EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our reports dated February 12, 1998, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedules of Rental Service Corporation
as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997, in the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-56653)
and related Prospectus of Rental Service Corporation for the registration of
$200,000,000 of its senior subordinated notes.     
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Phoenix, Arizona
   
August 18, 1998