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Do you want to go on an exciting cross-country road trip with an RV but don’t want to worry about returning the unit back to where it was rented? There’s the convenient option of renting RVs one way. Experience an epic RV travel exactly as you plan it to without being held back by the hassle of bringing the camper back on time to its original location. This is the essential guides to a one-way RV rental.
Many different RV rental companies and some private owners now offer one-way RV rentals. The distance may be capped at 1,000 miles. The cost to rent an RV one way is generally $2-$3 per mile plus a drop charge of $50 -$200.
The prices per day for this alternative differ depending on many factors, especially your pick-up city and drop-off destination.
Note that this option can be relatively expensive compared to the usual RV rental especially if you don’t book it early on.
The good news is we have included a secret tip to getting cheap deals of as low as $1 a day plus other incentives!
Whether you’re looking for the best one-way RV rental deals or are still in search of ideas for your upcoming cross-country adventure, this essential guide can help make your one-way trip easier, leaving you more time to create unforgettable memories.
Table of Contents
How Does One-way RV Rental Work?
Renting an RV one-way is pretty straightforward. You just have to look for your preferred RV rental company and choose the type of RV you’d like to rent. Pick it up at the agreed location and start your epic road trip. Enjoy the taste of the RV lifestyle and explore your target destination’s beauty.
After that, you can then drop off the unit at the agreed location within the area and that’s it! No commitment and extra responsibilities. The company or the RV owner would be taking care of returning the vehicle to where it came from. Just make sure to follow your rental agreement and check on the other fees to ensure that you’d get to have an epic road trip that doesn’t drain you and your wallet.
Best One-way RV Rental Companies
One way RV rental options constantly change depending on the availability in each company. So, it’s best to check ahead of time periodically to get the best deals. I have listed below some of the most popular and reliable sites along with a brief overview to help you find your perfect rental unit.
| Company | Location | RV Type | Starting Price | Minimum Stay |
| RVShare | All 50 US states and Washington, DC | All classes of RV | $75/night | 3 nights |
| Outdoorsy | All 50 US states and other 13 countries | All classes of RV | $61/night | 2 nights |
| RVnGO | All 50 US states and Washington, DC | All classes of RV | $75/night | 3 nights |
| Cruise America | 132 locations across the US and Canada | Class C RVs | $70/night | 3 nights |
| El Monte RV | 12 US States and Japan | Class C or A RVs | $49/night | 3 nights |
RVShare
If you’re looking for the best deal that’s a bang for your buck, RV Share is one of the most prominent rental spaces in the market. With a vast RV owner network of around 60,000, you can be sure that this tried and true company provides secure peer-to-peer rentals.
It’s also one of the go-to platforms of RV dealerships offering brand new rental units. Its flexibility and availability make it popular with all kinds of RV enthusiasts. This is especially perfect for those who love to go on a one-way RV trip as the company itself will take care of returning the rented RV to its owner. Not to mention that they have great insurance protection.
- Location: All 50 US states and Washington, DC
- RV Type: All classes of RV
- Starting Price: $75/night
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy offers a wide range of RV units you can rent from various owners in the area. It has even received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). They also have good liability insurance and superb customer service.
What’s more, is that they treat your furry pals as guests! Some owners don’t charge any fees for pet companions at all.
However, unlike RVShare, this company doesn’t facilitate the picking up of your rented unit. This means the RV owner has to get it from your destination or arrange a pick up through a third party. They’re also not connected with any brand new RV dealerships
- Location: All 50 US states and other 13 countries
- RV Type: All classes of RV
- Starting Price: $61/night
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
RVnGO
This is yet another great peer-to-peer RV rental company that travelers vouch for. RVnGO site offers a straightforward rent search that’s easily customizable based on one’s needs.
The company covers a lot of options including ADA compliant, wheelchair accessible RVs, and pet-friendly units. Note, though, they charge for 24-hour roadside assistance and have a rent insurance fee per day.
- Location: All 50 US states and Washington, DC
- RV Type: All classes of RV
- Starting Price: $75/night
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Cruise America
This company facilitates a much traditional rental experience. Cruise America has more than 120 rental locations, mostly near popular tourist destinations in the country. And being a corporate company, they offer thousands of vehicles to choose from, ready to be taken on the road. They mainly cater to those who want Class C motorhomes with different amenities at a much affordable price. Keep in mind, though, that they have a non-refundable $300 reservation down payment for one-way rentals and they don’t have free mileage. Also, make sure to read about their additional fees.
- Location: 132 locations across the US and Canada
- RV Type: Class C RVs
- Starting Price: $7/night
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
El Monte RV
El Monte RV has been in the rental business for 40 years now. It’s also among the famous traditional RV rental companies that offer great one-way rental options.
I would recommend looking for their one-way specials to snatch some nifty deals of up to 70 percent off the standard rates! This is also great for those who have fur babies they need to bring with them. The company boasts its pet-friendly units and even offers guides on how to travel with them.
