Renting an RV for Five
Finding the perfect RV for your crew can be a difficult task. With so many different kinds of units out there, how do you know which one will be best for you? You want a nice, spacious RV that is both feature rich and easy on the wallet...how can you choose?
Thankfully, for a group or family of five, there are options upon options of amazing motorhomes to rent for low prices. Manufacturers already expect people to pack their RVs when they’re traveling. The goal of this article is to make choosing and finding a unit for five to be as straight forward as possible.
RVs Perfect for Five
If you’re planning on bringing along at least five people on your journey, you should know that you have the luxury of not having to settle between just one or two different classes. The truth is that there are many different classes of five person RV rentals that can make a great option, depending on what your requirements are.
Let’s check out a few of these options and look at some of the pros and cons of each.
Motorized RVs
Among motorized RVs, there are two classes of vehicles that are naturally well-suited for sleeping five passengers: Class A and Class C motorhomes.
Class A RV
A class RVs can make for an amazing rental that sleeps at least five. They’re the largest and most luxurious of all the RV classes. They're built on a bus-like chassis and come with the longest list of features of any RV as well.
Typical A class RVs come standard with features like an elevated driver position for optimal visibility. They come with separate bedrooms and can even tow a vehicle instead of the other way around. If you’re planning on spending a long period of time on the road, this class of RV may be the best option.
On the negative side, A class RVs are by far the most expensive kind of motorhome. They’re not exactly efficient on fuel and can be quite difficult to drive for a novice RVer.
Class C RV
C class RVs are a great option for families or groups looking for a five passenger RV rental. They’re medium sized units that are built on a cabin chassis. They come with plenty of living space and tend to accommodate between four and eight people. These usually feature a sink with cabinets, a refrigerator, and a microwave. C class RVs also come with a nice dining area and entertainment options like TVs and DVD players.
The best thing about renting C class RVs is the rate. They’re typically priced very fairly for the amount of passengers they sleep. They’re also highly mobile and decent on gas.
A negative aspect about C class RVs is that even though they’re roomy for their size, some families feel that they would still like to have more space.
Towable Trailers
Towable trailers do not have an engine or driving controls built into the same space as the living area – instead, they are towed behind a separate vehicle. Towable trailers tend to be cheaper to rent than similarly equipped motorized RVs, but you’ll have to consider the towing capabilities of your existing vehicle (or be willing to swallow the additional cost of renting a capable tow vehicle). There are two classes of trailers that are naturally well-suited for sleeping five passengers: Fifth Wheel Trailers and Travel Trailers.
Travel Trailer
Travel trailers are non-motorized units designed to be towed. They come with features very similar to a house, and they can sometimes sleep up to ten people; that’s up to double the amount of space, for rental rates less than an A class.
The clear features of travel trailers are that they’re extremely spacious, especially because they don’t have cabins. Because of their low profile, they’re more mobile than a fifth wheel trailer.
The bad thing about travel trailers is that if you don’t already own a decent tow vehicle, it’ll be another expense when renting this type of unit. Another thing is that they tend to be difficult to maneuver. And, of course, unlike with motorized RVs, the fact that travel trailers are separate from their tow vehicles, food breaks and bathroom breaks become a little more of a pain.
Fifth Wheels
Fifth wheels are the last unit we’ll look at. They make another fantastic option of an RV rental for at least five people. Fifth wheels are large RVs that are very luxurious. Like travel trailers, they’re non-motorized. They have a section that actually hangs over the tow vehicle to provide added space.
The good news about fifth wheels is that they’re easier to maneuver and safer to drive than travel trailers. They also have the most storage space of all styles of RV. And, just like travel trailers, the tow vehicle can double as local transportation.
The cons of fifth wheels are that they tend to require a heavy duty tow vehicle. They’re also poor on gas (but not as bad as an A class). Finally, like travel trailers, the living area is inaccessible while on the move.
Consider a Slideout
Some RVs you’ll find on the RVshare marketplace will be equipped with slideout portions. These sections of the RV can be re-structured to expand the living area of the RV, opening up sleeping berths and making the entire space more comfortable for everyone.
