Should I Rent My RV? A Realistic Guide for RV Owners

Should I rent my RV? Is it worth it to rent my RV?

If you have an RV or camper, there’s a good chance it spends a lot of time parked in your driveway. Instead of letting it sit there, you can send it off on some amazing adventures and make some extra cash in the meantime.

Peer-to-peer RV rental marketplaces have made it possible to make extra money with your RV. This can offset the cost of owning it, or help you keep your RV if you’ve been on the fence about selling it. 

If you’re interested in renting your RV, there’s a lot to understand. You need to know how much you can expect to make, the pros and cons, and tips for success. This guide will explain all of those considerations and more, so you can decide if renting out your RV is right for you.

How much can you actually make renting out your RV?

According to RVShare, they estimate that you can make as much as $22,000 to $60,000 a year renting out your RV. One of the biggest factors in how much you can make depends on the type of RV you own. 

Here’s how much you can potentially earn a year according to the type of RV you own:

Class A motorhomes are the most lucrative type of RV to rent out because they’re spacious, can accommodate more people, and can offer some pretty lux accommodations. They’re essentially a house on wheels with a full kitchen, bathroom, and multiple beds.

(Remember, that chart above is only an estimation of potential earnings, not a guarantee.)

There are also several costs associated with renting out your RV, including:

• Commissions: RV rental marketplaces charge owners a commission that ranges from 20% to 25% of the total reservation cost. That means if you rent out your RV for $1,000 for the total trip price, the marketplace keeps $200-$250.
• Cleaning and maintenance: The more your RV is used, the more cleaning and maintenance it requires. This is a difficult cost to estimate, but it’s still worth mentioning.
• Monthly payments and insurance: Some people rent out their RV to offset the cost of financing their RV, but you’ll want to make sure it’s okay with your lender. And you may pay more in RV insurance if you’re renting it out.
• Miscellaneous: To make their RV rental more appealing, some owners offer delivery options, make welcome baskets for their renters, offer clean sheets and towels, etc. Those touches can help you get some positive reviews and renters will love them, but those costs add up, too.

The reality of renting out your RV

The thought of earning an extra $22,000 to $60,000 a year is pretty incredible. Even earning an extra $1,000 a month somewhat passively is appealing. But before you list your RV, here are a few things to know.

1. It’s only somewhat passive income

Passive income is the dream — it’s making money without doing active work — but renting out your RV does require work. There’s the extra maintenance and cleaning your RV will require since it’s being used more. 

You will also have to get the RV ready for every rental and do a pre-rental walkthrough with each renter. These can last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how familiar the renter is with RVs.

2. The off-season can be a drag

The summer is the busiest season for travel, and that’s also true for RV travel. You’ve got families wanting to visit national parks or head out for a cross-country road trip. It’s a lucrative time of the year if you want to rent out your RV, and some owners even raise their rates during the peak season.

However, things really slow down the rest of the year if you’re located in a part of the country that sees colder weather. 

You may still find people who want to rent an RV and drive it somewhere warm, but there is less demand overall. Offering discount off-season or “snowbird” rates would be a good way to attract renters.

3. Your RV is going to see some wear

Even with the best-intentioned renters, your RV will probably see some significant wear. You’ll probably notice some dings and scratches overtime on the interior and exterior of your RV. 

Not only are RVs more difficult to drive, it’s the fact that your RV is being used more, and by strangers. I don’t think this should put you off entirely, but be aware that your RV won’t stay in perfect condition.

The good news is that marketplaces like RVShare have insurance policies that cover serious damage. RVShare’s insurance comes at no additional cost for owners and covers:

• Up to $1 million in liability coverage
• Up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of your RV
• Free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service

4. Location matters

There’s a good chance your renters will be driving your RV down some country roads or into beautiful but remote locations. Before they do that, they’ll need to pick up your RV.

If your RV isn’t conveniently located, like near a major highway or interstate, consider bringing your RV to the renters. Easy access makes a big difference. Roadtrippers don’t want to spend their precious vacation time getting to your RV — they want to use that time enjoying it.

5. It can be a little stressful

Before you rent your RV, really think about how you’ll feel while someone else is driving it. RVs are expensive vehicles, and there is a chance that something will happen while it’s being rented.

You can’t control what happens while your RV is out touring the country. So if this sounds stressful, renting out your RV might not be right for you. Weigh the pros and cons to see if the extra money outweighs the stress.

Speaking of pros and cons… 

Pros and cons of renting out your RV

How to make sure your RV rental is a success

Listing your RV on a rental marketplace like RVShare can bring in some extra cash or help you hold on to an RV that you’ve been thinking about selling. But being successful isn’t as simple as posting great photos and handing over the keys,

Below are 5 tips to boost your earnings and keep your customers happy.

1. Create a guidebook for your guests

There’s a good chance your renters are RV newbies, and a guidebook can help them (and you!) feel more at ease during the trip. Your guidebook can include photo instructions for emptying the black water tank or how to hook up the propane grill. 

Bonus points if you add suggestions for places to buy food, nearby hikes, and where to do laundry.

2. Put together a welcome basket

Make your renters feel extra special and welcome by giving them a basket filled with coffee, bags of tea, a couple of sweet treats, herbal soaps, etc. 

You can even tailor the baskets to the guests. If you find out the renters will be traveling with kids, add coloring books or stickers. For a couple taking a romantic getaway, you could add a bottle of wine.

3. Freshen up your RV’s interior

If your RV is looking dated or already has a lot of wear, consider investing in some easy upgrades. Think about painting the cabinets, adding a peel-and-stick backsplash, and getting new curtains and sheets. Adding throw pillows, candles, rugs, and other homey touches can go a long way. 

4. Include extras

One way to increase your listing price is to offer extras like an outdoor grill, lights to hang up around the campsite, bikes, kayaks, coolers, and other bonus amenities. These are obviously extra expenses for you, but some renters will be willing to pay extra for the convenience.

5. Offer great customer service

Being available to your renters is a huge factor in their experience. Your renter should feel comfortable reaching out to you with a question or concern, and they should get a quick response. 

Communication is the key to good customer service and happy campers.

Should I rent my RV? The final word

Handing over the keys of your RV takes a lot of trust, but you can potentially make an extra $1,000 to $2,000 a month. Renting out your RV is also a nice alternative if you aren’t using it as much and have been thinking about selling.

Before you hand over the keys, weigh the benefits and drawbacks so you’re fully prepared.

Once you’re ready to rent, check out RVShare. It’s a peer-to-peer rental marketplace that makes it easy to list your RV, and they offer top-of-the-line insurance coverage to give you some peace of mind.

Looking for other ways to make $1,000+ each month? Check out 40 Best Side Hustle Ideas of 2022 (Make $1,000+ Per Month).