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Tag: RV Rentals

  • Renting an RV? It’ll Cost You … About the Same as Last Year

    Renting an RV? It’ll Cost You … About the Same as Last Year

    In a marketplace that’s seen wild fluctuations, the cost of renting an RV is one of the few figures that has stayed much the same. According to an article by Go RV Rentals, the average rental price of $184 per night is only a dollar more, on average, than in 2023. This is not a new trend, either, as prices have only gone up an average of four percent over the past five years.

     

    How Much Do RV Rentals Cost?

    While the average cost of RV rentals has not changed, that’s not the whole picture. Depending on the category of RV and where it’s based, you may be paying far above that $184 figure – the most expensive listing in the survey was a Class A that goes for $1,400 a night.

    Class As are indeed the most expensive category in the survey – and in general – though the average listing price was a more palatable $313. The cheapest RVs to rent were pop-ups, which averaged $90 a night. By location, Tampa came in at the bottom with an average of $164 per night, while Houston was the highest at $198. Shopping for the best deal? You’re looking at a pop-up in either Salt Lake City or Dallas at $80. On the other end of the scale, a Class A in Miami averages $373 a night.

    Of course, these are all averages, and each listing will be priced lower or higher based on age, amenities, and other factors such as pick-up and drop-off, or pet accommodations.

     

    Why Do Owners Rent Out Their RV?

    In addition to traditional rental agency companies like Cruise America and El Monte RVs, many individuals rent their RVs out. In fact, there is a whole community of RV owners who specialize in renting them to others.

    Some individuals who rent out their RVs do so to help defray costs. If someone’s monthly payment is $1,000 per month on an RV, it doesn’t take a lot of nights at the average rate to recoup that investment.

    Other owners purchase used rigs – right here on RVTrader – specifically to put them into the rental market. One individual who spoke with us said that he and his wife have one trailer they use for rentals and are shopping for a second. For them, renting out their RV has become a great source of income, particularly during big local events. The only hassle is organizing the drop-off and pick-up of the trailer.

     

    How Do Individual RV Rentals Work?

    Like AirBnB and Vrbo, there are a number of platforms that match renters with owners and include various degrees of insurance and other security features as part of the process.

    Owners are able to set the terms and price for their rentals based on their own conditions. Some owners choose to drop off and pick up their RVs, while others ask renters to do that themselves. Typically the cost of the rental only covers the RV itself and does not include camping or other fees; though owners can offer amenities and equipment like pots, utensils, dishes, and towels as part of the equation.

    Interested in renting out your own RV? It’s important to do your research to see if it’s the right fit, especially if you are still actively using your RV and only renting part-time.

     

    The Rise of RV Rentals

    RV renting is a vibrant and growing industry, and it’s easy to see why. As rental platforms have matured, there’s an opportunity for experienced owners to turn their RVs into a source of income – and maybe justify adding another RV to their fleet.

  • Dating Your Dream RV: A Buyer’s Guide to Rentals

    Dating Your Dream RV: A Buyer’s Guide to Rentals

    Let’s be honest here. When we’re daydreaming about an RV, it’s about buying the perfect model for our style of camping. You know, the one that can take us where we want to go. The one we can build our RV life with. But finding the perfect RV model is a process. It’s one part attraction. It’s certainly another part online research. However, one thing many buyers miss out on is experience. (And by that, we do mean more than simply collecting the lessons learned from your RV buying experience.) In many cases, you can even date your dream RV. Just book the model you’re daydreaming about. Effectively, you can rent the RV to buy the same model later if you like it. That way, you know you’re a match.

    Where should you start? Really, your best move has everything to do with where you are in your buyer journey. Looking for your first RV? Or want to see how an RV will gel with you on the road? Rent first. Ultimately, it’s a great way to save money because it helps you be certain that the model you invest so much in is truly the one you want.