- Location: 12 US States and Japan
- RV Type: Class C and A RVs
- Starting Price: $49/night
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
One-Way Luxury RV Rental
If you’re traveling in large groups or you want a spacious RV for your family, luxury RV rental is the way to go. As long as you’re willing to cough up huge fees, you can opt for the largest RV under the Class A motorhomes. This RV type is usually 25-45 feet long and can cater up to six people. It can provide maximum comfort and has all the accommodations just as of a normal home for as low as $250 per night.
More on the blog: Everything you need to know to rent a luxury RV
How to Get a One-Way RV Rental?
Similar to getting a roundtrip RV rental, finding an available RV for a one-way trip starts with searching through Google for the one-way RV rentals near you. The top results on the page are most likely the leading RV rental companies around your area and even the entire country.
Those who offer this rental option are usually RV businesses that have set up multiple branches in different states.
You can look through their websites and compare which best suits your traveling needs and budget. Don’t forget to ask as many questions as you need to ensure you don’t miss anything important for your trip.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV Cross Country One Way?
There are many factors to consider when budgeting your cross-country getaway with an RV. The cost of a one-way RV rental highly depends on your
- Rental company
- Itinerary
- Type of RV
- RV’s condition
- Rental duration
Additional costs like fuel and camping expenses, as well as extra services you require including a driver, kitchen kits, cleaning, and other equipment, should also be considered. But the average cost per night ranges from around $70 for Class C RV to $250 for Class A RV excluding the extra fees.
5 Things You Should Know Before Booking a One Way RV Rental
Road trip Buddies
This is one of the most important details of your trip as almost everything in your plan will depend on who you’re traveling with. Will you be going solo or are you tagging a friend along? Or perhaps you’re having a family trip with your kids or are going to travel with elderlies. The number of people and their age range greatly affect various decisions for your adventure. These will be your bases on the type of RV to rent, the amenities included, the destination itself, what you’re going to bring with you, where you’re going to stop for rest, and many more. I can go on and on but the point is making sure that everybody’s well-accounted for can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Plus, you can also keep an eye on who you can share the driving duties with.
Type of RV
Available one-way RV rentals can range from small trailers of at least 15 feet in length to huge class A motorhomes that are as long as 45 feet! Knowing the type of RV that best suits your needs is crucial to having a safe and pleasant trip. Always keep in mind the available facilities for each vehicle. It’s also extremely important that you can comfortably drive the said unit. So, be sure to check if you’d be able to get your chosen vehicle’s size and transmission down the road smoothly. After all, you’ll be spending most of your time there during your trip. It’s also best to think ahead of the places you would want to visit within the place, especially if your destination has narrow roads and hard-to-navigate areas.
Mileage
You must mentally and physically prepare yourself ahead from the hundreds of miles that you could be driving especially if you’re not used to going on the road with large and bulky units. This goes hand in hand with the type of RV that you choose as long-distance driving in itself is tiring- more so if it’s a motorhome that you’re driving. You should also plan which sites you are going to visit once you reach your destination as it adds up to the mileage. RV rentals generally have a mileage limit and companies will charge you extra fees per mile once you exceed.
Rental Duration
This is probably a no-brainer but I’d include this anyway as a reminder. Be sure to carefully lay out your trip’s timeframe to avoid unnecessary fees. It is also worth noting that RVs usually run slower than regular cars. So, it’s best to provide an allowance for your travel time as map app estimates are usually based on the usual city vehicles.
Insurance Coverage
Most credit cards don’t include RV rental coverage but you can opt to add a binder for your RV travel. You can also buy insurance for your RV renter along with the rental unit or purchase the insurance through a third party. Regardless, be sure to check everything about your chosen insurance including its coverage and deductible. See to it that not only does it ensure the vehicle for damages but also caters to injuries in case of an accident.
Best One-Way RV Rental Deals
RV rentals generally cost a fortune to rent. Besides, one-way RV rental options typically include an extra cost for its convenience. Luckily, I have found a cheat sheet for those who want to acquire insane one-way RV rental deals. The secret? Relocation rentals! The mechanic of this rental is simple. Some companies need their RVs transported to a certain location. If you happen to be looking for a unit in the right place, at the right time, they’d be willing to rent the vehicle for as low as $1! They even sometimes provide gas and travel allowances too!
You read that right, these RV rental agencies would be more than happy to charge you that low as you’re actually doing them a favor. But this isn’t a constant thing and is usually a hit-and-miss as the need varies from time to time. Meaning, the rates, and incentives would change without further notice. So, this would be perfect for those who are patient enough to wait and research intensively.
However, this also comes with certain limitations as you’ll have to abide by their terms and conditions. This includes having to reach the drop-off location at a specific timeframe. Failing to do so can account for extensive fees and penalties. Still, it’s a great way of acquiring an amazing RV rental deal for those who are feeling thrifty and don’t mind the constraints that come with it. And, to make your research easier, I have listed some of the companies specializing in relocation specials.
Imoova
Imoova is one of the leading agencies you can turn to when looking for one-way RV relocation rentals. Their site catalogs the available specials efficiently for easier access. They provide the best deals which even include gas allowances! Thing is, due to this, the site became popular with the RV community, making it difficult to snag relocation rentals. For those who are still interested, keep in mind that they generally have a $25 booking fee. Rental periods vary but typically last up to 11 nights.
