Hiring a motorhome

Hiring a campervan or motorhome is an excellent way to get a taste of life on the open road. As well as opening up exciting opportunities for road trip holidays, hiring a van can be an especially handy experience if you’re considering buying one at some point in the future, as it allows you to identify all the features and facilities to look out for. 

The aim of this guide is to make motorhome hire as simple as possible, showing you what’s out there so you have the confidence to jump in and enjoy your motorhome holiday.

Choosing the right motorhome

There are lots of things to factor in when considering the different types of motorhome to hire – that’s why we’ve written this comprehensive guide. Below, you’ll find the basic information about the main types of motorhome or campervan you can hire.

Campervans are purpose-built vehicles – as the name suggests, they are around the size of a large van. Campervans are typically smaller than motorhomes and often don't have their own toilet/shower facilities.

Great for couples, travelling light and ease of driving/parking.

Not so great for very long distances, total self-sufficiency or bigger groups.

Motorhomes are also purpose built, but they are typically larger than campervans, as they are built on a longer wheelbase. They can usually sleep more guests than a campervan and often come with a flush toilet and shower. 

Great for comfort, convenience and an extra sense of space.

Not so great for getting to the most remote spots, low budgets and fuel efficiency.

Van conversions are increasingly popular nowadays – and with good reason. These vehicles may operate slightly differently to purpose-built models and can look less appealing from the outside, but they tend to have hand-crafted interiors or funky decor that more than make up for it. 

Great for style, tailoring a van to your needs and standing out from the crowd.

Not so great for certain campsites, which ban commercial vehicles. 

While each motorhome or campervan will have different facilities, you can expect all of them to have a sleeping area and some kind of cooking equipment. There will usually be a small fridge, a hob and a sink on board, and many motorhomes will have an oven too. 

Even if there are onboard toilets and showers, you might want to look for sites with bathroom blocks when searching for motorhome pitches – especially if you’re in a fairly compact vehicle or travelling in a larger group.

Browse all motorhome pitches on Pitchup

Where to hire motorhomes and caravans

Once you’ve decided on a type of vehicle you like the look of, take the time to explore the various websites offering campervan and motorhome rental. Several options are available:

• Motorhome rental from private owners – offering flexibility and lower costs than many traditional rental companies, private motorhome rentals have many benefits. Many peer-to-peer platforms (which often charge an additional fee) connect holidaymakers with owners, and they also serve as a useful intermediary for when things go wrong. 

• Established car hire firms often hire out campervans and motorhomes. While not the cheapest option, they are great if you are looking into a one-way trip or want to pick up your vehicle at the airport – although you will probably face a drop-off charge if your journey ends in a different place from where it started. 

• Specialist motorhome hire companies are also an excellent option if you are mostly interested in niche vehicles, such as vintage campervans, American-style RVs or van conversions. There are lots of UK wide companies available to select from including: Land Cruise, Just Go and Hertz.

All platforms have their own pros and cons and different policies apply, so make sure you do your research and read reviews online before signing up to rent a motorhome.

How much does hiring a motorhome or campervan cost?

There’s no getting away from it – campervan or motorhome rental can be expensive and typically costs more than camping or glamping getaways. In the low season, you may be able to book a midweek motorhome getaway for a few hundred pounds – but in the high season, prices regularly exceed £1,000 a week, depending on location and the kind of vehicle you’re hiring. 

When working out your budget, there are several costs to factor in on top of the cost of the hire itself:

• Fuel – This will depend on how far you drive, in what conditions and how much weight you are carrying, but be prepared to pay significantly more than you would for your car. If this is of concern to you, check the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The most modern campervans can manage between 30 and 40 mpg, while large motorhomes may perform at as little as 12 mpg. 

• Gas – If your hire includes a vehicle with gas heating or cooking, you may need to pay according to how much you use. 

• A cleaning fee – This will usually be more expensive if you’re travelling with a pet and may not be optional. 

• A booking charge or processing fee – Especially if you are booking through a platform for peer-to-peer rental.

• Insurance – Basic cover should be included, but you might be charged a surcharge for a lower excess, or to insure a second driver on your vehicle.

• A security deposit – To cover the risk of theft or damage to the motorhome. This can be quite a substantial amount (sometimes exceeding £1,000). Make sure you check under what circumstances deductions can be made in advance. 

• Pitch fees – How much you pay to stay at a campsite will depend on many factors, and water, waste disposal and electricity may all be charged separately. Do your research by browsing Pitchup’s wide range of motorhome sites to make sure you get best value for your money.

Rules and requirements

Hiring a campervan or motorhome can be a bit different to hiring a car. Read on to find out what is required – and remember to read the small print before you sign up to rent a motorhome to avoid any surprises. 

• A full driving licence is, of course, essential. Any UK licence-holder can drive a campervan or motorhome weighing up to 3,500kg, which are technically classified as cars.

• You will also need a clean driving record. Many hire companies will not allow people with past convictions or recent at-fault insurance claims to rent a vehicle from them.

• Proof of address is usually requested – although this is shown on your licence, you may be asked to corroborate it with a second document. 

• You will most likely need to be over 25, and/or have had your driving licence for at least two years. Some companies are even stricter and do not rent vehicles to anyone under 30, though – and they may have a maximum driver age too (typically 70).

It’s also important that you familiarise yourself with the rules of the road for motorhome, as well as how to drive the vehicle itself. We’ve put together a guide for beginner motorhome drivers to help you with just that – and you can also find out more information about motorhome insurance before setting off for your first trip. 

Planning your trip

The first few days out on the road in a rented motorhome are going to feel like a huge adventure – but bear in mind that hiring, driving and navigating can all get a bit overwhelming at the start. 

Don’t plan to travel huge distances at first – and don’t shy away from staying in the same place for more than one night. Remember, while the flexibility of hiring a motorhome is a great way to see different landscapes, a big part of the experience is spending time in the motorhome itself – you’ll want to have plenty of time to try out cooking, dining and sleeping in it. 

Remember – not all campsites have pitches that are suitable for campervans or motorhomes. To make sure you can always find somewhere to stay, explore the thousands of motorhome pitches with availability on Pitchup.

Browse all motorhome pitches

FAQs

Can you hire a motorhome in the UK?

Yes – lots of companies and individuals hire out motorhomes and campervans across the UK. Renting a motorhome is becoming an increasingly popular way to spend a holiday in the great outdoors.

How much does it cost to rent a motorhome in the UK?

Renting a motorhome in the UK can cost anything from a few hundred pounds for a midweek break in the low season to in excess of £1,000 a week in the high season. Book in advance and compare different online offers to get the best deals.

Can you drive a campervan or motorhome on a normal licence?

Yes – anyone with a full UK driving licence is allowed to drive a campervan or motorhome weighing under 3,500kg. It is also possible to hire a motorhome with a non-UK driving licence, although different rules will apply. 

Should I hire a campervan or a motorhome?

Hiring a motorhome is the best way to experience van life without going out and buying one. The flexibility of being able to drive and stay where you want can be a great holiday experience, and there are thousands of motorhome sites to choose from.

Are there age limits for hiring motorhomes?

Yes – usually, companies will not hire motorhomes to drivers under 25 or over 70. Exceptions do apply, however.