Step-by-Step Guide to Renting Your RV Successfully

Turn your RV into a top-rated rental—without the guesswork or growing pains.

When I listed my RV for rent the first time, I thought it’d be as simple as snapping a few photos and flipping the switch. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. By the second rental, I was answering late-night texts about how to reset the inverter, chasing down a missing sewer hose, and realizing that my pricing left zero room for last-minute cleaning fees.

I wasn’t ready—but I learned quickly. And now, after dozens of successful trips (and more than a few bumps along the way), I’ve got a system that works.

If you’re ready to go beyond “list and hope,” this guide will walk you through every step—so you can rent out your RV smoothly, confidently, and profitably from day one.

Table of Contents

1. Get Your RV Rental-Ready
   
   
2. Choose the Right Rental Platform(s)
   
   
3. Craft a Listing That Stands Out
   
   
4. Set Rates and Policies with Confidence
   
   
5. Streamline the Booking & Screening Process
   
   
6. Prepare for Guest Handoffs
   
   
7. Provide a Great On-Trip Experience
   
   
8. Handle Issues Like a Pro
   
   
9. Wrap Up & Get Ready for the Next Guest
   
   
10. Final Thoughts: From Rookie to Rental Rockstar
    
    

1. Get Your RV Rental-Ready

Before you publish your listing, treat your RV like a vacation rental. That means thinking like a hotelier and a mechanic rolled into one.

What worked for me:

• I removed all my personal items (even the weird spatula I love) and replaced them with matching kitchenware from Wal-Mart.
  
  
• I added blackout curtains in the bunks because one guest mentioned their toddler was up with the sun.
  
  
• I created a laminated checklist and labeled all the cabinets. You’d be surprised how many people don’t know where to store RV toilet paper.
  
  

Do this before listing:

• Deep clean inside and out—yes, under the slide-outs too
  
  
• Inspect tires, brakes, batteries, and seals
  
  
• Restock essentials: RV-safe toilet paper, dish soap, leveling blocks, first-aid kit
  
  
• Take well-lit, clutter-free photos in natural daylight
  
  

Make your RV feel move-in ready. If it feels clean, functional, and easy to understand, your renters will respect it—and you’ll field fewer “where is the lighter?” messages.

2. Choose the Right Rental Platform(s)

Outdoorsy, RVshare, RVezy, and other platforms all work a bit differently. I started with Outdoorsy because it had strong insurance coverage and a user-friendly app—but I now get 40% of my bookings direct, thanks to return renters and referrals.

What to consider:

• Fees: Some platforms take 15–25% per booking. Worth it for visibility, but cut your margins if you’re already booked often.
  
  
• Support: Will they help resolve disputes or handle roadside assistance?
  
  
• Audience: Some cater more to weekend warriors, others to long-haul travelers.
  
  

Pro tip: Start with one platform and master the flow before branching out. I learned the hard way that double-booking across multiple calendars without sync tools is a recipe for refund drama.

3. Craft a Listing That Stands Out

This is your RV’s first impression—make it count. I once changed my headline from “Comfortable Class C RV” to “Perfect Family Getaway RV – Sleeps 6 with Bunkhouse!” and saw inquiries double in a week.

What to include:

• Photos: Shoot both interior and exterior in daylight. Show storage, beds made up, kitchen stocked.
  
  
• Headline: Mention capacity, a unique feature, or proximity to a destination.
  
  
• Description: Keep it warm, helpful, and clear. Share why you love the RV and what makes it great for guests.
  
  
• Extras: Mention solar panels, backup cameras, generators, pet policies, and delivery options.
  
  

Example line: “We’ve taken this RV from Yosemite to Yellowstone—it’s road-tested and ready for your next adventure.”

4. Set Rates and Policies with Confidence

Pricing is part math, part psychology. Don’t undersell yourself, but also don’t scare away first-time renters.

What worked for me:

• I used local competitor listings to benchmark rates
  
  
• I charge a cleaning fee that actually covers cleaning
  
  
• I added a 3-night minimum after realizing 1-night stays caused more work than profit
  
  

Also consider:

• Holiday/peak season rates
  
  
• Discounts for week-long rentals
  
  
• Security deposit amounts (based on your deductible)
  
  
• Add-ons: I rent out a bike rack and kayak for $10/day each
  
  

Running your numbers ahead of time helps you say “yes” (or “no”) to each booking with confidence.

5. Streamline the Booking & Screening Process

Great bookings start with great guests. A little friction at the front saves you big trouble later.

My routine:

• I ask for a copy of their driver’s license
  
  
• I send a short rental questionnaire: Have you driven an RV before? Where are you going?
  
  
• I automate the rental agreement using HelloSign
  
  
• I send a welcome email with FAQs as soon as they book
  
  

If someone’s vague, unresponsive, or hesitant to provide info, I kindly decline. A polite “this trip may not be the right fit” saves you from burned upholstery and late-night drama.

6. Prepare for Guest Handoffs

The handoff sets the tone. A frazzled, rushed intro leaves guests nervous. A smooth, welcoming walkthrough builds trust.

My system:

• I give every guest a printed binder + a digital copy with instructions, troubleshooting, and campground tips
  
  
• I record a 5-minute orientation video showing how to use the awning, dump tanks, connect hookups, and switch from battery to shore power
  
  
• I do a photo-based inspection with them at check-in (and again at return)
  
  

Renters who feel prepared are less likely to damage your rig—and more likely to leave glowing reviews.

7. Provide a Great On-Trip Experience

Here’s the truth: your involvement doesn’t end when they drive off. I check in 24 hours after departure to ask, “Just checking in—how’s the trip going?” Most reply with gratitude (and a photo of their view).

Other little things I do:

• Leave a s’mores kit or snacks in the pantry
  
  
• Suggest nearby spots they might enjoy (makes them feel like locals)
  
  
• Include spare fuses, hoses, and batteries in a labeled box
  
  

These touches cost a few dollars—but earn you priceless goodwill.

8. Handle Issues Like a Pro

Even well-prepped RVs sometimes hiccup. I once had a guest who couldn’t start the generator in 100-degree heat. Turned out he was holding the button too briefly. A 60-second phone call saved the trip.

What to do:

• Stay calm. Empathy first, solutions second.
  
  
• Keep a list of mobile RV techs in areas you commonly serve
  
  
• Have a templated damage claim form ready if needed
  
  
• Document everything—photos, messages, receipts
  
  

It’s not about avoiding issues; it’s about handling them with professionalism and speed.

9. Wrap Up & Get Ready for the Next Guest

Every return is your reset point. Don’t skip it.

Post-trip checklist:

• Document any damage, scuffs, or excess mileage
  
  
• Deep clean (especially fridge, toilet, floors)
  
  
• Replenish supplies and linens
  
  
• Ask for a review—strike while the memory is fresh
  
  

Pro tip: I text a thank-you and ask, “If there’s anything you’d suggest improving for the next guest, I’d love to hear it.” That one question helped me improve more than any negative review ever did.

10. Final Thoughts: From Rookie to Rental Rockstar

Renting your RV successfully isn’t about luck—it’s about systems, hospitality, and protecting your asset. If you’ve got the right mindset, you’ll build a business that generates income, builds equity, and brings a little joy to every family that travels with you.

If you want help building your rental business—or just need someone to handle the hard stuff—reach out to RV Management USA. We offer full-service rental support and free income projections for owners nationwide.

Let’s turn your RV into a five-star business—without the burnout.

— The RVM Team