     

    Your RV Date Coach: Ways to Rent an RV to Buy Later

    First-Time Buyer: Compare and Contrast

    If you are considering an RV at all, one of the ways to see what fits is to rent a couple of them. You might be inspired by a local RV show or the listings here on RV Trader, and narrow down your shortlist to a few makes, models, or even specific floorplans. Then you could arrange to rent those RVs to see how well the reality of experiencing them aligns with your imagination.

    Another thing to note is that if a floorplan is at all popular, it’s going to be picked up and built by more than one RV company. I have been very surprised by how different companies construct the “same” floor plan. For example, there was one where the bedroom was so small it was a challenge to get into the bathroom, but another RV — same floor plan, different builder — didn’t have this issue at all.

    This is also true of the driving experience of motorized RVs. If you’re shopping a Class B and trying to decide the best base between the Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster, you might rent one of each and see if one really stands out to you.

    Thrill Seekers: Field Test Your RV

    Sometimes it actually is about the destination and not the journey. You can get a jumpstart on your getaway by arranging for a rental at your destination, and spend your time exploring instead of waiting to get there. I mean, this makes sense, right? If you want to know if an RV is good at boondocking, dry camping, glamping, or overlanding then … take it boondocking, dry camping, glamping, or overlanding.

    This is especially true if you’re traveling abroad and driving there isn’t an option. Many of our friends have rented RVs in Germany, Italy, Australia, and other countries around the world. YouTube travel creator Robert Morales, aka Traveling Robert, recently shared a whole series on renting a camper van in Spain.

     

    Plussing Up: Introduce Friends and Family

    Say you already have the perfect RV for all of your adventures. But you’d like to have a larger rig special gatherings where you’ll have family or friends along. However, you may not be sure that they’re into that kind of thing yet. Rather than buying a behemoth Class A or gargantuan fifth wheel RV, rent one and test it out on the team. If everyone loves it, my guess is that they’ll tell you loud and clear. But either way, it’s safer to rent an RV to buy the same model later. Because you can always change your mind.

    When I was working at a dealership, a lot of people would buy RVs with the idea that children and grandchildren would be part of the adventure, ending up with a larger RV than they might otherwise consider. Then later, more often than not, I would get these larger RVs in trade for something that was actually a better fit. Better for their plans. Better down narrow access roads. And better in their driveways when they get home.

    Currently, I’m writing this story at an RV rally where the organizers have brought in two rental RVs for their friends to attend the rally as well. It’s just makes another great use case. If you’re an RVer and have friends who want to join you, an RV rental allows them to come along for the journey, but also gives them both privacy and the freedom to explore on their own.

     

    So Where Do You Rent RVs?

    There are a lot of choices when it comes to finding rentals. You’ll quite frequently find Class C RVs from larger rental companies with their very distinctive graphics at RV parks. But you’ll also find companies that specialize in one category, such as pickup campers. Others may be more localized, serving a particular geographic area. And there are dealerships that will rent out their used RV inventory.

    Then there are web-based companies that put RV owners in touch with renters. Companies like Outdoorsy, RVshare, and RVezy all match renters to buyers in a similar fashion to other platforms like Turo or AirBnB.

     

    RV Rentals: An Option for Everyone

    Even if you already own an RV, renting one is an easy solution and a worthwhile option. You can extend your getaway, try out a new rig, or accommodate a larger group of people than you might normally camp with. Without the need to make a long-term commitment, you can focus on the adventure instead of the numbers. And then when you find the right one? You guessed it. You can experience the thrill of buying the perfect RV.

  • The Rise of RVBNB: Monetizing Your RV Through Rentals

    The Rise of RVBNB: Monetizing Your RV Through Rentals

    Are you interested in RV ownership but concerned by the potential expenses? Consider a different perspective on the financial value of owning an RV: renting it out during periods of non-use. In recent years, a new trend has taken hold in the travel and hospitality industry—RVBNB, a clever adaptation of the popular accommodation rental platform Airbnb. RVBNB empowers RV owners to monetize their vehicles by offering them for rent to travelers in search of unique and exhilarating adventures on the open road. If you’re an RV owner eager to tap into this growing market and transform your vehicle into a lucrative asset, this guide from RV Trader is your roadmap to success in the realm of RV rentals.

