You’ve decided to hit the open road with your family—whoop whoop! 🚐 Now, the million-dollar question: Should you rent or buy an RV for your adventures? If your head is already spinning with options like pop-up campers, motorhomes, or fifth wheels, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Choosing the right RV can feel overwhelming, but it can also be a lot of fun. This is where the magic of daydreaming about your family’s future adventures comes into play. Whether you’re heading out for weekend trips or planning an extended cross-country road trip, we’re here to help you figure out whether renting or buying is the best fit for your family.
Why Choosing the Right RV Feels Overwhelming—and How to Make It Fun
There’s no doubt about it: the RV world is packed with options. From tiny teardrops to Class A motorhomes that feel like apartments on wheels, the choices are endless. And for busy parents like you, juggling schedules and family routines, the decision can feel like just another task on your never-ending to-do list. But here’s the thing: choosing your RV is where your adventure really begins.
Think of this process as a chance to imagine your ideal family trip. Do your kids need bunk beds for their naps? Does an outdoor kitchen sound right up your alley? What’s awesome about RVing is that the options let you tailor your travel to your family’s unique needs and personalities.
The Case for Renting First: Test the Waters Before You Commit
Although we dreamed of RVing for quite a while before we actually ventured out, we didn’t have an idea of exactly what kind of rig would work best for our family. So we started researching different options, and man, a whole new world opened up for us. There were so many types to consider and importantly, types that worked best depending on the kind of vehicle you owned and what would feel like enough space for our family. A bunch of questions came up for us. Did we want to tow a vehicle behind the RV? What size did we feel comfortable driving?
As we started researching, we ultimately decided that to the best way to make a decision was to go on a trip! That’s when we decided to rent an RV for our first family adventure. Through our renting experiences, here are some key things we learned:
ONE / You Have Flexibility Without Commitment
Renting gives your family the chance to try out different RV types without any long-term pressure. One weekend, you could experiment with a cozy travel trailer, and the next, test out a Class C motorhome. Think of it as dating a few RVs before settling down!
TWO / Discover What Features Your Family Loves
With so many RV layouts and amenities to choose from, renting gives you real-world experience to see what works for your crew and what you actually use. Maybe the kids love bunk beds or need their own quiet nook. Renting helps answer these questions before making a bigger investment.
THREE / Lower Upfront Costs
Let’s face it: RV ownership isn’t cheap. Renting is a budget-friendly way to dip your toes into the RV lifestyle without the upfront costs of a purchase. It also lets you spread out your travel expenses—leaving more room for more museum trips along the way!
FOUR / Skip the Maintenance Hassle
One of the best parts of renting? You don’t have to worry about maintenance. Just return the RV when you’re done, and someone else handles the oil changes and repairs. All you need to do is pack, relax, and enjoy the ride!
💡 Pro Tip: On our first rental trip, we learned the that a lack of a couch was not for us. When we all wanted to hang out together in the RV, we didn’t always want to be at the dining table. After that, having an ideal seating arrangement became a must-have for every RV we considered
When Buying Might Make Sense: For the Long-Haul
ONE / Long-Term Savings for Frequent Trips
If your family plans to hit the road more than a few times a year or take extended trips, buying might make more financial sense. Think of it like investing in your own personal vacation home on wheels.
TWO / Customization is Key
When you buy your own RV, you can really make it feel like home. From cozy bedding to outdoor string lights, the customization options are endless. This kind of personalization makes a big difference on longer trips, where small comforts matter. It’s always fun to see how other families have decorated their RVs and campsite, especially during the holidays.
THREE / Spontaneous Weekend Getaways
Owning an RV means you’re always ready for a last-minute escape. Just pack up and hit the road without having to worry about rental availability. Imagine waking up on a Saturday morning and saying, “Let’s go!”
⚠️ Con to Consider: But remember—RV ownership comes with maintenance responsibilities. Things like oil changes, winterizing, and storage can add up both in time and money. So, make sure you’re ready to take that on!
Key Questions to Ask Before Deciding
- How often do you plan to travel? If you’re only planning one or two trips a year, renting is probably your best bet. But if you’re dreaming of regular weekend getaways or longer adventures, buying might be worth considering.
- How much do you want to spend? Consider your budget and if you have the funds to get the RV you truly want. Depending on the RV, iIt might be your best bet to save up and rent an RV in the interim.
- Do you want to test the waters first? Renting gives you the chance to explore different models and floor plans to find out what works best for your family’s needs.
- Do you have space to store an RV? This is a biggie! If you don’t have driveway space or an easy storage solution, you’ll need to factor in storage costs when buying.
- Are you ready to handle maintenance and repairs? Owning an RV means keeping up with maintenance—something to keep in mind if your schedule is already packed.
💫 Final Thoughts: Rent First, Then Decide
For most families new to RV travel, renting first is the way to go. For us, renting gave us the freedom to try different models, discover our family’s non-negotiables, and gain confidence on the road—without the pressure of a long-term investment. Plus, renting makes the process fun! With each trip, we discovered what our family loved (and what we didn’t).
Once you’ve had a few rental trips under your belt, you’ll be in a much better position to decide if buying is the right choice. And if it is? You’ll know exactly what to look for when the time comes.
Where to Start Your RV Journey
- Top Rental Platforms: Check out Cruise America, Outdoorsy, or RVshare for family-friendly RV rentals. These platforms offer a wide selection of RVs and customer reviews to help you choose.
- How to Find the Best Deals: Book early and try to travel during the off-season to snag lower rental prices.
Get Ready for Adventure—One RV at a Time!
No matter which route you choose—renting or buying—the most important thing is to get started. Your family’s next adventure is waiting, and the right RV is out there just waiting for you to discover it. So, start small, dream big, and enjoy every moment of the journey. After all, it’s not just about where you’re going—it’s about making memories along the way.
If you want to learn more about specific RV types and choosing the best one for your family, check out our free guide below, RV 101: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect RV for Your Family.
💬 We’d Love to Hear From You: Have you rented or bought an RV before? What’s been your experience? Drop your tips in the comments!
Wander Onward!
View comments
+ Leave a comment