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Looking to rent an RV? Going with a private owner is typically cheaper and provides more options.
But remember, there are pros and cons to this option.
Below, I walk you through finding the best RVs for rent by owner, dealing with insurance, staying away from sketchy websites, and a whole lot more!
Quick Summary
Outdoorsy is the best RV rental by owner option available at this time. RVshare is a close second, but with Outdoorsy’s slight edge in travel insurance and reputation for excellent customer support, we have to give Outdoorsy the advantage. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Choose an RV for Rent by Owner?
When it comes to renting an RV, you have three main options:
- Renting an RV from a private owner: Commonly referred to as peer-to-peer RV rental, this is where existing RV owners make their vehicles available to others as a short or long-term rental. Examples of peer-to-peer websites include Outdoorsy and RVshare.
- Corporate RV rental: Renting a recreational vehicle from a company that owns the vehicle and has an entire fleet of vehicles to choose from. Examples of corporate RV rental websites include Cruise America and El Monte RV Rental & Sales.
- RV rental marketplaces: General listing sites that allow anyone to post an item for rent or sale. These can include corporate and private owner rentals. Examples include Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.
The RV for rent by owner option comes with some very distinct advantages over the other two options. And a few cons, which we’ll show you how to avoid.
The Pros
- Rental costs are generally lower if you rent directly from an owner. Individual RV owners can establish their own pricing and may be willing to negotiate with you.
- When you choose to rent a privately owned vehicle, you typically can select from hundreds of distinct rigs. In contrast, most corporate RV rental companies only provide a few alternatives to keep their costs down.
- Rentals from corporate companies (we’re looking at you, Cruise America) often come with NASCAR-type branding wrapped around the vehicles. It’s not exactly a discreet way to travel.
- RV owners have a personal interest in maintaining their camper since it’s their own personal investment (and they likely use it themselves).
- The RV is generally well-stocked with equipment and supplies when renting from a private RV owner. This may include kitchenware, bedding, a coffee maker, a toaster, a camping table and chairs, and a grill. This can save you a lot of money in additional supplies.
- The owner can walk you through all of the important features, take you on a test drive, and cover any other important information about that particular rig.
The Cons
- When renting directly from a private owner, for example, via Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, you likely won’t have any insurance protection or roadside assistance.
- You will deal directly with the RV owner if a problem arises during your trip. There will be no mediation, potentially no 24-hour support, etc.
- There’s a possibility of renting from a scammer.
How to Avoid The Cons of Owner Rentals
You can easily avoid the above cons by renting an RV from a reputable peer-to-peer rental service like Outdoorsy or RVshare.
The best RV rental companies will come with insurance, roadside assistance, 24/7 support and will have thoroughly vetted the RV owners listed on their site.
Where Can I Find an RV for Rent by Owner Near Me?
Let’s look at the most popular RV rental by owner options to help you decide which is best for you.
Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy is one of the largest peer-to-peer RV marketplaces that allow you to rent RVs directly from private RV owners near you. It’s perfect for those who want to experience life on the road in an RV without buying one.
Since they offer a huge variety of RVs (over 25,000!) of all types and models across North America, Canada, and Mexico, you’re sure to find one near you within your budget.
Outdoorsy at a Glance
- Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Includes up to a $1,000,000 liability insurance and physical damage protection backed by Assurant
- 24/7 Roadside assistance
- 24/7 Live customer support
- They offer pickup, setup, and delivery
- Offer long-term RV rentals by owner, usually for discounted weekly and monthly rates (learn how much it is to rent an RV for a month with real-life examples)
RVshare
RVshare is another peer-to-peer RV rental company where you can book your RV online from an approved RV owner.
What sets RVshare apart from other companies is its 5% cash-back loyalty program. This is a great way to save additional money if you’re a loyal customer.
Compared to Outdoorsy, the only slight downside is their base insurance plan only covers up to $500,000. With that said, you can go up to $1,000,000 for a higher fee, which you might not even want. The choice is yours.
RVshare at a Glance
- Rated A+ by the BBB (But does have quite a few complaints)
- $500,000 Liability Insurance (can go higher for a fee)
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance
- 5% Cash-Back Loyalty Program
- Offer long-term RV rentals by owner, usually for discounted weekly and monthly rates
RVezy
RVezy was founded in Canada in 2017 and has since become the #1 rated RV rental platform there. It recently expanded into the United States, where it’s quickly starting to compete with the likes of Outdoorsy and RVshare.
In Canada, RVezy has the greatest variety of RVs, the most reviews, and lower service charges than its competitors.
Unfortunately, they are still establishing a presence in the U.S., so you won’t quite find the same amount of inventory. That said, they are growing rapidly and are worth checking out for your RV rental needs.
RVezy at a Glance
- Best-in-class insurance with $2 million third-party liability coverage in Canada ($1 million in the U.S.)
