Motorhome Hire Cost Guide: How Much Should You Pay?

When you start planning a road‑trip with a Motorhome hire cost is the amount you’ll actually pay to rent a motorhome, including all the hidden extras that can turn a cheap deal into a pricey surprise. Most people assume it’s just the daily rate, but the real total can vary widely based on season, vehicle class, mileage limits and insurance choices. This guide breaks down every line‑item you’ll meet on the invoice so you can budget with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Expect a base daily rate of €70‑€120 in low season and €120‑€200 in high season for a mid‑size motorhome.
• Weekly discounts usually shave 10‑15% off the total, while long‑term rentals (2+ weeks) can go even lower.
• Insurance, mileage allowance and deposits often add €30‑€80 per day.
• Extra gear (awnings, bike racks, kitchen kits) can cost €5‑€15 per item per day.
• Always ask for a transparent breakdown before you sign the contract.

Understanding the Base Rate

The Daily rate is the core price you pay for each 24‑hour period you keep the motorhome. Companies price this rate by vehicle class, age of the fleet and demand cycle. In Ireland, a small 2‑berth campervan might start at €70 per day in April, while a luxury 6‑berth family rig can top €200 per day during July‑August.

Most hire firms publish a Weekly rate which is calculated by applying a discount to the sum of six daily rates. The discount typically ranges from 10% to 15%, rewarding longer trips.

Seasonal Pricing: Low vs. High

Seasonality is the single biggest driver of price swings. The low season (late September to early May) sees rates drop 20‑30% because demand falls. High season (June to August, plus school holidays) pushes prices up, sometimes adding a surcharge of €30‑€50 per day.

Some hire companies offer a Seasonal pricing structure that groups months into low, shoulder and high tiers, each with its own rate chart. Knowing which tier your travel dates fall into lets you compare apples‑to‑apples.

Insurance - What You’re Actually Paying For

Insurance isn’t optional in most contracts. A typical Insurance package covers damage to the vehicle, third‑party liability and often includes roadside assistance. Prices vary:

• Basic CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) - €15‑€25 per day.
• Full coverage with zero‑excess - €30‑€45 per day.
• Young driver surcharge (under 25) - extra €10‑€20 per day.

Check whether your personal car insurance or credit‑card travel protection already extends to motorhome rentals - it could shave off a large chunk of the daily expense.

Mileage Allowance and Excess Kilometres

Most Irish hire firms include a free mileage allowance, usually 150‑200 km per day. Anything beyond that is billed per kilometre, typically €0.15‑€0.25. If you plan a long cross‑country trek, negotiate a higher allowance or an unlimited‑kilometre package, which often costs an extra €5‑€10 per day.

The Mileage allowance is the number of kilometres you can drive without incurring extra charges is therefore a key factor that can turn a €90‑per‑day deal into €130 if you exceed the limit.

Deposits and Security

Almost every hire company asks for a refundable Deposit that covers potential damage, missing equipment or excess mileage. The amount ranges from €500 to €2,000 depending on vehicle size and insurance level.

Make sure you understand the conditions for a full refund - take photos before you leave the lot, return the motorhome clean, and keep the mileage log.

Extra Equipment - A Hidden Cost Center

It’s easy to forget that add‑ons like an awning, portable toilet, bike rack or a full kitchen kit are billed separately. Expect €5‑€15 per item per day. Some firms bundle these into a "full‑equipment package" for a flat €30‑€50 daily charge, which can be cheaper if you need multiple items.

Ask for a clear list of what’s included in the base price and what you’ll pay extra for. That way you can decide whether to bring your own gear or rent it on the road.

Real‑World Cost Example

Imagine a family of four hiring a 5‑berth motorhome for a ten‑day summer holiday in Ireland:

1. Base daily rate (high season, mid‑size) - €150 × 10 = €1,500
2. Full insurance with zero‑excess - €40 × 10 = €400
3. Unlimited mileage package - €8 × 10 = €80
4. Full‑equipment bundle (awnings, kitchen kit) - €45 × 10 = €450
5. Deposit (refundable) - €1,000

Total upfront cost (excluding fuel): €2,430 plus a €1,000 refundable deposit. Spread over ten days, the effective daily cost is about €243. Knowing these numbers up front helps you compare quotes without surprise fees.

Tips to Keep Your Motorhome Hire Budget in Check

• Book early: early‑bird discounts can shave 10% off the base rate.
• Travel shoulder season: May‑June or September‑October still offer decent weather with lower prices.
• Opt for a 7‑day or longer hire to trigger weekly discounts.
• Negotiate mileage: a modest increase in allowance often costs less than paying per kilometre later.
• Bring your own camping gear when possible - reduces equipment fees.
• Read the contract line‑by‑line; watch for “administrative fees” that can add €50‑€100.

Comparison of Typical Price Ranges by Vehicle Class (2025)

What to Do If the Quote Looks Too Good to Be True

Very low prices often mean one of three things: missing insurance, a strict mileage cap, or an undisclosed “administrative fee” that will pop up later. Always request a full itemised invoice before you pay a deposit. If a company can’t provide it, walk away.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how the motorhome hire cost is built up - from the base daily rate to insurance, mileage and extra gear - lets you compare offers like a pro. Use the tables and checklists above to audit any quote, and you’ll avoid nasty surprises on the road.