motorhomes, commonly known as a camper van, are more economical in terms of fuel consumption compared to larger Class A motorhomes. Or if you already have a truck, you may only need to rent a travel trailer or toy hauler.
2. Book in Advance
   Book in Advance RV rentals are in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking early can secure better RV rental prices and availability.
3. Compare Rental Platforms
   You may want to consider using peer-to-peer RV rental platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy to find competitive rates. These platforms often offer a variety of options, from budget-friendly trailers to luxury motorhomes. Renting from larger rental companies, like Cruise America and El Monte RV, may provide some added peace of mind, but peer-to-peer platforms offer more RV styles (which may be helpful if you’re renting an RV to see if you want to eventually own one!)
4. Be Mindful of Mileage Fees and Generator Use
   Many rentals come with daily mileage limits and additional fees for generator use. Plan your route to stay within these limits and minimize generator usage to avoid extra charges.
5. Plan Your Meals
   One of the advantages of RV travel is the ability to prepare your own meals. Stock up on groceries and cook onboard to save money compared to dining out.
6. Choose Cost-Effective Campgrounds
   Research campgrounds in advance to find affordable options. Public campgrounds, such as those in state or national parks, often offer lower rates compared to private RV parks.

Cost Comparison: 7-Day RV Vacation vs. Traditional Travel

To illustrate the potential savings of an RV vacation, let's compare the costs for a family of four embarking on a 7-day trip. Please note that these costs are estimates at the time of writing and are just an example. You may want to consider putting together a more detailed budget as you get closer to your RV rental journey to confirm costs align with your budgets.

Option 1: RV Vacation

• RV Rental: Approximately $150 per night, totaling $1,050 for seven nights.
• Fuel: Assuming a round trip of 1,000 miles and an average fuel efficiency of 10 miles per gallon, with fuel priced at $3.50 per gallon, the total fuel cost would be $350.
• Campground Fees: At an average of $50 per night, the total for seven nights would be $350.
• Food: Estimating $200 for groceries, as meals are prepared in the RV.
• Total: $1,950

Option 2: Traditional Travel (Flight and Hotel)

• Flights: Round-trip tickets averaging $300 per person amount to $1,200 for four people.
• Rental Car: At $70 per day, the total for seven days is $490.
• Hotel Accommodations: With an average rate of $150 per night, the total for seven nights is $1,050.
• Food: Assuming $100 per day for dining out, the total is $700.
• Total: $3,440

Savings with RV Vacation: $1,490

According to a study by the RV Industry Association, RV vacations can be up to 60% less expensive for a four-person travel party compared to other types of vacation travel.

The estimations of RV rental cost and standard vacation costs in this article were made on 2/7/2025

The Unique Camping + Marine Difference

If you’re dreaming about RV travel, chances are, you may find yourself owning one someday. And when that time comes, Unique Camping + Marine will be your trusted partner in keeping your RV’s wastewater system running smoothly.

We are the industry leaders in creating the best and most trusted RV toilet treatments on the market, designed to break down waste and eliminate odors with powerful bacteria and enzyme formulas. Our RV toilet treatments are backed by 30 years of professional experience, and we have Certified RV Techs on staff to help you understand your RV wastewater system inside and out.

Whether you're a seasoned RV owner or just starting out, we’re here to ensure your wastewater system is easy to manage and trouble-free. At Unique Camping + Marine, we’ve made it our mission to provide you with RV toilet treatments that actually work—so you can focus on making memories on the road.

Pro Tip: Even if you're renting an RV, it’s worth asking your rental company about the products they use for maintaining the wastewater system. If you’re not sure, look for our trusted solutions in RV supply stores or online before you hit the road. Trust us, having the right RV toilet treatments on hand makes all the difference!

By carefully planning your trip, renting an RV can be one of the most cost-effective and rewarding ways to travel. And with Unique Camping + Marine as your go-to resource for RV wastewater system expertise, you’ll have peace of mind whether you’re renting now or owning later!