RV Rental Guide: How to Prepare Your RV to Rent

RVing is one of the best ways to spend your weekends and vacations. But between trips, your RV often sits unused. Rather than have your RV sit and gather dust, one option is to rent out your RV.

Renting out your RV can be a safe and simple way to bring in extra cash flow while giving someone else the chance to give RVing a try. If you’re thinking of renting your RV, we are here to help. In this guide, we will give you tips and tricks to make sure you are protected and the RV is ready to go.

Why Would You Want to Rent Your RV?

RVing is a blast but unfortunately, you often have other things going on that prevent you from enjoying your RV full-time. Instead of letting your RV sit in your driveway, at your property, or in a storage unit, you can diversify your income stream and turn your RV into a new way to meet people and make memories.

RVers have been known to make $40,000 to $60,000 a year renting their RV out full-time. With profits to be made, some RVers look at renting out their RV as a way to budget the purchase of a new one.

Even full-time RVers have periods where they may not be using their rig. Often this is during the holidays or vacation time when RV rentals are in high demand.

Another great benefit to renting your RV is that you have the opportunity to share your passion for RVing with others. Showing a newbie the ropes or swapping stories about the road with well-seasoned travelers can make the experience richer and more rewarding.

How Do You Rent Your RV?

Recently, several new ride-share style sites have popped up that make connecting you with a renter very easy. Sites like RVshare, Outdoorsy, and Premier Luxury RV Rentals will walk you through the process from beginning to end. These sites let you stay in control of your rental while offering added protection. You set the rental rate and the length of time it is available.

The companies in turn have staff that will help you set up your listing, walk you through any questions or concerns you have, verify renters through DMV background checks, and offer 24/7 roadside assistance for your RV.

Preparing Your RV for Rental

Once you have decided to rent your RV, it’s time to set up your RV for a successful rental.

• Make all necessary repairs to the RV and take care of any maintenance that needs to be completed. You want to ensure that the RV is road-ready for guests.
• Clean it! Cleaning your RV will take a little bit of time and hard work, but it is one of the most important steps in preparation. People will often give less than stellar reviews for RVs that aren’t clean. Make sure all of the linen has been washed, the floors are sparkling, and the glass is spotless.
• When creating your RV listing, you’ll need to list everything that is stocked and included. Make sure you take the time to inventory what is in your RV and restock as necessary.

Some RVers will purchase a second set of dishes and cookware just for renting. Also don’t forget consumables like soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaners.

• Create a book or guide that covers every detail about your RV. This book should go over every button on the dash, how remotes work, and how to operate the built-in hookups and RV systems. Your personalized user guide will help reduce the number of frustrating calls you receive from guests and will help your renters feel comfortable operating the RV right away.
• Do a walk-through with your renters. Even if something seems obvious, go over it with guests. Your seasoned eyes see things differently than someone who may have never driven an RV before.
• Put a personal touch on your rental. This can go a long way in helping add a special experience for your guests! Do you like baking? Bake a fresh batch of cookies for your renter's arrival. Are you more of a coffee person? Leave a complimentary bag of local coffee with a note welcoming your guests. Get creative and think about how to make your RV shine to develop repeat business and word of mouth.

How to Make Sure You Are Protected

Keeping yourself, the renter, and the RV protected throughout the rental process is priority number one. Using a platform that offers insurance protection against liability and collision is a great idea. However, carrying your own insurance for what they don’t cover is the ticket to peace of mind. Make sure your coverage specifically states it covers any situation in which the RV is not returned, stolen from the renter, or damaged in any way.

Many RVers also place GPS tracking devices in their RVs to protect themselves in the unlikely situation they don’t receive the RV back. Another benefit to using an RVshare service is that they control the deposit necessary to hold the RV for their reservation. This means that you won’t lose out on any money if the renters are no-shows.

Fund a New RV Purchase

With the RV market booming, it is a great time to purchase a new or used Class A, Class B, Class C, Super C, or fifth-wheel RV. With a new RV, you can enjoy the great outdoors when you want and make additional income when you're not using your RV. Come on by any of our Transwest locations, and we will be happy to show you around or drop by a service center to make sure your RV is road ready before renting it out.