"Renting" a Class C from a private party?

Not sure where to put this post because it's not exactly a "wanted" request to buy an rv.

Our family of 7 wants to do some full time rving for several months, up to a year, in a Class C (possibly like a Forest River Sunseeker with bunks & over cab loft bunk) as we travel through the US.  But, as you all probably already know, to rent something like this is outrageous...and because our ultimate goal is to head overseas, we'd rather not have to go through the headaches of buying one and then have to figure out how to sell it.

Has anyone ever heard of someone who owns an rv "rent" it out to someone like us?  I know it sounds crazy, but I just have to ask!

Actually, the prices charged by rental outfits are really not as bad as one might think -- when you consider what it costs to maintain a rental rig properly. For example, consider the cost of commercial insurance and the fact that each day you have it rented, it continues to depreciate X number of dollars.

There are folks that rent out their RV's. You can ususally find their ads in the local newspapers - or on line by Googling. The problem you will run into is that if they "do" rent their rig, they are now in business and must hold commercial insurance vs. some will tell you that your current auto policy would be adequate. And it isn't.

A key expense that a rental agency has is keeping the rig fit for travel. A good rental will be serviced exactly when it is supposed to be and that will keep it running down those long, lonesome highways you will find yourself on vs. breaking down with only a bar or two on your cell phone.

Rental agencies have a network of places to help you when/if you "do" break down. Think about it. If you rent from a private party and have a major breakdown -- what happens then? Does the rental come with insurance that will cover you - and will the person you rented from make arrangements to have the rig towed or whatever is needed? Does the person renting have a detailed contract that covers every nook and cranny of what might happen between the time you pick up the rig and when you return it?

IMHO, is isn't a good idea to rent from a private party.