RVing can be a great way to explore new destinations and travel with your friends and family. Unfortunately, owning and maintaining your own RV or trailer can be expensive. Not to mention paying to store it when it is not in use.
Renting a travel trailer can be a much more affordable option. You won’t have to deal with long term considerations yet can still enjoy the benefits and the RV lifestyle. Just how much it costs to rent a rig for a week depends on the trailer’s size, features, location, age and even the time of year.
So, how much is it to rent a travel trailer for a week?
On average, renting a travel trailer (this includes a fifth-wheel) can cost between $50 – $300 per night. This means on average it will cost $350 – $2100 for a full week (7 days) or $250 – $1500 for a workweek (5 days)
For a more detailed look at what it would cost to rent a travel trailer for a week, be sure to read on.
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Why Rent a Travel Trailer?
Buying your own travel trailer or RV can be a big investment. Then, once you are an RV owner you have to pay for all of the upkeep and maintenance, much like you would a typical vehicle. Also, you will need to cover any storage costs to keep your rig safe and secure when not in use.
Renting a trailer can be a much more affordable option. You will have to pay a fee and cover the costs of fuel and insurance but these pale in comparison to the costs associated with being an RV owner. Renting a trailer means that you can enjoy the RV lifestyle for a week, and that means only handling the expenses for a week as well.
What to Consider Before Renting
The first thing to consider is how many friends or family members will be going on your adventure with you. This is important because you will need to select an adequately sized trailer. Trailers sleep different amounts of individuals and come with various floor plans.
You want to make sure that your trailer is big enough to comfortably accommodate everyone traveling with you. Additionally, the size of the trailer needed will also play a role in the type of travel trailer.
Will you need a fifth wheel or can you use a pop-up camper? Once you have figured out your group then choose the appropriate trailer size. When looking at different sized trailers know that price will vary and towing options will vary.
Smaller trailers can be hooked to your vehicles hitch. Larger trailers, like fifth-wheels, require an in-bed attachment known as a gooseneck. Therefore, you must determine if you have a large enough vehicle to haul the trailer of your choosing.
Other considerations include your destination, campground locations, and fees. Once you rent an RV you can drive it likely as far as you want. However, you should try to choose a location with plenty of activities that everyone in your group will enjoy.
Campground locations and amenities will then come into play. If you are new at renting a trailer, you should choose a campground that has plenty of room, hookups, and accommodations. Since driving and parking, a trailer is significantly different than operating a vehicle, you want to make the process as easy as possible.
Finding a campground that is near to your planned activities and sightseeing spots while being fully equipped with accommodations and on-site staff will make for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Finally, investigate all fees associated with renting a trailer. As previously mentioned you will have to pay a deposit and cover fuel and insurance. However, some agencies also can provide necessities (think dishes and bedding) as well as tools like a generator. Research the cost of renting necessary items from an agency versus a campground.
When you have decided on all of your must-haves, logistics, and budget, you are ready to rent your trailer!
Outdoorsy. and RVshare.
Types of Trailers You Can Rent
As noted when discussing the number of traveling companions you plan to have, there are various sizes of trailers. Each one has unique advantages and disadvantages.
- Pop-up campers
Pop-up campers are sometimes referred to as expanding or folding travel trailers. They are almost always the smallest in weight, height, and length. These travel trailers have collapsible sides that fold down and become compact for easy transportation and hauling.
When fully expanded they range in height from eight feet to sixteen feet. When folded down for towing, they can be as short as four feet in height.
The upper portion of the walls and the roof of the camper are what collapse. Sometimes, they are composed of hard composite walls but more often than not they are composed of sturdy tent-like material. The sides not only expand upwards but also outwards into various different compartments.
The tent-like sides can be a selling factor for some individuals. They appreciate the feeling of sleeping in a tent in the great outdoors without actually having to set up and sleep in a tent.
As pop-up campers are easy to maneuver and lightweight when compared to other travel trailers. This means that you may be able to pull them with a crossover or car instead of a truck or SUV. However, you will still need a ball hitch receiver.
Their small stature and weight mean that they don’t have much room for storage or luxury accommodations and amenities. Sometimes, not even a bathroom or a kitchen.