If you are looking for a more spacious experience, we definitely recommend that you rent an RV with slideouts. Slideouts are occasionally maligned by RV owners as they increase the mechanical complexity of the vehicle, but if you’re renting for a short-term period, these mechanical issues are less likely to be a problem.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent an RV?
Yes, it can be dangerous to make generalities, but you’re looking for numbers, right? RV rental per day costs are all over the board – they vary depending on the class and the age of the RV. Typically, you can expect to see the average price RV rentals in these ranges:
Class A: $150-$250/night (10+ years or older); $350-$450/night (newer)
Class C: $100-$200/night (10+ years or older); $225-$400/night (newer)
Travel Trailer: $50-$125/night (10+ years or older); $125-$200/night (newer)
(Video) How much does it COST to RENT an RV?!Fifth Wheel: $60-$150/night (10+ years or older); $150-$300/night (newer)
Click here to view our full pricing guide
Use RVshare to Secure a Competitive Rate
As you can see, there really are plenty of options of comfortable RVs for families of five. But if you want to make sure to rent the highest quality unit for the best price, look no further than RVshare.
RVshare is a peer-to-peer platform that connects RV owners with renters directly. Owners post their RVs for rent on the platform, and renters are able to browse through and compare listings at their leisure. Because owners have their own varied reasons for putting their RV up for rent, you’ll find that some owners will significantly discount their RVs – you can find some amazing deals if you look hard enough!
In order to get the best results, don’t forget to take advantage of the advanced filtering feature. You can choose to look up only the units in the classes that we’ve covered, as well as select the amount of expected travelers (in your case five). To save the most money up front, you can even filter the results to show you the least expensive options for five on the top!
Concluding Thoughts
Hopefully, we were able to hone in on the best units for the amount of travelers in your family. Although there are dozens of different classes of motorhomes, you can’t possibly go wrong with choosing one of the four mentioned.
Save as much time and money as possible by choosing RVshare as your next RV rental service and hit the road to make unforgettable memories as soon as possible!
Looking for more? Check out these articles on renting an RV for 6 and the best RVs for a family of 6!
FAQs
What is the max number of people in an RV? ›
There are three types of motorhome RVs: Class A, Class B, and Class C. The number of people who can sleep comfortably in an RV varies by model within each class, but it's generally 4-8 people for Classes A and C, and 2-4 people for Class B.
Can an RV sleep 6 people? ›If you're planning an RV trip for six people, then you're in luck! Though not all RVs are necessarily designed to sleep six passengers, there are a wide variety of excellent RVs equipped to comfortably sleep a group of this size.
How many people can sleep in a Class C RV? ›Class C motorhomes typically accommodate anywhere from 4 to 8 people. It really depends on the size of the motorhome and how efficiently the vehicle's living spaces were designed. Some motorhomes are ingenious in their designs and are able to fit sleeping areas in hidden spaces.
How many people can sleep in a 22 foot RV? ›Called “cab-overs” because a bedroom extends over the cab of the truck, they're the most versatile RV, ranging in length from 22 to 32 feet. They sleep five to eight people with numerous layouts for sleeping (bunk beds/lofts).
How many people can ride in a Class B RV? ›Class B motorhomes are typically best for two people, but some floorplans are designed specifically to sleep up to four.
Can you sleep while someone is driving an RV? ›If you can sleep while sitting up in an RV passenger seat, then you're free to sleep! Just make sure you're properly buckled in for your safety. Conversely, sleeping in an RV bed while someone is driving is not allowed. Even if you live in a state where all passengers aren't required to wear a seatbelt, it isn't safe.
How many people can sleep in a 6 berth motorhome? ›6 berth motorhomes sleep up to 6 people, 6 adults in fact, but at the end of the day your personal preference for a different layout, may be a large contributing factor to the decision you make about hiring a 6-berth motorhome. You get 3 double beds with slight variation in sizes.
