How to Rent an RV for a One-Way Cross-Country Trip
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Do you want to go on an exciting cross-country road trip in an RV without the hassle of returning it to where it was rented? Good news: there’s actually the very convenient option of renting RVs for one-way travel. Experience an epic RV trip exactly as you plan it – without the stress of having to bring the camper back on time to its original location. This is your essential guide to a one-way RV trip 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!
Are you looking for the best one-way RV rental deals? Have you been researching fun ideas for your upcoming cross-country adventure? This essential guide can help make your one-way trip easier and stress-free, leaving you more time to create unforgettable memories.
How Does One-Way RV Rental Work?
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How do I rent an RV one-way for a cross-country trip?
You can rent an RV for a one-way trip, and it’s actually pretty straightforward. Here’s how one-way RV rentals work: First, choose your preferred RV rental company and the type of RV you’d like to rent. Once the t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted, pick it up at the agreed location and hit the road.
Renting a motorhome or camper for a one-way cross-country trip is a great way to get a taste of the RV lifestyle. You also have the freedom to take whichever route you’d like to your final destination, and enjoy all the fun stops and views along the way.
On the last day of your rental agreement, you just drop off the unit at the agreed location and that’s it! No commitment or extra responsibilities. The company or the RV owner will return the vehicle, and you won’t have to see the same sights the whole way back.
Just make sure to follow your rental agreement and check for any other fees, like refundable deposits or cleaning fees. This will help ensure that you have an epic road trip without unexpected costs.
Best One-way RV Rental Companies
One-way RV rental options constantly change depending on the availability of each company. So, it’s best to check ahead of time periodically to get the best deals. I have compiled some of the most popular and reliable RV rental sites along with a brief overview to help you find your perfect rental unit.
Some of the best one-way RV rental companies include RVShare, Outdoorsy, RVnGO, Cruise America, and El Monte RV. For specific details on each company, refer to the table below. Then, keep reading for more details on one-way RV rental cost and more.
| Company | Location | RV Type | Starting Price | Minimum Stay |
| RVShare | Nationwide, but one-way options only available in the following states: CA, CO, FL, IL, MD, NV, NJ, NY, TX, UT, WA, Washington DC | Only Class A or Class C for one-way trips | $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 | $100/night | 3 nights |
| Cruise America | 132 locations across the US and Canada | Class C RVs | $70/night | 3 nights |
| El Monte RV | CA, CO, FL, IL, NV, NJ, TX, UT, WA | Class C or A RVs | $49/night | 3 nights |
RVShare
If you’re looking for the bang for your buck, RVShare is one of the most prominent RV 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: The RVShare network covers all 50 US states and Washington, DC; however, one-way routes are only available among the following states: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Washington DC
- RV Type: All classes of RV are available in the network, but only Class A and Class C units are available for one-way rentals
- 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 have good liability insurance and superb customer service.
Also, many RV owners on Outdoorsy treat your furry pals as guests, with no extra fees for pets.
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‘s site offers a straightforward rental 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: $100/night
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Cruise America
This company offers a much more traditional rental experience. Cruise America has more than 120 rental locations, mostly near popular tourist destinations in the country. 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: $70/night
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
El Monte RV
El Monte RV has been in the rental business for over 40 years. It’s known among the famous traditional RV rental companies as offering great one-way rental options.
I would recommend looking for their one-way specials to snag some 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: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Texas, Utah, and Washington
- RV Type: Class C and A RVs
- Starting Price: $49/night
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
One-Way Luxury RV Rental
If you’re traveling with a large group or want a more spacious RV for your family, one-way 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 class is usually 25-45 feet long and can cater up to ten people.
A Class A RV can provide maximum comfort and has all the accommodations of a normal home, and can range from $250 to $800 per night.
More on the blog: Everything you need to know to rent a luxury RV
How to Get a One-Way RV Rental?
Let’s talk about how to get a one-way RV rental. Similar to a roundtrip rental, finding an available RV for a one-way trip starts with searching through Google for one-way RV rentals near you. The top results on the page are most likely the leading RV rental companies around your area, and in some cases, nationwide.
Those who offer one-way camper rental options are usually RV businesses that have set up multiple branches in different states. You will find some one-way RV rental companies with options that are only available for pick-up and drop-off in select cities and states.
Also, if you’re planning to rent an RV for a one-way cross-country trip, many rental companies have suggested routes that offer the most scenic views and best stops along the way. Check with your rental company to see what they suggest for your situation.
