A great RV deal can get expensive fast once add-ons and penalties appear after checkout. Use this list to spot the most common hidden fees—plus practical ways to avoid them—before you book.
- Per‑mile overage charges Many rentals include a limited daily mileage allowance, then charge per mile over that cap. Traditional rental companies and peer‑to‑peer listings both do this. For example, El Monte RV specifies that mileage charges apply beyond included miles in its rental policies (see “Mileage Charges” in El Monte RV’s Rental Policies: https://www.elmonterv.com/rv-rental-information/rental-policies/).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Estimate your route and total miles before booking.
- Choose listings with generous or unlimited miles, or prepay mileage bundles where offered.
- Build a buffer for detours.
- Generator hourly usage fees If you run the onboard generator, expect a metered hourly fee after any included hours. Cruise America lists a per‑hour generator charge among its options (Cruise America Optional Items: https://www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-rentals/options).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Pick campsites with shore power to minimize generator use.
- Track generator hours and stay within the included allotment.
- Use battery/solar for low‑draw needs when possible.
- Interior/exterior cleaning fees If the RV is returned dirty, many companies charge a cleaning or detailing fee. Road Bear RV’s terms note cleaning requirements and fees if standards aren’t met (Road Bear Terms & Conditions: https://www.roadbearrv.com/en/terms-conditions/).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Sweep, wipe surfaces, and empty trash before return.
- Ask your host/agency for their cleaning checklist.
- Avoid cooking greasy foods inside on the last day.
- Waste tank dumping fee Returning with full gray/black tanks often triggers a dumping fee. This is a standard policy at many agencies; El Monte RV’s policies require tanks to be emptied or a fee applies (El Monte RV Rental Policies: https://www.elmonterv.com/rv-rental-information/rental-policies/).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Dump at your campground or a public dump station before drop‑off.
- Learn how to empty tanks properly during pickup walkthrough.
- Refueling and propane top‑off fees If you return the RV without the required fuel or propane levels, refueling/service charges can apply. Road Bear’s terms outline fuel return requirements and propane service fees (Road Bear Terms & Conditions: https://www.roadbearrv.com/en/terms-conditions/).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Note starting fuel/propane levels and match them on return.
- Plan your last fuel stop near the drop‑off location.
- Late return or early pickup penalties Returning late or picking up outside agreed windows can incur hourly or fixed penalties. Road Bear specifies late charges for missed return times (Road Bear Terms & Conditions: https://www.roadbearrv.com/en/terms-conditions/).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Confirm pickup/return windows in writing.
- Allow extra time for traffic, dumping, and fueling on your last day.
- If running late, contact the owner/agency as early as possible.
- Pet fees and pet‑related cleaning Many rentals allow pets for an added fee and reserve the right to charge extra cleaning if needed. El Monte RV notes a pet fee in its policies (El Monte RV Rental Policies: https://www.elmonterv.com/rv-rental-information/rental-policies/).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Disclose pets upfront and pay any pet fee at booking.
- Bring seat covers and a lint roller; vacuum before return.
- Smoking/odor remediation fees Most RVs are strictly non‑smoking; deodorizing penalties can be substantial. Road Bear prohibits smoking and may assess fines/cleaning charges (Road Bear Terms & Conditions: https://www.roadbearrv.com/en/terms-conditions/).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Never smoke inside the RV.
- Keep strong odors (e.g., incense) to a minimum and ventilate well.
- Delivery and campsite setup fees Peer‑to‑peer platforms often offer delivery and setup for a per‑mile or flat fee. Outdoorsy highlights delivery as an add‑on service (Outdoorsy Delivery: https://www.outdoorsy.com/delivery).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Compare the delivery fee to your own pickup costs.
- Clarify what “setup” includes (leveling, hookups, awning use).
- Insurance/protection package costs Daily protection packages (liability/physical damage) can add significantly to your total. Outdoorsy details renter protection options on its insurance page (Outdoorsy Insurance: https://www.outdoorsy.com/insurance).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Compare protection tiers and deductibles before checkout.
- Check whether your auto/credit card coverage applies to RV rentals (often it does not).
- Roadside assistance plan fees Optional roadside assistance can be a daily charge, but may save money if you need a tow or tire change. Outdoorsy offers paid roadside assistance for rentals (Outdoorsy Roadside Assistance: https://www.outdoorsy.com/roadside-assistance).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Consider RA if traveling far or in remote areas.
- Verify what’s covered (towing limits, lockouts, tire service).
- Tolls, tickets, and violation processing fees Renters are responsible for tolls and violations; owners or platforms may add processing/admin fees. RVshare explains renter responsibility for tickets and tolls (RVshare Help: Tickets and Tolls: https://help.rvshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001470788-Tickets-and-Tolls).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Ask if the RV has a toll transponder and how charges are billed.
- Keep receipts and promptly reimburse verified tolls.
- Sales tax and local rental/lodging taxes Taxes vary by location and can be sizable. Many states impose special taxes on short‑term motor vehicle rentals (e.g., Texas levies a Motor Vehicle Rental Tax on rentals under 30 days: Texas Comptroller: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/motor-vehicle-rental/).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Review the tax line at checkout; don’t forget local surcharges.
- Compare pickup locations; taxes can differ by city/county.
- Mandatory prep/service fees Some companies add a one‑time preparation or service fee (for cleaning/supplies/processing) that isn’t obvious in the nightly rate. Road Bear lists a preparation fee in its terms (Road Bear Terms & Conditions: https://www.roadbearrv.com/en/terms-conditions/).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Ask for a full fee breakdown (nightly rate + taxes + mandatory fees).
- Compare total out‑the‑door prices across listings.
- Optional kits and add‑ons (linens, kitchenware, extras) Items like bedding, cookware, camp chairs, or bike racks are often extra. Cruise America publishes optional kit pricing (Cruise America Optional Items: https://www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-rentals/options).
How to avoid surprise charges:
- Bring your own gear when practical.
- Bundle only the add‑ons you’ll actually use.
Before you book: quick checklist
- Get the “all‑in” price: nightly rate, miles, generator, taxes, insurance, prep fees, and add‑ons.
- Confirm policies in writing: mileage/generator limits, cleaning standards, tank return requirements, and timing.
- Plan your route and campsite hookups to minimize generator and excess mileage charges.
- Take photos at pickup/return and save fuel/propane/dump receipts.
A little pre‑trip math and clear communication will keep your RV adventure memorable for the right reasons—and your final bill right where you expected it.