RV rental demand is strengthening ahead of the 2026 summer travel season, with nearly 60% of operators reporting higher April reservations compared with the same period last year, according to a survey released by the RV Rental Association (RVRA).
The data signals tightening availability as peak travel months approach.
Only 21% of operators said they had fewer early-season reservations, while 22% reported bookings tracking in line with 2025 levels, indicating steady to growing demand across much of the market.
Shorter rental durations continue to dominate booking patterns. The survey found 48% of operators identified five- to six-night rentals as the most common contract length, while 43% cited three- to four-night trips as the most popular.
Longer rentals of seven nights or more accounted for the top demand among nine percent of respondents.
Looking ahead, 70% of operators expect average rental durations to remain consistent with 2025, while 22% anticipate an increase in trip length.
Family travel continues to drive demand, with traditional vacations and reunions cited as primary use cases. Reflecting this trend, units with four or more sleeping areas are the most frequently requested configurations.
The survey also highlights continued growth in towable RV rentals. A total of 78% of responding companies reported offering RV trailers, with 28% indicating that at least three-quarters of their customers are “tow-and-go” renters who already own a suitable pickup truck or sport utility vehicle.
At the same time, 16% of dealers said more than 40% of their customers opt for delivery and setup services, where staff transport and install the unit at a campsite.
Pet-friendly policies remain a significant factor in consumer decision-making. The survey found 87% of operators allow dogs, while 17% permit cats.
Peer-to-peer rental platforms are also gaining traction, with 41% of dealers describing listing their fleet on such platforms as “a great addition to my marketing program.”
However, RVRA officials emphasized the advantages of professional rental operators. “Rental dealers know more than the typical owner about how RVs work, how to maintain them, and how to fix them if something goes wrong on the road,” said Scott Krenek, RVRA chairman.