How To Get The Best Deals On Small RV Rentals

How To Get The Best Deals On Small RV Rentals When you just want to get on the road without the hassle of loading down a Class A or Class C RV, small RV rentals are a lot easier to use to get your adventure underway. Compared to the larger classes of motorhomes, such as A, C, and fifth wheels, mini RVs are a great way to save time and money and still get to explore new areas. Finding the best deals on those small RV rentals in 2019 doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. We’re going to dive into some of the best ways to take your show on the road and guarantee you’re going to have a smooth experience. If you’re wanting to skip to the head of the line, click here to find the best small RV rentals near you now. If you want to see how to save more money and avoid potential headaches, continue reading!

Different Styles Of Small RVs

There’s quite a few different types and styles of recreational vehicles that are considered “small”. Pretty much any tow-behind RV or trailer is going to be labeled “small”. Even some engine-driven motorhomes fit into the “small” side of the spectrum. Here’s a few of the mainstream small RVs you’ll find for rent. Depending on what you’re looking for, how many you’re trying to sleep, how far you’re trying to travel, and whether, or not, you have a tow vehicle, one style is going to be more suited to your adventures than the rest.

Teardrop Camper Trailers

When it comes to towable RVs, teardrop campers are among the smallest you can find. They’re a tight fit, usually sleeping no more than 2 people (1 person, comfortably) and do not typically contain many amenities. Any attachments, luxuries, and upgrades that you add to them are usually going to be considered “attachments” and stored outside of the trailer or in the back of your tow vehicle. For the most part, you can consider a teardrop trailer a bed on wheels — because, for all intents and purposes, that’s exactly what they are… a simple tin or aluminum container meant to keep you from weathering the elements when you get to your destination. Some are bigger than others but finding one with a kitchen and bathroom in them is going to be hard to do. If you’re planning on going off-road or visiting areas with tighter trails where a bigger vehicle would get stuck, teardrop campers are a huge upgrade over a tent on the hard ground. If you’re planning on sleeping more than two (in a big spoon position) you might want to consider upgrading in size.  However, if you’re looking for compact with the ability to get to places most other RVs would have issues getting into, a teardrop camper is the perfect solution.

Class B Motorhome

If you don’t already have a tow vehicle you’re going to end up venturing into the Class B size motorhomes. They’re closely related to vans, which means you get quite a bit more luxury and a few more amenities when you compare them to a tow-behind or teardrop. If you’re going to need a kitchen, bathroom, or entertainment, a Class B RV gives you the space needed to pack in your gear without doing away with your actual living and sleeping space. One of the biggest perks of a Class B motorhome is that they’re easy to drive, park, and move from place to place. This does away with the need for a rental vehicle or disconnecting the tow-behind from your vehicle so you can travel away from your campground and explore. For mini RV rentals, Class B motorhomes are going to be the middle-of-the-road for most.

Class C Motorhome

Going up in size, you’re going to find Class C RVs and motorhomes. These are substantially bigger than a Class B which means they require a substantially different driving style. However, even though they are somewhat harder to drive (read: require more attention when you’re driving them) they make up for the difference by sleeping more people comfortably and feeling more like a “home” when you’re on the road. Depending on the trim level and luxuries/amenities you need, many Class C motorhomes feature slideouts to extend the living space outwards once you park, and bunks over the cab of the vehicle so you can sleep away from the living space. Compared to a Class A and fifth wheel trailer, Class C motorhomes are going to be better for groups in the 3-4 person size or for times when you’re taking a few small kids with you on the road. Most include a kitchen and a bathroom with a working shower so you’re getting more for your money, with a lot less setup and teardown hassle at the beginning and end of your trip.

Truck Camper

Just as the name implies, a truck camper is a camper that fits on the back of your pickup truck. Even though they may appear smaller, since they’re stored in the bed of your truck, you’re actually going to find that they’re significantly bigger than a teardrop trailer. They offer far more headroom and sleeping options than you’ll find in a teardrop. Some truck campers have space for you to install a small kitchen (using propane accessories) but do not include showers, toilets, or other amenities that you can find in something as small as a Class B motorhome. This is another time when where you’re going plays a large role in how you’re going to get there. If you’re traveling light, with only yourself and one other person, the truck campers are great for getting you into the unexplored areas comfortably — and back out again when you’re done. Truck campers are far easier to drive, as well. The only real concern you have is the height of the vehicle, making sure that you’re not driving through areas with low overhangs that could catch the camper and completely remove it from your vehicle.

Popup Camper

Popup campers fall in between a teardrop trailer and a truck camper. They offer more space than both while also being smaller than both when you’re not actively using them. They’re incredibly lightweight, making towing them easier, but you’re exposed to the elements more. While teardrop campers can be insulated, and popup campers can utilize heat from the vehicle, popup campers are typically built out of canvas, making them similar to a tent. If you’re planning on traveling to hot and humid environments, or will be in colder areas, it’s going to be harder for you to regulate the temperature inside of your camper. That being said, the canvas tent-style makes their lighter weight easier to tow into those hard-to-get-to areas where so many RV adventurers find themselves going. They’re also setup for gas and electricity so you can store propane tanks and solar panels when you’re not actively using the camper. RELATED: 11 Types of RV Classes Explained

Small RV Rental Prices

Small RVs are always going to cost less to rent than larger motorhomes will. In general, you can expect prices to fluctuate wildly depending on the time of year you’re renting, the age of the camper you’re looking at, the model, trim level, and luxuries/amenities included, and where you’re planning on renting from. We’ve recently checked into prices on peer-to-peer RV rental marketplaces, like Outdoorsy, and found that the average cost for small RV rentals ranges anywhere from $50 to $150 per night. When you’re considering a smaller RV you’ll want to spend time digging through all of the options you have available while thinking about exactly what you need from the RV once you arrive at your destination. Many times you can find an RV with unique features that will benefit you more in colder climates, for instance, while others will be built for more hot and humid locations. Some include entertainment features and other luxuries, while others are completely barebone shells. Then you’ll need to consider the length of time you’ll actually be in possession of the RV. For the most part, long-term rentals can be negotiated down to a lower nightly rate than you’ll get if you’re only looking to rent for a day or two, or even a week, or less.

Where To Rent Small RVs

When you’re ready to rent a small RV you have a few rental companies to choose from. You can either rent from a dealership (expensive!), from an RV rental agency (built to fit you into a one-size-fits-all box!) or through a peer-to-peer rental network. One of the best peer-to-peer networks we’ve found in 2019 is Outdoorsy. With more than 55,000 positive reviews (read: 93%+ 5-star ratings) and a customer support system that doesn’t leave you hanging when you need them most, you’re going to have a hard time finding anyone that can take care of you the way Jeff and Jen (co-founders of Outdoorsy) will take care of you. Once you get on their site you’ll be able to choose from thousands of small RVs and even upgrade to a slightly larger size if you figure out that you’re wanting more space without dramatically increasing the price-per-night you’ll be expected to pay. Getting your adventure underway is a click away. Save $25 On Your First Rental With Outdoorsy