Are you looking to road trip from point A to point B? If so, one-way RV rentals are a perfect choice. You won’t have to repeat any routes with your RV and can maximize your time and see more.
Keep reading to learn what you should consider when renting an RV one way. We also share which rental companies allow you to do so.
Let’s get going!
Are RV Rentals Widely Available?
Yes, RV rentals are easy to find worldwide throughout North America and other countries. Prices vary from location to location, but you can typically find an RV to rent within a 500-mile radius in the United States.
Each company may have different service regions. While there are nationwide RV rental companies that are practically available everywhere, you can also find great rental campers with smaller, local companies. The smaller companies can often provide a more local experience, with recommendations or suggested travel routes. For example, if looking to rent RVs in Alaska, you’ll find a more tailored Alaska experience with one of the RV rental companies in Anchorage, AK.
We’ll share specific rental companies and ways to rent from individual RV owners later.
Are There One-Way RV Rentals?
There are one way RV rentals. Similar to renting a car, there may be additional fees for picking up and dropping off the RV in different locations. But one-way options are quite common.
They’re a great way to see more when you have the rental reserved. For example, consider if you’re road-tripping down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 in California from San Francisco to Los Angeles and only have one week to do so. Booking a roundtrip RV rental to pick it up and drop it off in San Francisco at the end of the week will leave you little time to enjoy the sights. But a one-way rental allows you to make the most out of the epic destinations you’ll encounter along the way.
What ShouId I Consider When Renting an RV One Way?
A one way RV rental can be very convenient, but there are some things to consider. Besides comparing costs, you’ll want to understand any additional fees, restrictions, logistics, insurance, and their pet policy.
Cost and Additional Fees
The cost of a one way RV rental may be quite a bit more than a roundtrip booking. This is due to the extra logistics required to return the RV to its homebase. One-way rentals typically cost from $200-$500 per night, depending on the length of rental. Read the fine print for any obvious or hidden fees before signing on the dotted line. There are sometimes additional fees due to the added overhead the company will incur for storing or transporting the RV when it’s returned to a different place than it started.
Restrictions for One Way Rentals
Some one way RV rentals may have restrictions. For example, they may have a mileage cap, or there may only be certain cities where you can return the RV. Get all the details before signing the rental agreement to ensure restrictions don’t leave you in a bind.
Often, the rental company with need or want your rough route to have an idea where their campers will be during the rental period. If you’re renting RVs in Europe and plan to cross country borders, your rental company will probably want to know so they can provide the correct licensing and toll road instructions.
How You’ll Get to and From the Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
It may seem obvious, but you’ll need to determine how you’ll get to the pick-up location before booking a one-way RV rental. You’ll also have to know how you’ll get back home from the drop-off location. If you’re flying, make sure each location has an airport nearby and there’s access to ground transportation to get you to and from the RV.
This will be as simple as getting a taxi or Uber to the location at the designated meeting time. Just remember, you’ll have all your gear and provisions with you for at least one of the trips back to your homebase. So take care with your packing strategy!
Insurance
Know what your personal insurance and the rental company’s insurance cover before you book an RV rental. This applies to one way and roundtrip rentals. The last thing you want to do is have already reserved the RV only to find out the insurance coverage isn’t to your satisfaction.
Pet Policy
Will you be traveling with your dog or cat? Some rental companies allow pets and individual renters to let you bring your fur baby along. But don’t assume you can bring your pet. Check with the renting company and review their policy and any additional fees associated with pets, such as a cleaning fee.
Pro Tip: If you want to go RVing with your furry friends, find out How to Find Pet-Friendly RV Rentals.
Where Can You Rent an RV?
You can rent an RV throughout North America. It’s easier than ever to book a roundtrip or one way RV rental and make memories on a camping trip.
Cruise America
Cruise America offers roundtrip and one way RV rentals in the U.S. and Canada from 120 locations. The company rents motorhomes and travel trailers, and they have pet-friendly rentals.
The company’s one-way rentals have restrictions and include a one-way drop fee. They also run deals on one-way trips from time to time. In addition, Cruise America provides you with resources for finding campgrounds, and they have a mobile app.
El Monte RV
El Monte RV rents class C motorhomes and one type of class A motorhome. You can rent an RV one way from the company. Be sure to check for any restrictions. They only allow one-way rentals between a limited number of locations. In addition, they have pet-friendly rentals.
El Monte RV provides itineraries to help you plan your trip. They also provide guides and tips for packing and camping.
RVezy
RVezy is a program in which individuals can list their RVs for rent. You can go to the website and book an RV, similar to how you would reserve an Airbnb. While RVezy has some overarching policies, each renter can select rules for their RV, such as pets allowed.
An RV owner may allow you to do a one-way rental, but finding one is more challenging since the owner would need to get to the drop-off location to pick up the RV. Another option is that some owners will take the RV to a campground, set it up for you, and pick it up.
Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy is a similar concept to RVezy. You can rent RVs from individuals through their website. Some people allow one way RV rentals. Be sure to read all restrictions and fees that may apply.
A benefit of Outdoorsy is that you are more likely to find a rental close to you versus a rental company like Cruise America. Renting from individual RV owners can also allow for a little more flexibility on dates and types of RVs.
RVshare
RVshare is like Outdoorsy and RVezy. Individuals list their RVs for rent on the website, and anyone can book one that’s available. Some people allow the option of a one-way rental, but restrictions and additional fees may apply.
You can find motorized RVs or pull-behind travel trailers, or fifth wheels. The inventory available allows for all types of travelers. Additionally, some owners will transport the unit to a nearby campground for you, so you don’t have to drive it anywhere.
Pro Tip: Want to stay in a classic Airstream? We took a closer look at Where Can You Get the Best Deals on an Airstream Rental?
One-Way RV Rentals for International Travel
One-way RV rentals are also available for international travel. For example, we rented campers in Europe for 5 weeks with a pick up in Paris, France and drop off in Barcelona, Spain. In between, we visited 5 different countries! This really makes it easy to explore the most without having to drive in a circle.
We used a company called Anywhere Campers. This company specializes in one-way rentals and has honed its process to provide smooth pickup and drop-off processes. They will meet you anywhere, hence their name!
We had a great experience and loved not having to return to our starting point. We explored Paris for 5 days before picking up our campers, then dropped them off before exploring Barcelona for 4 days before our flight home. This way, we got the most out of our trip and didn’t have to retrace our steps.
Is a One-Way RV Rental a Good Idea?
A one-way RV rental is a good idea! It provides you more time to see more during the time you have available. They’re especially beneficial if you want to take a long road trip since they alleviate having to return on the same route.
Renting an RV is an excellent way to see North America. You can have your bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom with you, and you get to spend more time in nature than you would traveling a different way.
Would you consider renting a one-way RV rental? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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