A Beginners Guide to Renting a Motorhome in USA

Finding the perfect RV for the road trip of a lifetime can be a daunting task for someone who has never been in a motorhome before. This guide will help make your RV rental stress-free and easy.

Age Restrictions

Drivers who want to hire a motorhome must be at least 21 years old. However, some RV rental companies still require for drivers to be 25 years old, or may charge an extra fee for younger drivers.

License Requirements

You don’t need a special license to drive a standard-sized RV. Your own driver’s license will be accepted, as long as it is not probationary and valid for the duration of your rental. If your license is not in English, an official translation will also be required.

Insurance Coverage

All motorhomes are already insured by the rental companies. However, for a truly worry-free holiday it is best to purchase your own motorhome insurance and to take the Full Insurance Cover offered by the rental company to reduce the excess or liability. If you already have your own automobile insurance, be sure to check if it covers “RV or motorhome rentals.”

Security Bond

At pick up, you will be asked for a security deposit, or bond, that is refundable once the vehicle is returned in the same condition as it was at collection. The bond is usually taken from the renter or primary driver’s credit card, so make sure the card you provide has sufficient funds.

One Way or Round Trip

Motorhome rental companies have many depots throughout the US, so if you wish to start in one city and end in another, one way rentals are offered. Just remember that a one way fee would apply, and your choices of where to collect and return are limited to where the RV operator has depots.

Vehicle Collection and Return

You might be tempted to have the RV delivered to you right at the airport. Only a few companies have this option, since motorhome collection and return must be done at the designated depots. This ensures that you can get a proper Vehicle Consultation, where you get to check the RV thoroughly, sign the Rental Contract and ask the staff everything you need to know about the rental as well as the vehicle.

Vehicle Type

Motorhomes come in many shapes and sizes, so whether you’re traveling alone, with your partner, with friends or the entire family, you’ll find a type that suits your party. Generally, there are three types of motorhomes: Class A, Class B and Class C.

Class A

The largest type of RVs, Class A vehicles have flat fronts like buses and are the most luxurious motorhomes with their entertainment system, complete kitchen and large shower/toilet area. Class A RVs are ideal for 4-6 passengers who don’t mind paying a little extra for comfort. The vehicle length ranges from 30 to 50 feet, and most models have sides that slide out (usually the dining or rear sleeping area) so you get more space inside the vehicle.

Class B

Also called “conversion vans” or “campervans”, Class B vehicles are the smallest, and most affordable type of motorhome. These usually only have a wide seat in the back that converts into a bed, and can only accommodate 2-5 passengers. Class B motorhomes generally do not have shower/toilet and are usually used by budget travelers who want to rent for a longer period. You’ll see several conversion vans at art and music festivals.

Class C

The most popular and easily recognizable motorhomes are the Class C RVs. They are characterized by the “hump” over the driver’s cabin, which contains extra bed space. With models that range between 19 to 31 feet, Class C vehicles can be a shorter 5 Berth motorhome perfect for a small family or a large 8 Berth RV with bunk beds. These motorhomes also have a wide range of prices and are the most popular choices among families and large parties.

Ready to go on a motorhome adventure? MyDriveHoliday RV Rentals has a great number of vehicles from the top US rental companies. There is also an extensive list of RV parks as well as useful travel information about traveling the US on a self-drive holiday.

This article was provided by Anya who has worked for www.MyDriveHoliday.com/usa/rv-rental and CamperTravel for the past 5 years, previously as a Sales Representative assisting interested clients with their motorhome rentals and currently works as the sites’ Copy Writer.