Introduction: Why RV rental costs are confusing (and how to simplify them) Renting an RV looks straightforward until you start asking what’s actually included. Nightly rate? Usually. Mileage? Sometimes. Generator use? It depends. Cleaning? Often not. This ultimate guide breaks down the moving parts—mileage, generator, and cleaning fees—plus other add‑ons, with concrete examples and sources, so you can build a clear trip budget and avoid surprise charges.

Quick answer: What’s typically included vs. extra

  • Commonly included in base nightly rate:
    • The RV itself (standard equipment), basic insurance or protection (varies by platform), and a limited number of miles or generator hours when offered by the owner/company.
  • Commonly extra (priced à la carte):
    • Mileage beyond any included limit
    • Generator hours beyond any included limit
    • Cleaning/detailing, tank dumping, and refueling if you don’t return as required
    • Delivery/setup, pet fees, extra drivers, propane, linens/kitchen kits, tolls
    • Taxes, roadside assistance upgrades, trip insurance

Source highlights:

  • Traditional rental firms (e.g., Cruise America) separate the base rate from mileage and generator charges and assess cleaning/dump fees if needed. Cruise America lists per‑mile charges and generator metering at a per‑hour rate, plus potential cleaning and dumping charges if not returned in the proper condition Cruise America FAQs.
  • Peer‑to‑peer platforms (e.g., Outdoorsy, RVshare) let individual owners set mileage limits, generator policies, and cleaning expectations; some offer “unlimited” packages, others charge per unit. See platform help centers for policy details: Outdoorsy Help Center and RVshare Help Center.
  1. How RV rental pricing is structured
  • Base nightly rate: The starting point. Varies by RV class, age, season, and location. Third‑party roundups confirm nightly price variability and the presence of add‑on fees (miles, generator, cleaning) across the industry NerdWallet, KOA.
  • Variable usage charges:
    • Mileage: Charged per mile beyond included miles; some listings offer unlimited miles.
    • Generator: Charged per hour beyond included hours; some listings offer unlimited hours or don’t meter.
  • One‑time/conditional fees:
    • Cleaning/detailing, tank dumping, propane/fuel refill, delivery/setup, pet fees, late return, additional drivers, tolls, and administrative platform or insurance fees.
  • Taxes and deposits:
    • Sales/lodging taxes depending on pickup location; refundable security deposit or authorization.
  1. Mileage: Unlimited vs. per‑mile (and what you’ll pay) What to look for in your listing/contract:
  • Included miles: Daily or trip‑total. Example: 100 miles/day included.
  • Overage rate: Price per mile after you exceed the included amount.
  • Unlimited option: Sometimes offered for a flat fee.

Real‑world examples and sources:

  • Traditional rental example: Cruise America lists mileage as a separate charge (often sold in “blocks” or charged per mile), making clear that miles are not fully “included” in the base rate Cruise America FAQs.
  • Peer‑to‑peer platforms: Owners choose whether to include miles or charge per mile. See platform policy explanations and listing details in the help centers: Outdoorsy and RVshare.

How to estimate mileage cost:

  • Step 1: Map your route round‑trip miles (add 10–15% for detours and local driving).
  • Step 2: Subtract any included miles (daily or total).
  • Step 3: Multiply remaining miles by the overage rate listed.
  • Step 4: If an unlimited‑miles upgrade is offered, compare its flat price with your calculated overage.

Mileage tips to save:

  • Choose a listing with unlimited miles when driving far.
  • Pre‑purchase mile “blocks” if they reduce the per‑mile rate.
  • Plan scenic loops that minimize backtracking.
  • Keep an eye on tires and inflation to protect your mileage plan from avoidable downtime.
  1. Generator fees: When you pay and when you don’t What the generator fee covers
  • The onboard generator produces power for AC outlets and high‑draw appliances when you’re not plugged into campground shore power.
  • It is typically metered and charged per hour after any included allotment.

Real‑world examples and sources:

  • Traditional rental example: Cruise America states generator use is metered and charged per hour (their FAQ lists a per‑hour cost), and this charge is separate from the base nightly rate Cruise America FAQs.
  • Peer‑to‑peer platforms: Owners choose whether to include hours, charge per hour, or offer unlimited use; policy details are shown on listings and explained in help centers Outdoorsy Help Center, RVshare Help Center.

When you might not need the generator

  • Hookups: If you book sites with 30/50‑amp electric, you can run appliances without incurring generator hours.
  • Solar/battery: Some RVs include solar or large battery banks that reduce generator reliance (confirm capabilities in the listing).

Generator tips to save:

  • Book electric sites for hot climates (AC use).
  • Pre‑chill fridge on shore power and manage loads.
  • Ask about included hours and hourly rates before booking.
  1. Cleaning and return‑condition fees What’s typically expected
  • “Broom clean”: Return the interior tidy (trash removed, surfaces wiped, floor swept), and exterior reasonably clean depending on trip conditions.
  • Tanks emptied: Black/gray water tanks typically must be emptied unless you pre‑purchased a dumping service.
  • Fuel/propane: Return levels per contract.

