How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent an RV? (Minimum Age)

If buying an RV is out of your budget, then renting is your best option. But the question is, how old do you have to be to rent an RV?

You need to be 25 years old to rent an RV. However, some rental companies may lease their vehicles to 21-year-olds, but it will be for a smaller vehicle. You might also need to pay a higher fee to cover insurance if you’re under 25.

Let’s discuss more RV rental age requirements below.

Minimum Age to Rent An RV

The youngest age that rental companies allow is 21 years old. At this age, you already have more driving experience and maturity than you are at 18. However, you may be allowed to rent only a smaller vehicle and pay a higher price than the standard rate to cover insurance.

The general age to rent an RV is 25 years old because rental companies believe that people this mature will take care of their vehicles properly. As a result, these companies can ask for lower fleet insurance rates.

1. RV Rental Age By State

How old to drive an RV may vary for each location. You need to be at least 25 years old when you want to rent an RV in Florida, Tennessee, and Nevada. Typically, most American states adopt the 25-age rule to rent a motorhome.

Due to the rising demand for RV rentals from younger drivers, some states create exemptions.

In Las Vegas, you can rent a campervan even if you’re only 21 years old. Some rental companies in Seattle also allow 21-year-olds to rent a motorhome as long as they have a driver’s license. To be sure, ask the service company about what minimum age requirement they impose.

2. Minimum Age By Each Company

Rental companies also impose different RV age restrictions. Typically, the minimum age to rent is 25 years old, but other businesses can lower the requirement to 21 years old at an extra cost. We list below the minimum age of some popular RV rental agencies in America.

RV Rental Requirements

Besides the minimum age, other requirements exist to obtain if you want to rent an RV. Here are some of the basic necessities.

Most RV rental agencies require a valid driver’s license from your residential country. If the driver’s license is in a foreign language, you might need to present an international license so the business can check the details more clearly.

Driving a larger vehicle with more than 26,000 in gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) may demand a special license in California and other similar states. You’ll need to secure a Class B non-commercial certificate to rent a Class A motorhome.

To obtain the document, you’ll need to pass several tests, like vision and driving tests.

You might need a major credit card to reserve an RV for renting. Some rental agencies ask for a downpayment, while others allow you to pay the rent at pick-up. Of course, your credit limit should be above the rental fee.

Some agencies may ask for identification cards to prove your identity and real age. To ensure that you can pay, others also ask for your employment record and credit reference.

Rent Caravan US Road Rules

Keep in mind that the road rules may differ for every state. In Louisiana, towing a vehicle limits you to driving past 55 mph. Indiana drivers can go a bit faster at 65 mph.

In the US, you drive on the right side of the road.

Your RV should also have seat belts to ensure the safety of the passengers. Before driving, make sure to avoid alcohol because you can’t drive when drunk. You can’t also use a cell phone while driving or pick up a hitchhiker along the road.

How Renting a Camper Works

The first thing to do when you rent a camper is to choose the type of RV that you want to use in the rental agency’s website inventory. Ask for the daily rate to know how much you need to pay.

Book a date with the company. To save money, book during the off-season when the demand is low. Most rental agencies require you to provide a downpayment to reserve the vehicle using your credit card.

Some companies require you to get insurance for the rental vehicle. If you can’t get one, use the insurance provided by the rental company, which means additional costs. Once it’s time for pick-up, you can pay the balance and provide all requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent an RV?

The cost of travel trailer rental may vary for each season and RV size. Peak season has the highest daily rates. Also, larger RVs like Class A motorhomes cost more than smaller motorhomes.

The rent of a Class A motorhome can cost as much as $275 per night, while Class B and C motorhomes cost lower at $200 per night. If you’re on a budget, choose a travel trailer or pop-up trailer, which only sets you back $125 and $100 per night, respectively.

Keep in mind that rental companies may charge an extra fee to cover higher insurance costs for RV rentals under 25.

What happens if you lie about your age?

If you’re caught falsifying your age just to rent an RV, you’ll be faced with serious consequences. Your driver’s license can be revoked or you’ll have to pay a hefty penalty fee. The worst-case scenario is facing imprisonment because falsification is a crime.

Conclusion

By this time, you know the answer to the question, “how old do you have to be to rent an RV”? Surprisingly, it’s not 18 because you have to be more mature to drive a large vehicle and not cause any accidents. RV rental agencies may permit younger drivers under 25, but it means paying an extra charge for insurance.

We hope this article helped you rent your chosen camper. If it’s your first time driving one, the experience should also prepare you for future motorhome purchases, whether at RV of America or elsewhere.