Road trips have been romanticized in pop culture since cars became a popular mode of transportation. There's something so appealing about the open road and the endless possibilities it might hold. With the pandemic still ongoing and social distancing still a safe choice when possible, many would-be travelers have decided to explore RV travel. After all, you don't have to worry about crowded airports or cramped buses when you have your own large RV to travel and relax in. 

With the recreational vehicle, aka the RV, you have a completely self-contained home on wheels. The only schedule you need to follow on a RV vacation is your own. And, yes, you can rent an RV, campervan, motorhome or travel trailer just like pretty much anything else in this use-before-you-buy world.

Read more: Essential Camp Cooking Gear Makes the Great Outdoors Delicious

No doubt the interest is there. Cruise America, the largest RV rental company in the US, saw call volume triple at the start of the pandemic, with the call lengths themselves doubling as well. "We're seeing a lot of first-time renters so we're taking the time to answer their questions and help them be comfortable with their rental," says Cruise America's Randall Smalley, executive assistant vice president for global marketing and business development. Reservations more than tripled between 2019 and 2020.

Even smaller companies are feeling the love. "We've seen a huge bump in US web traffic and calls," says Carley Clegg, marketing content coordinator for Escape Campervans.

Never mind if you've never set foot in a camper. We've got you covered. Scroll on for the basics of RV life, some planning tips and a list of the best RV rental companies, based on user reviews and our own research, for when you decide to dip your toe into the RVing waters.

What type of motorhome should you rent?

The term RV is rather generic and even misleading. The image of a massive motorhome probably comes to mind. But consider that campervans, fifth-wheel trailers, pop-up campers and the like fall under this catchall. For this list, though, we'll focus exclusively on motorized vehicles.

Class A motorhomes are the largest and most spacious

Class A motor coaches are the prototypes, being the largest and most expensive, and can replace a home and car for a truly nomadic experience. They range in length from 30 to 45 feet and exude the sexiness of a bus. Because of their size (they usually sleep up to six people) and built-in accommodations (like a washer/dryer combo), brand-new Class A RVs start around $70,000 and can price upwards into the millions for high-end, fully customized vehicles.

Class B motorhomes are perfect for couples and easier to park

Class B RV vehicles are built on a van chassis and this is where campervans fall in. Thanks to their shorter length (20-25 feet), Class B RVs are more flexible in terms of parking at the RV park or campground and are surprisingly garage friendly. But there are compromises in terms of space (four people will be snug) and amenities (think pull-out kitchens and no bathroom). Class B vehicles are generally the go-to RV for solo travelers and couples.

Pricing for a new Class B RV varies greatly, because unlike a Class A or Class C, which are manufactured for use specifically as motorhomes, Class B vehicles can start off as a run-of-the-mill minivan with a few added amenities like a pop-up tent and hot plate, to a large cargo van customized with a galley, cabinets and toilet. For reference, a 2022 Chrysler Voyager starts at $32,115 and a basic conversion kit from companies such as Titan Vans start at $44,995 -- vehicle not included.

Class C motorhomes are smaller and more affordable

If you're looking at a Class C RV, that means it's a truck-based vehicle that looks the part. While Class B vehicles can be as simple as a converted high-roofline cargo or passenger van, Class C RVs are purpose-built. They have that distinct "cab-over" design. Although much smaller than a Class A, Class C motorhomes offer many similar amenities, like built-in kitchens, showers and storage. New ones range from $50,000 to $120,000 at RV dealerships. Class C RVs are best suited for families or small groups.

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Where to start in terms of finding the right RV rental? Most will be peer-to-peer rentals, of which RVshare is the largest marketplace and has been around since 2012. But there are fleet direct motorhome rental companies like Cruise America, which has been in operation since 1972 and is the largest of its kind. Kampgrounds of America has a great directory for finding RV rentals near you, with listings that include local, single-location businesses and large nationwide networks. But if you're unsure of where to start when it comes to the camper rental world, check out the following list of recommended RV rental companies, based on what our research yielded about various kinds of travel plans. 

