If you're looking to rent a small RV for your next vacation, you've come to the right place. In this article, our team of RV experts shares everything you need to know about the small RV category, including:
As a general rule of thumb, motorhomes of 26 feet or less and trailers of 20 feet or less are considered small. So while you might be asking yourself why those specific lengths are the cutoff point, there's a logical explanation.
Reason #1 — The average-sized camping spot in state, provincial, and national parks is 27 feet. If you're driving or towing anything longer, you might find it challenging to find a campground to stay the night.
Reason #2 — Most Americans and Canadian families looking to rent a trailer have an SUV at home. A 20-foot trailer typically weighs between 3,500 pounds (1,587 kilograms) and 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) which is the maximum tow rating for most mid-to-large SUVs.
Reason #3 — Class B (campervans) and Class C motorhomes are built on a van or truck chassis similar to a moving van, making them easy to maneuver and an excellent choice for first-time RVers. All campervans are shorter than 26 feet long, and most Class C manufacturers offer models ranging between 20 to 26 feet long.
There are many reasons to rent a small motorhome or trailer when planning your road trip. While compact living spaces have downsides, the benefits of a small RV might be enough to convince you to try one out.
Pro tip: Did you know you can have your RV delivered and set up at your campsite? Delivery is a great option if you don't want to drive or tow your RV rental.
Six types of RVs fall into the small category, three are drivable motorhomes and three are towable RVs. Here's a quick overview of each RV type to help you choose what's best for you.
Class B motorhomes / campervans
All Class Bs and campervans are considered small RVs. They look and drive like a van and are best suited for one to two people. Despite their compact design, most models offer an area for cooking, eating, sleeping, and access to an on board shower and toilet.
Truck campers
Truck campers mount directly into the bed of a pickup truck. Most rentals will come with the truck and can sleep between two and four people. While truck campers are a popular choice for navigating rugged terrain and exploring remote areas, they are not the most common RV rental type.
Note: SUV tents, where an SUV offers a tent attachment, are also categorized as truck campers on most RV rental sites.
Class C motorhomes
Most Class C motorhomes offer bunk space above the cab making them a great option if you're traveling with a larger group. While most Class C motorhomes are not considered small, you can find models in the 20- to 26-foot range that are easy to drive and can fit into most campsites. Many Class Cs also offer slide outs making them a popular option if you're looking for a small RV with a ton of space.
Search small Class C motorhomes
Micro trailers
As the smallest RV type, micro trailers are best suited for minimalist travelers looking for a place to sleep while having access to a few basic amenities and storage. A micro trailer rental can be a great option if you're new to RVing or looking to upgrade from tent camping. Micro trailers are lightweight and can be towed by most cars and even some motorcycles.
Pop-up campers
Pop-up campers, also known as tent trailers, have a collapsible top that folds down when towed. Most pop-ups are made with soft materials like a tent making them lightweight and easy to tow for most vehicles. Pop-up rentals are affordable and offer large living spaces that can sleep up to six people. However, it's important to note that pop-ups need to be set up and taken down, which can be inconvenient, especially in bad weather.
Small travel trailers
Travel trailers come in various sizes and offer the same amenities you'd find at home. Finding a trailer you can safely tow with your vehicle is critical unless you're getting your trailer rental delivered to your campsite. If you're looking for a small trailer, you will want to find something around 20 feet or less. While you need to be mindful of length to ensure you'll fit into your campsite, weight is the most important factor when looking for a trailer. When renting through RVezy, you can filter RVs for length and weight under "more filters."
Looking for something else? Learn about all nine available RV types
The most popular way to rent a small RV will be through a peer-to-peer platform like RVezy, where you're renting directly from the RV owner. The best part of peer-to-peer RV rentals? They are less expensive than other types of RV rentals, and the RV owner will provide you with a personalized experience where they walk through the operation of the RV and give you recommendations on where to stay and what to do.
Ready to start your RV adventure? Search RV rentals near you.