Where to find RV rentals under $100 a day

The cheapest RV rentals come from peer-to-peer platforms where individual owners rent their own vehicles, not from traditional rental companies. Websites like RVshare, Outdoorsy, and Turo let owners set their own prices, which means you can find daily rates between $40 and $80 for older or smaller RVs, especially during off-season months. Traditional rental chains like Cruise America and El Monte typically charge $120 to $200 per day for comparable vehicles.

Peer-to-peer sites work like Airbnb for RVs: you search by location and dates, see photos and owner reviews, and book directly. The owner handles insurance and roadside information, though you pay a damage deposit upfront (usually $500 to $2,000). Many owners are flexible on price if you book for a week or longer, so messaging them before booking can sometimes lower the daily rate by 10 to 20 percent.

Seasonal timing matters more with RV rentals than hotel bookings. Winter months (November through February) and weekdays are cheapest because fewer people travel. Summer weekends and holiday weeks can double the price of the same RV. If your travel dates are flexible, checking rates for different weeks can reveal savings of $30 to $50 per day.

Key Takeaways

  • Peer-to-peer rental platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy typically cost $40 to $80 per day, while traditional rental companies charge $120 to $200 for the same vehicle type.
  • Booking for a full week instead of a few days, or traveling in winter and on weekdays, can reduce your daily rate by 10 to 30 percent.
  • Damage deposits ($500 to $2,000) are separate from the daily rental rate and are refunded if the RV is returned in the condition documented at pickup.
  • Smaller or older RVs cost less to rent than new luxury models, and Class B vans (the smallest type) often rent for half the price of Class A motorhomes.
  • Mileage limits and fuel costs vary by owner and rental company, so comparing the total cost — not just the daily rate — matters more than the headline price.

What size and type of RV costs the least

Class B vans (compact motorhomes 20 to 25 feet long) are the cheapest option and rent for $50 to $90 per day on peer-to-peer sites. They sleep two to four people, have a small kitchen and bathroom, and fit in regular parking spaces. Class C motorhomes (25 to 35 feet) cost $80 to $130 per day and sleep four to six. Class A motorhomes (35 to 45 feet) rent for $120 to $200 per day and are the most expensive.

Travel trailers (which you tow behind your own vehicle) are sometimes cheaper than motorhomes because you only pay for the trailer, not the engine and transmission. However, you need a vehicle capable of towing, and rental companies charge extra for the hitch and brake controller setup. If you already own a truck or SUV rated for towing, a travel trailer might save you $20 to $40 per day compared to renting a motorhome.

Older RVs (2010 to 2015 model years) rent for 30 to 40 percent less than newer ones, and the difference in comfort is usually minor. Check the maintenance records and owner reviews carefully — a well-maintained 2012 RV is safer and more reliable than a neglected 2020 model. Photos and owner descriptions should tell you whether the RV has been recently updated or needs work.

How mileage limits and fuel affect your total cost

Most peer-to-peer rentals include unlimited mileage, but traditional rental companies often charge $0.25 to $0.50 per mile over a daily limit (usually 75 to 100 miles). On a week-long trip covering 500 miles, that overage can add $100 to $250 to your bill. Always check the mileage policy before booking and calculate your expected driving distance against the limit.

Fuel is your responsibility on all RV rentals. An RV typically uses 5 to 8 gallons per 100 miles, so a 500-mile trip costs $75 to $150 in fuel depending on current gas prices and the RV's size. Larger Class A motorhomes use more fuel than smaller Class B vans. Some owners offer a "fuel included" rate that's higher per day but removes the guesswork — compare this against your expected fuel cost to see if it saves money.

Cleaning fees ($75 to $200) are charged if you return the RV dirty, and some owners charge a restocking fee ($50 to $100) if you use up propane or water. These are separate from the daily rate and damage deposit. Reading the owner's house rules before booking tells you what condition they expect and what fees explore.

Booking strategies that lower your rental cost

Booking a full week instead of three or four days often gives you a 15 to 25 percent discount on the daily rate. Many owners set a lower weekly rate to attract longer bookings. If you're flexible on dates, searching a week ahead versus a month ahead sometimes shows lower prices because owners reduce rates to fill last-minute gaps.

Messaging the owner directly before booking can work in your favor. Explain your trip, mention if you're a first-time renter, and ask if they offer a discount for longer stays or off-season travel. Some owners will negotiate $5 to $15 off the daily rate if you're polite and flexible. This only works on peer-to-peer platforms; traditional rental companies have fixed pricing.

