Introduction
Every RV owner has their very own history with their beloved vehicle. But no matter how great your vehicle is, going on camping trips even with an RV can still end up being costly.
This is why many RV owners rent out their vehicles via peer-to-peer rental marketplaces to earn additional cash for their upcoming escapade when their vehicle is not in use. This is also because many of us are busy working and the motorhome is seldom used for the most part of the year. Instead of letting it sit in the garage and collect dust, why not lend it to other campers and earn some side income?
Listing your RV on the appropriate renting sites is simple, but RV owners ought to equip themselves with the necessary know-how of renting their own vehicles to ensure the renters have a pleasant experience and your cash flow is kept constant. Read on to find out more about renting an RV and learn how to create a successful listing if you have questions like ‘how to rent out my rv’!
- Platforms to use
It can be scary to lend your precious vehicle to a complete stranger. To reduce your worries, do consider leveraging on rental platforms that have good security measures. Look for sites that have a renter verification system, this keeps renters accountable and prevents misbehavior on their end.
Peer-to-peer rental sites are something worth checking out if you are keen to grow the budding camping community. RV is not something everyone has, but through platforms like these, you can make it more accessible for fellow campers. These platforms also place a strong emphasis on community building, so if you have the means, why not be a part of them and spread the joy of RV-ing to the world?
- Start small
When it comes to renting, most owners struggle to set an appropriate fee for their motorhome. If you are using peer-to-peer rental marketplaces, rental fees are often lower compared to commercial rental shops but their huge client pool is something worth noting. Even with the lower rental fees, RV owners using said platforms can earn up to $40,000 annually depending on the vehicle type and the rental frequency.
- Write up an enticing listing
Since most rental transactions occur online, the only way to get to your prospective renters is through your RV listing. Potential renters are looking through endless pages of listings and it is your responsibility to catch their attention with the right listing.
To ensure your rental listing stands out from the crowd, do put in the effort to make it as professional and informative as possible. Use high-definition images and share the unique features of your vehicles in detail. You can set up a professional photo shoot or simply snap pictures with your mobile photographs, but remember to include images of the interior and exteriors of the vehicles.
- Get to know your renter
Since the booking is done online, key exchange is the first time you meet the renter in person. We encourage owners to make the renters feel more comfortable by introducing them to the specifics of the RV. This short exchange allows renters to know more about the vehicle and owners can be assured that their precious vehicle will be well taken care of.
The key exchange may seem like a brief process, but many RV owners met travel companions or even lifelong friends during the rental process. Since both parties like going on adventures, it’s no surprise that they get along so well. Hence, spend some time getting to know your renter and it could be a potential relationship worth nurturing!
- Prepare a travel guidebook
Aside from the owner’s introduction of the RV, it is important to prepare a travel guidebook that informs the reader about all the necessary information – about the RV system, emergency contact number, etc. It is also a great way to incorporate your previous traveling experience here by including personal travel advice or even your go-to spots.
For a more wholesome experience, owners can also prepare a guest book along with the guidebook for renters to scribble on during their travel. This is a memorable keepsake for you and a great way to keep the local camping community connected.
- Prepare the essentials
Most RV owners started out as a renter before purchasing the vehicle. You might be a seasoned camper by now, but your renters are highly likely amateur campers who are not aware of the camping know-hows. Thus, putting yourself into the renter’s shoes allows one to stock up on everyday items that might be forgotten. Items such as towels, linens, and basic cooking utensils are examples of essentials that should be prepared prior to the renting service.
To make things convenient, owners can buy a dedicated set of the aforementioned essentials to leave on the vehicle indefinitely. This is so you can avoid scrambling for the items every time you have a rental appointment.
If you are feeling generous, prepare a bottle of wine or chocolates to welcome the renters on the RV.
- Stock up on cleaning supplies
Every time your motorhome comes back from its adventure, it should be deep cleaned before its keys go to the next renters. Keeping the vehicle clean helps to prolong its life span aside from offering the renters a pleasant experience.
To ensure the vehicle is squeaky clean, there is a set of cleaning supplies you might want to stock up on. Having it at hand will be convenient, especially when you are facing back-to-back bookings. Getting RV-specific cleaning supplies such as exterior wash, roof cleaners, and polishes will quicken the process.
The cleaning supplies can be kept in the RV so that you can find them easily for your upcoming cleaning session. They can also serve as handy when renters need to clean up after a minor accident.
Conclusion
Renting out your RV can be a good source of extra income. But beyond that, it makes RV camping more accessible to other camping enthusiasts and consequently nurtures the wider camping community. As much as it is a business, we encourage owners to build meaningful relationships with renters and spread the joy of camping.