One-Way RV Rentals vs Relocations: What’s the Difference?

If you’re planning a campervan road trip, you’ll likely come across two main options: one-way RV rentals and relocation deals.

While they may seem similar at first, they serve very different purposes and choosing the right one can save you a significant amount of money.

A one-way RV rental is a traditional hire where you:

• Pick up a vehicle in one location

• Drop it off in another

• Pay a standard daily rental rate

Pros of One-Way Rentals

• Full control over your itinerary

• Flexible travel dates

• No strict deadlines

• Wide availability

Cons of One-Way Rentals

• Expensive (often $100–$300+ per day)

• Additional one-way drop-off fees

• Fuel and campsite costs on top

A relocation deal is when you drive a vehicle from one depot to another on behalf of a rental company. Instead of paying full price, you get access to the vehicle for as little as $1 per day. Imoova, the world's largest vehicle relocation marketplace, specialise in connecting travellers with these deals.

Pros of Relocations

• Extremely low cost

• Often includes fuel or ferry contributions

• Perfect for spontaneous or flexible travellers

• Unique, pre-planned routes

Cons of Relocations

• Fixed routes (A - B only)

• Limited timeframes

• Less flexibility for detours

Relocations are ideal if:

• You’re flexible with dates

• You don’t mind a fixed route

• You want to save as much money as possible

• You enjoy spontaneous travel

They’re particularly popular among:

• Backpackers

• Couples

• Groups splitting costs

A traditional rental is the better choice if:

• You want total control over your itinerary

• Your travel dates are fixed or you want to book far in advance

• You need to visit specific locations

• You prefer a slower, more flexible pace

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

• Choose a one-way rental if you want complete freedom

• Choose a relocation if you want unbeatable value

If your goal is to travel further for less, relocations are hard to beat, especially when deals can cost less than a cup of coffee per day. If you opt for a relocation, you can book yours here.