- Website
- Starting price per day: $1
- Places available: US, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada
Jucy
Jucy is another resource for your RV relocation rentals. They offer mini RVs or Class B units that you can easily hit the road in. The specials typically include 500 free miles, charging 25 cents per additional mile. Rental periods are up to a maximum of 3 nights. Plus, they don’t ask for any additional one-way fee!
- Website
- Starting price per day: $1
- Places available: US, Australia, and New Zealand
Apollo
Apollo offers a factory relocation program that rents brand new Class C RVs to those who are interested. The company provides a unit complete with kitchen amenities and beddings. Their specials also include a full tank of gas, 2,500 free miles, and a 100 dollar cab allowance. They can rent the RV for up to 14 days!
- Website
- Starting price per day: $1
- Places available: US, Europe, and Australia
When Do You Need to Book a One-way RV?
Cross-country Getaway
This is perhaps the main reason many of you are here right now. A one-way RV rental is undeniably perfect for those who are planning to take on a cross-country journey. Imagine being able to go on an RV road trip to your dream destination without having to worry about the long drive going home. The one-way option just lifts so many worries and responsibilities on your shoulders as well as saves you from exhaustion especially if you’re planning to go on tiring outdoor adventures like trekking.
Moving to a New Place
Going cross country isn’t always just for traveling and adventure. For some, it involves major decisions like actually moving into a new city. And one-way RV rentals are definitely perfect for this. Take all your stuff and let the RV transport you to your new home conveniently. Plus, it would provide you enough time and space to restart and prepare yourself for your new life ahead.
Flexible Travel Plans
Perhaps you have this major traveling journey in mind and you just want to try out the RV lifestyle on the way. You may be planning to go to other continents or you’re just not willing to commit your entire trip in an RV. Either way, a one-way RV rental can provide enough space for you to travel exactly how you want to.
Related Questions on One Way RV Rental
What Is the Cheapest Way to Rent a One-way RV?
Relocation rentals are the cheapest alternatives to renting RVs one way. This is perfect for those who are up for the challenge of waiting and looking up impressive deals of as low as $1 per day. Not to mention that these come with possible stipends for travel and gas.
Who Can Do Relocation Rentals?
Generally, anyone who has a valid standard driver’s license can do relocation rentals. Driving an RV is actually just similar to driving a regular car so there’s no special license required. Most rental companies, though, usually require renters to be over 21 years old and have held the license for at least two years.
If you’re renting outside your country, you must also secure an International Driver’s permit. In special cases, Class A RVs can weigh up to 30,000 pounds which exceeds the 26,000 pounds threshold for special certifications. So, be sure to take that into account as well.
Moreover, depending on the relocation rental agency, children under certain ages may not be allowed. Traveling with pets is also generally forbidden. As for your travel buddy, most companies allow two persons, with a maximum of 6. Yet make sure to clarify it first to avoid additional charges. These things vary from one renter to another so a good rule of thumb is to always double-check the terms and conditions.
How to Find Relocation Rentals?
Many different RV rental agencies now have special relocation rental deals. Some of the best companies that offer as low as $1 per night include Imoova, Jucy, and Apollo. You can choose from these depending on your needs. Other renters also include the well-known Cruise America and El Monte, providing rental RV for as low as $9 per day. The most common routes for relocation in the US include
- Los Angeles, CA to/from San Francisco, CA
- Los Angeles, CA to/from Ferndale, WA
- San Francisco, CA to/from Ferndale, WA
- Las Vegas, NV to/from San Francisco, CA
- Las Vegas, NV to/from Los Angeles, CA
- Las Vegas, NV to/from Denver, CO
Final thoughts on Your Essential Guide To One Way RV Rental
One of the not-so-fun parts of renting an RV is having to stick to one travel destination and schedule as you have to head back home on the agreed date. Not to mention driving for too long to travel on different spots can be expensive, exhausting, and extremely time-consuming. It leaves little to no room for spontaneity. Plus, that the long-haul home can be a hassle as the excitement of the getaway dies down.
Sometimes, it’s more convenient to go on your trip with the rented unit and drop it off somewhere within the area as you take a plane or train going back home. This is why one-way RV rentals are a perfect alternative to those who want to explore distant places. And while it may seem daunting due to its hefty price, there are actually many great deals and special offers available in the market that will not break the bank.
Be sure to take into account the additional costs and carefully plan your trip ahead to avoid excess fees. Whether you’re planning your cross-country getaway, are moving to a new place, or just finding ways to enjoy the RV lifestyle in between your trips, one-way RV rental is certainly a great option.
For more ideas and tips about RV rentals, check out these blogs and find the perfect solution for your situation:
- How to Rent an RV for an Epic Road Trip: Helpful Beginner’s Guide
- 11 RV Rental Types Explained (+ Rental Cost and Length)
- RV Rental Delivery and Setup at Your Campsite (Cost, FAQs, Examples)
Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever. We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug! We travel with kids and extended family. I take the kids by myself sometimes because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.
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