Are you looking for a way to make extra income, perhaps by offering an RV for rent? According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, more than 8.9 million households own an RV, and that number continues to grow.
Many RVs sit unused in driveways, storage lots, or backyards. If you’re not using yours regularly, renting it out can turn idle time into extra cash.
I write frequently about ways to earn additional income because it can have a significant impact on your life. Extra earnings can help you stop living paycheck to paycheck, pay down debt, save for a big goal, or simply give you more financial flexibility. Earning additional income helped me pay off $38,000 in student loans in seven months and enabled me to leave my day job to pursue a passion and travel full-time.
If you already own an RV and know when you won’t be using it, participating in an RV share program is a realistic way to earn supplemental income. Renting out your RV can help offset ownership costs like maintenance and storage.
RVshare is a peer-to-peer platform that connects travelers with RV owners. Think of it as Airbnb for RVs. Many owners use RVshare to list their vehicles and rent them directly to travelers, avoiding traditional rental agencies. My sister has rented travel trailers through a similar sharing setup and found it to be an enjoyable, profitable side hustle. If you’re interested in renting an RV for your own trip, you can search available listings on RVshare.
By listing your RV on RVshare, owners report earning anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per year. RVshare securely processes payments and typically releases funds to owners one business day after a rental begins. Rather than letting your RV collect dust, renting it can turn it into a revenue-generating asset.
RVShare
RVshare is a popular peer-to-peer marketplace that helps travelers save money by renting directly from RV owners. If your RV sits unused, you could potentially earn $100 to $300 or more per day, depending on the vehicle and location.
What kind of insurance do I need to rent out my RV?
A common concern is insurance. RVshare provides liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for both owners and renters when a booking is made through their platform. Coverage extends across all 50 U.S. states and Canada.
When you list your RV and receive a booking through RVshare, an insurance plan activates for the rental period at no cost to the owner. Coverage options include up to $1,000,000 in liability protection and up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage, depending on the RV’s value. The platform also provides 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, tire service, and campsite liability coverage up to $10,000.
Note: The RVshare Protection Plan applies to RVs that are 15 years old or newer and have a stated value of $300,000 or less. If your RV is older than 15 years, liability coverage is still provided during bookings, but comprehensive and collision coverage may not be included.
Typical incidents covered by protection plans can include fire, lightning, windstorm, earthquake, hail, theft, flood, vandalism, animal contact, and glass breakage, among others.
Is it profitable to rent out your RV?
Yes—renting your RV can be profitable. Many owners report earning over $10,000 per year, while some earn $30,000 or more depending on the RV type, location, and how often it’s available. A few high-earning owners have reported annual revenues well above that, though results vary.
How much does the average RV owner make by renting their RV?
On average, RV owners who list on peer-to-peer platforms can earn more than $10,000 annually. Exact earnings depend on vehicle type, location, seasonality, and how often the RV is rented.
RV owners set their own pricing when creating a listing. It’s best to survey comparable listings in your area to set competitive rates. Typical daily price ranges reported on RVshare are:
- Travel Trailers: $75 to $175 per day
- Class C Motorhomes: $125 to $250 per day
- Class A Motorhomes: $150 to $300+ per day
What kind of RVs can you rent on RVshare?
RVshare accepts a wide variety of RV types, including:
- Class A Motorhomes
- Class C Motorhomes
- Class B Motorhomes
- Travel Trailers
- Fifth Wheels
- Toy Haulers
- Pop-up Trailers
- Truck Campers
The platform also provides these benefits: every rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance (including towing), and liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance coverage for bookings made through RVshare.
If damage occurs during a booking, RVshare states that approved RVs are protected by dual safety mechanisms within their platform and that owners receive support managing incidents.
How much does it cost to rent out your RV online?
Listing your RV on RVshare is free. The company earns revenue by taking a commission after a successful booking. That commission covers marketing, roadside assistance, support services, secure payment processing, and other platform features. Commission rates can be as low as 15% of the booking.
What are the pitfalls of renting out your RV?
Renting your RV has pros and cons. Benefits include additional income and offsetting ownership costs. Potential downsides include increased wear and tear, the time required to manage bookings and handoffs, and occasional difficult interactions with renters. Evaluate these factors to determine whether renting suits your situation.
Can you make money with RVshare?
Yes. Many RV owners successfully earn money by listing their RVs on RVshare. Income varies by location, RV type, and how frequently the vehicle is available.
Are RV rentals worth it? Is the RV rental business lucrative?
This depends on your priorities. Some owners enjoy the extra income and don’t mind managing rentals; others prefer to avoid the potential hassles. Consider your goals, the condition of your RV, your location, and how comfortable you are with sharing your vehicle.
So, what’s the next step to making money with an RV share?
Getting started is straightforward:
- Visit RVshare and create a listing. Set pricing and availability.
- Accept or decline booking requests from renters.
- Meet the renter for pickup. When the rental ends, the renter returns the RV to you.
- After the rental is complete, you receive payment—usually processed quickly by the platform.
Note: Before listing your RV, check with your personal insurance company to ensure renting to strangers is permitted under your policy.
Are you interested in renting an RV for yourself?
If you don’t own an RV but want to try RV life, peer-to-peer platforms make it simple to find affordable rentals near you. Daily rates and availability are set by owners, and you can search and book from home without visiting a rental agency. Many users find RVshare a cost-effective alternative to traditional rental companies.
There are thousands of listings, so you can usually find an RV that fits your needs and budget. If you’re planning your first RV rental, look for articles and guides on how to rent an RV to learn tips and best practices for a smooth trip.
What do you think of RV rentals? Would you consider listing your RV for rent or trying a rental yourself?
Recommended reading: 11 Best Places To Sell Your RV for the Most Money