You can look through their websites and compare which best suits your traveling needs and budget. Don’t be afraid 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?
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The cost to rent an RV cross-country one-way can range from $2,500 to $3,000. It has an average cost per night ranging from around $150 for a Class C RV to $300 for Class A RVs, excluding the extra fees.
See the table below for an average cross country one-way RV rental cost:
| Type of RV | Rental cost |
| Class A Motorhome | $200-$300 average cost per night |
| Class B Motorhome | $100-$200 average cost per night |
| Class C Motorhome | $150-$200 average cost per night |
| Travel Trailer | $100-$200 average cost per night |
On top of that, there are many other factors to consider when budgeting for your cross-country getaway with an RV. The cost of a one-way RV rental highly depends on your:
- Rental company
- Itinerary
- RV’s condition
- Rental duration
When planning your cross-country RV road trip, consider all additional costs like fuel, food, and camping expenses. Depending on your situation, you may also have fees associated with hiring a driver, kitchen kits, cleaning, and other equipment.
It can be a lot of work to create a budget for your trip, but it will be worth it. When you add up your one-way RV rental cost and all associated fees beforehand, you’ll find that you’re much less stressed for the duration of your trip.
5 Things You Should Know Before Booking a One-Way RV Rental
If you’re planning to rent an RV for a one-way cross country trip, some of the most important things to consider are: who’s coming with you, what you’re driving, where you’re going, when you’re going, and what your insurance covers.
Let’s discuss these a bit more – here are the top 5 things to know before booking a one-way RV rental:
Road Trip Buddies
Knowing the people who are going to travel with you is very important before booking a one-way RV rental. This will help you know what type of RV to look for. For example, if you’re planning a trip with your family with more than two kids then you may need to rent a bigger rig, such as a class A motorhome.
Aside from that, if you’re going on a trip with kids, most likely you will need an RV that has complete amenities. An RV with a kitchen, bedroom, shower, and toilet will make your trip much more comfortable.
Type of RV
Available one-way RV rentals can range from small 15-foot trailers to 45-foot class A motorhomes! Knowing the type and size 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 or tow the unit.
Be sure to check if you’ll be able to drive your rig smoothly. After all, you’ll be spending most of your time in there during your trip. It’s also best to think ahead of the places you would want to stop and visit while driving your RV cross country. Is there RV parking available? Are the streets busy and narrow? Is the surrounding area easy to navigate?
Mileage
Many new RVers don’t understand the mental and physical toll that driving an RV for long periods can take on you. You’ll be driving a large, bulky unit for hundreds of miles. This goes hand-in-hand with the type of RV that you choose, as long-distance driving in itself is tiring – and even more so when you’re driving a motorhome.
You should also plan which sites you’re going to visit once you reach your destination as it adds to the mileage. RV rentals generally have a mileage limit and companies will charge you extra fees per mile if you exceed it.
Rental Duration
Keep your RV rental timeframe in mind: this is a no-brainer but should be included anyway as a reminder. Be sure to carefully lay out your trip schedule 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 card insurance benefits 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 rental along with the rental unit or purchase some through a third party. Regardless, be sure to check everything about your chosen insurance – including its coverage and deductible. It should not only ensure the vehicle for damages but also cater to injuries in case of an accident.
If you’re in the market for RV rental insurance, check out Roamly – insurance for RVers created by RVers – and get a free quote in less than a minute.
Best One-Way RV Rental Deals
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RVs are pretty expensive to rent in general. On top of that, one-way RV rental options typically include an extra cost for the “convenience” factor. Luckily, I have found a cheat sheet to help you snag some insane one-way RV rental deals.
The secret to finding the best one-way RV rental deals? Relocation rentals! It’s quite simple, really. 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! Sometimes they’ll provide gas and travel allowances, too.
You read that right. RV rental agencies are more than happy to charge you as low as $1 a night for relocations – you’re essentially doing them a favor. But the availability of these rentals isn’t a constant guarantee; in fact, it’s pretty hit-and-miss as the need varies constantly. In other words, the rates and incentives change frequently. However, if you have the patience to wait and research intensively, this would be perfect for you.
This rental option does come with certain limitations, though. You’ll have to abide by their terms and conditions. This includes reaching the drop-off location at a specific date and time. Failing to do so can result in extensive fees and penalties.
