When Jake listed his first RV on Outdoorsy, he figured a few decent photos and a nightly rate just under the competition would do the trick. Weeks went by—nothing. Not a single booking.
Frustrated, he started digging into what the top-performing owners were doing differently. Within 30 days, he’d overhauled his listing, added fresh photos, adjusted his pricing, and restructured his availability. By the end of that first summer, he was fully booked—and planning for RV number two.
So what changed?
In short: everything that makes a great RV stand out in a crowded rental marketplace.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to attract more renters and turn casual browsers into confirmed bookings—consistently.
Table of Contents
- Nail the First Impression: Listing Photos That Convert
- Write a Listing Description That Sells the Experience
- Price Like a Pro (Not Just a Competitor)
- Make Availability Easy and Flexible
- Respond Fast—Every Hour Counts
- Use Reviews as a Booking Engine
- Offer Extras That Set You Apart
- Stand Out with Personal Touches
- Promote Outside the Platform
- Case Study: From Crickets to 90% Booked
1. Nail the First Impression: Listing Photos That Convert
People don’t rent RVs. They rent the dream of adventure.
That means your photos need to feel less like Craigslist… and more like Airbnb. Ditch the dim shots and grainy phone pics. Hire a pro or, at the very least, shoot in daylight, clean everything thoroughly, and show off both wide shots and cozy details.
Tip from the field:
One of our owners added a photo of a campfire setup with string lights and s’mores skewers. Bookings spiked within a week. Why? Because people saw themselves there.
2. Write a Listing Description That Sells the Experience
Compare these two openers:
“This is a 2018 Jayco Redhawk. Sleeps 6. Has AC.”
Versus:
“Ready for your next family adventure? Our cozy Class C sleeps six, comes fully stocked with everything from fresh linens to marshmallow skewers, and is road-trip ready for Zion, Yosemite, or your local favorite.”
Which one makes you want to book?
Focus less on features, more on how it feels to travel in your RV. Help people imagine their trip—not just your rig.
3. Price Like a Pro (Not Just a Competitor)
Here’s a mistake we see all the time: owners undercut the market to seem like a “deal.” But bargain prices can actually hurt your appeal.
Instead, use dynamic pricing tools (many platforms offer this) or compare high-performing local listings. Factor in peak weekends, holidays, and demand trends.
Real example:
One RVM client raised their rate by $30/night during holiday weekends—and still booked out. Why? Because perceived value went up.
4. Make Availability Easy and Flexible
Think about how people travel. They don’t want to wait three days to hear back. And they definitely don’t want to be told, “Actually, we’re not available that weekend.”
Keep your calendar updated. Offer instant booking if possible. Be open to last-minute trips and odd-length bookings.
Pro tip:
Set minimums wisely. A 3-night minimum might work in summer, but in shoulder season, dropping it to 2 could save your calendar from sitting empty.
5. Respond Fast—Every Hour Counts
Many renters browse multiple listings at once. If they message five owners and you reply an hour later while others reply in five minutes—you’ve probably lost the booking.
Set up automated replies or use a management service like RV Management USA that handles absolutely everything 24/7.
6. Use Reviews as a Booking Engine
Positive reviews = free marketing.
After every trip, send a friendly, personalized message asking for feedback. Mention how much you enjoyed hosting them and that reviews really help your small business grow.
Message sample:
“Hey Sarah! So glad you and the kids enjoyed the Grand Canyon trip. If you have a second, we’d be super grateful for a quick review—it really helps us connect with more awesome guests like you!”
7. Offer Extras That Set You Apart
You’re not just renting an RV—you’re offering an experience. Add-ons like bike racks, firewood bundles, or pre-stocked kitchens give you an edge.
Owner favorite:
One renter offered a “glamping upgrade” with luxury bedding, lanterns, and a bottle of wine. It cost $40. Guests loved it—and so did his margins.
8. Stand Out with Personal Touches
Small gestures go a long way. Think:
- A handwritten welcome note
- A curated list of local campground favorites
- A snack basket or fresh coffee
These touches make your RV feel personal, not transactional—and that leads to better reviews, repeat bookings, and more referrals.
9. Promote Outside the Platform
Don’t rely solely on RVshare or Outdoorsy to do the heavy lifting.
Consider:
- Starting an Instagram or Facebook page
- Running a Google Business profile for SEO
- Offering referral discounts to past renters
- Partnering with local event planners or wedding venues
Example:
One RVM client teamed up with a wedding photographer to offer “honeymoon on wheels” packages. Instant exposure, niche bookings.
10. Case Study: From Crickets to 90% Booked
Let’s go back to Jake, who struggled to book his RV at first.
After updating his listing photos, tweaking the description, raising his rate slightly, and responding faster, he was fully booked within six weeks.
He added a few extras (like outdoor games and a Bluetooth speaker), and started getting 5-star reviews consistently.
Today? His calendar is 90% full during peak season. And he’s now searching for his second unit.
Final Thoughts: Bookings Aren’t Luck—They’re a System
Renting out your RV isn’t just about having a great rig—it’s about marketing a great experience.
The best-performing owners aren’t lucky. They’re thoughtful, consistent, and willing to tweak what’s not working.
At RV Management USA, our Territory Managers run professional rental businesses and will make sure your RV is totally taken care of from A to Z. You as the RV owner won't have to think about a thing. Leave all the heavy lifting and minor details to RVM. Our nation wide rental management program helps owners maximize profits on their RVs.
Book a free consultation with RV Management USA today.
— The RVM Team
