Renting an RV for the first time is easier than you think, but preparation is key. Most first-timers can successfully book, drive, and enjoy an RV rental with basic planning around vehicle types (Class A, C, or travel trailers), age requirements (typically 25+), insurance coverage through platforms like Outdoorsy, and understanding hookups for water, electric, and sewer connections. With 60% of US travelers planning road trips in 2025 and RV rental demand growing rapidly, there's never been a better time to try RV life. The average rental costs $184 per night nationwide, making it an affordable alternative to hotels for families and groups seeking adventure on their own terms.
First-timers have five main RV options: Class A motorhomes (the largest luxury units), Class C motorhomes (easier to drive), campervans (most beginner-friendly), travel trailers (require towing), and fifth wheels (need pickup trucks with special hitches).
The RV world isn't as complicated as it seems once you break it down. Class C motorhomes are often the sweet spot for first-timers—they're built on truck chassis, easier to drive than Class A units, and don't require towing experience. Class C RVs range from 20-40 feet and can tow up to 5,000 lbs, giving you flexibility for bringing bikes or small boats.
Class A motorhomes are the luxury option—think of them as houses on wheels. They offer the largest towing capacity of 5,000-10,000 lbs and typically average 33 feet in length. They're intimidating for some first-timers but surprisingly easy to drive once you get the hang of it.
Travel trailers are one of the most popular RV options available because they're cost-effective, and you can unhitch them to drive your vehicle around. However, they require understanding your vehicle's towing capacity—something many first-timers overlook. If you're considering purchasing after your rental experience, our guide on the best travel trailers for your money can help you understand what features matter most.
Popular RV types typically book 2-3 months in advance during peak season (May-September), with Class C motorhomes and travel trailers showing the highest demand. Many first-timers find success booking smaller units (under 30 feet), which have better availability.
We understand that first-timers might feel concerned about rental costs. If you're considering the RV lifestyle long-term, you might want to explore how much it costs to live in an RV full-time to understand whether buying makes sense for your situation.
Most RV rental platforms require renters to be at least 25 years old, though Outdoorsy allows drivers aged 21-24 with restrictions on vehicle value, type, and additional fees.
Here's the deal: Outdoorsy requires drivers to be at least 25 years old, but guests aged 21-24 can rent with specific conditions. If you're in that younger group, you can only book RVs valued under $75,000, can't rent Class A or fifth-wheel units, and you'll pay an extra $25 per night young driver fee.
Beyond age, you'll need a valid driver's license, a minimum of three years of driving experience, a clean driving record (no major violations in the past three years), and personal auto insurance. Don't worry about getting a special license—you don't need a CDL for any standard RV rental.
The age restrictions exist for insurance reasons, plain and simple. Rental platforms like Outdoorsy have partnerships with major insurers, and younger drivers represent a higher risk in their algorithms.
Outdoorsy's embedded protection packages provide up to $1 million in liability coverage and $300,000 in comprehensive/collision protection, with deductibles ranging from $1,000-$4,000 depending on the RV's value and your chosen protection level.
This is where many first-timers get confused, so let's clear it up. Outdoorsy provides automatic insurance coverage during your rental period—from key exchange to key return. You'll choose from protection packages (Essential, Preferred, Peace of Mind, or Stationary) when booking.
What's actually covered: Collision damage, vandalism, theft, weather damage, and liability protection. Plus 24/7 roadside assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockouts, and fuel delivery.
What's NOT covered: Mechanical failures, normal wear and tear, interior damage (unless you buy separate coverage), and damages from prohibited use. That's why the inspection process matters—document everything before you drive away.
The insurance operates on an "excess" basis, meaning if you have personal auto insurance, that pays first, then Outdoorsy's coverage kicks in as secondary. If you don't have personal coverage, Outdoorsy becomes primary. At Roamly, we see many first-timers who discover they love the RV lifestyle and want their own rig—that's when having the right insurance partner becomes essential.
RV rental costs average $184 per night nationwide in 2025, with delivery fees ($3-5 per mile), insurance packages ($15-50 per day), and cleaning fees ($50-200) adding to the base rate.
Let's talk real numbers. The average RV rental cost is $184 per night as of March 2025, nearly unchanged from 2024's $183 average. But that's just the starting point.
Additional costs to budget for:
First-timer tip: Book delivery for your first rental. Yes, it costs extra, but having the RV set up and explained by the owner or delivery driver is worth every penny. You'll avoid rookie mistakes and actually understand how everything works.
Planning to make RV travel a regular thing? Get a personalized Roamly quote to see how much you could save with your own RV insurance.
RV hookups provide water, electricity (30 or 50 amp), and sewer connections at campgrounds, with full-hookup sites offering all three, while partial hookups may only include electric and water.
Don't let hookups intimidate you—they're simpler than they look. Most campgrounds place water, electric, and sewer connections close together for easy access. Here's the first-timer breakdown:
Water hookups: Use only drinking water-safe (potable) hoses, never garden hoses, and always attach a water pressure regulator to prevent plumbing damage. Many campgrounds have high water pressure that can blow out RV pipes.
Electric hookups: RVs use either 30-amp or 50-amp service—check your rental's requirements and use a surge protector to prevent electrical damage. The surge protector isn't optional; it's insurance for expensive RV electronics.
Sewer hookups: Connect your sewer hose to the campground's PVC inlet, use hose supports for proper drainage, and always dump black tanks (toilet waste) before gray tanks (sink/shower water).
Motorized RVs (Class A, B, C) don't require towing experience but limit your destination vehicle options, while towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels) let you drive your own car around but require a proper towing setup and practice.
This choice often makes or breaks a first-timer's experience. Driving a motorhome feels like driving a big truck—visibility is good, handling is predictable, and most come with backup cameras. Class C RVs drive like trucks and are easier to tow than trailers for most RVers.
Towing considerations: Your vehicle's maximum towing capacity includes passenger weight, cargo, and liquids—not just the trailer's dry weight. Fifth wheels require trucks and can weigh 7,880-14,500 pounds, making them unsuitable for most SUVs.
First-timer recommendation: Start with a Class C motorhome under 30 feet or choose delivery for any towable RV. You can always work up to larger units or towing once you understand RV systems and handling.
Complete exterior and interior documentation with photos, test all systems (water, electric, propane, appliances), verify tire condition and fluid levels, and understand the RV's specific features before leaving the pickup location.
This step saves you from disputes and safety issues later. Most rental platforms require pre-trip inspections, but many renters rush through them. Don't be that person.
Exterior inspection checklist:
Interior and systems check:
Most rental platforms now offer mobile apps with digital checklists and photo upload features. Some also provide video walkthroughs for complex systems. For comprehensive inspection guidance, the National RV Inspectors Association provides detailed standards that professional inspectors follow.
Already thinking about your next adventure? Consider getting a Roamly quote if buying an RV is in your future—our policies are designed specifically for the RV lifestyle.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
Policies provided by Roamly are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Safeco Insurance, Foremost Insurance Company, National General Insurance, Allstate Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and others.