Large gear and a multitude of supplies will probably not fit in the pop-up camper so be prepared to utilize space in your vehicle.
Overall, pop-up campers are small and light travel trailers that don’t need a huge vehicle to be hauled. They are ideal for novice RVers who don’t have a great deal of experience towing trailers. Additionally, they are usually easy to set up and live in.
- Lightweight Travel Trailers
Lightweight RVs are the next tier up from pop-up campers. When you hear “travel trailer” this is commonly what people are referring to. They use a traditional trailer frame with a box-like structure set on top to contain all of the typical elements of a home.
Lightweight RVs can be found in various different sizes and styles with a wide range of amenities. Teardrop-shaped trailers, fiberglass trailers that resemble standard campers or RVs, and even the classic AirStream all can be considered a lightweight RV.
A sleeping area, a kitchen, and a bathroom are pretty standard. They may have their own water hookups, a living room/lounge area, and extendable or pop-up sections for extra room. Additionally, some have awnings and outdoor entertainment areas.
Like pop-up campers, lightweight RVs a ball hitch is necessary to attach to the towing vehicle. Though some RVs may be small and light, most need a larger vehicle to tow them, like a truck, SUV or van.
They take a little more skill to haul as they do not collapse and can be a bit lengthy. You will need to take into account things such as keeping the trailer level and properly weighted when driving and setting up at your campsite.
Lightweight RVs make a great choice for those who have towed a longer trailer or other items (like a boat) before and have some RV familiarity. Additionally, as they are pretty common there are usually various models available for rent.
- Fifth Wheels
Fifth wheel travel trailers are typically some of the largest trailers and require specialized towing accessories. They have plenty of living space and storage but for a price.
Fifth-wheel trailers rely on a gooseneck attachment to connect to the tow vehicle. The vehicle in which you are hitching the trailer must have a coupling attachment. This is really only commonly seen with trucks as you need a bed in your vehicle.
This hookup does have advantages when you are hauling a heavy load. It more evenly distributes the weight of the trailer, placing most of it between the cab and the rear axle of the vehicle instead of on the rear suspension. This offers an optimal distribution of weight, better dynamics, and an increased turning radius, all great things for infrequent “trailer towers”.
However, to rent and tow a fifth wheel you will need an open or flatbed truck. Your truck will also require enough weight and power to haul a sizeable load. Therefore, fifth wheel rentals only work best for those who already have a truck or are planning on renting one.
Another benefit of a fifth wheel’s unique form of towing attachment is increased space. The fifth wheel typically extends over the bed of the truck, this results in an additional or roomier sleeping compartment. They also have more accommodations and amenities including bathrooms, kitchens, small refrigerators, dining tables, and multiple sleeping units.
If you have a large group going along, or prefer a lot of space, and have access to a proper towing vehicle, you may enjoy renting a fifth-wheel trailer.
- Toy Haulers
The final trailer type we will discuss is toy haulers. Like fifth-wheels, they have the addition of extra storage space for hauling gear and equipment. However, they contain two distinct spaces, the forward compartment for living and the rear compartment for gear storage.
They may have a ball hitch attachment or a gooseneck connector. These trailers are heavy and lengthy. They can include outdoor entertainment areas and retractable awnings.
Their large size can accommodate snowmobiles, ATVs, and dirt bikes as well as other sports gear such as kayaks. Retractable (but heavy duty) doors can be used as a ramp to load your belongings. Toy haulers truly represent a home and garage combined into one trailer.
Because of the garage attachment, the living space is not as spacious as a fifth wheel. Although these two trailers are similar in size, in a toy hauler living accommodations may be limited.
If you have the vehicle required for towing a large trailer and are planning on heading to a destination specifically to participate in outdoor activities, you may want to rent a toy hauler. Though not as widely available, this trailer will be able to accommodate both you and all of your gear.
How Much Do Travel Trailer Rentals Cost?
All of our research was done using Outdoorsy. and RVshare.
Both of these companies are great and we have both personally used them in the past and know many people that have.
The cost of renting a trailer can be quite varied. The size and amenities of the trailer, the season in which you are renting it, and even your location can all affect the price. It is important to use reputable websites like RVShare and Outdoorsy when researching and selecting a rental.
