RV Rentals in Phoenix: What & Where to Rent
Research different RV sizes, nightly costs, fees, and customer service before renting your RV.
When you’re browsing RV rentals in Phoenix, look for companies close to the airport with 24/7 customer service, full vehicle orientations, transparent costs, and an RV that matches your size, comfort, and travel preferences.
Below are tips about what to consider when renting an RV in Phoenix, which companies are the best, and how Blacksford stacks up.
Choosing a Rental Company
Company Location
How will you get to your RV? Does the rental company offer a shuttle from the airport? Or will you take an Uber or Lyft to their location? Companies 15-20 minutes from the Phoenix airport usually have better rates and more vehicle options.
Location Comparison
Blacksford in Phoenix, AZ (4 miles): Free airport pick up and drop off.
Cruise America in Mesa, AZ (13 miles, $20 Uber one way): You’re responsible for transportation and from to their location.
El Monte in Peoria, AZ (16 miles, $25 Uber one way): You’re responsible for transportation to and from their location.
Vehicle Orientations
An orientation should walk you through how to drive and park your RV, hook up power and water, dump waste, and use the kitchen, bathroom, heating, and air conditioning systems. Some companies rush through this or give you a printed guide to review on your own.
Comparing Orientations
Blacksford in Phoenix, AZ: Every rental includes a detailed, in-person walkthrough with a team member who knows your exact vehicle and itinerary. You’ll learn how everything works and get time to ask questions before you leave.
Cruise America in Mesa, AZ: Orientation starts with a mandatory instructional video about how to drive and operate the RV, usually followed by an in-person walkthrough of systems and setup, but customer experiences vary.
El Monte in Peoria, AZ: According to reviews, orientations are often limited to printed guides and a short overview at pickup. You may not learn how to operate all the systems unless you ask, so be sure to ask.
Customer Service
Ask your customer service agent who you’ll contact if anything goes wrong on your trip. We’ve heard horror stories about other companies and peer-to-peer rentals where no one picked up the phone.
Get the name of the person and phone number you’ll call for help with a flat tire, your RV’s electrical or water systems, or an inoperable vehicle. Be sure to also ask when that help is available, because things regularly go wrong during non-business hours.
We’ll let you read reviews of other companies, then check out Blacksford’s 5-star reviews.
Customer Service Comparison
Blacksford in Phoenix, AZ: Direct cell numbers for staff in Phoenix who know your rental personally. 24/7 availability for emergencies with same-day response, plus detailed orientation before you leave.
Cruise America in Mesa, AZ: Standard business hours customer service with a general 1-800 roadside number. You’ll speak with different reps each call, and after-hours support is limited.
El Monte in Peoria, AZ: 24/7 roadside assistance through call centers, but expect transfers between departments. The person helping you may not know your specific rental details.
Choosing the Right RV Size
Which RV model should you rent? Start by talking with your traveling companions and identify what’s most important for your trip:
Having space to hang out in the RV vs. knowing you’ll only be sleeping in the vehicle
Knowing there’s a bathroom on board vs. being happy to use bathrooms along the way
Being able to cook full meals vs. grabbing sandwiches out of a small refrigerator vs. eating out for most meals
RV Class by Size
Class A motorhomes or motorcoaches have the most interior space but their size can be intimidating for first-time drivers, and their length is usually over the maximum size allowed in many campgrounds. But if you have a large group, want more space for sleeping, eating, showering, and hanging out, Class A RVs have the most room.
Class A example, the Thor Quantum LC28:
Class A: Thor Quantum LC28; Sleeps 7, full kitchen & bath; 30' long
Class B RVs are often called campervans or sprinter vans. They’re compact vehicles that drive like a large SUV, so they’re easy to take on rougher roads or into town and park in standard spots. Because living space is limited, they’re best for couples or families with small kids.
Most Class B campervans have a small kitchenette with a mini fridge, one standard sleeping area, and some have an additional pop-top or convertible sleeping area. Bathrooms in Class B RVs usually consist of cassette toilets and outdoor showers.
