When people ask us, “What’s the secret to getting more RV bookings?”, we usually answer with this:
It’s not just about price. It’s about the features.
At RVM, we’ve seen it play out over and over: Two nearly identical RVs in the same area, same nightly rate—yet one books twice as often.
Why? Small details. Smart layouts. Guest-friendly features.
If you’re planning to list your RV for rent, or you’re thinking about buying one for the purpose, this guide will show you exactly which features make your rig more desirable—and keep it booked.
Table of Contents
- Why Features Matter More Than Flash
- Sleeping Capacity: The “Can We All Fit?” Factor
- Pet-Friendly = Booking Magnet
- Simple Tech: Backup Cams, USB Ports & Smart TVs
- The Magic of Outdoor Kitchens & Awnings
- Storage Space: The Hidden Hero
- The Power of Easy Setup (Slides, Stabilizers, Auto-Level)
- Case Study: A 4-Year-Old RV That Outsold a Brand-New One
- How RVM Helps Optimize Your RV for Maximum Appeal
- Conclusion: Think Like a Guest, Earn Like a Pro
1. Why Features Matter More Than Flash
A rig might look great in photos. But when guests start clicking through the listing, they’re asking themselves:
“Will this make my trip easier—or harder?”
Features are what tip the scale.
Renters want:
- Convenience
- Comfort
- Clarity
You don’t need granite countertops or leather seating. You need intuitive design, practical amenities, and things that just make sense for travel.
2. Sleeping Capacity: The “Can We All Fit?” Factor
It sounds basic, but it’s huge: Renters are trying to figure out how to fit their group—without sacrificing comfort.
Best-performing rigs usually:
- Sleep 5–8 people
- Include a mix of bunks, convertible sofas, and dinettes
- Offer actual privacy between sleeping zones
If a family of six can't figure out where everyone will sleep—or the listing says it sleeps eight but really fits five comfortably—they’ll move on. Fast.
3. Pet-Friendly = Booking Magnet
Here’s a stat from RVM’s 2024 booking data:
Listings marked pet-friendly booked 28% more nights than those that weren’t.
Why? Simple—traveling with pets is hard, and RVs solve that. But only if the owner allows it.
Even better: Include a few pet extras like food bowls, a small outdoor tie-out, or a pet-specific cleaning policy. It shows you care—and renters notice.
4. Simple Tech: Backup Cams, USB Ports & Smart TVs
Renters aren’t looking for a spaceship. They just want tech that works.
Top-requested features include:
- Backup cameras (especially for trailers)
- Multiple USB ports for charging
- Smart TVs with streaming options
- Bluetooth speakers inside and out
Skip the overly complicated GPS systems or tablet-based controls. Keep it intuitive, and renters will thank you with 5-star reviews.
5. The Magic of Outdoor Kitchens & Awnings
It’s vacation—they want to be outside.
Units with:
- Outdoor kitchens (even a fridge + griddle combo)
- Power awnings with lighting
- Exterior speakers and camp chairs
…consistently get better reviews and more mid-summer bookings. These aren’t “must-haves” for personal use—but they’re difference-makers for guests.
6. Storage Space: The Hidden Hero
It’s not glamorous. But it matters.
Guests are packing coolers, luggage, paddleboards, groceries, strollers—you name it. If there’s nowhere to put it all, the trip gets cramped fast.
Look for:
- Pass-through storage
- Overhead cabinets in living and sleeping zones
- Exterior compartments for gear
Highlight this in your listing photos and descriptions. Renters notice.
7. The Power of Easy Setup (Slides, Stabilizers, Auto-Level)
If setup takes 90 minutes and a master's degree in engineering, guests will get frustrated—and leave a bad review.
The most renter-friendly rigs have:
- Electric stabilizers or auto-leveling
- Power slides with clear instructions
- Simple tank and electrical hookups
We’ve seen hosts cut setup times in half just by upgrading stabilizers or labeling switches. And it shows in the reviews.
8. Case Study: A 4-Year-Old RV That Outsold a Brand-New One
In 2023, one RVM host in Colorado had a 2019 travel trailer with bunk beds, an outdoor kitchen, and a solar panel.
His neighbor listed a 2023 trailer—sleeker and newer—but missing most of those extras.
By the end of the year?
- The older rig had 52 more rental nights
- Higher nightly average rate
- 4.9-star average review score
It’s proof: Features beat age—every time.
9. How RVM Helps Optimize Your RV for Maximum Appeal
When you list with RVM, we don’t just put your unit online and hope for the best. We help you:
- Review your rig’s current features
- Identify high-ROI upgrades
- Stage for photos and guest walkthroughs
- Write listing descriptions that emphasize top amenities
- Analyze booking trends for similar rigs
Think of us like your rental success coach—with data to back it all up.
10. Conclusion: Think Like a Guest, Earn Like a Pro
If you want to maximize your RV rental income, the key isn’t just owning a rig—it’s owning one that people want to rent.
The good news? You don’t need to start from scratch. Just make sure your RV includes:
- Enough sleeping space
- Kid/pet friendliness
- Guest-friendly tech
- Outdoor comforts
- Easy setup
- Solid storage
These are the little things that lead to more bookings, better reviews, and longer-term revenue.
At RVM, we help you highlight what matters—and build a rental rig that stays booked.
Let’s make your RV the obvious choice.
— RVM Team
