The best type of RV to rent in every US region
Story provided by Outdoorsy
The outdoors is always calling, right? It calls after your first cup of coffee rushing to conference room D, it calls when you are wobbling through warrior one at bikram, and it calls when you tuck into bed for the night.
A lot of outdoors folk see camping as the most authentic way to get out into the wilderness, and it’s certainly a blast unzipping your tent in the morning to a gorgeous view. But, you know, RVing gets you just as close to nature in most circumstances, and it provides a level of comfort that is undeniable—particularly when it’s raining or snowing, or there’s a heat wave. And if you don’t want to buy an RV, you can rent one, which makes the undertaking even easier.
If you’re new to RVing, there are a bunch of things to look into before you head out—you might not be quite sure which van or RV is best for your next adventure. For example, you’d be remiss to think that a teardrop trailer can take your family of six with two dogs and a goldfish to Florida, or that a 40-foot Class A motor coach can squeeze into a remote boondocking spot located at the end of a bumpy lane overhung by tree branches.
Fear not. We’ve done the research and distilled the data, so you don’t have to yourself. The United States is a beautiful, vast, and geographically unique country. No region is identical, so no RV should be either. We break down which RVs are best for renting in each region.
Southwest
Home of the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, turquoise, and cacti. The indigenous people of this country recognized the land’s mystical powers thousands of years ago; and people now recognize the powerful ability of the sand to eat up your transmission.
RV owners in the Southwest rent out travel trailers more than any other type of RV. Travel trailers are rough and tumble without jeopardizing any motorized features—simply because they don’t have them. While each travel trailer has a different towing capacity, generally any truck or SUV will do. And if you don’t have one of those, don’t fret—a sedan will even work with a smaller trailer, like a Taxa Outdoors camper.
Midwest
Some people dub this area the “fly-over states”, which suits us just fine. While you may not see soaring peaks, there is so much space and land you may think you’re the one who has discovered it.
While travel trailers and Class Cs are popular in this region, Class As are a great way to expand your comfortable living space while maximizing your outdoor area. With these wide and flat roads, these road coaches are easy to maneuver even if you’re not the most seasoned driver.
Class As are the largest of all RV types (running between 35-45 feet in length), and offer perks that are useful for this region. Besides their commanding stature, what makes these RVs stand out are things like automatic leveling, full underbelly storage, and wider driver view from behind the wheel.
Stepping into a Class A like a Thor Motor Coach will make you feel as if you have your own vacation home, no matter what sweeping hillside view you opt to park near.
Northwest
With the amount of rain covering the landscape in these states, there is no shortage of lush green hills and blue waters. You might feel like you have been immersed into some sort of jungle, albeit a little cooler than your average tropical rainforest.
There are plenty of places to pull off the main thoroughfare, especially when you opt for the coastal route. Campervans like Westfalias and Ford Transits are the perfect vessels for the abundant narrow turn-outs on these highways, which boast incredible views. Campervans are truly the Swiss Army Knife of RVs, because you are constantly amazed at the amenities that pop out of every nook and cranny.
More owners rent out their campervans than other type of RVs in this Northwestern area. Vans are also compact enough to make the ferry trip to the San Juan Islands, which dot the Washington coastline, allowing you to explore offshore without advance planning.
Northeast
The original 13 colonies of the northwest house some of the best clam chowdah, lobstah (the “ah” is a requirement in these parts), and topography that anyone could dream up. From the lighthouses of Rhode Island to the maple syrup–soaked mountain landscapes of Vermont, you’ll need a rig that is able to handle any condition.
While travel trailers are frequently rented in the northwest, Class C RVs are the epitome of an all-around vehicle perfect for the seasonality that this region embodies. Class Cs encompass the maneuverability of a travel trailer or Class B (as they normally average 20 feet), with the comfort and space of a Class A. An easy way to distinguish a Class C rig is the bulbous over-cab sleeping bunk, which makes it easier to invite adventurous pals on your road-trip while not losing any living space.
Southeast
It’s a little hard not to romanticize the Southeast. With weeping willows draped over backroads while fireflies light up the evening sky, it’s certainly a special place to adventure with that special someone—human or four-legged.
And who needs a ton of space when cuddling only requires a few feet? Class Bs are a renter’s renters first choice when considering a southeastern road trip. Think of a Class B as a campervan on steroids: Mercedes Sprinters are a perfect representation.
NASCAR and other large-scale tailgating opportunities are also huge in this region, and driving up to the gate with an RV instantly makes you everyone’s best friend. If your plans are centered around hot dogs, beer, and loud cheering (also, please invite us), then a Class B does the trick.
West coast
One minute you’re cruising down Highway 1 parallel with foamy white spray and breaching dolphins; the next, you’re climbing Highway 80 parallel with fluffy white powder and big brown bears.
Ready to upgrade from a tent, but not quite ready to operate an RV? Rooftop tents and campers keep you elevated off the ground below, but allow you to still feel like you are one with nature. Because rooftop campers are essentially above a truck or SUV, the possibilities for off-roading and finding even the most remote of boondocking spots is feasible—and encouraged.