Class B example, the Winnebago Solis PX:
Class B: Winnebago Solis PX Pop-Top; Sleeps 4, kitchenette & cassette toilet, outdoor shower, 21' long
Class C RVs, which are confusingly larger than Class Bs, are still easy to drive (like a big truck) while providing nice-sized living and sleeping spaces, full baths, and full kitchens. They’re a popular choice for families or groups who want home-like amenities in a vehicle that’s easy to drive and fits into standard RV campground sites.
Class C example, the Winnebago View 24J:
Winnebago View 24J; Sleeps 6, full kitchen & bath, 25' long
Explore Arizona in a Blacksford RV!
Why Size Matters for Arizona Roads
If your itinerary includes canyon roads, mountain passes, or small towns, choose a Class B campervans or smaller Class C RVs (under 30 feet) for easy driving up steep sections and around tight corners.
Routes like Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon, the Grand Canyon’s Desert View Drive, and Flagstaff’s mountain passes are beautiful, winding roads with narrow turns, so you’ll need an RV that can maneuver easily.
Phoenix RV Rental Costs
Phoenix RV rental rates typically range from $75–150 per day for Class B campervans, $100-200 for Class C motorhomes, and $150–300+ for Class A coaches, but the base rate is just the starting point.
Most companies charge $0.25–$0.50/mile, which can add $125–250 total for popular Arizona road trips (a Phoenix-to-Sedona-to-Grand Canyon itinerary covers roughly 500–600 miles).
Generator usage typically costs $3–5/hour and adds up quickly—running air conditioning for 8 hours each day in Arizona’s hot months can add $25–40/day to your bill.
Extra Fees That Add Up
Other add-ons can double your total cost if you’re not careful:
Linens and bedding: $25–75 per rental (sheets, pillows, towels)
Cookware and utensil sets: $30–50 per rental
Cleaning fees: $75–150 if you don’t return the RV in acceptable condition
Late return penalties: Often $50+/hour
7-Night Class C RV Rental Cost Snapshot
Using a popular 650-mile itinerary: Phoenix ➞ Sedona ➞ Grand Canyon ➞ Horseshoe Bend/Antelope Canyon ➞ Glen Canyon Dam ➞ Phoenix, rental cost estimates are below.
Note: fees like taxes, insurance, and cleaning/deposits aren’t included.
Blacksford in Phoenix, AZ: Expect about $250–$400 per night, with 24/7 trip support, new vehicles, unlimited mileage, generator use, bedding, linens, and kitchen gear already included, so the trip runs about $1,750–$2,800.
Cruise America in Mesa, AZ: Nightly rates average $150–$250, plus $0.39/mile, generator use at $3.50/hour, and bedding + kitchen kits that add about $180–$300, so the trip costs about $1,540–$2,360.
El Monte in Peoria, AZ: Rates run $150–$240/night, mileage fees are $0.34–$0.39/mile, generator use is $10/night or $3.50/hour, and optional kitchen/linen kits cost $180–$300, bringing trip to about $1,480–$2,300.
Get the full cost breakdown in our blog: How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV?
Money-Saving Tips
Bring your own linens, pillows, and basic cookware to avoid fees or choose a company with all of this and more included).
Plan your mileage carefully using mapping tools and minimize generator use by staying in campgrounds with electrical hookups (or choose a company with mileage and generator use included).
Book shoulder season dates (April–May, October–November) or during the summer low season for better rates and availability.
Compare total trip costs, not just daily rates: a company with higher daily rates but lower mileage charges might cost less overall for longer trips.
Making Your Final RV Rental Decision
Choosing the right RV rental in Phoenix comes down to more than just daily rates. When you factor in mileage, generator fees, gear rentals, and customer service, the true cost and your trip experience can vary widely.
For a stress-free vacation with premium amenities, airport pickup, and 24/7 support built in, Blacksford RV rentals in Phoenix is the most convenient and reliable option for any Arizona RV adventure.