How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Travel Trailer? (Prices 2023)
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One of the best things I love about having a travel trailer is that we have our car with us. When we travel, we set up our trailer at camp, and then use our tow vehicle to go around the vicinity and check out spots and places. However, can you rent a travel trailer instead of a motorhome? And what does it cost to rent a travel trailer?
You can rent a travel trailer from many RV rental companies and peer-to-peer platforms for an average of $120 a night. The rental cost will be based on the size and amenities of the travel trailer and ranges from $40 to $350 per night.
Travel trailers come in many shapes and sizes. Generally the longer the trailer the more people can sleep inside. In this table, you can find how much it costs to rent a travel trailer that fits your group.
- Small Travel Trailer: $50-$125/night (10-25 ft)
- Large Travel Trailer: $100-$240/night (20-40 ft)
- Fifth Wheel: $100-$275/night (25-45 ft)
- Pup-Up camper: $45 -$110/ night (15-20 ft)
- Toy Hauler: $110-$250/ night (25-45 ft)
- Tear Drop Camper: $50-$95/ night (7-15 ft)
Check out the prices to rent a travel trailer near you here on Outdoorsy.
Renting a travel trailer has many benefits that you can enjoy. Although you have to tow it unlike other RVs, it has almost the same features and amenities. As you keep on reading, I will tell you everything you need to know when renting a travel trailer and some driving tips when you’re towing one.
Average Prices to Rent a Travel Trailer in 2022
To help you understand how much renting the right travel trailer will cost you I have gathered information from listings on platforms like Outdoorsy and RVezy. More commercial rental places are opening to service people who want travel trailers but, in general, the best place to look is Outdoorsy.
| Travel Trailer Type | Average Rental Price |
| Small Travel Trailer | $50 to $125 per night |
| Large Travel Trailer | $100-$240 per night |
| Fifth Wheel | $80 to $275 per night |
| Pop Up Camper | $45 to $110 per night |
| Toy Hauler | $110 to $250 per night |
| Teardrop camper | $50 to $95 per night |
The average price to rent a travel trailer
These are the base prices to rent a travel trailer. There is much more that goes into renting a trailer and having a successful camping trip. You will need to have insurance, choose the best place to camp and know how to tow a trailer.
Check prices to rent a travel trailer on our two favorite rental sites: Outdoorsy and RVezy.
Some of these posts on the blog will help you plan your trip:
- Should you Rent an RV or a Trailer? (How to Decide?)
- The Best Length for a Travel Trailer (Size Chart Included)
- 12 Important Questions to Ask Before Renting a Travel Trailer
What is a Travel Trailer?
Before we get to the benefits of renting a travel trailer, let me give you a quick description of what it is and what are the different types of travel trailers you can rent.
A travel trailer is an RV or camper that is towed behind a truck or SUV. It comes in all sizes from 10 feet to 45 feet long. In general, travel trailers are bumper-pull box-shaped campers that can be found in many varieties such as Toy Haulers, Teardrop Trailers, Stand-up Trailers, Pop-ups, Camper Trailers, and Airstreams are also considered travel trailers.
But I want you to know that some of these types may not be available for rent and if they are, they might be limited.
Benefits of Renting a Travel Trailer
As I said earlier, there are many benefits when you rent a travel trailer. I own one and rent it out to other people so I am speaking based on my own experience.
If you are not really sure what type of RV to rent, we have an article to help: Should you Rent an RV or a Trailer? (How to Decide?)
Thus, here are some benefits you can get from renting a travel trailer:
You Can Rent a Travel Trailer at a Lower Price than a Motorhome
Renting a travel trailer is similar to renting a motorhome, just at a lower price. You can get almost the same luxuries and amenities as a motorhome with an average cost of $900 to $250 per night.
As you know, the price depends on the size and features of the travel trailer you will rent.
(If you’d like to know how much is the rent for each type of trailer, you can check out this blog: 11 RV Rental Types Explained (+ Rental Cost and Length)
You Can Travel With Your Friends and Family
Just like with motorhomes, a travel trailer can accommodate 2 to 12 people because of the variety of lengths of 19 to 45 feet. So it’s still perfect if you are planning to go camping with your friends and families.
You Can Have It Delivered At Your Preferred Campsite
You can have a stress-free vacation because you don’t need to be bothered about the setup and hook up when you arrive at the camping site. You can just go there and have the trailer delivered and set up for you.
You only have to pay a delivery fee that can cost between $50 to $150 for the first 50 to 100 miles. In some companies, they will deliver it for you for an additional $1 to $3 per mile after the flat fee.
If you want to know more about having RV rental delivery, you can check this related article: RV Rental Delivery and Setup at Your Campsite (Cost, FAQs, Examples)
You Still Have A Vehicle To Use For Easy Transportation
When you rent a travel trailer, you can either tow it with your own truck or SUV or have it delivered to the campsite. Nevertheless, you will have your car to use for easy transport in case you would like to explore, go shopping, need a grocery.