    Platforms for RV Rentals

    There are several online platforms that specialize in RV rentals, making it easy for owners to connect with renters. Popular options include Outdoorsy, RVshare, and RVezy. These platforms provide a user-friendly interface for listing your RV, managing bookings, and communicating with qualified renters. They also offer insurance options and secure payment processing to protect both parties involved in the rental transaction.

    The Financial Potential

    Renting out your RV can be lucrative, with rates varying depending on size, amenities, age, condition, and demand. On average, owners can earn $100 to $300 per night, with luxury RVs commanding higher rates.

    Adjust prices seasonally or offer discounts for longer rentals to attract more renters. By strategically pricing your RV rental, you can maximize earnings and ensure steady bookings. If using a rental site, know that many have guidelines on pricing and how to maximize your rental income.

    Rental Times

    RV rentals cater to diverse traveler preferences, ranging from short weekend getaways to month-long adventures. As an owner, consider your comfort level and availability when deciding on rental times. Short-term rentals offer the advantage of flexibility, allowing you to maintain more control over your RV’s availability and usage. However, they may require more effort in terms of turnover between renters. On the other hand, long-term rentals provide a steady income and reduce the need for frequent turnover, but they may limit your ability to use your RV for personal trips.

    By offering flexible rental times, you can attract a wider range of renters and maximize your earning potential while ensuring a balance that suits your lifestyle as an RV owner.

    Insurance Needs

    Insurance is a crucial aspect of renting out your RV to protect yourself and your vehicle against any unforeseen circumstances. Many RV rental platforms offer insurance options tailored specifically for RV owners, covering liability, collision, and comprehensive damages. Before listing your RV for rent, ensure you understand the insurance coverage provided and any additional options available to ensure adequate protection during the rental period.

    Stationary Rentals vs. Traveling Rentals

    In addition to traditional RV rentals for travel, some owners choose to rent out their vehicles for stationary use, such as seasonal stays at RV parks or campgrounds. Stationary rentals offer a different experience, catering to individuals or families looking for a home away from home without the hassle of driving. Owners can choose to pay a seasonal fee to keep their RV stationary at a park, allowing them to offer a unique accommodation experience to renters. 

    With stationary rentals, you have the opportunity to enhance the experience by offering a fully stocked campsite complete with extra amenities, potentially increasing your earnings and providing renters with a hassle-free and memorable stay.

    Compare prices for new and pre-owned travel trailers for sale online.

    With the rise of RVBNB, RV owners have a unique opportunity to monetize their vehicles and capitalize on the growing demand for alternative travel accommodations. By listing your RV on rental platforms, setting competitive prices, and ensuring proper insurance coverage, you can turn your RV into a profitable asset while providing memorable experiences for travelers exploring the open road. 

    There’s never been a better time to join the RV rental revolution and unlock the earning potential of your RV. Ready to take the plunge? Get started today by purchasing your own RV with RVTrader and start renting out your adventure on wheels!

  • FMCA: 5 Tips for Renting Out Your RV

    FMCA: 5 Tips for Renting Out Your RV

    The idea of renting your RV to a stranger might sound like a far-fetched concept, an invasion of your privacy, and the last thing on earth that you’d want to do. But what if it didn’t have to be?

    In the past few years, the idea of shared economy business models in companies like AirBnB and VRBO has proven that there are safe and lucrative ways to rent out your property when you are not using it. And as time passes, that same business model has moved into other markets including the RV industry.

    If you are like thousands of other RV owners and are considering making some extra cash by renting out your RV, consider these 5 tips from The Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA).

