Renting an RV, campervan, or motorhome in the USA and hitting the open highways and byways is almost a rite of passage and on the bucket lists of millions. Imagine the thrill of exploring this diverse country aboard the perfect RV rental! With vast landscapes and wide array of natural wonders waiting to be explored, there is undoubtedly a sense of romance and adventure to the American RV rental road trip. Well, Motorhome Republic can make that dream journey a reality! With so many great locations, an RV rental USA is the best way for the whole family to discover the spectacular sceneries.
Rent an RV from any of our locations across the USA and enjoy the RV trip of a lifetime!
Exploring the USA in an RV rental
Imagine taking refuge in a remote location, with nothing for miles and the sun as your only friend. How would you feel waking at dawn and breathing in the freshest of air, excitement, and anticipation ahead of you? Welcome to your RV rental USA road trip.
Where shall you take the family on this epic trip? Rent an RV and hit the Pacific Coast Highway of California or the Cape Cod route in Massachusetts. How about renting a top-of-the-line RV in Arizona and exploring Red Rock Country? Whatever direction you choose, America is a nation built for an RV or motorhome hire vacation.
California is one of the largest states in America, and renting an RV allows you to explore loads of the state’s incredibly scenic locations. Let your hair down and discover one of the greatest cities on earth—Los Angeles—or head off an RV adventure to experience the spectacular natural scenery of Yosemite National Park. Perhaps you could rent an RV and visit San Francisco or San Diego? With favorable weather and so much to offer, California is an excellent option for your US RV rental road trip experience.
Where else can you rent an RV to explore incredible locations? Why not head north to Montana or North Dakota? Have you ever wanted to explore New Orleans, LA, or Miami, FL? Don’t forget about RV rentals in Fort Lauderdale, FL! You’ll find some fantastic RV rental deals in the Sunshine State.
Renting an RV in New York and Boston will steer you toward Canada. You could also head your recreational vehicle to Salt Lake City, UT. How about an RV in Las Vegas, NV? Or a luxury RV for rent in Dallas, TX? Renting an RV in the USA is easy and worry-free with Motorhome Republic.
USA RV rentals made easy with Motorhome Republic
With such a wide selection of motorhome, campervan, and RV rentals in the USA, we understand it’s challenging to know where to start. Here are some helpful tips for renting an RV in the US to suit your RV lifestyle:
Class A Motorhome / RV: The bigger choice with more living space. Many Americans spend extended periods in their Class A integrated camper rentals. This is a prime example of deluxe RV rentals and, sometimes, high cost, and having all the comforts is perfect for a luxury RV rental USA experience.
Class B Motorhome / RV: More semi-integrated and smaller. Class B is a term mainly used in North America and relates to a raised roof with a van chassis. These RVs area generally self-contained with amenities such as a shower and toilet—no need to worry about the family staying in an RV park on their trip to access bathroom facilities.
Class C Motorhome / RV: More of a van/truck chassis, often with slide-outs to create more space. Class C RV rentals generally have amenities such as a shower and toilet—great value for money.
Choose from these brands with great RV rental rates USA:
El Monte RV
Road Bear
Cruise America
Expedition Motorhomes
Escape RV Rentals USA
Rent an RV in the USA and enjoy the freedom to explore all 52 states in the comfort of your own recreational rental vehicle. Search for an RV offering the best value for money, featuring the amenities you need to make your RV camping trip worry-free.
Driving Camper Rentals - USA Road rules
Each state often has its own laws, so always look for variations.
Drive RV rentals on the right-hand side of the road.
The traffic light sequence is red, green, yellow, then back to red again.
You can often take a right at a red stoplight unless signage indicates otherwise.
Four-way stop signs are also a minefield. The first person to stop has the right of way, but not everyone plays fair. Just be patient and don’t speed.
Hitch-hiking or picking hitch-hikers up is illegal in certain states.
We recommend investing in a GPS or navigation system if you don’t have a navigation app on your cell phone. Check with Motorhome Republic if you’d like to include a GPS in your RV rentals package—you don’t want to get lost on your trip!
RV hire USA - A guide to driving a motorhome in the USA
An RV road trip across the United States of America is on almost every traveler’s wishlist. This vast and diverse country is home to a wide selection of exciting things to do and see. And, the best way to get around is, without a doubt, a self-drive RV rental road trip. Renting a motorhome, RV or camper with the essential amenities on board gives you flexibility, freedom, and the chance to explore at your own pace.
Before you hit the road in your RV or motorhome rental, you must understand what driving in the USA is like. We have compiled a handy guide to help you prepare for this exciting RV camping trip. From road rules to RV travel tips, we’ve got you covered.
