So, you’ve been daydreaming about hitting the open road—your own mobile kingdom of comfort cruising through national parks, campgrounds, or maybe just to escape your inbox for a weekend. But now comes the million-dollar question: Do you buy your own RV, or just rent one when wanderlust kicks in?
If you’re stuck between imagining yourself as a proud RV owner or the savvy traveler who rents when needed, we’re here to break it all down. Buckle up because we’re diving into the pros and cons of both—without making it sound like a dry financial lecture (we promise).
Did you know that the average RV in America sits for 360 days/year?
Check Your RV Costs Now!
- Tell us how often you hit the road: Enter how many trips you plan to take each year and how long each trip usually lasts. This helps us figure out your yearly RV needs.
- What does renting cost you? Give us a ballpark figure for the daily rental rate of an RV. Not sure? We’ve set a default based on typical rates, but feel free to tweak it to match your budget.
- Considering buying an RV? Enter how much the RV you’re eyeing costs, along with what you expect to spend on maintenance, insurance, and storage each year. Don’t forget to include depreciation so we can calculate how much value the RV will lose annually.
- Hit the “Calculate” button: We’ll compare the annual costs of renting versus owning based on your inputs and show you which option makes more sense for your travel plans!
RV Renting vs. Owning Cost Calculator
Use this calculator to compare the costs of owning vs. renting an RV based on your travel plans.
The Pros of Owning an RV
- Your Adventure, Your Way
- Owning an RV is like having a home on wheels that’s ready for a road trip whenever you feel like it. No scrambling for last-minute rentals, no price hikes during peak season—just hop in and go. If spontaneity is your middle name, this one’s for you.
- Personalization: Trick Out Your RV
- Want to throw in custom furniture, a fancy coffee machine, or even make a “kitchenette hack” worthy of Instagram fame? With your own RV, you can turn it into your personal sanctuary (or ultimate glamping pad).
- Long-Term Savings (Kinda)
- Sure, buying an RV costs a pretty penny, but if you’re road-tripping multiple times a year, it might actually save you money in the long run compared to those sneaky rental fees that stack up faster than you can say “full hookup.”
The Cons of Owning an RV
- Hello, Upfront Costs
- We’re not sugarcoating it: RVs are expensive. Financing, insurance, maintenance… it all adds up. You’ll probably need a solid down payment and an even better sense of humor when you see how fast they depreciate. (Yes, that shiny new RV will lose value quicker than a phone battery on 5%.)
- You Break It, You Fix It
- Everything from routine oil changes to random “why is that leaking?” moments is on you. And let’s face it, an RV isn’t a tiny toy car—maintenance is an ongoing commitment, and repairs can be wallet-crushing. Unless you’re a mechanic or know one on speed dial, expect some headaches.
- Storage Stress
- When you’re not out gallivanting, you’ll need to figure out where to park your prized possession. Got room in the driveway? Lucky you! If not, you’ll be shelling out for storage space—which, depending on where you live, can feel like you’re paying rent for your RV’s little apartment.
The Pros of Renting an RV
- Low Commitment, High Flexibility
- Not sure you want to commit to the RV lifestyle just yet? Renting lets you try before you buy (or try without ever buying). Perfect if your road-tripping needs only pop up a couple of times a year.
- No Maintenance, No Problem
- Here’s the beauty of renting: if something breaks down, it’s not your problem. Maintenance? Repairs? Ha! That’s the rental company’s headache. You just hand the keys back and walk away like a road trip rockstar.
- Test Drive Your Dream
- Renting means you can try out different types of RVs to see what suits you best. Maybe you thought you wanted a massive Class A motorhome but then realized a cozy camper van is more your speed. Renting lets you experiment with different models before committing.
The Cons of Renting an RV
- Peak Season Panic
- If you’re trying to rent during the summer months or major holidays, good luck. Rental availability can get slim, and prices can shoot up like it’s concert ticket reselling time. Sometimes, you might find yourself waiting longer than expected or settling for an RV that’s not exactly what you wanted.
- Short-Term Cost Shock
- Renting is great for occasional trips, but if you’re hitting the road a few times a year, rental fees can add up quickly. Do the math—if you’re renting more than a couple of weeks a year, you might be better off owning (unless you’re allergic to ownership, of course).