The busy national parks are so much easier to see from a truck or SUV. Trying to navigate a 35-foot motorhome through Arches National Park would be a headache!
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Travel Trailer?
The cost to rent a travel trailer depends on so many factors. For example, how new or old the rig is, how large the trailer is, and the location that you are renting.
If you are planning on renting a smaller trailer you can use a small truck or SUV. Larger trailers and fifth wheels will require a 3/4 or one-ton truck.
The chart below shows the average prices to rent a travel trailer from owners on Outdoorsy.
| Type of Trailer | Length | Number it Sleeps | Average Nightly Fee |
| Small Travel Trailer | 10-25 ft | 2-8 people | $50 to $125 per night |
| Large Travel Trailer | 20-40 ft | 6-12 people | $100-$240 per night |
| Fifth Wheel | 25-45 ft | 6-14 people | $80 to $275 per night |
| Pop Up Camper | 15-20 ft | 2-6 people | $45 to $110 per night |
| Toy Hauler | 25-45 ft | 2-10 people | $110 to $250 per night |
| Teardrop camper | 7-15 ft | 1-3 people | $50 to $95 per night |
The average nightly price to rent a travel trailer
Since the above are average costs based on the travel trailers for rent on Outdoorsy, I have gathered information on 5 specific examples.
Here is a table with the cost range of renting a travel trailer around the US. You can compare the age and type of each trailer on Outdoorsy.
| Vehicle | Sleeps | Cost Per Night |
| 2013 Coachmen Catalina Santara | 6 | $150 on Outdoorsy |
| 2018 Forest River Wildwood | 8 | $145 on Outdoorsy |
| 2021 Keystone Springdale | 6 | $105 on Outdoorsy |
| 2015 Jayco Flight | 6 | $111 on Outdoorsy |
| 2021 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite | 6 | $85 on Outdoorsy |
Cost to rent specific travel trailers on Outdoorsy
Check out the prices to rent a travel trailer near you here on Outdoorsy.
5 Driving Tips When Towing A Travel Trailer
Check Which Type of Hitch You Need
The first thing you need to know when you are going to tow a trailer is which type of hitch you need. There are four types of hitches that you must know. The weight-carrying, weight-distributing, gooseneck, and the fifth wheel. Each type has different uses and purposes so it’s a must that you know each of them.
- Weight-Carrying or Non-Weight Distributing Hitch
This type of hitch is mostly being used for small to medium-sized trailers and carries the weight directly on the hitch attached to the bumper.
The important thing you need to know about it is that the weight-carrying hitch should uniformly distribute your trailer tongue loads through the bumper and frame. Furthermore, its weight is being carried on the hitch and the rear of the tow vehicle that’s why it can’t be used on heavier or larger trailers.
- Weight-Distribution Hitch
The second type of hitch you need to know is the weight-distributing hitch. It is being used with larger-sized trailers. It transfers the weight across the trailer tongue and to the tow vehicle’s front axles.
The weight distribution hitch is switched out for the basic ball hitch on the bumper of the tow vehicle. In general, this will be available with the rental if it is needed.
This is generally used in combination with a sway bar. The sway bar helps keep the trailer from too much movement behind the tow vehicle.
Read these and more questions to ask before renting a TT: 12 Important Questions to Ask Before Renting a Travel Trailer
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
Lastly, the Fifth Wheel Hitch is mostly used in many big rigs. It works by mounting in the pickup bed so it can put more trailer weight directly over the rear axle of the towing vehicle.
This equipment is installed in the bed of your truck. If you do not have the equipment already installed you will not be renting a fifth wheel. However, you can have a fifth wheel delivered and set up for you.
- Gooseneck Hitch
The Gooseneck Hitch is recommended to use for heavier loads because of its stability. It works by weighting the tongue rest directly on the truck bed, over the rear axles.
This type of hitch is used for horse trailers and commercial loads.
You are unlikely to see a trailer renting with a gooseneck – but it’s worth knowing the terminology.
Practice Driving With The Trailer Before Hitting The Road
If it’s your first time driving on a road with a trailer, you need to practice a little first. In fact, some owners and rental companies will require you to pass a practice test before leaving with the trailer.
You can try practicing in an empty parking lot with some cones. The most important thing to practice is your turns and backups.
Get An Extended Side Mirror
Another tip that you need to know is when you tow a trailer, you won’t see everything. Especially behind your RV. That’s why you must get an extended side mirror so you can have a wider view while you’re on the road.
If you are just renting, you can get an extended mirror that is very cheap and clips right onto your side mirror. Similar to this one on Amazon (check price)
Plan Which Route You Will Take
When you plan your route before hitting the road, things will be much easier. You’ll have stress and trouble-free driving because you will choose a route that a trailer can perfectly fit.
Leave Unnecessary Things Behind
When you go traveling in a trailer, you will be inclined to bring everything you can think of for your vacation. You do not want to overload a trailer and want to have it light. So, make sure that you only bring the necessary things for your RVing comfort. Overloading a trailer can be very dangerous.
