Your Guide to Affordable Motorhome Rentals with Delivery

Dreaming of a road trip adventure without the stress of driving a large vehicle through unfamiliar city streets? You’re in the right place. Finding an affordable motorhome rental that can be delivered directly to your home or campsite is easier than ever, combining the freedom of the open road with ultimate convenience.

The Ultimate Convenience: How Motorhome Delivery Works

Motorhome delivery is a service that transforms the rental experience, making it more accessible and stress-free, especially for first-timers. Instead of picking up your rental from a depot, the owner or company brings the fully-equipped vehicle directly to a location of your choice. This could be your driveway, a storage facility, or your reserved spot at a campground.

The primary benefit is avoiding the initial navigation challenge. Driving a large Class A or Class C motorhome can be intimidating if you’re used to a standard car. With delivery, you can have the vehicle brought to your destination, where it is often set up for you. The delivery person will typically level the vehicle, connect the water, sewer, and electrical hookups, and extend any slide-outs. This allows you to simply arrive and start your vacation immediately.

This service is perfect for:

  • First-time renters who are nervous about driving a large vehicle.
  • Families who want to minimize travel-day stress.
  • Stationary camping at festivals, tailgating events, or extended stays in a single state or national park.
  • Travelers flying into a destination who want the RV waiting for them at the campground.

Where to Find Motorhome Rentals That Deliver

Finding a company that offers delivery is straightforward, but it’s important to know where to look. The market is primarily split between large peer-to-peer platforms and traditional rental companies.

Peer-to-Peer Rental Platforms

These websites are like Airbnb for RVs, where you rent directly from the vehicle’s owner. They offer the widest selection and the most flexibility for delivery services.

  • Outdoorsy: This is one of the largest and most popular platforms. Many owners on Outdoorsy offer delivery as an add-on service. When searching for vehicles, you can enter your destination and use a filter to show only the listings that offer delivery. The owner will communicate with you directly to coordinate the drop-off time and location.
  • RVshare: Similar to Outdoorsy, RVshare connects you with local RV owners. It also has a prominent “Delivery” filter in its search function. Because you’re dealing with individual owners, they are often very accommodating and can provide a personalized setup and walkthrough experience.

On these platforms, delivery fees are set by the owner and are usually based on distance. You might see a flat fee plus a per-mile charge for destinations farther away.

Traditional Rental Companies

Larger, national chains may have more limited delivery options, but it’s always worth checking their policies.

  • Cruise America: While a major player in the RV rental market, Cruise America typically does not offer delivery to homes or campgrounds. Their model is based on picking up and dropping off the vehicle at one of their designated rental centers.
  • El Monte RV: Similar to Cruise America, El Monte RV generally requires customers to visit a rental location. However, some locations may offer airport shuttle services or have specific arrangements, so it’s best to call the local branch to inquire about any potential delivery or transport options.
  • Local and Regional Businesses: Don’t overlook smaller, local RV rental companies in your area or near your destination. A quick search for “RV rental with delivery near [city name]” can uncover hidden gems. These smaller businesses often provide more personalized services and may be more willing to accommodate a custom delivery request.

Tips for Finding an Affordable Rental

Getting a great deal on your motorhome adventure is possible with a bit of planning. The “affordable” part of your trip comes down to timing, vehicle choice, and knowing what to look for.

1. Travel During the Shoulder or Off-Season

The single biggest factor affecting price is demand. Peak season, typically summer and major holidays, will always have the highest rates.

  • Peak Season (June-August): Expect to pay top dollar.
  • Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October): You can often find rates that are 20-40% lower than in the summer. The weather is still pleasant in most parts of the country, and campgrounds are less crowded.
  • Off-Season (November-March): This is when you’ll find the absolute lowest prices, but be mindful of weather conditions depending on your destination.

2. Choose the Right Size RV

Bigger isn’t always better, and it’s certainly not cheaper. A massive Class A motorhome might look luxurious, but if you’re a family of four, a more nimble Class C or even a spacious travel trailer could be perfect and save you hundreds of dollars.

  • Class B (Camper Vans): Best for 1-2 people, most fuel-efficient, and easiest to drive.
  • Class C (Cab-Over): A great all-around option for families, with good space and amenities.
  • Class A (Bus-Style): The largest and most luxurious, but also the most expensive to rent and fuel.

3. Understand the Full Cost

The nightly rate is just one part of the equation. To find a truly affordable rental, look at the total cost.

  • Mileage Fees: Some rentals include a set number of free miles per day (e.g., 100 miles), while others charge for every mile driven. Look for listings with generous or unlimited mileage if you plan to cover a lot of ground.
  • Generator Fees: If you plan on camping without electrical hookups (“boondocking”), you’ll need a generator. Some owners include generator use, while others charge an hourly fee.
  • Insurance: This is mandatory. It will either be provided through the platform (like Outdoorsy or RVshare) or you’ll need to arrange it separately.
  • Add-Ons: Things like kitchen kits, bedding, camp chairs, and propane refills can add up. Some rentals include these, which can be a great value.

By comparing these all-in costs, you can find a rental that fits your budget without any surprise fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does RV delivery typically cost? The cost varies widely based on the owner, platform, and distance. You can expect a flat fee starting around \(100-\)150, which may include the first 25-50 miles. After that, a per-mile charge of \(1.50 to \)4.00 is common. Always confirm the total delivery and pickup cost before booking.

Do I need a special license to drive a motorhome? In the United States and Canada, a standard driver’s license is all you need to drive most rental motorhomes. Vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds may require a special license, but the vast majority of rental fleet vehicles fall well below this limit.

Can I have an RV delivered to a national park campground? This depends on the specific park’s regulations. Many national parks do allow RV delivery, but some have restrictions on commercial activity. It is essential to check the campground’s rules and confirm with the park service before arranging a delivery. You should also ensure the RV owner is comfortable delivering to that location.