It’s uncommon to stumble on an offer that appears too good to be accurate — and actually is. Your instincts are usually right to be skeptical of extravagant claims and eye-catching headlines.
But this instance is real: you can rent an RV or automobile for $1 per day.
I know — it sounds almost unbelievable.
When Thrifty Nomads shared this thorough guide to RV relocation deals, they admitted the pitch “sounds like clickbait spam destined for junk mail. … But let me assure you … we’ve actually rented RVs for $1 a day and even less to cities around the globe.”
“And less”?!
OK, here are the specifics.
What Are RV Relocation Deals?
Rental companies must reposition vehicles to satisfy demand in different cities.
If more vehicles have accumulated in New York — but there aren’t enough back in Indiana, Colorado or Washington — those other areas need inventory replenished.
Rather than shouldering the cost of sending an employee to drive a vehicle cross-country, companies rent their vehicles to customers.
And by sticking to their schedule and specified destination, you receive a very steep discount.
You’ll find relocation offers for RVs as well as cars, trucks and campervans.
When, Where and How to Find These Bargain Rentals
These offers are most prevalent in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. Occasionally, they surface in Canada and Europe.
The most frequent routes in the U.S. run along the West Coast. When I searched for upcoming offers in the U.S. on iMoova, many January and February routes went from New York to Los Angeles, Las Vegas or San Francisco.
The best bargains are usually posted a few weeks before departure, so you’ll need flexibility in your travel dates.
To locate deals, search iMoova or Jucy for U.S. routes. For other countries, see the complete list of resources at Thrifty Nomads.
What Will It Actually Cost?
The base rental rate is simple.
You truly can find many routes for $1 per day. I also noticed some shorter runs for $10 a day, and those listed far in advance might be closer to $25 a day — so it can pay to wait until nearer the travel date to book.
Obviously, a road trip carries expenses beyond the vehicle rental.
Generally, you’re responsible for fuel, though you may receive partial reimbursement or other perks like a complimentary tank of gas or a free kitchen kit.
Unless you’re extremely fortunate, fully flexible or a master planner, you’ll probably need to cover your trip home — a return flight, bus, train or a standard-priced rental car.
Watch for cheap airfare deals.
You’ll also pay for meals — but you can be economical, particularly if the RV has a kitchen.
If the vehicle lacks a shower or toilet, you might pay for travel center showers or spend a night at a hotel or campground.
To cut costs, Thrifty Nomads suggests many ways to find free public restrooms, showers and campsites. (For example, an app called Sit or Squat — great resource!)
Check the fine print before you book so you understand what extra fees might apply:
- Some providers charge extra for kitchen utensils or linens. Bring your own if these aren’t included.
- Some companies offer unlimited mileage, provided you meet their timeline. But others limit mileage to what’s needed to reach the destination and will bill you per extra mile. Research ahead and plan accordingly.
- Verify insurance coverage in advance. Some firms include it; others don’t. You might need to buy insurance, though your own policy or your credit card could provide rental coverage.
- You’ll likely need to place a deposit with a credit or debit card. If you can’t cover it, consider this travel trick to avoid a large hold.
All told, two people could potentially take a cross-country trip for:
- $6 vehicle rental ($1 a day for 6 days from New York to L.A.)
- $0 in gas (after reimbursement)
- $100 for food (about $20 a day for two people, though this can vary)
- $0 for lodging
- $400 return flights ($200 each for two people, though this will vary)
That’s a remarkably frugal vacation!
For more information and extra tips on taking advantage of RV relocation offers, read the full post at Thrifty Nomads.
Your Turn: Have you ever used a relocation deal to rent a vehicle?How much did you pay?
Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a staff writer at Savinly.com. She’s contributed to Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, Writer’s Digest and more. After finding this guide, she is probably somewhere in an RV in the middle of New Mexico as you read this.
