Should I Rent or Buy an RV? The Real Math

The Question Everyone Asks Too Early

"Is it cheaper to rent or buy?" is the wrong first question. The right first question is: "How many nights per year will I actually use an RV?" Because the math pivots entirely on that number.

I've watched hundreds of people buy an RV after one amazing rental trip, then watch it depreciate in their driveway for three years before selling it at a loss. I've also watched people rent 6+ times a year when buying would have saved them thousands. Both mistakes come from not running the numbers first.

The Break-Even Math

Here's the simplified version. We'll complicate it with reality in a moment.

Average RV rental cost: $150–250/night for a Class C motorhome (the most popular rental category). Call it $200/night all-in with insurance and fees.

Average RV ownership cost per year (for a comparable used Class C, financed):

At $200/night rental, the break-even point is roughly 70–106 nights per year. That's 2–3 months of actual camping.

But wait — that ownership cost assumes you're financing. If you buy a used Class C outright for $40,000–60,000 cash, eliminate the loan payment, and your break-even drops to roughly 35–70 nights per year.

And if you're comparing against a new Class A at $150,000+ financed? Your break-even might be 150+ nights per year, which is essentially living in it full-time.

The Hidden Ownership Costs Nobody Mentions

The table above covers the obvious stuff. Here's what catches people off guard:

Depreciation is the silent killer. A new RV loses 20–30% of its value the moment you drive it off the lot. A $100,000 motorhome is worth $70,000–80,000 a year later. Used RVs depreciate slower, but they still lose $2,000–5,000/year in the first decade. When you sell, this money is gone.

Something always breaks. RVs are houses on wheels, and both houses and vehicles break. The combination breaks more. Expect $1,500–3,000/year in maintenance even on a well-cared-for used RV. Roof resealing, appliance repairs, tire replacement (RV tires are expensive), water heater issues, slide-out mechanism problems — the list is endless.

Storage is non-trivial. If you don't have space in your driveway (and many HOAs prohibit RV parking), you're paying $100–300/month for storage. In expensive metros, it can be $400+. That's $1,200–4,800/year for the privilege of not using your RV.

Winterization and de-winterization. If you live where it freezes, you need to winterize the water system every fall and de-winterize every spring. DIY cost is $50–100 in materials. Having a shop do it is $150–300 each way. Skip this and a frozen pipe can cause $5,000+ in water damage.

Insurance is more than you think. Full-coverage RV insurance for a financed motorhome runs $1,200–2,500/year. High-value rigs or drivers with imperfect records pay more. And unlike car insurance, RV insurance often has higher deductibles.

Your time is a cost. Maintaining an RV is a hobby in itself. If you enjoy tinkering, great. If you just want to show up and camp, every hour you spend on maintenance, cleaning, repairs, storage logistics, and seasonal prep is time you're not getting paid or relaxing.

When Renting Wins

Renting is the better financial choice when:

• You camp fewer than 30–40 nights per year
• You want to try different types of RVs before committing
• You don't have free storage space
• You don't enjoy vehicle maintenance
• You travel to different regions (you can rent locally instead of driving your RV cross-country)
• You value having a newer, well-maintained vehicle every trip
• You don't want a $40,000–150,000 asset depreciating in your driveway

The sweet spot for renting: 1–4 trips per year, totaling 7–30 nights. At this usage level, renting is almost always cheaper than owning.

When Buying Wins

Buying is the better financial choice when:

• You camp 40+ nights per year consistently
• You have free storage (your own property with space)
• You enjoy or don't mind maintenance
• You want a specific setup customized to your needs
• You plan to use it for 5+ years
• You're buying used and paying cash (eliminates the biggest cost center)
• You'll use it as a guest room, home office, or emergency shelter (adds non-camping value)

The sweet spot for buying: 40+ nights per year for 5+ years, with free storage and willingness to maintain it. Under these conditions, buying saves $3,000–8,000/year compared to renting the same number of nights.

The Rent-First Strategy

Here's what I recommend to almost everyone who asks:

Rent 2–3 times before you ever consider buying. Rent different types — a van, a Class C, maybe a travel trailer. Camp in different conditions — a national park, a private campground, boondocking.

After 2–3 trips, you'll know:

• Whether you actually enjoy RV camping (some people don't, and that's fine)
• What size and type works for your family
• How many nights per year you'll realistically use it
• Whether you want to maintain a vehicle or just show up and drive

This $1,500–3,000 investment in rental experience can save you from a $40,000+ mistake.

The Buy-and-Rent-Out Hybrid

A growing number of owners offset their costs by listing their RV on peer-to-peer rental platforms (RVshare, Outdoorsy) when they're not using it. The math can be compelling:

• Owner uses the RV 30 nights/year
• Rents it out 40–60 nights/year at $150–200/night
• Gross rental income: $6,000–12,000/year
• Platform fees (25–30%): -$1,500–3,600
• Additional insurance and wear: -$1,000–2,000
• Net income: $3,500–6,400/year

That income can offset 25–50% of your total ownership cost. The tradeoff: strangers are using your RV, wear and tear increases, and managing rentals is a part-time job (or you pay a management service 40–50% of revenue).

The Bottom Line

The RV industry wants you to buy. Rental companies want you to rent. Neither is giving you unbiased advice. Run your own numbers with your actual usage, your actual storage situation, and your actual tolerance for maintenance. The answer is different for everyone.