How Old To Rent RV | Explained in Details
There is nothing like going out camping or exploring the wild. And what can even top that experience? Friends! There’s a wise traveler’s advice that goes something like this, you should travel as much as you can while you are young. It brings you knowledge, wisdom and shows you the path you want to choose later in life. And with friends, that experience even gets better.
But you cannot just go on traveling in a car, it’s just, too cramped and boring. Instead, you can rent out an RV, and be on your own comfort touring the country. But there is one slight problem. You have to know how old to rent an RV.
Sure if you are 21 you can rent out a car any time you want and do more. But for renting something big like an RV, we have sad news for you. There are regulations in the United States that don’t let anyone under 25 rent an RV. Although there are some exceptions on some rentals that give you if you are around 21-24, there are a lot of restrictions, charges, and rules involved.
And there are valid reasons behind that, which we will discuss today. Also, we will put out some solutions to this problem.
Reason Behind The Age Restriction To Rent An RV
You might think that it is because you are young and the RV rental is a bit suspicious, but trust us, it’s not that. The reason why they don’t want to rent out to people under 25 is mentioned below.
1. Rental Services Restrictions And Policies
Most rental services and organizations don’t want to rent their RV to under 25 individuals because of their company restrictions. It can be either from past experience or the circumstances that they don’t feel someone young as 21 can handle a vehicle that big. An RV is a huge vehicle and on the streets, it’s hard to handle if you are not experienced enough. Hence they have done their math about profit and loss and came up with not to indulge in such a scenario again. Also, there is the fact of accidents and maintenance.
2. Insurance Problems
A crucial problem is Insurance, and we all know how Insurance companies work. If an inexperienced driver somehow damages an RV, most of them like to brush it off with it. Hence the RV owner won’t get the payment if somehow the RV is damaged or gets into an accident. Even if they can, it’s a long process back and forth. So they don’t want to rent it out to someone young.
3. Experience On The Road
It’s going to sound funny and like one of the job interview memes, but your experience on the road makes a whole lot of sense while renting something big. A 25-year-old clearly has more experience in driving time than someone younger. So they are more than capable to maneuver something big and maintain it longer.
4. Safety Of The Rv And The Passengers
The older you get, the wiser you become. Older drivers will always look after the safety of their passengers, along with their vehicles. And young people tend to be reckless a bit. It’s the age that causes the problem. Hence, the older wins.
What To Do If You Are Under The Age But Want To Rent An Rv
Don’t be so disheartened. We won’t let you go away sad and gloomy. We always have some tricks up our sleeves. Here are the things you can do if you don’t fill the age limit to rent an RV for yourself.
1. Get A Older Friend
Although you have enough driving experience, an older friend and a second driver are a great addition to the road trip. He can rent it for you and you guys can exchange the driver seat in the long trip. But make sure you have enough RV maneuvering experience. We don’t want you to get into any form of harm or trouble.
2. Ask A Cousin
A family trip is always fun. Your older cousin can rent it for you if you have a good relationship with them. And take them along for better company. Hey! As Dom said, there’s nothing like family!
3. Hire A Driver
There is nothing wrong with riding in class. You can hire an experienced driver who will do the driving for you, while you can relax, have fun, or watch the natural beauty. Even take a beauty sleep!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)
How old do you have to be to rent an RV in California?
The minimum age to rent an RV in California is 25. Under that age will cause you a fine or even jail time.
Can a tourist rent an RV in the USA?
Yes. Any tourist can rent an RV in the USA without any special license. But you have to provide a driving license depending on the state you are renting from and the requirements of the rental.
What Licence do you need for an RV in the USA?
You do not need any extra license to drive an RV if it weighs less than 26,000 pounds with 40 feet long. But if it exceeds that number, you might need to take an RV safety course.
What is a Class A RV?
A Class A RV is a massive motorhome that is estimated 26 to 45 feet in length and weighs around 26,000 or less. It might have two or even three axles.
Conclusion
Not all rental companies require you to be 25 years old to rent an RV. They will hand you the keys with some paperwork and charge extra. But some states do have laws that enforce the companies to follow the rules. Otherwise, both the rental and you get fined or even jailed. So make sure you don’t fraud your way to get an RV.