USA RV Rental Road Rules
While road rules vary from state to state, most overlap. We can’t cover every state in detail in this guide, but we can provide a good overview of what to expect country-wide. You’ll find more information on the Advanced Drivers of America website.
Please note that distances and speeds are all measured in miles in the USA.
Licensing
The type of license you must carry will depend on which state(s) you drive through. Some states allow you to present your foreign license only, while others require that you also show an “International Driving Permit.” You will need this permit if your license is not in English. Be sure to research each state’s requirements before you start your RV rental USA vacation. If in doubt, get an International Driving Permit.
Speed limits
Speed limits differ from state to state. The fastest limit in the USA is 85 miles per hour in some parts of Texas. Throughout the rest of the country, the top speed limit is usually either 80 miles per hour (on the interstates or in western states) or 70 miles per hour (in eastern states). The fastest limit in Hawaii is 60 miles per hour. Urban and smaller roads have lower limits. No matter which state you drive your RV in, exceeding the speed limit is illegal, so pay close attention to the posted signage.
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Alcohol limits
Driving under the influence is illegal in the United States. In most places, the limit is 0.8%, in some states, lower. We strongly recommend you avoid consuming any alcohol before you drive your RV rental in the USA.
Seat belts
Federal law requires all vehicles to be equipped with seatbelts, but each state has slightly different rules surrounding seat belt usage. In some states, traveling without a seatbelt is a secondary offense; in others, it is a primary offense. In addition, some states require all passengers to wear a seatbelt, while others only require passengers in the front seat to do so. New Hampshire is the only major exception—in this state, neither front-seat passengers nor adult drivers need to wear seatbelts. Rules may also differ depending on age, although all states have separate laws for children that require them to be adequately and safely restrained. We highly recommend wearing a seatbelt when your RV rental is in motion, regardless of the state. However, if you require clarification, ask your rental company when you pick up your vehicle.
Cellphones
Restrictions apply to driving while using a cell phone. In some states in the USA, this is a secondary offense; in others, a primary offense. We recommend you search for a safe location to pull over in your RV rental before handling calls. Alternatively, use a hands-free system.
Driving on the right side of the road
If you are used to driving on the left side of the road, remember to take extra care in the USA – here, everyone drives on the right.
USA road markings
The center of the road is marked by yellow lines to separate traffic going in opposite directions. For traffic going in the same direction on multi-lane roads, each lane is marked by broken white lines. Where there are solid white lines (rather than broken), changing lanes is discouraged but not prohibited. Where there are double white lines, changing lanes is strictly prohibited. A similar system is in place for the yellow center lines. You can overtake by crossing the center line briefly if the lines are broken. If you spot both a broken and a solid yellow line, you can only overtake other vehicles if the broken yellow line is on your side. If there are two lines and they are both solid, no cars are permitted to cross the center line for overtaking.
Intersections
The give-way rules at intersections will depend on which state you drive your RV rental in and what type of intersection you are approaching. Below is a general guide to give you an idea of what to expect.
Uncontrolled intersections
In most states, “priority-to-the-right” rules apply at uncontrolled intersections, whereby vehicles give precedence to others approaching from the right. When a road terminates (known as a T-intersection”), all vehicles looking to leave that road by turning left or right must give way to straight-through traffic.
All-way stops
Unless you’re from Canada or South Africa, you’re probably unfamiliar with all-way stops (also known as four-way stops). As the name suggests, these are intersections with multiple entry points. At these intersections, all approaching traffic must come to a stop. Once this has happened, the vehicles may leave in the order they arrived. If all vehicles appeared to arrive at the same time, then “priority-to-the-right” rules apply. These intersections are marked by hexagonal STOP signs or ALL-WAY signs, as well as signs which state the number of entry points.
Traffic lights
The USA follows the universal color code for traffic lights (also known as stoplights). Green means “go,” red means “stop,” and yellow means “come to a stop if safe.” Following the same code, arrows indicate whether you can or cannot turn. At most red lights, right turns are permitted once you have given way to pedestrians and other vehicles—provided, of course, that there is no signage prohibiting this maneuver (look out for “NO RIGHT ON RED TURN” signs).
Roundabouts
RV rental drivers won’t find many roundabouts (also known as traffic circles) on their USA trip. If you come across one, you must give way to circulating traffic (approaching from the left) before joining.
Indicating
The color of indicator lights (signals) in the USA is red or amber, depending on the vehicle.
The USA Highway System
The network of main roads, highways, and interstates in the USA is called the “NHS”—or the National Highway System.
Interstates
The USA’s interstate system spans over 77,000 kilometers (nearly 50,000 miles. Its length is almost as complex as its official name: “The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.” Marked by red and blue shields, these highways are easily recognizable.
