Smith 
When I was a kid, my parents took me on RV trips through northern California and Nevada, creating some of my best childhood memories. I knew I wanted to do the same for my family and, a few summers ago, we decided to rent an RV for a 14-day trip to the Grand Canyon. It was an adventure from start to finish. A lot of people have asked me about renting an RV and how much it costs, so here’s what you need to know.
1. Where Do You Rent an RV?
First off, I had no clue where to start either. I asked on Facebook and got a few local recommendations. I called a nearby RV dealer but only got answering machines and no callbacks even after multiple attempts. Frustrated, I turned to Google and found Cruise America. They were great—answered my call immediately and provided all the info I needed. I managed to get a good deal by booking in May before peak season.
2. How Much Does it Cost?
Costs can vary, but here’s a rough breakdown based on my experience with Cruise America:
- Nightly rental rates, which are higher in peak months like July and August.
- Mileage fees, ranging from 35 to 50 cents per mile.
- Extras like generator use and kitchen utensils.
For our 14-night, 3,000-mile trip, the total cost was around $2,255.90, including a $500 security deposit. The fuel bill for the entire trip was $1,400.67, which was more than I expected but manageable.
3. Other Costs
Beyond gas and campsite fees, expect additional costs for things like national park entry fees and unexpected stops. We spent $20 at the Petrified Forest and a bit more at a meteor crater in Arizona.
4. How Hard Is It to Drive?
Driving the RV wasn’t too difficult, though the winds made it challenging at times. The RV could hit 75 mph easily, but gusts of wind and passing trucks made it sway quite a bit. I kept driving to about 4-5 hours a day to avoid exhaustion.
5. Where Do You Stay?
We mostly stayed at KOA Campgrounds, which were like the Holiday Inns of RV parks—family-friendly with pools, playgrounds, and Wi-Fi. Costs ranged from $35 to $45 per night, based on amenities. We also stayed at a Yogi Bear (Jellystone) campground which was great for the kids.
6. RV vs. Camper vs. SUV/Hotel
We weighed the pros and cons of RV, camper, and SUV/hotel travel. The RV won because it allowed fewer interruptions thanks to an onboard bathroom and fridge, making long drives easier.
7. How Much Can You Bring?
Plenty. We had four full-sized suitcases, toys, food, and more, all fitting comfortably into the RV. Most bigger items were stored in the outside compartments.
8. Can You Live in It?
Absolutely. Our 25-footer was just right for our family of five. The boys enjoyed their spaces, and the RV’s amenities like the fridge, microwave, and stove were very useful, even if we mostly ate out.
9. What About Waste?
Managing waste ("doo-doo") isn’t fun but not too difficult. I learned to empty the tank efficiently with help from a fellow camper.
10. What Will You Miss the Most?
During our two-week trip, I missed a few conveniences like two-ply toilet paper, a loofah, decent Wi-Fi, and my gym routine. Also, I longed for my kitchen appliances like a juicer and a toaster.
In conclusion, our RV trip was unforgettable despite some homesickness by Day 11. My wife and I agreed it was a blast, and we’ll definitely consider another RV adventure. Have you ever rented an RV? What was your experience?