Where cleaning and dump fees come from

  • Traditional rental firms explicitly reserve the right to bill cleaning/detailing and dumping if you return the RV dirty or with full holding tanks Cruise America FAQs.
  • On peer‑to‑peer platforms, owners set cleaning fees or deposit deductions and clearly state return expectations; policies are described in platform help centers and on each listing Outdoorsy Help Center, RVshare Help Center.

Cleaning/dumping tips to save:

  • Do a quick clean before return: wipe counters, sweep, empty trash, wash dishes.
  • Use campground dump stations the morning of return to empty tanks.
  • Confirm what “clean” means for your host (some include a post‑trip cleaning fee; others expect a renter clean).
  1. Other common fees you may see
  • Prep or “starter kit” fee: For walkthrough, basic supplies, propane top‑off, or sanitation chemicals.
  • Delivery/setup: If you want the RV delivered to a campsite and set up, expect a mileage‑based delivery fee.
  • Pet fee: If pets are allowed, this may be a one‑time add‑on or higher cleaning fee.
  • Additional drivers: Some platforms charge to add drivers; all drivers must be approved/insured.
  • Insurance/protection: Platform protection packages or company insurance are often required and priced separately; consult listing details and platform policy pages NerdWallet.
  • Late return: Daily or hourly late fees.
  • Tolls/traffic violations: Passed through to the renter.
  • Taxes: State/local sales and lodging taxes apply based on pickup or delivery location.
  1. Build a trip budget: A simple worksheet Use this framework to estimate your total before you book:
  • Nightly rate x nights
  • Platform/insurance/protection fees (per night or flat)
  • Mileage estimate: (Trip miles – included miles) x per‑mile rate OR unlimited‑miles upgrade price
  • Generator estimate: (Expected hours – included hours) x hourly rate
  • Delivery/setup (if used)
  • Optional add‑ons: linens, kitchen kits, bike racks, etc.
  • One‑time fees you plan to avoid by DIY: cleaning, tank dump, propane/fuel refill
  • Taxes: apply percentage based on listing location
  • Deposit: note the amount and when it’s refunded/returned
  1. Two example cost scenarios A) Long weekend, regional trip
  • 3 nights, Class C motorhome
  • 200 total miles, listing includes 100 miles/day (300 miles total included) → $0 mileage overage
  • 4 generator hours used, 2 hours included → 2 billable hours x listed hourly rate
  • No delivery; you clean and dump tanks before returning
  • Total estimate = (nightly x 3) + (protection/insurance) + (2 x generator rate) + taxes

B) Week‑long, national park loop

  • 7 nights, Class C motorhome
  • 1,000 total miles, listing includes 100 miles/day (700 miles) → 300 miles overage x per‑mile rate OR buy an unlimited‑miles upgrade if cheaper
  • 10 generator hours, most nights with electric hookups → expect minimal generator hours if you prioritize hookups
  • Consider a pre‑paid dump/cleaning service if your final campground doesn’t have a dump station
  • Total estimate = (nightly x 7) + (protection/insurance) + (mileage overage or unlimited upgrade) + (generator hours) + (clean/dump if purchased) + taxes
  1. Platform vs. traditional rental companies: How policies differ
  • Traditional firms (e.g., Cruise America, El Monte RV):
    • Clear, standardized fees: separate mileage, generator hourly charges, and return‑condition fees if needed. See examples in Cruise America FAQs.
    • Pros: predictable structure, nationwide support; Cons: fewer “unlimited” options, add‑on charges can add up.
  • Peer‑to‑peer platforms (Outdoorsy, RVshare):
    • Owners set included miles/hours, overage rates, cleaning expectations, and add‑ons. See policy explanations: Outdoorsy Help Center, RVshare Help Center.
    • Pros: flexible packages, delivery options, diverse rigs; Cons: policies vary—read listings closely.
  1. Questions to ask before you book
  • How many miles and generator hours are included? What are the overage rates?
  • Is there an unlimited‑miles or unlimited‑generator option? How much?
  • What are the return expectations for cleaning and tank dumping?
  • Are fuel and propane refill fees charged if not returned full?
  • What are delivery/setup fees, late fees, and pet fees (if applicable)?
  • What insurance/protection is required and what’s the deductible?
  • What is the security deposit amount and refund timing?
  • Are roadside assistance and tire damage covered?
  1. How to avoid surprise charges (pro tips)
  • Choose hookups to cut generator hours (especially in hot weather).
  • Book listings with mileage and generator terms that match your itinerary (unlimited if you’re going far).
  • Clean and dump before returning to dodge cleaning/dump fees.
  • Photograph condition on pickup/return; keep receipts for fuel and dump stations.
  • Confirm taxes and deposits up front; read the rental agreement and listing fine print.

Key sources and further reading

Conclusion: Know what’s included, price the rest The base nightly rate rarely tells the whole story. Mileage, generator, and cleaning fees—and how you use the RV—drive your final cost. Read the listing, confirm what’s included, and do a quick pre‑trip budget using the worksheet above. With the right plan (and a few smart choices like hookups and a pre‑return cleanup), you’ll get the RV experience you want without spending more than you expected.