    1. Do Your Research First

    We suggest poking around on a variety of RV rentals websites to get a feel for the way the process works and what an RV listing looks like to a potential renter. You should also check out testimonials from individuals who have rented their RV’s in the past. What was their experience like? What were the pros AND cons?

    You’ll also want to make sure that you are not violating any contracts with your insurance provider by allowing renters to use your RV. The last thing you would want is to lose your insurance!

    2. Be a Good Host

    If you’re reading this blog, you know that the RV lifestyle is not for everybody. One thing that you’ll realize when you enter the world of RV renting is that the people who are looking to rent an RV are on the fence about becoming RV owners themselves. This is their way of testing the waters to find out if they are indeed the RV-type. 

    Use this opportunity to go above and beyond simply providing them with a place to stay. Be a wonderful host and show them how great RVing can be. Share tips and suggestions with them that you think will make their experience truly unforgettable. If there are useful camping items that you don’t mind letting them use, stock your camper with them. If there are tricks or secrets to using features of your RV that may have a learning curve, share them with the renters ahead of time so that they don’t spend their trip wondering how things work.

    3. Develop a System for Removing Your Belongings

    Even though you’ll likely keep some camping gear for the renter to use, you will want to make sure that you clear out any of your personal belongings before passing your rig off to the curious new RVer. This may seem tedious, but a small task to accomplish for the financial payoff of renting your RV. The more you do it, the quicker the chore will become. If you develop a system, it will eventually be no problem at all.

    The first time or two might take some tweaking but create a checklist while you go and designate a space at your home or a storage facility to keep your personal items. If you plan to rent frequently, it might even be worth investing in a nice set of storage bins or shelves.

    This process may help you realize that you’ve been keeping too much unnecessary clutter in your RV anyway. Each time you repack for your own travels you might decide that some items can stay out, making the process shorter and easier in the future.

    4. Invest the Money Back into Your RV

    Renting your RV can be an incredible money-making experience, and could assist in the costly upkeep of your RV. In fact, if you aren’t an RV owner yet, renting could be the answer to finally being able to afford to make your first purchase! Between upkeep and payments, renting your RV out for just three times a year could greatly offset the cost of ownership!

    Once you receive your first payment, feel free to treat yourself to something nice! But as the money keeps coming in, consider reinvesting some of it back into your RV. Are you in a position to pay it off earlier than you thought possible now? Are there upgrades that you’ve always wanted to make but never could afford? Perhaps you have always wanted to visit Fort Wilderness in Disneyland but never were able to justify it to yourself. Now that you have monetized owning your RV, all of these things are possible! It would even be a good idea to start saving some of the money you earn from renting your RV in case general repairs are needed. 

    5. Stay Within Your Comfort Zone

    If you’re still reading this, it must mean that your curiosity has been sparked a little bit. You might not be eager to welcome a stranger into your home on wheels quite yet – and we get that. This business isn’t for everybody. If you are curious but hesitant, we encourage you to stay within your comfort zone. As an RV owner, you can set all your preferences.

    You can choose who you do or do not allow to rent. You can set specific dates and locations also. Maybe you would be better off renting for a weekend at a state park in your home state a few times before you feel comfortable sending your RV on a cross-country road trip with somebody. 

    Have you rented your RV before? What was it like? If not, is it something you would consider? Let us know in the comments below.

  • Tips For Renting an RV For the First Time

    Tips For Renting an RV For the First Time

    With states slowly opening and summer just around the corner, people across America are easing back into the world of travel. But the reality is, summer getaways might look a little different this year, and considering many people aren’t ready to fly to their next destination, road trips are making a huge comeback. RVs give you the option to truly have a home on wheels and are ideal for social distancing. Don’t have an RV, but still want to take a trip this summer? RV Trader Rentals could be the perfect option for you. Before you select the RV rental for your next escape, check out some of our tips for renting an RV for the first time.

