This guide explains common RV rental rules, including minimum night stays, pet policies and fees, optional add-ons, mileage and generator usage limits, festival attendance, cross-border travel, smoking rules, driver experience requirements, and pickup/drop-off times. Understanding these rules and communicating with hosts ensures a smooth booking and trip experience.
Before booking an RV, it's important to understand the rental rules set by each host. These rules help you plan your trip, avoid unexpected charges, and ensure that the RV you choose is a good fit for your needs. This guide covers the most common rules you'll see when browsing listings and explain what they mean for your booking.
Minimum nights and short stays
Hosts can choose to require a minimum number of nights for their bookings. When sending a booking request, you won't be able to proceed unless you meet or exceed that number, or the host has opted to allow short stays.
Short stays enables you to book an RV for one night less than the minimum number of nights set by the host, but at the same cost as their minimum number of nights. For example, if a host has a 2-night minimum and a nightly rate of $100/night, you can book their RV for one night at $200 (2-night minimum x $100/night). You'll only be charged the protection plan for the actual number of nights booked.
Pet-friendly RVs and pet fees
If you're travelling with a pet, look for RVs marked as pet friendly. Even when booking a pet-friendly RV, you should always disclose that you're bringing a pet when submitting your request. Hosts appreciate transparency and may have specific expectations for travelling with animals.
Some hosts also charge a pet fee, which may appear as an add-on or be mentioned in their listing description. If a pet fee is listed as an add-on, make sure to select it when booking.
Add-ons
Add-ons are optional services and convenience items that help customize and enhance your trip. You can select them during the booking process or add them later before your trip begins. Examples include:
- Prepaid septic emptying
- Prepaid fuel or propane refill
- Airport pickup
- Bedding and linens
- Bike rack
- Portable BBQ or generator
- WiFi
Some hosts require certain add-ons to be selected. These requirements are usually explained in the listing description, but the host may also send a special offer after you request to book. Special offers can adjust pricing or add any required services.
Mileage allowance
For motorized RVs, hosts can choose how mileage is handled. They may offer:
- Unlimited mileage, so you can drive any distance without additional charges.
- A daily mileage allowance, with a fee for exceeding the daily limit.
Mileage is calculated per day. For example, with a 3-night rental and an allowance of 100 miles or kilometres per day, you can drive a total of 400 miles/km for free. Any distance beyond that total will be charged after the trip based on the host's listed rate.
Generator usage
Hosts who offer an onboard generator as an amenity may provide:
- Unlimited generator usage, or
- A daily allowance, with fees for any hours used beyond the limit.
Generator usage is calculated per day. If your 3-night rental includes 4 free hours per day, you can use 16 total hours without extra charges. Additional hours will be billed after the trip based on the host's listed rate.
Festivals and events
Hosts set their own rules regarding festivals and events. Listings may show:
- Allowed
- Not allowed
- Negotiable
You may be asked whether you plan to attend a festival or event when sending a booking request, and you should answer truthfully. If festivals or events are not allowed, you won't be able to proceed with your request and will be invited to browse RVs that do allow festivals or events. If they are allowed, you'll be asked to provide the name of the festival or event so the host is aware of your plans.
Cross-border travel
Hosts choose whether to allow travel between Canada and the United States. If cross-border travel is not permitted, you will not be able to select a destination in the other country when submitting your booking request.
If cross-border travel is allowed, you should share your planned route and destinations with your host. Being transparent about your itinerary helps ensure the RV is used appropriately and avoids misunderstandings.
Smoking
Some hosts allow smoking in their RVs, while others do not. Listings may include an odor removal fee, displayed as an add-on or mentioned in the description. Always review these rules carefully so you understand what's expected.
Experienced driver or towing requirements
Some hosts require that guests have prior experience driving or towing vehicles of a similar size. This is common for larger motorhomes or towable trailers. You should answer this question truthfully when submitting your request to make sure you're renting an RV that aligns with your comfort and experience level.
Pickup and drop-off times
Hosts set the pickup and drop-off times for their RV. These times appear in the listing, but you should still discuss them with your host so everyone is aligned.
Hosts may charge a fee for early pickup or late return outside their standard times. These fees should be listed in the add-on section or explained in the description. Flexible pickup and drop-off options do not mean you can arrive at any time; coordination with your host is still required.
Understanding rental rules before booking helps ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. By reviewing the listing carefully and communicating openly with your host, you can feel confident choosing the right RV for your trip.
For any questions or concerns, please contact our support team.