Still, it’s a great way of acquiring an amazing RV rental deal for thrifty folks who don’t mind the added constraints. 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 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! Due to this, the site is very 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
Native Campervans
Native Campervans is a smaller online resource offering RV relocation deals. They offer Class B campervans only that you can easily hit the road in. The vans can sleep either 2 or 4 people. Rental periods are up to a maximum of 7 days. Plus, they don’t ask for any additional one-way fee! Relocation deals are offered throughout the year and can be found online, so check back often to see the most current specials.
- Website
- Starting price per day: $50/night
- Places available: US: Las Vegas, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles
*Waiting for followup info
Road Bear RV
For the ultimate one-way cross-country experience, Road Bear RV offers luxury RV relocation rentals in Class A, B, and C models of various sizes. The company provides modern rigs complete with all standard amenities. They have lots of one-way deals, which come with zero preparation fees, free one-way fees, and 1,000 free miles. They have a 7 night minimum and 21 night maximum rental period. Their specials change often, so check their “One-Way Specials” page to see the most up-to-date information.
- Website
- Starting price per day: $9/night
- Places available in the US: Denver, Salt Lake City, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, and Orlando
When Do You Need to Book a One-way RV?
Situations in which you may want to book a one-way RV could include cross-country traveling, moving, or simply desiring the flexibility this option offers. Keep reading to learn more about why you might want to rent an RV one-way:
Cross-country Getaway
You can rent an RV for a one-way cross-country trip. Many companies will allow you to rent an RV and drop it off in another state. Imagine being able to go on an RV road trip to your dream destination without having to worry about the long drive back. Once your trip is over, you can simply book a quick flight to return home. A one-way cross-country RV rental will spare you so much stress, worry, and exhaustion – especially after a trip full of adventures like hiking or skiing.
Moving to a New Place
Are you moving and wondering if you can rent an RV and drop it off in another state? The answer is yes – you can use an RV to move cross country! Long road trips aren’t just for traveling and adventure. One-way RV rentals are perfect for cross-country moves. Bring all your belongings and let the RV conveniently transport you to your new home. An added bonus: this will provide you enough time and space to restart and prepare yourself for your new life ahead.
Flexible Travel Plans
Perhaps you have a major journey in mind and you want to try out the RV lifestyle on the way. Or, maybe you’re planning to visit other continents or aren’t willing to commit to spending your entire trip in an RV. Either way, one-way RV rentals can provide enough flexibility for you to travel exactly how you want to, whether you’re just going cross-country or around the world.
Related Questions on One-Way RV Rental
What Is the Cheapest Way to Rent a One-way RV?
Relocation rentals are the cheapest ways to renting RVs for one-way cross-country travel. This is perfect for those who are able to wait and research 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 one-way RV relocation rentals. Driving an RV is oftentimes very similar to driving a regular car so there’s no special license required. However, most rental companies require renters to be over 21 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for at least two years.
If you’re renting an RV 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.
Some children under certain ages may not be allowed depending on the relocation rental agency. Traveling with pets is also generally forbidden in RV rentals. As for other companions, most companies allow two people with a maximum of 6. Make sure to clarify first to avoid additional charges. These things vary among renters so you should always double-check the terms and conditions.
How to Find Relocation Rentals?
Many different RV rental agencies now offer special relocation rental deals. Some of the best companies that offer as low as $1 per night include Imoova, Native Campervans, and Road Bear RV. You can choose from these depending on your needs. Other renters also include the well-known Cruise America and El Monte, providing rental RVs for as low as $9 per day.
The most common routes for RV 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 Renting an RV For One-Way Cross-Country Travel
The main downfall of renting an RV for a round trip is having to stick to a set destination and schedule. Plus, the long haul back home on a route you just traveled can quickly dampen the excitement of your getaway.
To spice up your travels, one-way RV rentals are a perfect alternative to those who want to explore distant places. A one-way cross-country camper rental will allow you to drive the rented unit to one destination and drop it off. From there, you can take a plane or train home – or on the next leg of your trip. While one-way rentals may seem expensive, there are many great deals and special offers available in the RV rental market that will keep you within your budget.
Whether you are planning a cross-country getaway, moving to a new place, or finding new ways to enjoy the RV lifestyle, one-way RV rental is certainly a great option for cross-country traveling.
Worried about going over budget? Simple tools like planners and journals might help you out – check our Etsy Store for some useful planning tools.
For more ideas and tips about RV rentals, check out these blogs and find all the answers to your questions:
- 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! I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.
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This is a very well written and researched article. It obviously took a lot of time and effort. Thank you for helping me learn more about this topic. I am considering moving from LA to Montreal in an RV with my wife and our cats, so this was a very helpful starting point for my research.