8 pointers for RV rentals
Why Renting Out Your RV is a Great Idea
Did you know there are over 54 million motorhomes sitting idle in the USA?Turn Your Idle RV Into Income
If your motorhome is spending more time in your driveway than on the road, it doesn’t have to collect dust. Renting out your RV allows other campers to create incredible memories while earning you extra money.Share the Adventure
By renting out your RV or campervan, you provide more people with access to the great outdoors. Help parents introduce their kids to camping in national parks or enable couples to enjoy a romantic road trip.Earn While You Share
Renting your RV requires minimal effort and can generate substantial income. On average, you can on average earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually from renting out a single RV.Equip Yourself with a Digital Guidebook
With a Touch Stay digital guidebook, you can keep your renters fully informed from the start, ensuring they have a seamless and enjoyable experience.Conclusion
These benefits make it clear that renting out your RV is a win-win. You help others experience the joys of RV travel while earning extra income for yourself. If you’ve been considering it, now is the perfect time to take the plunge.Top Tips for RV Owners Looking to Rent Out Their Motorhome
To help you get started, here are Our top tips for RV rental success:1. Embrace the Inevitable
Accept that things will inevitably go wrong at some point during an RV rental. The key to success is maintaining a positive attitude. Motorhomes are quirky and tricky to use, and 90% of renters are first-timers. Anticipate breakages, hassles, and occasional insurance claims, and roll with the punches.2. Know Your Campervan Inside and Out
Mitigate risks by knowing your van better than anyone else. Be familiar with its quirks to warn renters and troubleshoot issues.- Identify Your RV Class: Know whether you have a Class A, B, or C motorhome. These classes vary significantly in size, and it’s crucial for renters to understand your vehicle’s class and what it entails.
- Understand Towing Requirements: If you own a travel trailer or caravan, ensure renters know the towing capacity needed for their vehicle and how to hitch it properly.
3. Choose a Comprehensive RV Rental Insurance Plan
Given that things can go wrong, ensure you have a robust insurance plan to protect yourself and your renters. Research the insurance policies of any RV rental platforms you use. A digital guidebook can help reduce insurance liability by:- Providing clear operating instructions to minimize breakages.
- Outlining renters’ responsibilities and what your RV insurance covers.
4. Manage RV Renters’ Expectations
Renting a campervan is different from renting an apartment. Make sure your renters are prepared for the technical knowledge and responsibility involved. Use pre-arrival communications to set expectations. Ensure renters understand that the security deposit is not just a formality.How Digital Guidebooks Help Manage Renters’ Expectations
A digital guidebook includes all the information your renters need, from leveling the RV to hooking up to electricity. Send it multiple times before the pick-up date, guiding renters through different topics each time. Include photos and videos to give clear impressions and illustrate technical instructions. This ensures renters know what to expect and have an educational resource on hand throughout their trip. For more advice on creating a top-notch digital welcome book for your motorhome, check out our article on how to create a digital guidebook for your RVs and campervans. DISCOVER: Exactly how a digital guidebook will support your communications with renters.5. Establish a Detailed Orientation for Your Campervan and RV Renters
A comprehensive orientation is crucial for ensuring renters are well-informed and confident in operating your campervan.Conduct a Thorough Orientation
Most RV owners provide a 90-minute orientation, guiding renters through the basics of campervan operation and highlighting any specific quirks.- Safety and Operation: Cover essential safety points and basic operations of the campervan.
- Roadside Assistance: Inform renters about what to do in case of a breakdown and provide the contact number for your recommended roadside assistance service.
Consistency for All Renters
Whether your renters are first-timers or experienced RVers, ensure your orientation covers all important details. Every renter is new to your specific van, so thorough guidance is essential.Use a Digital Guidebook
Since renters might not absorb everything during the orientation, a digital guidebook can serve as a valuable reference. Provide renters with a guidebook that includes all the information covered during the orientation, ensuring they have access to crucial details throughout their trip.6. Be Aware of Common RV Renter Mistakes
Understanding common mistakes can help you prevent them.Fuel Mistakes
One frequent and costly mistake is renters putting the wrong fuel in the van. Make sure your insurance plan covers this, but you can take steps to avoid it:- Digital Guidebook Reminder: Include the correct fuel type at the top of your guidebook.
- Fuel Cap Sticker: Place a sticker on the fuel cap with the correct fuel type in big red letters.
- Orientation Emphasis: Highlight the correct fuel type and consequences of using the wrong fuel during your orientation.
7. Cater to the Needs of Your RV Renters
Understanding your renters’ needs helps create a better experience.Tailor Your Guidebook
Different types of renters have varying needs:- Family Groups: Include family-friendly activities, campsites, and dining options in your guidebook. Provide family-oriented amenities like games and sports equipment.
- Other Renters: Customize the guidebook to cater to the specific interests of solo travelers, couples, or larger groups.
Clear, Concise Information
Renters prefer clear, concise information. Avoid long emails and PDFs; use a digital guidebook to present crucial details in an engaging format. For more tips on creating an effective digital guidebook, check out our guide on how to create a digital guidebook for your RVs and campervans.8. Thinking About Starting an RV Rental Business? Just Go For It!
If you’re considering renting out your RV or campervan, just go for it. If you love the outdoors, travel, and nature, an RV rental business will connect you with others who share your passion for the RV lifestyle.Embrace the Journey
There will undoubtedly be hiccups along the way, but if you can accept these as part of the process, you’ll find it to be a rewarding venture with a new income stream.Leverage Communities
There is a wealth of online resources and hosts an RV owner community forum where you can seek advice and get pro tips from fellow RV owners. You’re not alone in this journey!Why Use a Digital Guidebook?
Digital guidebooks help rental owners communicate effectively with renters. Tailor your content to highlight crucial information and send it through various channels to ensure it gets read. Utilize Memo, our guest alert system, to schedule notifications and streamline your tasks.Benefits of a Digital Guidebook
- Reduces Breakages: Providing all necessary information upfront minimizes the likelihood of mishaps.
- Enhances Renter Experience: Renters have instant access to all the info they need, often before they even realize they need it.
- Local Recommendations: Include your tips for local campsites, wildlife spots, outdoor activities, and the best places to find ice cream. Your renters will thank you for these insider tips!
Final Thoughts
Starting an RV rental business is a fantastic way to share your love for the outdoors while generating extra income. With the right tools and community support, you can turn potential challenges into smooth rides and happy campers. So, take the leap and enjoy the journey!Written by root on .