I’m a newbie with a question about rentals. Years ago, my wife and I spent over a month traveling in a friend’s motorhome. Now that we’re retired, we’d like to have our own for several trips a year. To help with expenses, we’d like to use a peer-to-peer rental service like Outdoorsy or RVshare. I’ve read glowing reports on their sites about the money that can be made, but I’m sure they’re biased. I’m also aware that many advise against this without having done it.We’d like to get unbiased advice and experiences -- both pro and con -- from those who have actually used these services. We’re in a mid-sized city in the Midwest. We think a small used motorhome that sleeps at least 4 might be good, but want to know what makes the most sense financially and what potential there is. If you've done this, we'd really like to hear from you.Thanks, Charlie

We have hosted at several parks over the last 6 years and see the way some rental units are treated. No way would I trust my expensive RV in the hands of the normal camper.We had a friend that was part owner in an RV dealership that also rented them out. While many came back OK, they occasionally got one back trashed way beyond the deposit for repairs. Also, you will need special insurance to cover it in a commercial use.Ken

I think you'll find this forum not rental friendly. Most of the people here own their RV's and consider renting a high-end, or even a medium-end RV a losing proposition. I'm sure there are some who have done it, but I don't believe they frequent RV.net.Don't forget that all those "glowing reports on their sites about the money that can be made" are designed to convince you to do the same. So what you read may not reflect real life.

I did this back in the 1990,s no way would I do it again. renter calls ,motor blew up in geogia, your rv is in augusta we flew home. I sued, I won but it was a long battle.

Watch this and then realize it may be truer than you first think. Clicky

Any experience renting out your motorhome? | Good Sam Community

gbopp
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
Renting Posts
TXiceman
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2019
We have hosted at several parks over the last 6 years and see the way some rental units are treated. No way would I trust my expensive RV in the hands of the normal camper.

We had a friend that was part owner in an RV dealership that also rented them out. While many came back OK, they occasionally got one back trashed way beyond the deposit for repairs.

Also, you will need special insurance to cover it in a commercial use.

Ken
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Feb 09, 2019
I think you'll find this forum not rental friendly. Most of the people here own their RV's and consider renting a high-end, or even a medium-end RV a losing proposition. I'm sure there are some who have done it, but I don't believe they frequent RV.net.

Don't forget that all those "glowing reports on their sites about the money that can be made" are designed to convince you to do the same. So what you read may not reflect real life.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2019
I did this back in the 1990,s no way would I do it again. renter calls ,motor blew up in geogia, your rv is in augusta we flew home. I sued, I won but it was a long battle.
wanderingaimles
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
Watch this and then realize it may be truer than you first think.

Clicky
ScottG
Nomad
Feb 09, 2019
My wifes aunt and uncle rented there's. It was trashed after a few years.
If your not the kind of person who's very particular about their things, it can work for you.
Remember to talk to your ins. agent. You'll need entirely different coverage.
chasloew
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
midnightsadie wrote:
I did this back in the 1990,s no way would I do it again. renter calls ,motor blew up in geogia, your rv is in augusta we flew home. I sued, I won but it was a long battle.

Thanks! That's the sort of feedback I am looking for. I appreciate hearing actual experiences. I'm sorry it turned out badly for you. Of course, I was kinda hoping for better outcomes!

Charlie
chasloew
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
ScottG wrote:
My wifes aunt and uncle rented there's. It was trashed after a few years.
If your not the kind of person who's very particular about their things, it can work for you.
Remember to talk to your ins. agent. You'll need entirely different coverage.

I have rented out apartments for years, so I know there's both good and bad renters. I'd start with a used one for sure. The rental brokers indicate that they provide insurance but I'll check for sure. Thanks! -- Charlie
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2019
buy a older rv that you can afford ,then you don,t have to worry about it.
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2019
I would never rent out my personal RV to strangers. A big advantage of RVing is having a bed, bathroom and living area that hasn’t been “soiled” by a bunch of strangers like a motel room.

Renting out can be profitable I’m sure. If I were younger, to have a some RVs to place strategically around central Florida could be lucrative. Easily get $1000 a week.