Cheap Campervan Hire: 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Road Trip

Exploring a new country by campervan is one of the best ways to travel. You have the freedom to discover places at your own pace, wake up surrounded by incredible scenery and enjoy the flexibility of having your accommodation and transport in one place.

But there's one thing that can quickly make a campervan adventure expensive: the cost of hiring the vehicle itself.

With daily rental rates, one way fees, insurance, fuel, mileage charges and additional fees, the cost of a road trip can add up surprisingly quickly.

The good news? There are plenty of ways to reduce the cost of campervan hire without compromising your adventure.

Whether you're planning to explore Australia, New Zealand, Europe or the USA, here are 10 ways to find cheaper campervan hire and make your travel budget go further.

1. Book Outside Peak Travel Season

One of the easiest ways to save money on campervan hire is to be flexible with your travel dates.

Like flights and accommodation, campervan rental prices often increase during periods of high demand.

School holidays, Christmas, New Year and popular summer travel periods can all result in higher rental prices and reduced vehicle availability.

If you have flexibility, consider travelling during shoulder season.

Depending on your destination, this could mean:

• Visiting Australia in spring or autumn rather than during the Christmas holidays.

• Exploring New Zealand in March or November.

• Travelling through Europe in May, September or October.

• Visiting the USA in spring or autumn rather than peak summer.

Not only can you find more affordable rental prices, but you'll often enjoy fewer crowds at popular attractions and campsites.

2. Compare Different Campervan Rental Companies

Don't automatically book the first campervan you find.

Different rental companies offer different vehicle types, pricing structures and inclusions, so it's worth comparing several options before making a decision.

When comparing campervan hire prices, look beyond the advertised daily rate.

Check whether the rental includes:

• Unlimited or capped mileage.

• Insurance and excess arrangements.

• Kitchen equipment and bedding.

• Additional driver fees.

• Roadside assistance.

• One-way rental fees.

• Cleaning charges.

A vehicle that initially looks more expensive may actually offer better value once you factor in the additional costs.

It's also worth checking whether the company offers discounts for longer bookings.

3. Consider a Campervan Relocation

This is one of the biggest money-saving opportunities for flexible travellers.

Did you know you can hire a campervan or motorhome for as little as $1 per day?

Rental companies regularly need to move vehicles between locations to balance their fleets. For example, a campervan might need to be transported from Christchurch to Auckland, or an RV might need to move from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Rather than sending a professional driver, rental companies can make these vehicles available to travellers at heavily discounted rates.

This is known as a vehicle relocation.

Through Imoova, you can browse selected relocation deals across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the USA, Canada and other destinations.

Here's how it works:

1. Search for available vehicle relocations on Imoova.

2. Choose a route and travel period that suits your plans.

3. Check the vehicle details, mileage allowance and booking conditions.

4. Book the relocation and wait for supplier confirmation.

5. Collect the vehicle and complete the journey within the specified timeframe.

Some listings also include fuel or ferry reimbursements, making certain journeys even more affordable!

What's the catch?

Relocations aren't the same as traditional campervan hire.

You'll have a fixed pickup and drop-off location, a specified travel period and a mileage allowance. You may also need to be flexible with dates and destinations.

However, if your travel plans are flexible, it's a fantastic way to reduce your transport costs.

Explore the latest campervan relocation deals on Imoova.

4. Be Flexible With Your Pickup and Drop-Off Locations

Where you collect and return your campervan can have a significant impact on the overall cost.

Popular one-way routes can come with additional fees because rental companies need to transport vehicles back to their original locations.

For example, collecting a campervan in Sydney and returning it in Melbourne may involve a one-way rental fee.

If you can be flexible, compare different pickup and drop-off combinations to see whether there's a cheaper option.

You could also consider adjusting your itinerary to start or finish in a different city.

If you're particularly flexible, vehicle relocations can offer another alternative, as the destination is determined by where the rental company needs its vehicle delivered.

5. Look for Deals With Fuel or Mileage Inclusions

Fuel is one of the biggest ongoing expenses when travelling by campervan, particularly if you're covering long distances.

When comparing rental deals, check the fuel policy and mileage allowance carefully.

Some rental companies offer unlimited kilometres, while others restrict the distance you can travel or charge additional fees once you exceed your allowance.

If you're planning a long road trip, unlimited mileage can make a significant difference.

You should also look for deals that include fuel reimbursements or allowances.

Selected Imoova relocation listings offer fuel rebates, which can help reduce the overall cost of travelling.

Always check the individual listing, as inclusions vary between vehicles and suppliers.

6. Choose the Right Size Vehicle

It's tempting to hire the biggest campervan available, particularly if you're planning a longer trip.

However, a larger vehicle isn't always necessary.

A smaller campervan can be cheaper to hire, more fuel-efficient and easier to manoeuvre, particularly when driving through cities or navigating narrow roads.

Consider how much space you actually need.

For example:

• Solo travellers may be comfortable in a compact campervan.

• Couples could consider a two-berth campervan.

• Small families may need a larger vehicle with additional sleeping arrangements.