3 Thing You Need To Know Before Renting a Travel Trailer
Before renting a travel trailer you need to ask many questions for your safety and enjoyment. I give you 3 things to know here but you really need to be familiar with all the important questions so bookmark the page below.
12 Important Questions to Ask Before Renting a Travel Trailer
Know Which Size of Trailer You Will Need
Travel trailers come in all sizes. So no matter how big or small you need, there’s one that will be available. But when choosing which size of trailer to choose, you need to consider how many are you going to travel.
Read More: The Best Length for a Travel Trailer (Size Chart Included)
To help decide better here are the details of each type, size, and how many people can sleep on each trailer:
- 5th Wheel
The Fifth Wheel is 19-45 feet so 2 to 12 people can fit here. If you’re going to rent one, it will cost around $90 to $350 per night.
- Toy Hauler
Just like the 5th Wheel, Toy Hauler is 19-45 feet however, only 2 to 9 people can fit because of its style. Renting this one though can be cheaper as the average cost per night is $90 to $300 per night.
- Pop-up Trailer
The pop-up trailer can accommodate 2 to 8 people with its average length of 15 to 25 feet. It is the cheapest type of trailer that you can rent with an average cost of $40 to $150 per night.
Rent a Trailer That Will Match To Your Towing Vehicle
Another thing that you have to look into before renting a trailer is to check if it will be fit for the towing vehicle you will use. Because some cars can’t pull a large and heavy trailer. On your car’s user manual guide, you will see the weight limit that your car can tow.
Check if you need a Brake Controller
Trailers of a certain length and weight will need a separate braking system for the trailer. This is connected to the brakes of the vehicle to slow the trailer when the vehicle brakes are applied.
The brake controller is inside the truck or tow vehicle and is generally located under the dash. This is one example on Amazon but make sure it attaches to your truck.
Read more about trailer brakes here: Towing Capacity Guide (Without Trailer Brakes)
Important Related Questions When Renting a Travel Trailer
What Is The Towing Limit of An SUV?
SUVs towing limit varies on its make and model. But in general, SUVs can tow an average weight of 7,000 to 10,000 pounds. It’s always worth checking your car’s user’s manual guide.
Can You Increase Your Car’s Towing Capacity?
You cannot significantly or safely increase your vehicle‘s towing capacity beyond what the manufacturer recommends. These suggestions will help you increase the amount that you can tow comfortably but never exceed the vehicle’s tow capacity.
There are many ways to increase your car’s towing capacity. Most are beyond what you will do when renting a travel trailer. Here are some things that you can do.
- Choose The Right Hitch
Choosing the weight distribution hitch to use when towing a trailer can help you increase your towing capacity. By doing this you can properly distribute the trailer’s weight throughout more of your tow vehicle’s frame instead of just the hitch receiver area.
This is the exact one that I have on Amazon.
- Replace Your Vehicle’s Axles
Replacing your vehicle’s axles into a heavy-duty version can make a difference with your towing capacity. But you also have to make sure that you change out the differential to the correct heavy-duty parts too.
- Use a Vehicle Programmer and Upgrade Your Braking System
By adjusting your vehicle’s settings using a programmer you will be able to tow a heavier trailer. Whereas, having an upgraded braking system can help you a lot when you are stopping while towing a large trailer.
This is similar to what I have used check price on Amazon.
Does a Travel Trailer Have a Generator?
Travel trailers don’t generally have built-in generators. Since campers need a source of electricity, they are using shore power from the campsites or they have their portable generator.
Read More: Why Do RV Rentals Charge For Generator Use?
Which Type of Travel Trailer Has The Lower Rental Price?
The cheapest type of travel trailer that you can rent is the Pop-up Camper. It’s the smallest type of trailer and renting one costs between $40 to $150 per night. It transforms your trailer from 4 feet tall to 7-8 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet long so it can accommodate 2 to 8 people.
Check out the prices to rent a travel trailer near you here on Outdoorsy.
RV Destinations You Will Love
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- Places to Camp for Thanksgiving
- Places to Ring in the New Year
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- RV Destinations for December
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RV Rental Information
RV Rental Information
RV Destinations You Will Love
- Places to Camp in Fall
- RV Destinations in October
- Incredible RV Destinations in November
- Places to Camp for Thanksgiving
- Places to Ring in the New Year
- Magical Places to Camp this Christmas
- RV Destinations for December
- Places to Camp in February
- Places to Camp this Spring
- RV Destinations for Spring Break
Final Thoughts On Renting a Travel Trailer
To sum it all up, renting a travel trailer is best for you if you already have a towing vehicle to use. It’s even better since you will have a car to use when you need to go to a place that only regular vehicles can fit. Moreover, there are types of travel trailers that have the same luxury as the motorhome. So, it’s a great option if you’re on a budget but still want to experience the luxury of a motorhome.