- Pop-Up Campers
Pop-up campers cost anywhere from $50 – $100 per night on average. But this number is affected by the location and season. To rent a pop-up camper for a week you may be looking at spending at least $525, and this doesn’t include insurance or any other fees.
Here are some examples:
2005 Starcraft 2106, sleeps 6, $54 per night
2018 Viking LS 1706XLS, sleeps 5, $75 per night
2015 Jayco Sport, sleeps 6, $99 per night
2018 Rockwood A122 Extreme Sports Package, sleeps 4, $85 per night
- Lightweight Travel Trailers
Lightweight travel trailers cost anywhere from $90 – $300 per night on average. But this number is affected by the location and season. To rent a lightweight travel trailer for a week you may be looking at spending at least $1000, and this doesn’t include insurance or any other fees.
Here are some examples:
2014 Jay Feather Ultra Lite x18D, sleeps 7, $90 per night
2017 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite 196BH, sleeps 5, $125 per night
2016 Outback Diamond Super Lite, sleeps 10, $150 per night
2016 Passport 2400 BH, sleeps 8, $250
2017 Sportsman 18’ Hybrid, sleeps 10, $395 per night
- Fifth-Wheels
Fifth-wheels cost anywhere from $150 – $450 per night on average. But this number is affected by the location and season. To rent a fifth-wheel for a week you may be looking at spending at least $1200, and this doesn’t include insurance or any other fees.
Here are some examples:
2015 Keystone Cougar, sleeps 4, $160 per night
2018 Kz Sportsmen, sleeps 6, $250 per night
2016 Forest River Sabre 36BOK, sleeps 8, $250
2017 Grand Design Momentum 350M, sleeps 7, $400 per night
- Toy Haulers
Toy haulers cost anywhere from $200 – $600 per night on average. But this number is affected by the location and season. To rent a toy hauler for a week you may be looking at spending at least $2000, and this doesn’t include insurance or any other fees.
Here are some examples:
2018 Coachmen Adrenaline, sleeps 6, $134 per night
2017 Keystone Raptor, sleeps 7, $300 per night
2015 Thor Outlaw 37LS Toy Hauler, sleeps 6, $435 per night
2016 Thor Outlaw Toy Hauler, sleeps 8, $600 per night
Tips for Renting a Travel Trailer
As you can see from the above, the prices vary greatly. It all depends on the amount of luxury or amenities you are looking for and where and when you are renting. Many RV rentals are from private owners who list their rig on a public rental website. These websites will provide you with a directory of listings based on your location.
Availability and price depend on location. Once you have selected a trailer to rent you will typically have to put down a deposit, like a down payment, and pay a security deposit. In addition, you will need to cover insurance. Insurance is not optional and is often provided through the listing website. However, it is also possible to purchase insurance through your automotive insurance coverage.
Finally, you will need to cover fuel and other costs associated with driving and operating the trailer. Some companies even have a mileage fee in addition to the rental cost. You may be responsible for paying a small amount for each mile traveled on your trip. Be sure to research all costs, fees, and policies upfront.
Once you have the trailer take time to familiarize yourself with every aspect of hauling it and using it. Backing up and turning can be quite difficult, as can navigating tight areas and under overpasses.
Be sure that you know how to hook up your trailer to the appropriate hookups once you reach the campground. In addition, pay attention to energy and water usage and waste buildup. You will be responsible for maintaining all systems while using the RV. You want to keep the trailer running smoothly and return it in the same condition in which you rented it.
Renting a trailer through a reputable website is a must. This way you are ensured a great RV and a certain amount of coverage should anything go wrong. Oftentimes, websites will have the largest number of trailers available and the greatest variety, all conveniently listed in one place.
Renting a trailer can be the perfect way to get a taste of RV life. It is a great option for those who don’t want to deal with the costs and hassles of owning their own trailer. Alternatively, it is a good choice for individuals who want to try out being an RV owner.
Regardless of your motives for renting a trailer, taking time with your friends and family in the outdoors is always a good idea. You can get out on the road and still enjoy awesome accommodations at any destination of your choosing.
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