Note all starting prices are rates based on reservations made in June for one-week rentals out of Los Angeles during the week of Aug. 1-8 (peak summer season). Cost per night does not include taxes or additional fees and will fluctuate based on shorter or longer rental periods. Vehicles are subject to availability.

Cruise America

Cruise America offers Class C motorhome rentals for RV camping that range in occupancy from three to seven people. Some peace of mind for groups and families is that all rentals come equipped with a shower, fresh water toilet, refrigerator and microwave. Beds are fixed, rather than Murphy-style pulldowns, so there's always a comfortable place to rest. Combined with Cruise Canada, the employee-owned company has 132 locations in North America, includes insurance with every rental, and provides 24-hour renter's assistance via the mobile app, online or by phone. You can contact the company for everything from campsite locations to vehicle troubleshooting.

Escape Campervans

With 12 locations across the US and Canada, Escape Campervans offers a selection of rental options with capacity for two to five people. As its name suggests, its late-model fleet (vehicles are 2012 model year or newer) consists of Class B vehicles, but with a Jeep Wrangler Sahara and Class C cab-over Ford F-150 thrown into the mix. While there are creature comforts available like a queen-sized bed and kitchenette with a pull-out stove and refrigerator, only the Class C option has a bathroom. But as a couple of buds or significant others, highway rest stops and overnight campsites are easier to manage than with a larger RV. 

Escape Campervans rentals include insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance. Note that its vehicles are wrapped in unique artwork, so if you're looking to stay under the radar while you travel, the rooftop tent-equipped Jeep is your only option.

RVshare

Rolling solo? RVshare has a network of 60,000 owners that you can filter through to enjoy RVing as cheaply or extravagantly as you like. There are Class B RV campervans available for as little as $69 per night -- or go nuts with a Class A penthouse on wheels for $1,200 per night with delivery included. RVshare vets both its owners and renters. Insurance, 24/7 customer assistance and a rental-replacement guarantee are included in every rental RV. Whether you're making a last-minute trip or planning ahead, RVshare provides the ultimate selection in flexibility and availability.

Vintage Surfari Wagons

Many RV rentals have minimum stays, usually between three and five days. For those short on time but eager to experience RV living, Vintage Surfari Wagons is worth considering. Based in Costa Mesa, California (and only there), the company has been renting out classic Volkswagen campervans for more than 14 years. Although the majority of its fleet hails from the 1970s and '80s, there are some late-model vehicles available to rent as well. Some campers do come with certain restrictions, though, like 100-mile daily maximums and road-access limits (some can't handle steep hills). Keep your rental period brief and better planned, though, and it'll be no less memorable.

Cruise America

For extended vacations or even as temporary housing, Cruise America has a separate team that specially caters to long-term camper rental requests. With the ability to tap into the 4,000-vehicle fleet, but with dedicated service regarding mobile housing needs -- leisure, corporate and reasons in between -- Cruise America will work with renters' expectations with regards to RV size, amenities and budgets.

RVnGO

RVnGO is another peer-to-peer RV campervan rental marketplace, but with a simplified and easily customizable rent search. For example, there is a dedicated checkbox for one-way rentals via the website's inventory search. Because listings will be sparse, select the maximum 300-mile range to increase available RVs within your rent pick-up location. Other companies offer one-way rentals, too, but they either are not as clear cut (i.e., pending owner approval) or limited to a specific class type. Keep in mind that RVnGO charges a daily rent insurance fee that varies from $25 to $70 based on motorhome class and another $15 per day for 24-hour roadside assistance.

Outdoorsy

Outdoorsy is an RV company that makes searching for pet-friendly RV rentals easy thanks to its inclusion under the listings search box. Pet owners will appreciate that their furry companions are listed under the "Guests" tab. There are no extra rent fees for bringing pets onboard, whether service animals or everyday housemates. But renters will be responsible for any additional cleaning or repair costs associated with pet damage from a trip.

Details: Best RV rental company for pets

Company

Outdoorsy

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