Key takeaways

  • RVs offer a large amount of flexibility when it comes to vacationing and travel.
  • Rentals for small RVs or trailers can start at $100 to $200 per night.
  • While the most expensive luxury RVs can run into the hundreds of thousands, many are available for cheaper.
  • Consider buying used to reduce purchase costs.

RVs allow you to travel without worrying about finding places to stay everywhere you go. With a pandemic-inspired boom in the industry, more than 11 percent of households now own an RV, largely because of their convenience for frequent travelers. Owning an RV allows you much more flexibility and freedom in how you use your vehicle.

But owning an RV is also a big expense. For some, renting an RV may be a more cost-effective choice. It is a good option if you don’t plan to use the RV often. Consider all the options as you decide how to take an RV trip.

How much does an RV cost to buy or rent?

There are many RV varieties, and  price can vary greatly within the same type of RV, depending on features and age.

These are the costs to rent (based on data by an RV rental site) versus the cost to buy for each type.

Type of RV Cost to rent Cost to buy (new)
Class A RV $250-$300 per night $120,000-$500,000+
Class C RV $200-$210 per night $50,000-$250,000+
Class B RV $180-$230 per night $80,000-$200,000
Toy hauler $120-$140 per night $20,000-$100,000+
Fifth wheel $110-$150 per night $75,000-$100,000+
Travel trailer $110-$130 per night $11,000-$40,000
Lightweight trailer $85-$90 per night $12,000-$40,000
Pop-up camper $100 per night $5,000-$20,000

Consider additional costs you will take on with any of these options. Gas, kitchen supplies, rental fees and insurance should all factor into your decision.

You may want to consider a used RV. This can help cut costs if you want to buy one but can’t afford a new model. You can also apply for an RV loan if you don’t have the cash to pay all of the costs upfront.

The additional costs can quickly add up whether you rent or buy. Buying may be the way to go if you plan to use the RV a lot. If you only want to try an RV one time, look for rental companies that include everything in one price so you don’t have to buy additional equipment. Think about the full cost to determine where you get the most bang for your buck.

Advantages and disadvantages of buying an RV

Owning an RV means you have the freedom to spontaneously go on a camping trip. It also means you are responsible for taking care of the RV, and that isn’t always glamorous.

Advantages

An RV makes an outdoor lifestyle more accessible if you want to travel frequently. If you want increased mobility and capacity for adventure, owning an RV is for you.

  • Convenient: You can go camping whenever you want and can keep it stocked.
  • Customizable: You can customize your RV however you want and bring your own touches of home.
  • Simplifies travel: Aside from checking in at your destination, you won’t have to worry about rental contracts when you own your RV.

Disadvantages

Owning an RV means you are responsible for all the costs, maintenance and storage, which can add significant expense to your budget. Getting a loan to buy one also means dealing with a new monthly payment in your budget.

  • High cost: There’s no getting around it — even small RVs have a hefty price tag. Once you own it, you still have to pay to get all the right gear, maintain it and fill it up with gas.
  • Maintenance: When you own an RV that breaks down or needs repairs, you must handle it. You may need to cancel trips if you can’t get unexpected repairs done in time.
  • Storage: Your RV needs to be parked somewhere when you aren’t using it. This can mean an extra monthly cost if you don’t have room to store it where you live.

Advantages and disadvantages of renting an RV

Renting an RV can be a great option if you don’t want the hassle of purchasing one. However, you will miss out on making your RV feel like home and adding personal touches if you decide to rent.

Advantages

Renting is good if you don’t have much experience with RVs or don’t want to be stuck maintaining a large vehicle that will only be used once or twice a year.

  • All-inclusive rate: When you rent from an RV company, they often include all the things you will need while camping, such as kitchen supplies. They can also help you set up insurance for your rental.
  • Flexibility: If you own your RV, you always have to end up back at home, but when you rent, you may be able to drop it off somewhere different than where you picked it up. So if you want to fly somewhere and then drive an RV home, you can easily do it.
  • Low cost: The initial cost of buying an RV is quite high. If you just want to use an RV a few times a year or even try it out just one time, renting is much cheaper.

Disadvantages

But for frequent travelers, renting an RV will mean sacrificing the ability to customize your ride and ultimately cost more.

  • Costs more over time: If you plan to go RV camping often, the rental costs can quickly add up.
  • Less personal: When you rent an RV, you can bring a few personal items along, but you can’t make any major changes to personalize the vehicle.
  • More rules: With a rental, you have to follow the rules of the rental company. You may not be able to take it on certain roads, and the company may only allow you to go a certain amount of miles per day.

How to decide between renting and buying an RV

Your decision to rent or buy will likely come down to how frequently you want to use it, how much of a custom experience you need and if you have the funds for upkeep.

It costs a lot of money to buy an RV and to store it, but it may be worth it in the long run if you plan to use it multiple times a year. If you want a simpler way to use an RV that doesn’t require you to be responsible for all of the maintenance and upkeep, renting is the better option. Consider what matters most to you to determine whether you want to buy or rent an RV.