Is a motorhome rental better than owning a motorhome?
Buying a motorhome is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. Some luxury RVs cost as much as brick and mortar homes, and some people wonder if they’d be better off renting rather than buying. In some cases, it may make more sense to go for a motorhome rental instead of buying a motorhome for yourself.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to renting a camper and buying your own camper. You have more freedom in a motorhome you bought, but you also pay a lot more to own and maintain it. Let’s explore the pros and cons of both options to help you choose the option that suits you best.
Pros and cons of a motorhome rental
Pros:
Use it only when you want: This is one of the biggest points in favor of renting. Many RV owners don’t use their vehicles often enough to justify the cost. If you only want to make a few trips a year, renting may be the best way to go.
Cheaper option in the short term: You can also save a decent amount of money when you rent instead of buy. A new luxury RV usually costs at least $100,000, and that doesn’t include insurance, maintenance, or any of the other costs that come later. Renting a camper often costs between $ 200-$ 400 per night. This is still a bit pricey, but it’s much cheaper than buying a whole camper.
Don’t worry about storage: Another big advantage of choosing a motorhome rental is that you do not have to worry about maintenance and storage. You can just pick it up at one location and drop it off when you’re done. There is no need to have the vehicle serviced or repaired, so it is stress-free.
Freedom to try out different models: When you rent, you also have the opportunity to try out different brands and models. You can experiment with class A, B and C motorhomes without any pressure to make a purchase. You may find that there are certain brands and floor plans that you like so that you can find out your preferences.
Cons:
Limited freedom to decorate: A disadvantage of a camper rental is that it feels a bit impersonal. There is no freedom to decorate and you will not be able to make the space feel like home in such a short time. You may also need to bring your own bedding, appliances, and other items that may be included in a store-purchased model.
Hidden costs: Rental companies all work differently and you may be scammed in some locations. Sometimes there are hidden costs for cleaning and you may have to pay a hefty collateral upfront. Try to choose your rental companies carefully to make sure you get a good deal.
Limited vehicle availability: Another disadvantage of a motorhome rental is the fact that you may not always get the one you want. Dealer inventory may change and other people may reserve your preferred model. If you own your own rv, this isn’t something you need to worry about.
Must follow the rental rules: Finally, you must follow the rules of the rental company. This isn’t always a problem, but sometimes they can have annoying or restrictive rules that limit your enjoyment. Again, you may have to pay them a fee if you break these rules.
Pros and Cons of RV Ownership
Pros:
Freedom to decorate/renovate: Unlike a rental, you have total freedom to renovate and decorate your motorhome once you have purchased it. You can redecorate the entire interior, replace appliances and make it perfectly suited to your needs. The personal touch is what makes a camper feel like home!
Can resell or rent to others: Once the camper is under your name, you can also sell it or rent it to others to earn money. The first purchase can be expensive, but it’s not always a sunken cost because you now own something of value.
Always convenience: Owning your own rv is also great because you can take off whenever you want. There is no need to reserve a vehicle and work on the rental company’s timeline. This vrijheid is one of the biggest attractions compared to choosing a luxury motorhome rental.
Can pay for itself over time: If you use your camper often enough, it can pay for itself. Some people live off their RVs and save a lot of money that would have been spent on a house or hotels.
Cons:
Initially more expensive: For many people it is difficult to get past the initial cost of a camper. They are quite expensive and may not be worth the cost if you do, and use them enough. Some people believe that their money is better spent on a house, car or property.
Responsible for maintenance and storage: As soon as the camper is in your name, you are now responsible for its maintenance. This takes a lot of time, effort and money. You need to keep it clean, fix things if they break, and make sure it’s safe for travel. Storage costs can also be annoying if you don’t have room for a motorhome in your garage or garden.
Depreciation: This is one of the biggest enemies of RV owners. Any vehicle immediately loses value when you drive it off the lot. You have the freedom to resell your motorhome, but you will almost never break even, let alone make a profit.
Maybe not use it enough: Many RV owners have found that they don’t use their RV often enough to justify owning it. It sits dormant most of the year and only travels a few times. In some cases, these vehicles can turn into a source of stress.
Which option is better?
Both owning a motorhome and choosing a luxury motorhome rental have their ups and downs. One is not definitively better than the other, but if we should summarize it:
RV ownership is better for those who will use it for full-time living. It’s also good for those who travel a lot and need a mobile living solution.
A camper rental is better for those who want to go on holiday a few times a year. It’s also ideal for those who aren’t sure if they’re ready for the obligation to own a motorhome but want to try it out.
If you’re still not sure which option to choose, it might be best to rent for a while and find out if the lifestyle is right for you. This will also help you test different models and brands so you can find your favorite.