The roads that make up the interstate are known as “freeways,” and they usually have the highest speed limits within the state. The interstates are accessed via on- and off-ramps and tolls apply to some sections.
The network follows a numbering system. Generally, highways running east to west start with the letter “I,” followed by even numbers. Those running north to south have odd numbers after the “I.” The interstates with an even number are ordered from south to north sequentially, while all interstates with an odd number are ordered from west to east.
This can be confusing when freeways are long, twisting, and appear to be going in different directions! Remember that the direction is determined by the “overall direction” of the entire freeway, and you should be able to figure it out.
Some interstates feature three digits; this means they are auxiliary highways, such as radial roads or spurs feeding into urban centers. The third number is placed in front of the main interstate number. For example, I-310 is an auxiliary of I-10.
As you travel along the freeways in your RV rental USA, you will see “mile markers.” This system begins at either the southern or western end. The numbers restart whenever the freeway crosses a southern or western state line.
Routes
Before interstate highways, “US routes” existed; however, a few routes are still in use throughout the country. Marked with black and white shields, these have their own numbering system ( similar to the interstates). Each route is slightly different—some are freeways, some are tolls, and some are unique. Where there are tolls, a toll-free option is always available nearby.
State highways
The NHS runs throughout the USA, but each state also has its own network of “state highways.” These roads connect towns and cities and vary in quality, as do the state highway markers vary in form. Some common markers include state flags, the shape of the state, and circular shields.
USA Road Signs
Familiarize yourself with US road signs before heading out on RV trips. Below are some of the most common signs to look out for.
Speed limit signs
Most speed limit signs are white and square-shaped with black letters, although these differ slightly from state to state. Another group of signs uses the same design; the “regulation of movement” signs. These signs convey instructions about certain maneuvers, such as “DO NOT PASS” or “TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE.”.
Regulatory signs
Though their shape varies widely, most regulatory signs are red, white, and black. Main signs, such as STOP signs or YIELD (give way) signs, are consistent throughout the country, whereas others differ in each state. The STOP sign is hexagonal, and the YIELD sign is triangular. Another national sign is the prohibited sign—a circle with a symbol and a red slash through the middle. The symbol indicates a maneuver, and the red slash means that the pictured maneuver is prohibited (for example, “no right turn”).
Railroad crossing signs
These white signs in the USA are shaped like a cross and read “RAILROAD CROSSING” on the inside. In some states, these are yellow and circle-shaped with the letters “RR” instead.
Warning signs
Most warning signs are shaped like diamonds and yellow and black (unless they are orange, in which case they are road works signs). Their purpose is to alert road users about upcoming hazards or changes, such as turns and bends, adjoining roads, sections of winding road, traffic lights, emergency vehicles, railways, animals, children, merging lanes, pedestrians, divided highways, or narrowing roads—just to name a few! These signs are also used to illustrate natural hazards; for example, high winds or icy conditions.
Navigational signs
These are the signs to watch to avoid getting lost while on your RV camping USA trip. They are green and white and feature navigational information, such as upcoming exits and distances to nearby destinations. They also highlight popular tourist attractions within the vicinity, airports, railway stations, and toll roads. In a select few states, signs may be brown or blue and white instead of the standard green and white.
Toll Roads in the USA
Also known as turnpikes, toll roads are found in some states throughout the US and vary throughout the country. Some feature electronic payment options using systems such as “E-ZPass.” Your USA RV rental may have this electronic pass; ask your RV rental provider when you pick up your vehicle (this pass means you can pay the fee later). One thing all toll roads have in common is the option to pay with cash. You can find out how much each toll road costs using the toll calculator on “The Toll Roads” website.
Avoiding toll roads is almost expected in the US, and it has its own term–“shun piking.” Providing you have the time to take the alternatives; this can save you money (unless you end up spending more on petrol!). What’s more, sometimes shun piking can take you through exciting locations you wouldn’t have come across in your RV for rent otherwise.
Parking in the USA
Finding parking spaces for RVs in small towns or rural areas is usually a breeze. You’ll find plenty of parking lots for RV rentals or roadside locations free-of-charge or for a few coins. Parking can be a little more complicated in big cities, especially for RVs. Be aware of “snow streets” during the winter months. In heavy snow, you must leave the curbs clear in certain areas so the snowplows can get through.
While each city is very different, below are some general RV parking guidelines to remember.
Coloured kerbs
In some areas, the curbs are painted with lines of different colors, each indicating the type of parking that is allowed or not allowed. Green means you are permitted to park, providing you follow posted time restrictions. Red means no stopping or parking whatsoever. Blue means you can park if you have a disability permit. White means the space is reserved as a passenger loading or unloading zone. Yellow means the space is an unloading zone for merchandise vehicles only.