Can you walk around an RV while driving? ›Even if there are no laws preventing you from walking around in your RV while it is in motion, you should still stay seated and wear a seatbelt. Walking around in your RV will put you at serious risk for a severe injury. It could even result in a fatality.
Does a Class C RV have a bathroom? ›Class C motorhomes are typically equipped with amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, and large sleeping quarters.
What is a Class C RV look like? ›A Class C is a motorhome built with a cab or cut-away chassis. A cab/cut-away chassis provides a front structure that looks like a van, including seats, a dash, opening doors, and body sheet metal. Many people like the Class C because it is familiar to their own automobile.
How many people does a Jayco sleep? ›
At Jayco, our toy haulers range in size from 26' to 47' in length and 5,785 to 16,000 pounds in weight, with options to sleep up to 10 people.
Can a person live in an RV full time? ›You can live permanently in an RV as long as you've established and maintained a domicile address with the associated taxes and legal requirements.
How long is a 7 person RV? ›These guys can be anywhere from 25 to 45 feet long! Obviously, when you're traveling with a half dozen people, you'll want as much space as you can get. Some Class A's will have two bedrooms, which is something you'll appreciate in a 7 berth motorhome hire.
What is the difference between a Class B and Class A RV? ›Class A's are the largest and offer the most storage. Class B's are vans. They are typically the smallest motorhomes and are built inside a regular cargo van. Class C's are built on a bare van chassis, and they usually have storage or a sleeping area over the driver's cab.
What is the difference between a Class B and Class B+ RV? ›Unlike Class B RVs, Class B+ motorhomes have an attached cab, or a “cut-away” or cab chassis, which includes the same cockpit set-up as a B Van, but the RV manufacturer adds a body to increase living space.
Can you drink in a Class B RV? ›All RV occupants can drink freely once you park the RV, as you are now using it as a residence.
What length of RV is easiest to drive? ›Class B. Class B motorhomes are easy to drive, and they pack amenities into a compact package. They're typically 17 to 23 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 9 to 11 feet in height. Class B RVs don't usually have to worry about the height clearance of other motorhome types.
What is the best month to buy a RV? ›On average, motorhomes and travel trailers are at their cheapest at the end of the year. You can also benefit from good deals in the neighboring months of November and February — after the high season ends and before the next spring season starts up.
What is the best size RV for state parks? ›If you're not sure of the ideal length for national parks, you'll want to choose an RV between 25 and 30 feet long. Most national parks will accommodate RVs between those lengths. Almost 98% of National Park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long.
Is sleeping in an RV considered camping? ›According to most people, camping is defined as “an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home in a shelter, such as a tent.” But remember, s helter can mean either a tent or an RV. Whether you're roughing it on the ground in a tent or in a warm RV, camping is still camping.
How can I sleep comfortably in my RV? ›
- Upgrade Your RV Mattress.
- Choose a Quiet Site.
- Consider Blackout Curtains or Sleep Mask.
- Avoid Screens Altogether.
- Keep the Same Sleep Schedule.
- Upgrade Your Sheets or Pillows.
- Level Off.
- Consider an Ambient Noise Machine or Earplugs.
Ultimately, the best RV for full-time living is going to be an individual preference. Some solo travelers are content in a conversion van. Others prefer a large Class A motorhome with multiple slideouts, a large kitchen, and similar amenities to a traditional house.
What should you not do in an RV? ›- Filling Up At Normal Gas Stations. ...
- Driving Through Storms. ...
- Packing Electronics. ...
- Buying a Day Pass at a National Park. ...
- Loading up on Canned Food. ...
- Bringing Too Much Water. ...
- Skipping Reservations. ...
- Driving Too Fast.
Class A Motorhome
Class A motorhomes are built using a very strong, heavy-duty frame. These frames are built on either a commercial bus chassis, a commercial truck chassis, or a motor vehicle chassis. The 18-wheeler trucks use a similar build. The big, 22.5 inch wheels support the heavy load of the Class A motorhome.
