RV manufacturers are in the business of building great products—but in today’s economy, that’s only part of the growth equation. With the rise of peer-to-peer rentals and professional RV management services, a new opportunity has emerged: using rental programs to drive long-term RV sales.
In this guide, we’ll break down how rental management partnerships not only generate revenue—but also introduce more consumers to RV life, convert renters into buyers, and expand brand loyalty across markets.
Table of Contents
- Why Rental Management Is Relevant to RV Manufacturers
- The Rise of "Try Before You Buy" in the RV Industry
- How Rentals Expand Brand Exposure
- Turning Renters into First-Time RV Owners
- The Role of RV Management Companies in the Sales Funnel
- Strategic Partnerships: Manufacturers + Fleet Operators
- Inventory Movement Through Rental-to-Retail Programs
- Boosting Customer Loyalty and Long-Term Brand Value
- Final Thoughts: Rentals as a Sales Accelerator
1. Why Rental Management Is Relevant to RV Manufacturers
Traditionally, RV manufacturers focus on dealer networks and retail sales. But modern buyers want experiences first—and rentals are the perfect entry point.
Manufacturers who partner with RV rental platforms or management firms gain:
- Increased product visibility
- A direct line to high-intent customers
- Feedback loops for design improvements
- Additional revenue streams via rental fleet sales
This isn't just a marketing tactic—it's a sales growth channel.
2. The Rise of "Try Before You Buy" in the RV Industry
The average new RV buyer now spends 12–24 months researching before purchasing. And increasingly, they want to try different layouts, brands, and features before committing.
Rental experiences help them:
- Understand what size and class of RV suits their lifestyle
- Test brand reliability and usability
- Build confidence before making a large purchase
Well-managed rentals can act as the ultimate test drive.
3. How Rentals Expand Brand Exposure
RV rentals put your units in the hands of hundreds of consumers each year—many of whom are first-time users.
Benefits for manufacturers include:
Advantage
Why It Matters
Brand experience
Renters interact with your product in real-world settings
Social proof
Happy renters leave reviews and post content on social media
Market reach
Exposure in national parks, festivals, and family vacations
Lead generation
Data collection on renters interested in ownership
Every rental is a mini demo—building familiarity and trust with your brand.
4. Turning Renters into First-Time RV Owners
At RV Management USA, we've seen 20–30% of renters express interest in ownership after a successful rental experience.
Smart manufacturers capitalize by:
- Providing branded brochures inside units
- Offering discounts for renters who become buyers
- Partnering with dealers to offer rental trade-in credit
- Running targeted campaigns to past renters
This funnel shortens the path from try to buy.
5. The Role of RV Management Companies in the Sales Funnel
RV management companies operate rental units at scale, handling:
- Logistics and guest experience
- Maintenance and quality assurance
- Data capture and renter follow-up
- Fleet purchasing and vehicle turnover
Manufacturers that partner with these firms gain repeat exposure, better customer experiences, and a pipeline of warm leads—all without handling rentals directly.
6. Strategic Partnerships: Manufacturers + Fleet Operators
Forward-thinking OEMs are forming partnerships with:
- Fleet operators who buy units in volume
- Rental marketplaces with nationwide reach
- Management companies who maintain and market units professionally
These partnerships help manufacturers:
- Move inventory consistently
- Test new models in real-world usage
- Build brand affinity with younger, mobile-first consumers
RVM, for example, offers preferred partnerships for OEMs looking to expand rental-based sales.
7. Inventory Movement Through Rental-to-Retail Programs
One powerful strategy: rent-to-own or rental liquidation events.
Here’s how it works:
- RVM places new units into rental service
- After 1–2 peak seasons, lightly used models are sold
- Manufacturer-authorized pricing ensures healthy margins
- Interested renters are offered first dibs
This model creates new inventory cycles and keeps products moving.
8. Boosting Customer Loyalty and Long-Term Brand Value
Manufacturers who meet customers at the rental level gain:
- Early brand loyalty before a buyer ever visits a dealership
- Better-informed customers who choose the right model
- Higher satisfaction and fewer post-sale issues
- Brand evangelists who recommend your RVs to others
The experience-first approach leads to long-term brand lift.
9. Final Thoughts: Rentals as a Sales Accelerator
RV rental management services aren’t just for investors—they’re a strategic ally for manufacturers looking to grow brand exposure, convert renters into buyers, and build long-term market share.
Want to explore a manufacturer partnership with RVM? Contact our Business Development Team to learn how we help OEMs move units, create brand fans, and build lasting buyer relationships.