    Select the RV Type

    There are so many different types of RVs out there and it can be hard to choose which is best for you, but let’s start with the basics. You’ll need to ask yourself if you’d like to tow or drive the unit you want to rent. Travel trailers are towable RVs that you can hitch to the back of your vehicle, and units like Class As, Class Bs, and Class Cs are all drivable units that don’t require towing mechanisms. You’ll also want to consider the group you’re traveling with. RVs come in all shapes and sizes so it’s important to make sure you have enough room to accommodate those who you’re traveling with. For instance, a larger group may want to consider renting a larger travel trailer or a Class A unit, while the couple or solo traveler might just need the basics that you’d find in a Class B RV. The options are endless so take some time to research and to look at the photos and descriptions of the RVs you’re interested in renting to ensure they will fit your specific travel needs. 

    Consider Sleeping Arrangements

    As we mentioned above, you’ll need to take a good look at the group you’re traveling with to make sure the unit you’re renting has enough sleeping space. The owner of the unit will clearly state the exact number of people the unit can sleep so you can know right off the bat. Keep in mind that many RVs have conversions throughout the vehicle to create additional sleeping space such as dinette conversions, sleeper sofas, pop-ups, slideouts, and more. 

    Compare Pricing

    Once you’ve decided on the type of RV you want to rent, it’s time to select your perfect rental. Price is a big factor to anyone looking to rent, and luckily, our RV Trader Rentals platform makes it incredibly easy to compare RV pricing. We give you the ability to filter by minimum and maximum price to find an RV within your ideal price range. 

    Book Early

    Roadtrips will most certainly be on the rise this summer as many people still want to avoid flying so you’ll want to book your RV rental in advance to make sure you are locked in for your trip. Many of our owners have flexible policies if a cancellation needs to occur, but we recommend checking their specific policy before you book. It will be listed on their “Read More About This RV Section”.

    Find the Perfect Destination

    Now for the really fun part – selecting your destination. Your rental can take you just about anywhere and you won’t have to worry about hotels along the way. National parks and state parks are some of the most popular attractions for RVers and they typically have campgrounds nearby, but you’ll want to keep in mind that some parks have size restrictions on RVs. Be sure to check size restrictions on the park’s website before setting off on your next adventure.  

    Plan Your Route

    A GPS can usually get you to where you want to go but RVing is all about enjoying the ride. Most of the time a GPS will give you the fastest route to your destination, but what if you want to take the scenic route, or take pit stops along the way? We recommend planning your route before you hit the road and Roadtrippers is a great app to help you do just that. Roadtrippers can help you find amazing places along your route that you never knew existed. Check it out.

    Book Your Campsites in Advance

    Campsites tend to fill up fairly quickly in the summer and even more so if you’re going to a popular destination. You’ll want to reserve your site well ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about searching where to park your RV for the night. 

    Remember – RVs Are Much Different Than Cars

    It’s crucial to remember that when you’re driving an RV, you’re not driving a car. RVs are much larger than the average car and you need to take your time out on the road. Practice parking and take a quick test drive with the owner before you head out so you can hear their tips, tricks, and safe practices.

    Make a Packing Checklist

    Packing an RV is a little different than the average trip. You need to think about all the essentials you’ll need out on the road. With RV Trader Rentals, we give our owners the opportunity to offer Add-Ons such as kitchen kits, linen sets, camping accessories, and more. Check to see what your owner offers and then plan your packing checklist accordingly. It’s also a great idea to stock up on food and snacks. Many RVs have full or partial kitchens that you can take advantage of to save some money out on the road.

    Ask Questions

    There are no dumb questions when it comes to RVs – especially if this is your first renting experience. Some common question topics could surround insurance policies, roadside assistance, tours of the unit, test drives, how to tow, general operation, slideouts, and more. 

    Don’t be intimidated by renting an RV for the first time – it’s a lot easier than you might think. Traveling in an RV is an incredible way to see the country all while social distancing and can be a great litmus test to see if you’d actually like to buy an RV of your own in the future. Ready to rent? Visit RV Trader Rentals to get started.

    Happy traveling.