Generally, yes. You will need to check your local ordinances (probably no problem on your private property) and your Homeowners Association Agreement. Your HOA may have a LOT to say restricting RV parking. Many HOAs consider RVs — even RVs parked on your own private property — to be an eyesore and objectionable.
What does 5 berth mean? ›5-berth caravans
Perfect for a family of 5, the 5-berth caravan consists of two fixed bunk beds, a double or two single beds which can be made up from the parallel front sofa seats and finally, an extra single bed which can be made up from the two-seater dinette.
What Types of RVs Are Best for a Family of 4? Some main RV classes work best for families of 4: travel trailers, fifth wheels, and Class C motorhomes. Let's go over each one and why it could make a good fit.
What does 6 berth mean? ›The number of berths means the number of sleeping spaces that a caravan has, so a 6 berth caravan can accommodate up to six people.
How far should you drive an RV in one day? ›Never drive more than 500 miles per day.
At what age should I stop driving an RV? ›So, no, you are never too old to drive a motorhome. As long as you have the health and are fit to operate the vehicle, you can keep cruising. When you are ready, hanging up the keys does not have to be the end of enjoying your RV life.
Is it safe to walk on top of an RV? ›
Presence of a Ladder
In general, if an RV comes from the manufacturer with a built-in ladder on the back, that ladder is intended for roof access. This indicates that it's safe to walk on the roof.
An RV black tank is a holding container attached to the underbelly of the RV. All of the waste from the RV toilet empties into the black tank (the rest of the waste water from the RV showers and sinks empties into the gray tank). Black tanks vary in size anywhere from 15 gallons to 50 gallons.
What is the smallest RV with a shower and toilet? ›Smallest RV with Shower and Toilet: Class B – Airstream Interstate 19. Dry Weight: 7,385 lbs. If you're in the market for a nimble campervan that's outfitted with the finest amenities, look no further than the Airstream Interstate 19.
Can you use the bathroom in a RV when moving? ›If you are riding in a Class B, Class C, or Class A motorhome, then you are able to use not only your bathroom while driving but to use your other amenities as well! The most important thing to remember is that just because you CAN walk around the motorhome or RV, does not always mean you should.
Which is better a Class C or a Class A RV? ›While the Class A excels in terms of space, Class Cs win when it comes to flexibility and drivability. You will be more nimble, and find more camping options in a Class C than a Class A. Traveling in a Class A vs. a Class C will usually necessitate more planning and scheduling of your route.
What is better a Class A RV or a Super C? ›The key difference will be in the size of the living space. Class A coaches will typically have roomier accommodations than Super C's. Both classes have slide outs to increase the square footage of the cabin and bedroom, but if space is what you're looking for, then give a slight edge to the Class A.
What are the 3 types of RVs? ›The three different classifications — A, B, and C — are all motorized RVs. The most important and somewhat strangest thing about how they're named is that they go from largest — Class A — to smallest — Class B — to middle-sized, which is Class C. Let's start with Class A motorhomes.
What toilet does Jayco use? ›A number of our caravans come equipped with a Thetford Toilet operated with a cassette.
How many people does a Casita camper sleep? ›The Casita Heritage is an ideal option for larger families or first-time family campers. The deluxe version features a bathroom and shower, sleeping accommodations for four people, and a dinette that seats four with its back area conversion. Meanwhile, the standard model can comfortably sleep up to six people.
How many people can Airstream sleep? ›Airstreams come in all shapes and sizes which means the sleeping capacities also change quite a bit depending on which floor plan you choose. The smallest travel trailers can sleep up to 4 people while the longest floor plans can sleep up to 8 based on the available beds and lounge/dinette conversion spaces.
What is the downside of living in an RV full time? ›
Limited storage space
One of the biggest drawbacks of living full time in an RV is the lack of storage space. Most RVs try to include as many cabinets and closets as possible, but there's only a certain amount of space available. By necessity, most full time RVers need to embrace a minimalistic lifestyle.