- The “Rental Rules” Reality
- With rentals, you’re at the mercy of someone else’s rules. Think mileage caps, restrictions on where you can go, and the inability to upgrade or modify anything. It’s like being handed the keys to someone else’s dream home, but you can’t move the furniture.
Insurance, Maintenance, Storage: The Unsexy Stuff You Should Know
Let’s get real: Whether you own or rent, some things just aren’t avoidable. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Insurance:
- Owners: Full-time RV insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential. Expect annual costs anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on your vehicle and driving record. Ouch, but worth it.
- Renters: Rental insurance is often included, but expect some extra fees. Some companies also make you buy additional coverage for peace of mind.
Maintenance:
- Owners: Maintenance is a regular gig. Oil changes, brake checks, tires—think of it as maintaining a home and a car all rolled into one. And let’s not forget those costly surprise repairs and winterizing RV costs!
- Renters: Maintenance? What’s that? You just focus on enjoying the trip and let the rental company deal with upkeep. Easy peasy.
Storage:
- Owners: If you’ve got space at home, great. If not, you’re looking at monthly storage fees ($50 to $200). Some places even require climate-controlled storage during winter, so factor that in.
- Renters: What storage? Once you’re done, hand over the keys and let the owners worry about the rest.
Financing vs. Freedom: The Dollar Dilemma
Owning an RV often means taking out a loan. That means monthly payments that might stretch for years. Plus, depreciation is no joke—RVs lose value fast. Renting, on the other hand, lets you only pay for what you use, which is a sweet deal if you don’t plan on living the RV life full-time.
The Verdict: Which Is Right for You?
Own if:
- You see yourself road-tripping several times a year.
- You love the idea of a custom-built road-trip palace that’s always ready to go.
- You don’t mind committing to maintenance, insurance, and storage costs.
Rent if:
- You’re more of a once-in-a-while road warrior.
- You’re not ready to deal with maintenance, repairs, or storage.
- You like the freedom to choose different RVs for different trips and don’t want to be tied down to one vehicle.
At the end of the day, the decision to rent or own an RV boils down to how often you travel, how much you want to invest, and what kind of commitment you’re ready to make. Whether you’re the proud owner of a tricked-out RV or a savvy traveler who rents when the mood strikes, the open road is yours to explore.
Already made the decision and looking for road trip inspirations? Check out our RV road trip ideas for your next adventure!
Common Questions People Ask About Renting vs. Owning RVs:
Do I need to be a mechanic to own an RV?
Not exactly, but it helps if you’re handy! Owning an RV often means dealing with unexpected maintenance tasks like fixing leaks, handling electrical problems, and even unclogging toilets. If you’re not ready to roll up your sleeves (or don’t want to), renting may save you the stress.
Key Tip: RVs require regular upkeep, so unless you love DIY projects, renting can keep your hands clean.
Can I rent an RV just to try out camping without actually camping?
Absolutely! Renting an RV lets you enjoy the “camping” experience without the dirt, bugs, or sleeping on the ground. You can park your RV in a campsite and still get cozy inside with all the modern amenities like a kitchen, bed, and TV. It’s like glamping on wheels!
Will I need a special license to drive an RV I rent or own?
For most rental RVs, a regular driver’s license is all you need. However, for larger Class A motorhomes, some states may require a special endorsement or license. Always check local laws before hitting the road.
What happens if I get an RV and hate driving it?
If you own it, you’re stuck driving it—or paying someone else to! Renting, however, lets you give it a test run. If you hate driving the RV after your first trip, just return it and move on. No long-term commitment is needed!
Is it true that RVs lose value as fast as new cars?
Yes, RVs can depreciate rapidly—often losing up to 30% of their value in the first year alone. If you’re worried about losing money, renting might be a smarter option.
Can I rent out my RV when I’m not using it, like an Airbnb?
Yes! Many RV owners rent out their vehicles through platforms like Outdoorsy or RV Rentals of America. It’s a great way to make money when you’re not using your RV.
Why does my RV need more maintenance than my car?
RVs are like mini houses on wheels, so you’re not just dealing with engine and tires—you’ve got plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances that can break down. That’s why RVs typically require more maintenance than your average car.
