Lucky enough to have an entire month off for your road trip? Pulling out of the driveway in an RV at the beginning of your vacation is one of the best feelings in the world. But before you go, you’ll need to find a monthly RV rental.
Monthly RV rental can be expensive, but when compared to the cost of renting a hotel and rental car for a whole month, it usually breaks even. Traveling with an RV comes with many perks, most of all that you don’t have to pack and repack with each new hotel. Staying in a camper gives you the feeling of going “home” to the same place every night no matter what city you’re in.
Finding an RV for an entire month can be tricky, though. Here are some tips on where to find monthly RV rentals and how to get the best deals.
Where To Find Places With Monthly RV Rentals Near Me
If you do a quick search online, you’ll see that there aren’t many RV rental companies that explicitly advertise monthly RV rental prices. But that doesn’t mean they don’t offer monthly rentals! Especially during less busy months (basically anything in the spring or fall), many RV companies are happy to have your business for 30-plus nights.
Your best bet is to make a list of RV rental companies in your area and start calling around. If you get a no, ask if they can recommend another dealership nearby that offers monthly rentals. Local rental companies are often times more flexible and willing to negotiate with customers since they don’t have to abide by stringent corporate policies. On the other hand, the larger dealerships have more RVs in their fleets and should be more easily able to have one out on the road for a whole month. Cast a wide net by calling both types of companies and seeing who will work with you.
Another option is to check out peer-to-peer rental sites, which connect RV owners with people looking to rent RVs (kind of like Airbnb for motorhomes). Because RV owners set their own rules and policies, it can be a great way to find the flexibility you’re looking for in a monthly RV rental. Plus, you’re almost guaranteed to get a better rate — peer-to-peer rentals often cost half of what you’d pay at a traditional RV rental company.
How Much Are Monthly RV Rental Rates?
As mentioned earlier, renting an RV for the entire month can be pricey. Think of it this way — there’s pretty much zero chance you’re going to pay less than the cost of your monthly rent or mortgage. RVs aren’t traditional housing, but they’re housing nonetheless.
With that in mind, renting an RV for a month doesn’t have to break the bank. In some cases, especially if you travel during the off-season, you may be able to find an RV monthly rental for less than $1,000 per week.
Remember that your rates will vary depending on what part of the country you live in and what time of year you’ll be traveling. You’ll also need to consider how far you’ll be driving. If you’re planning on camping out at the same place for the entire month, your fuel costs and mileage expenses will be considerably lower than if you’re planning on making a loop across the country.
Depending on where you’re planning on staying, you’ll also need to account for the cost of the campground. If you’ll be camping out at the same spot for the whole month, see if you can find a campground that offers monthly campsite fees, which tend to be much cheaper than paying 30 nights of the daily rate. Joining an RV membership club is another great way to get discounts at campgrounds across the country.
Finding The Best Deal on a Monthly RV Rental
When speaking with RV rental agents in your area, asking for long-term rental rates is the first step. Some dealerships offer up to 40 percent off their normal nightly rates for long-term rentals, so it never hurts to ask! Many of the larger RV rental companies offer specials that incentivize travelers who rent for longer periods of time by offering deals like one free night per week or 100 free miles.
If you’re a AAA member, ask if the rental company offers a AAA discount. Generally speaking, a AAA discount can get you anywhere from 5 to 10 percent off the typical rental rate offered to other customers. Even if you’re not currently a AAA member, it almost certainly pays off to have a membership. (Plus, you’ll be glad you joined if you run into any RV issues!)
Finally, if you’re needing to rent an RV as temporary housing due to something like a house fire, pest issue or plumbing problem, check with your insurance company to see if they can help offset the cost of renting an RV for the month. Some RV rental companies have special deals for people who rent an RV for use as a short-term housing solution.
Other Things to Remember When Traveling for a Month
When you’re out on the road, it’s time to relax. You definitely won’t want to be thinking about your responsibilities back home. Before you leave, take a day at home to do laundry, clean your home, and board your animals if they won’t be making the trip with you. If you can comfortably afford to do so, put your bills on autopay so it’s taken care of.
If you subscribe to the newspaper, be sure to ask for a vacation hold. Have a friend or neighbor pick up your mail, or ask the post office to hold it for you until you get back.
Finally, if you’ve got a desk job, set up your voicemail and email to let coworkers and clients know you’ll be out of the office for the interim. There’s something freeing about not having to check your emails while you’re on vacation, so don’t feel bad about unplugging from the grid for a few weeks.
Wherever you’re headed, RVing is always a good time. Renting for a month gives you plenty of time to both relax and see the sights. Safe travels and happy camping!