It’s okay to own a van to enjoy the #vanlife. These are the best companies to rent a campervan for your next road trip.
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#Vanlife is exploding across the nation as more and more people are hitting the road with converted Mercedes Sprinter Vans or Ford Transits.
Want to experience the #vanlife? Do you want to travel off the beaten track? To help you start your Great American Road Trip, I’ve compiled a list of the best campervan rental companies.
Some of these companies will better suit your needs than others. It’s essential to know your options. Each company has a summary that explains what makes it unique. I also include a list of pros and cons to help you compare.
Renting a camper van is a great way to travel without worrying about booking a hotel, staying in a motel, or setting up tents every night.
A camper van can be cheaper than a hotel room, depending on your destination and the company you select.
It’s a win for both parties in many ways. It’s a win-win situation. You can be spontaneous and go to lesser-known places like camping. But you still have all the conveniences and comforts of a regular hotel.
These companies rent out RVs of all types, not just campervans. Class A, B, and C motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels are also included.
Check out my post, How to Rent an RV, for more information on the jargon and rental process. This article will help you understand the differences between these travel vans and give you some good ideas before starting your road trip.
These are my top 3 picks for today’s most reliable camper van companies.
What You Should Know Before Renting A Campervan
There are two types of camper van companies. They offer services and experiences that are very different.
First, camper van rental services use peer-to-peer models where you can rent a camper from a private owner. This is similar to Airbnb. These platforms allow you to rent your RV and list it on their website (if you have one in your garage).
There will be many camper van rental options on peer-to-peer sites. However, not all of them will be of high quality. Review systems on peer-to-peer sites will help you choose with confidence.
Second, there is a company fleet. Companies buy cars and convert them into RVs. They can also build their own RVs. You can rent these RVs directly from the company. The camper van rental company is more professional and reliable than the first model. However, it may be pricier.
You’ll be limited in your selection when renting from a company fleet. The majority of fleet rental companies only have a limited number of models.
- Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy can be compared to the Airbnb of campervan rental. It is one of the biggest camper van rental companies on the market. The online platform allows owners to connect with RV or van owners. It’s the most reliable marketplace for renting campervans and is very user-friendly.
It is a peer-to-peer marketplace. You rent RVs and vans from private owners, not a fleet owned by a company. There are many RVs to choose from. You’ll find everything from luxurious Class A motorhomes and compact campervans to Class B and Class C tent campers.
The site is easy-to-navigate. Outdoorsy will display all available RV rentals based on the rental location you enter. You can filter your results only to show campervans or other RV types.
The company also offers comprehensive insurance and a review function that helps you choose.
Do you have a campervan or RV that is sleeping in your garage? Outdoorsy is a great place to list your RV or campervan and make extra money.
Is it worth the money? For more information, read my Outdoorsy review or grab an Outdoorsy coupon code to get $40 off your initial booking.
Pros
- The company is one the most trusted online rental camper van companies. Outdoorsy was ranked ninth in Travel Experiences by SimilarWeb on their Digital 100 ranking (an annual ranking that ranks the fastest-growing businesses).
- Outdoorsy rents campervans in 14 countries, including the USA. Outdoorsy can be used in Canada, Australia, or the UK.
- Outdoorsy is free to join for RV owners who want to rent out their vehicles.
- There is a massive selection of campervans in many areas. You can easily find one that suits your budget and meets your needs.
- Many hosts offer unlimited mileage and choose their own rules.
- There are no rental locations that you can only rent from. Vans are available almost anywhere in the United States.
- The site features personal, detailed reviews. Customers can review their experiences with RV owners and their campervan rental.
- Outdoorsy offers a comprehensive insurance package with 24/7 roadside assistance included. The coverage begins when you receive your keys and ends once you return them.
You can also find out more about the Cons
- Outdoorsy is a trusted RV rental company in the world. Due to its peer-to-peer business model, Outdoorsy can be victimized by fraudsters who prey on RV owners and renters. Rent from owners with good reviews.
- Some campervans will need to be in better condition. It’s essential to check reviews and ratings before you book a campervan.