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Best-in-class support
- Offer long-term RV rentals by owner, usually for discounted weekly and monthly rates
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace
I’ll lump Craigslist and Facebook marketplace together since they offer a similar service.
I’m going to be honest, while this might be a popular place for RV owners to list their vehicles for rent, I do not recommend using this option. You’re more susceptible to scams, your rental will not come with insurance, your options will be limited as there is no dedicated “RV for rent by owner” section, and so on.
Save yourself time, money, and hassle by using Outdoorsy, RVshare, or RVezy instead.
What About Cruise America?
Unlike peer-to-peer marketplaces like Outdoorsy, Cruise America is a corporate RV rental company with brick-and-mortar setups across the U.S. and Canada.
They don’t connect you with RV owners looking to rent out their vehicles. Instead, they have a fleet of vehicles that they own and rent out.
There are pros and cons to using corporate rental companies like Cruise America and El Monte RV Rental. But, they tend to fall short of peer-to-peer marketplaces in almost all categories.
For example:
- They plaster their vehicles with advertisements for their own company.
- They are pricier than peer-to-peer rental places.
- Cruise America has less-than-stellar reviews on BBB.
- They charge extra for camping amenities like kitchen utensils, etc.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though, for corporate RV rentals like Cruise America. They offer one-way RV rentals, and their vehicles are guaranteed to be clean and safe.
Average RV for Rent by Owner Prices
Now, let’s take a quick look at the different types of RVs you can rent from a private owner, as well as their average price points.
Important: The prices below are estimates. Prices will vary depending on make, model, rental dates, etc.
Class A RV Rentals
Class A motorhomes are the largest type of RV you can rent (think a tour bus). These vehicles will typically have luxury-style comforts and amenities, but they come at a price. If you’re looking for a first-class vacation or need extra room for a large group, a Class-A rental is a great choice.
Class A RV Rental by Owner Price Range:
Class B RV Rentals
Class B RVs, or camper vans, are great for first-time RVers as they are smaller and are easy to drive and park.
Related: RV Rental Tips for Beginners
Even though these RVs are smaller than Class A and Class C’s, they come loaded with features. In fact, many of these rentals include contemporary finishes, kitchens, and even bathrooms. Perfect for parties of up to 4 people.
Class B RV Rental by Owner Price Range:
Class C RV Rentals
Class C RVs are actually bigger than Class B (weird, I know) and are typically what one might picture when they think of a camper.
These models usually feature a full kitchen, small dining and/or sitting area, and a bathroom and will sleep up to 6-8 people, depending on the size and layout.
Class C RV Rental by Owner Price Range:
Travel Trailer Rentals
Travel trailers are a type of non-motorized RV you tow behind your personal vehicle. Sometimes referred to as a caravan, these campers vary wildly in size, from small 8-foot trailers to 30-foot mobile homes!
Keep in mind you should have experience towing trailers, including backing up, parking, and maneuvering. Plus, you’ll need a vehicle that can tow the trailer.
Travel Trailer Rental by Owner Price Range:
5th Wheel Rentals
5th wheels are similar to travel trailers in that they are non-motorized, and you tow them behind your vehicle. Where they differ is in size and amenities. With lengths up to 40 feet, they’re slightly bigger vehicles with more features and comforts than travel trailers with full kitchens, living rooms with sofas, and more!
Like travel trailers, a tow vehicle is required, and plenty of towing experience is recommended. If you meet those requirements, 5th wheels are an excellent option for larger groups or those wanting lots of space.
5th Wheel Rental by Owner Price Range:
Pop-Up Camper Rentals
Pop-up campers, also known as tent trailers, are another form of travel trailer that collapses into a compact, more transportable camper due to their unique design. They typically feature a mess area, two large mattresses, and, in some models, a bathroom.
Pop-up campers are budget-friendly and are much easier to tow and maneuver than a 5th wheel or full-sized travel trailer. However, they lack size and many amenities found in larger trailers.
Pop-Up Camper Rental by Owner Price Range:
Related: How Much Is It To Rent A Pop-up Camper? (Rental Guide)
Truck Camper Rentals
A truck camper is essentially a truck with a hard-sided camping trailer mounted in the bed. Truck campers typically feature a bed, a small kitchen, and sometimes a bathroom (depending on the model). They are a small, budget-friendly type of camper to rent, are easy to drive, and are perfect for up to two people.
Truck camper rentals average around $99 per night.
Related: How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV?
What Is the Best RV Rental by Owner Option?
In our opinion, Outdoorsy is the best RV rental by owner option available at this time. RVshare is a close second, but with Outdoorsy’s slight edge in travel insurance and reputation for excellent customer support, we have to give Outdoorsy the advantage.
That’s not to say that RVshare isn’t an excellent option. In fact, it might be wise to browse both platforms to find the best RV rental near you.