We have seen monthly full time RV living budgets from fellow travelers as low as $1,600 and as high as $5,000. If you really want to go minimal, you can easily live this life for around $1,000 per month by finding a free spot to park your rig for extended periods or by becoming a camp host.
Is it cheaper to live in an RV or an apartment? ›It depends on several factors, but in general, yes – living in an RV can be cheaper than renting an apartment or house. Of course, there are exceptions, but generally, the lower cost of living in an RV can make it more affordable than renting.
How many people can sleep in a Class B RV? ›Class B motorhomes are typically best for two people, but some floorplans are designed specifically to sleep up to four.
How much does it cost to rent a motorhome in the USA? ›How much to rent an RV may vary depending on the size/model/class, time of year, miles traveled, number of nights, pickup location, and more. On average it can cost as little as $80 per night to as much as $300+ per night.
Can an RV sleep 10 people? ›But, there are RVs on the market that can sleep up to 10 people. If you have a large family, finding an RV that can accommodate everybody comfortably makes travel so much easier. RVs that sleep 10 people typically have bunkbeds, dinettes, and sofas that convert into beds or a bunk over the motorhome's cab.
Can a family of 4 live in an RV? ›If you're planning on some old-school entertainment (i.e., cards or board games), you need space to play. Be sure to get an RV with a large enough table to fit all four of you comfortably. Some of the best RV for family of 4 will have two living room areas for even better accommodations.
Can a family of 3 live in an RV? ›Yes, you really can! Although, you do need to have a legal mailing address and pay taxes to a particular state. Yet, you absolutely can live and travel in an RV with your kids! Many of our members join Escapees with their first year of their Fulltime Families membership, which is FREE when they join Fulltime Families.
How many people are full time Rvers? ›According to the RV Industry Association, a trade group, about 400,000 RV owners live full time in their rigs.
How many people can sleep in a Winnebago? ›The Winnebago Solis Pocket sleeps three with a multifunctional, convertible dinette area and a raised platform Murphy+ bed with plenty of space for gear below.
What is the 3 3 3 rule for RV living? ›
By adhering to this simple rule of thumb, you can make traveling easier for your whole family. It suggests to limit your travel to no more than 300 miles in one day. Then, arrive no later than 3 p.m. Finally, stay at your destination for at least 3 days.
Is it cheaper to live in an RV than a house? ›Living in an RV can be cheaper than traditional home ownership because RVs require less space and utility usage, resulting in lower costs for heating, cooling, and maintenance. Additionally, RV living encourages a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle that can lead to fewer expenses related to possessions.
How to afford full time RV living? ›- Boondock For Free Places To Park Camper.
- Find Free Overnight RV Parking.
- Stay At Each Campground Longer.
- Cheap RV Living With Campground Discount Programs. ...
- Cheap RVing With Campground Memberships.
We have seen monthly full time RV living budgets from fellow travelers as low as $1,600 and as high as $5,000. If you really want to go minimal, you can easily live this life for around $1,000 per month by finding a free spot to park your rig for extended periods or by becoming a camp host.
What is the average monthly cost of RV living? ›The total monthly cost for RV living is around $2500 to $5000 per month, depending on the type of RV and lifestyle. Your monthly expenses would likely include gas, food, insurance, electricity, health insurance, phone and internet plans, entertainment, repairs, and maintenance costs.
Can you permanently live in an RV? ›Even temporarily residing in your RV is perfectly legal. However, permanently residing in your RV or camper is against the law, even if it is parked on your property. If an RV owner lives in a community that has an HOA, the RV owner has to check with the HOA's CC&R (contract).
What is full time RV living called? ›Fulltiming is a term used among motorhome individuals and families who live "full-time" in their motorhome or RV. Such mobile individuals are often called fulltimers.
Are RV sales slowing down 2023? ›Summary. The RV Industry is expected to see a big drop in RV sales in 2023. Margins also peaked in 2022 and will likely come down this year.
What is the average age of Rvers? ›34% are between the ages of 18 – 54 and 66% are 55+.