Traveling during shoulder seasons (April to May or September to October) costs 20 to 30 percent less than peak summer. Winter travel (December to February) is even cheaper, though weather and campground availability are more limited. Weekday rentals (Monday through Thursday) are typically $10 to $30 cheaper per day than weekend rentals for the same RV.

Hidden costs that add up quickly

Campground fees are not included in your rental rate and typically cost $25 to $60 per night depending on location and amenities. A week-long trip with seven nights of camping adds $175 to $420 to your total cost. Some state parks and national forests charge less ($15 to $30 per night), but they fill up quickly during peak season and often require reservations months in advance.

Damage deposits are held by the rental company or owner and refunded after your trip if there are no issues. However, if the RV is damaged, the owner can charge you for repairs. Common damage charges include tire replacement ($150 to $300), interior damage ($200 to $1,000), and mechanical issues ($500 to $3,000). Insurance through the rental platform usually covers this, but read the policy carefully — some have high deductibles ($1,000 to $2,500).

Tolls, parking fees, and generator use fees vary by location and owner. Some owners charge extra if you use the onboard generator beyond a certain number of hours. Parking in cities or at attractions can cost $10 to $30 per day. Budget an extra $50 to $100 for these miscellaneous costs on a week-long trip.

Comparing peer-to-peer platforms and traditional rental companies

RVshare and Outdoorsy are the largest peer-to-peer platforms and have the most listings, especially in popular travel areas. Both charge a service fee (usually 10 to 15 percent of the rental price) on top of the daily rate, so a $60-per-day RV actually costs $69 to $69 after fees. RVshare tends to have more budget options, while Outdoorsy has more luxury RVs.

Turo is primarily a car-sharing platform but has a growing RV section in some markets. Prices are similar to RVshare, but availability is limited outside major cities. Airbnb Experiences includes some RV rentals, though the selection is smaller and prices are often higher than dedicated RV platforms.

Traditional rental companies like Cruise America, El Monte, and CanaDream have fixed pricing and standardized insurance, which appeals to renters who want predictability. However, their daily rates are 50 to 100 percent higher than peer-to-peer platforms. They do offer one-way rentals (pick up in one city, drop off in another) for an extra fee, which peer-to-peer platforms rarely support.

What to check before booking a cheap RV

Read owner reviews carefully, especially comments about mechanical issues, cleanliness, and customer service. A cheap RV with poor reviews might cost you more in stress and unexpected repairs than a slightly more expensive, well-maintained option. Look for reviews mentioning specific problems: "AC didn't work," "water heater broken," or "dirty interior" are red flags.

Ask the owner about maintenance records and when major systems were last serviced. A refrigerator, water heater, and air conditioning are essential on an RV, and repairs are expensive. If the owner can't provide maintenance records or seems evasive about the RV's condition, book a different one.

Check the insurance policy included with the rental. Most peer-to-peer platforms include basic liability insurance, but you may need to pay extra for collision coverage or a lower deductible. Understand what damage you're responsible for and what the insurance covers before you sign the rental agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special driver's license to rent an RV?

No, a standard driver's license is sufficient for most RVs under 26,000 pounds (Class B and C motorhomes). Larger Class A motorhomes may require a commercial driver's license in some states, but most rental companies verify this before booking. Check your state's requirements and the rental company's policy before committing.

Can I rent an RV if I've never driven one before?

Yes, but most owners and rental companies require first-time renters to have a damage waiver or insurance. Some owners charge a higher deposit or require a video walkthrough before handing over the keys. Many rental companies offer orientation sessions (30 minutes to 1 hour) to teach you how to operate the RV's systems. Budget an extra hour at pickup for this.

What's the difference between unlimited mileage and a mileage limit?

Unlimited mileage means you can drive as far as you want with no overage charges. A mileage limit (usually 75 to 100 miles per day) means you pay extra for each mile over that amount. Peer-to-peer rentals almost always include unlimited mileage. Traditional rental companies often charge per mile, so calculate your expected driving distance and compare the total cost, not just the daily rate.

What happens if the RV breaks down during my rental?

The rental company or owner is responsible for roadside information and repairs if the breakdown is not your fault. Most rental agreements include 24/7 roadside support. If you caused the damage (like running out of fuel or hitting something), you may be charged for repairs. Always report mechanical issues to the owner when ready and get documentation of the problem.

Can I cancel my RV rental if plans change?

Cancellation policies vary by owner and platform. Most peer-to-peer rentals offer a full refund if you cancel at least 7 to 14 days before the rental date. Cancellations within a few days usually forfeit 50 to 100 percent of the booking fee. Traditional rental companies have similar policies. Check the specific cancellation terms before booking, especially if your travel dates might shift.