Parking signs
These signs are fairly universal throughout the country. “NO PARKING” signs are usually red and white. “NO STANDING” signs are similar and mean you are permitted to stop for a few moments but cannot park your RV.
In areas where you are permitted to park, check for green and white signs containing information about any rules you must abide by. For example, there may be time restrictions in place or payment required.
Paid parking
The two most common options for paid parking are parking meters:
1. Self-operated machines on the side of the street which take small change, and
2. Paid parking lots, which tend to be inside private garages or buildings and usually accept a variety of payment methods, including cards.
Research the available parking areas before starting your US RV camping vacation.
Additional information about driving camper rentals in the USA
Now that you understand the US road rules better, here are some other helpful tips and tricks to keep you safe and comfortable on your RV camping journey.
Insurance
Under the US civil law system, vehicle insurance and liability coverage are compulsory. Your RV rental USA provider should organize vehicle insurance (they will add it to your RV rental charge). However, it’s your responsibility to take out liability coverage. Your RV rental provider may cover it, although this is not guaranteed, so it’s important to check. You may also be able to add liability insurance to your travel insurance policy.
School buses
In the US, vehicles traveling in both directions are legally required to stop and wait for yellow school buses with flashing red lights. Buses flash these lights when school children are embarking or disembarking to give them safe passage. The only exception is if you are traveling on a divided highway and you are on the opposite side of the road from the said bus—only then you may continue driving.
Open containers
The US has strict laws surrounding open containers of alcohol in vehicles (i.e., bottles and cans). It is illegal to drive with any open containers, even bottles of spirits that have been re-capped unless they are in the boot (trunk) and completely inaccessible by the driver and all passengers.
Overtaking on the inside
When traveling on multi-lane roads, you can overtake on the right and the left. Overtaking on the left is the preferred option, but keep an eye out for people overtaking on the right, just in case. As you are traveling in an RV rental, many vehicles will likely try to overtake you, so this is something to be aware of at all times.
Information to help you plan your USA motorhome rental journey
See below for helpful information and links to key websites, which will help you plan your RV trip before you hit the road in your campervan hire in the USA.
Official visitor websites
Search for key travel information by state at 50states.com. This resource is helpful in the planning stages of your RV rental USA trip and when you’re on the road.
Rest stops and services
The United States is a mammoth country with exceptionally long interstates and highways. You want to park up your RV rental and make the most of rest stops! On freeways, watch for blue signs; these will inform you about services, food outlets, and RV camping accommodation options at nearby exits. You may occasionally see company logos on these signs; companies can pay to be featured.
The rest stops can be commercialized on tolled highways and therefore are very comprehensive. At each stop, you’ll often find several food outlets, shops, and free WiFi. On non-tolled highways, the rest stops are usually funded by the state government. The facilities here are quite basic; think public toilets, parking, and—if you’re lucky—vending machines and information kiosks.
Entrance requirements
US entry requirements depend on your country of origin. Citizens from some countries can apply for an “ESTA” visa waiver, allowing them to enter the country for up to 90 days (ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). ESTA-eligible countries include New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Chile, and most of Western Europe. If your country is not on this list, you must apply for a nonimmigrant “B visa” instead.
Driving USA camper rentals across borders
Planning to take your USA RV for rent across state borders? While there are no controls between state borders, the road rules will likely differ slightly from one state to the next. Of course, if you are traveling to Mexico or Canada, you will need to cross controlled international borders. Please be aware that the RV rental USA company may not permit you to take your RV rental out of the country. Some companies will allow you to travel to Canada, but most prohibit travel into Mexico. Every RV rental company is different, so check your RV hire agreement. If you decide to cross an international border, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and visas ready.
Driving USA RV rental in winter
If you’re renting an RV in winter, preparing yourself for snow and harsh conditions is essential. Pack your RV with necessary items, including a bag of kitty litter or sand to add traction to your RV wheels (in case you get stuck!), warm clothes, and extra food. We recommend renting a 4WD motorhome. Be aware that the engine may freeze, and regularly top up your fuel tank—don’t risk traveling in your RV on a near-empty tank!
Motorhome Campsites for your RV rentals USA
With Motorhome Republic, finding and booking USA RVs at affordable rental rates is a breeze. But you still need to find somewhere to park up for the night. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to do that too. Search RoverPass to find and reserve RV campsites country-wide. Choose from over 20,000 RV parks and campgrounds, with full access to pricing, reviews, campsite amenities, pictures, and more.
We hope this guide for renting and driving an RV rental in the USA has helped you in the planning stages! We wish you a safe and enjoyable RV trip in the United States.
General Disclaimer
This information is provided on a 'best intentions' basis. While we do our best to ensure the information is error-free, we do not warrant its accuracy or adequacy for any intended purpose.
