Renting out RV

[ddayton1]

We are interested in renting our RV. Can anyone share their experiences with RV rental companies (such as AirBnB)? Good/bad/tips, etc?
We have a 2016 Forest River Class C. Like new we have only taken a few trips. We are in need of extra income and would like to explore this option. My concern is if it is doable without high risk of damage or getting trashed.
Thank you in advance!

[NJKris]

I think anytime you rent something out to strangers there is a high risk of damage or getting trashed. I would never be a landlord for this reason. (used to work in landlord/tenant court).

[Oaklevel]

Personally I would NEVER recommend it. But if you do expect damage, serious wear, and things missing. Also expect extra maintenance costs.

The biggest thing to do is make sure that you have insurance that will cover your renting it out. Your rates will be much higher.

Not a camper but a trailer at the beach our friends were always replacing furniture, doors, floors, carpet, etc. If it has issues broken on the road you will be on the hook for towing fee, RV repairs and it could sit for months at a RV repair facility states away, loosing your repair fees and future rental monies. Assuming no one decides to make meth in it.

Good Luck............. You probably will not make much extra money.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by ddayton1

We have a 2016 Forest River Class C. Like new we have only taken a few trips. We are in need of extra income and would like to explore this option. My concern is if it is doable without high risk of damage or getting trashed.
Thank you in advance!

I've seen how people drive rental units from the big rv rental companies. I sure wouldn't want my rig treated like that.
I think you've got a high risk of damage especially with the engine of the rig. If you had a towable trailer, you could see the damage. With a motorized rig, you won't be able to tell if there is damage until it's too late.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by ddayton1

We are interested in renting our RV. Can anyone share their experiences with RV rental companies (such as AirBnB)? Good/bad/tips, etc?
We have a 2016 Forest River Class C. Like new we have only taken a few trips. We are in need of extra income and would like to explore this option. My concern is if it is doable without high risk of damage or getting trashed.
Thank you in advance!

This question is asked quite often on every RV forum. 90% of the answers are NOT to do it.
Most of the few positive answers I've seen, are from those who don't use or barely use their RV anymore. So they aren't emotionally invested in the RV anymore.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by bikendan

This question is asked quite often on every RV forum. 90% of the answers are NOT to do it.
Most of the few positive answers I've seen, are from those who don't use or barely use their RV anymore. So they aren't emotionally invested in the RV anymore.

X2 or maybe X37.

[wtbuck12]

I would not lend my Motorhome to a friend, much less rent it to a stranger. Just me!
Ronnie

[JWood422]

My daughter wants to borrow our trailer. And our Expedition. I tried to laugh it off the first time she asked. I straight up told her no the last time.

[Big bird]

Just the economics. You cannot rent a single unit and make money. The costs are too high and number of rents you need to do a month you cannot achieve. If you cannot afford the RV, sell it.

[Aulli17]

We also are going to do this, most people are way to emotionally attached to their stuff.

I first rented a class C last year in April to see how the process worked and I was hooked. Now I own a Class A (oops). I talked to the guy who i rented from this last fall and he said it is a LOT of work. Ok back up, I own 15 rental properties and also an AirBnb vacation home that I use as well with my family. So my mindset is different than most people. There is money to be made if done correctly. I was told the same thing about renting out my cabin. Don't listen to people who haven't tried it. Just know stuffs gonna get broke, so don't put the good china in the cabinet. Try it once, if it goes bad then don't do it again. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

That said the person I rented from didn't like outdoorsy but that's all he used. Getting claims out of them was a big hassle. Turned into a full time job. He said eliminate the "rent it now" so you can screen renters. Figure out where they are going how long how many people etc. This is KEY. For instance I don't want my RV going to Yellowstone unless I'm in it. Way too many miles and way to far away from civilization in parts of the trip if an issue arises.
The commercial policy isn't that much more and you'll want some sort of roadside assistance with it. Your insurance agent can help with that. I assume you can buy some separate roadside assistance like the one from Good Sam for like $75 annual but haven't gotten that far yet. My local RV dealer rents RV's all day long and I have talked to them about it as well.

You can charge $200 easily per day as I'm sure you are aware. The guy I rented from last year had to take it off the platform because it was renting too quick and he didn't have time to use it himself. Literally once the beaches opened in April he booked his whole summer in a week. There is money to be made but wear and tear is a real thing you have to factor in.

I could go on and on with more, send me a PM and we can discuss more. Just don't let any of the other people poo poo on your idea, it's a good one. Just know people aren't gonna be easy on your equipment. They told Columbus the world was flat too.....

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

X2 or maybe X37.

X 3 dont do. Later RJD

[Flybob]

There are several lengthy discussions here covering this issue. The general consensus is not to do it. Many of the skills required for proper operation of an RV are not inherent to non-RV owners. If you do wish to rent out an RV as an income source, I strongly recommend you purchase it strictly as a rental and not for mixed use.

[upflying]

The only time I would rent an RV is through a "leaseback" agreement with a RV rental business.
You purchase a new RV and rent it back to the RV rental business. The business takes a percentage of the rental income and gives you the rest to cover your monthly payments. After 2 or 3 years and 100,000 miles, your RV is returned to you. Could be some tax advantages if the rental is depreciated and considered a business.
You would have no emotional ties to your RV and who rents it.

[WanderMore]

I would tend to shy away from renting out my RV. It was bad enough having rental property but at least my tenants couldn’t drive my property into a lake.

[TitanMike]

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

Picture the Motorhome I saw being returned to a rental company. The entire curb side had a guardrail stripe on it and no, it couldn't be buffed out. It was at least 6" deep from front to rear corner.

Essentially off the rental line for most, if not all, the remaining rental season.


Also consider that if you are renting out a Motorhome you are conducting a business. Depending on State, City, County, you'll need a business license ---------AND------

your regular insurance won't cover the vehicle. You'll need a policy covering it's commercial use.

[DeltaMud]

Make sure you install a GPS tracker.

[kenandterry]

I think we’ve answered this one.

[Canadian Eh]

Has anyone had experience renting their RV. I did a quick read on a site up here in Canada. They say that they look after insurance and repairs if anything happens.
Cheers.

[SeaDog]

My personal experience with renting out my class A for the Old Time Fiddle Festival (in a stationary spot) was ok but something I would never do again. Yes I made some good money, but I had to make myself look at my rig as just a piece of equipment (to keep from getting pissed off) that others will not treat the same way I would and didn't. Nothing was broken but I was left with a mess to cleanup much like a hotel room.

[Roberte52]

Will not loan or rent my travel trailer!