Take advantage of the times you’re not able to use your RV, campervan, or trailer by RV sharing – listing it so others can rent it. You can make some extra money on an RV you’re not using at the moment yourself.
RVshare makes it easy to rent your RV to customers when it’s not in use. We’ll take a look at why you should list your RV with RVshare and we’ll share some tips for creating a successful listing that will help you get bookings.
Why You Should List Your RV With RVshare
There are several RV rental platforms out there. So why should you rent your RV with RVshare? RVshare has the largest marketplace of any platform. The company has one-on-one rental coaching. And RVshare offers 24-hour support for renters and owners during their rental period.
RVshare Has The Largest Marketplace of Any Platform
The RVshare website is seen by millions of people each year who are interested in RV sharing or renting a trailer or campervan. There are a number of filters that those searching for a rental can use. This means you’ll be connected to people who are looking for exactly the type of RV you have to offer.
RVshare has more than 100,000 RV, motorhome, trailer, and campervan RV sharing listings across the United States. So renters also know when they search the site that there’s a huge database of options for them.
Because RVshare has such a huge platform, they’re also prepared to guide owners and renters through just about any scenario – they’ve seen it all!
One-on-One Rental Coaching
One of the features of RVshare is that they offer one-on-one rental coaching to owners who want to maximize their listings and deliver a pleasant experience to guests. Owners can call a rental coach at (888) 482-0234 on weekdays from 8 am – 6 pm ET for help with a number of tasks. The coach will help owners set up their listing, correspond with customers, rent out their RV, and any other challenges that come with renting out your vehicle.
Support For Owners and Renters
RVshare offers a variety of support options for owners and renters who are RV sharing. There is insurance available that covers the renters, the owners, and the RV. Owners get $1,000,000 in liability coverage plus comprehensive coverage of up to $300,000. There are no startup costs or premiums.
Owners can also rest easy knowing that renters have access to RVshare’s Roadside Assistance Program 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The program includes the following services for renters, without an extra charge:
- Towing to the nearest qualified location, with a truck equipped to tow an RV
- Replacing a tire with a spare, or re-inflating a flat tire
- Delivery of gas, water, oil, or other supplies
- Battery charging and minor repairs
- Locksmith service
- Extraction and winching service for a stuck RV
- Technical assistance with common RVing questions like slide-outs, leveling, or water systems
- Mobile mechanic assistance
RVshare also screens renters. Customers are required to upload a valid government ID. They cannot see any owner information, including the exact location of the RV, until their ID is verified by the Onfido ID verification software.
RVshare also has a Monitoring Team constantly checking accounts to make sure there is no suspicious behavior. They’re one of the front lines for catching fraud before anything happens.
The company also has a secure payment processing program to protect owners and renters from fraud.
How to Create a Successful RV Rental Listing
Once you’ve decided to list your RV with RVshare, it’s time to create a listing for RV sharing. There are some tricks to RV sharing listings, and these tips can help you get more attention for your rig.
Take Great Pictures
Pictures are one of the first things to catch a customer’s attention. They’re also one of the main ways a renter can envision exactly what they’re getting. The more photos you can include of every area of your RV, the better! Be sure to include pictures of:
- The exterior of the RV. Be sure to wash your rig before taking pictures. Set up the RV, with slide-outs extended, and any awnings up. Set up any camp chairs or other outdoor equipment you’re including in the listing. You want your customers to be able to mentally insert themselves into the picture and imagine they’re RVing, so set the scene for them.
- Every sleeping area. Make sure the beds are made up and the areas around them are neat. You don’t have to buy all-new bedding, but a pretty quilt or comforter and pillows can make your photo that much more inviting.
- The bathroom(s). Make sure the mirrors, sink, and other areas are clean and neat. If there is hidden storage, or another special feature, be sure to get a picture of it. Take photos of the inside and outside of the shower as well.
- The kitchen. Clean the fridge and take photos of the inside so guests know how much room they have. Get pictures that show all of the appliances, plus the cupboards and any other storage space. Include photos of any appliances so guests know what to expect.
- Any other living areas. Take pictures of couches, TVs, and other areas where guests can hang out. If you have a stash of games, make sure to photograph them. The more visual information you can give potential renters, the better.
It’s important to photograph as much of your rig as possible to give guests an accurate understanding of it. You may have an older RV, or outdated wallpaper, but it’s much better to be upfront than to risk an upset, disillusioned customer when they come to pick up the RV. Lost trust and a legitimate negative review are hard to bounce back from.
As you take your photos, be sure each area is well-lit. Natural sunlight is the best lamp, and in bathrooms or other dark spaces, be sure to switch on the lights. You may need extra lighting to show areas like under-cabin spaces and storage areas.
And while you don’t want to lie about your RV’s attributes, you can certainly stage it to look its best. Adding some throw pillows, a comfy blanket, or a bottle of wine in the kitchen can give your RV a lived-in, homey look without clutter.
Write a Catchy Listing
Photos are the most important part of your listing, but a well-written description is necessary as well. The headline will be the first thing a customer reads about your rig, so include any unique features of your RV there. Pick the best attributes of your RV to include in your headline.
Try to answer any renter questions in the rest of the listing. Do you remember the features you looked for in an RV before you got yours? You’ll likely want to address how many people the RV sleeps and what those sleeping arrangements are. People will want to know how big the RV is, how many bathrooms it has, whether there’s a shower, and what the kitchen includes. Provide information on what’s included in your rental – are you providing linens, dishes, and bedding? Is any outdoor equipment like kayaks or paddleboards included? Anything to set up at camp like awnings, an outdoor rug, or camp chairs?
You may also be able to attract more renters by offering some services with your rental. Many guests are willing to pay extra for an owner to set up the RV on-site for them. Guests traveling with pets will also be looking for rentals that allow animals.
Outfit Your RV Well
As you write your listing, you may realize there are some things you could include in your RV to make it more attractive. You’ll want to weigh the cost of purchasing new items against the possibility that these items will make your listing more attractive or could even allow you to charge more. Guests will likely appreciate not having to provide items that you can stock in your RV to be reused.
These items may include those we listed above – linens, dishes, bedding, camp chairs, and even fun items like paddleboards can all be perks that may entice guests to book your rental. Small items like board games, or lawn games can also be attractive to renters.
Set the Right Price
Of course, no matter how well your rig looks and how well you describe it, it needs to be within the renter’s budget for them to be able to book it. Research shows that price is the most important factor to customers looking to rent an RV. You’ll want to price yours so that renters can afford to book it, without underselling yourself in the process.
Begin by looking at the rental prices for other, comparable rentals, both on RVshare and on other peer-to-peer sites. This will give you an idea of what your potential customers are encountering as they look for rentals. You can consider increasing the rental price if your RV looks a bit nicer than some competitors you see … or knocking off some money if yours is older than others you check out. Look at factors like your RV’s age, size, quality, and amenities as you compare it to others.
Fortunately for you, since you’re a private renter, you don’t have to pay for costs that a dealership shoulders. You can probably afford to rent your RV for less than a dealership, making it more attractive to potential clients.
RVshare is the largest peer-to-peer marketplace out there. You’ll get plenty of protection if anything should go wrong, plus support from employees who want to help you maximize your rental. With some careful thought and planning you can create a great RV listing, and set yourself up for a successful side business. You’ll not only make some extra cash, you’ll be helping others create lifelong camping memories with their loved ones!