• Larger groups may find a motorhome or minibus more practical.

Don't pay for additional space and facilities that you won't use.

Also consider the impact of vehicle size on fuel consumption and campsite costs.

7. Plan Your Route to Reduce Fuel Costs

Fuel can become one of the biggest expenses on a campervan road trip, particularly in countries such as Australia, Canada and the USA, where driving distances can be substantial.

Planning your route in advance can help you avoid unnecessary detours and reduce fuel consumption.

A few simple tips include:

• Group nearby attractions together.

• Avoid unnecessary backtracking.

• Compare fuel prices before filling up using apps like Petrolspy.

• Keep your tyres properly inflated.

• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.

• Drive at a steady speed where conditions allow.

It's also worth researching fuel availability before heading into remote areas.

Some destinations have significant distances between petrol stations, so always plan ahead rather than relying on finding fuel along the way.

8. Save Money by Camping Instead of Staying in Hotels

One of the biggest advantages of travelling by campervan is that you have somewhere to sleep wherever you go.

Instead of paying for hotels every night, you can use campsites, holiday parks and permitted free camping areas.

However, it's important to understand the local rules.

Free camping is not permitted everywhere, and some locations require you to stay in designated areas.

Research your options before travelling and compare the cost of campsites against hotels and other accommodation.

In some destinations, a paid campsite can offer useful facilities such as showers, laundry, electricity and kitchen areas.

Remember that a campervan doesn't automatically mean free accommodation, but it can give you much more flexibility over where you stay.

9. Travel With Friends and Split the Costs

If you're travelling with friends or family, sharing a campervan can make the overall cost much more affordable.

Rather than each person paying for separate transport and accommodation, you can split the cost of the vehicle, fuel and campsites.

For example, a campervan costing $100 per day works out at $50 each when shared between two people, or $25 each when shared between four.

Of course, make sure the vehicle has enough seats and sleeping capacity for everyone travelling.

It's also worth checking the rental agreement to see whether additional drivers are permitted and whether any extra fees apply.

With the right group, sharing a campervan can be one of the most affordable ways to explore a new destination.

10. Book Early and Keep an Eye Out for Last-Minute Deals

Booking early can be a good way to secure a suitable vehicle, particularly during busy travel periods.

However, if you're flexible with your dates and destination, last-minute deals can sometimes offer excellent value.

Rental companies may need to move vehicles between locations at short notice, which can create opportunities for discounted rentals and relocations.

This is particularly relevant to vehicle relocation platforms such as Imoova.

New deals are added as rental companies make vehicles available, so checking regularly can help you spot an opportunity that fits your travel plans.

Unlike traditional rental bookings, Imoova operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you find a suitable relocation, it's worth checking the terms and securing it promptly.

Is a Campervan Relocation Cheaper Than Traditional Campervan Hire?

If saving money is your main priority, it's worth comparing traditional campervan rental with vehicle relocations.

Relocations are particularly useful if you already know where you want to travel and are flexible about how you get there.

For example, if you're planning to travel from Christchurch to Auckland, you might find a vehicle relocation that allows you to complete the journey at a fraction of the cost of traditional campervan hire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Campervan Hire

What is the cheapest way to hire a campervan?

Comparing rental companies, travelling outside peak season and looking for vehicle relocation deals are some of the best ways to reduce campervan hire costs. Imoova vehicles are available for as little as $1 per day.

How much does it cost to hire a campervan?

Prices vary depending on the destination, season, vehicle size and rental company. Always compare the full cost, including insurance, mileage, fuel and additional fees.

Can you really hire a campervan for $1 a day?

Yes. Vehicle relocations are available for $1 per day through Imoova. These are offered when rental companies need vehicles moved between locations. Specific dates, routes, mileage limits and conditions apply.

Is it cheaper to hire a campervan or stay in hotels?

It depends on your destination, travel group and accommodation costs. Campervans can offer savings by combining transport and accommodation, but you should factor in fuel, campsites and vehicle rental costs.

When is the cheapest time to hire a campervan?

Shoulder seasons are often a good time to find more affordable rates. However, pricing varies by destination, so compare different travel dates before booking.

Are fuel and insurance included in cheap campervan hire?

Not always. Inclusions vary between rental companies and individual deals. Always read the terms and conditions to understand what you're paying for.

Can you hire a campervan for a one-way road trip?

Yes. Many traditional rental companies offer one-way rentals, although additional fees may apply. Vehicle relocations are another option if you're travelling between specific cities.

Make Your Next Road Trip More Affordable With Imoova

A campervan adventure doesn't have to cost a fortune.

From travelling outside peak season and choosing a smaller vehicle to sharing costs with friends, there are plenty of ways to make your next road trip more affordable.

But if you're really looking to save on vehicle hire, don't overlook relocations.

With campervans, motorhomes and other vehicles available from just $1 per day, Imoova offers a different way to explore the world without paying traditional rental prices.

Whether you're planning to travel across Australia, explore New Zealand, Canada, discover Europe or take an American road trip, browse the latest Imoova relocation deals and see where your next adventure could take you.