5 Things to Know About Renting an RV on Outdoorsy (2025)

If you’re thinking about renting a recreational vehicle (RV), you’re not alone. Interest in RVs has soared because of the coronavirus pandemic, as Americans look for more isolated ways to go on vacation.

You can rent an RV online through a company called Outdoorsy. The site allows you to pick up and return an RV to a designated location or have it delivered to your home.

In this article, I’m going to show you five things you need to know about renting an RV on Outdoorsy.

Renting an RV From Outdoorsy? Read This First

Outdoorsy bills itself as “the most trusted RV marketplace for a reason.” It’s actually a brokerage, kind of like VRBO or Airbnb for RVs. Before you rent through Outdoorsy, here are some eligibility requirements you must meet:

  • Be at least 25 years old
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Pass a standard rental background check

I went through the rental process at Outdoorsy to see how it worked. Here’s what I learned along the way:

1. Research RV Rentals

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If you’re not familiar with RVs, do some research on the different types of vehicles available on Outdoorsy.

You’ll find out quickly that there are several types of RVs you can choose from including camper vans, trailers and different classes of motor homes.

You’ll want to pay particular attention to:

  • Vehicle length
  • How many people the RV sleeps
  • Rules for occupancy and cleaning
  • Cancellation policy (We’ll talk about this more later)

Money expert Clark Howard’s principle about comparison shopping works just as well on Outdoorsy as any other online marketplace. You can find a deal only if you put in the research.

Once you feel like you know enough about the different types of RVs that would meet your needs and that you’d feel comfortable driving, it’s time to choose the exact vehicle you want to rent.

2. Choose an RV Rental

On the website’s home page, you type in your location and vacation dates, and you’ll see a list of the vehicles available near you.

You can use filters to narrow your selection. Here are some of the top filters for searching for an RV on Outdoorsy:

  • Dates
  • Vehicle Type
  • Number of Guests
  • Price

How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV?

The amount of money it costs to rent an RV varies just like any rental vehicle: It’s based on the vehicle type and how long you plan to rent it.

On Outdoorsy, I found RVs listed for as low as $100 a night and as high as $750 a night. You can imagine that the cheaper the RV, the more it’s similar to a regular vehicle with a bed. On the other end of the spectrum, the higher the price, the more amenities and the closer you get to a road-ready hotel. Keep in mind that the listed price is only a base price per night (more on that later).

Because each RV has its own listing page, you can dig into the details on what kind of entertainment the vehicle you’re interested in has and other particulars.

If you have any questions about an RV you’re thinking about renting, make sure you reach out directly to the owner by way of Outdoorsy’s messaging system on its RV listing page.

3. Vet the Owner

One of the great things about Outdoorsy is that you can vet the RV owner by reading the reviews from previous renters.

Make sure you look for mentions of any mechanical problems or issues with the owner. Also, you’ll want to look out for things that indicate that the RV doesn’t have a feature or amenity that the listing page advertises.

On the listing page, you’ll see a rating system by the owner’s name. The more stars you see, the better reviews the RV has.

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5 Things to Know About Renting an RV on Outdoorsy (2)

If you can’t find any issues during the vetting process, it’s almost time to book, but first…

4. Get a Discount Code

Before you book, look for a discount code online: sometimes up to 10% off. You can find Outdoorsy discount codes on RetailMeNot and other coupon sites.

Outdoorsy also allows RV owners to create personalized discount codes to entice customers. The typical types of discounts that are available include:

  • Returning Renter
  • Family & Friends
  • Seasonal Discounts

To save money on your RV rental, message the owner and ask for a discount code. If they know you’re serious about renting, you may end up getting a deal!

5. Book and Pay for Your RV Rental

When you’ve settled on the RV you want to rent, it’s time to book it and pay.

To book on Outdoorsy, you need to select the dates for your trip by filling in the departure and return boxes on the calendar. Once you do that, you’ll see:

  • How many miles you get to travel for free
  • Insurance required per night
  • Owner fees
  • Service fees

When I went through the process to book an RV listed at $215 a night, all the fees for a three-night reservation bumped the price up to $1,160.95. That ends up being $385.98 per night!

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To make the reservation, you will need to log into the site and agree to Outdoorsy’s terms of service. You’ll also need to provide the following information:

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  • Your phone number
  • A description of your trip
  • Select your insurance coverage

What Type of Insurance Does Outdoorsy Offer?

Outdoorsy requires that you have insurance on your RV in addition to your personal auto insurance.

Outdoorsy’s insurance coverage comes with 24/7 roadside assistance and customer support. The three options offered at the time of this writing are:

  • Risk Taker: $22.95 a day with a $2,000 deductible
  • Essential: $37.95 a day with a $1,500 deductible
  • Peace of Mind: $47.95 a day with a $1,000 deductible

5 Things to Know About Renting an RV on Outdoorsy (4)

During checkout is also where you can add any optional notes or add-ons, like a generator, more gasoline and other extras. You can also choose whether you want the RV delivered to you (for a fee).

Once you’ve added everything you want for your trip, enter your credit card information and click the Request Booking button.

For good measure, the booking page also includes the cancellation policy of the owner. Make sure you read it carefully because Outdoorsy encourages renters to work cancellations out directly with owners.

Once the booking process is complete, you’ll get an email telling you that your request has been sent to the RV owner. If he or she approves it, you’re almost on your way to happy trails!

Final Thoughts

Much like Airbnb, Outdoorsy does not own the RVs it rents out — it just facilitates the transaction between you and the owner.

Of course, the real measure of your travel experience is not a booking website but the RV itself. That’s why you should always remember to:

  1. Do Your Research on RV Types
  2. Choose an RV that Fits Your Needs
  3. Vet the Owner
  4. Ask for a Discount
  5. Read the Cancellation Policy Before You Pay

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5 Things to Know About Renting an RV on Outdoorsy (2025)

FAQs

Can I make money renting my RV on outdoorsy? ›

You could help parents to introduce their kids to camping in the national parks, or a couple to take a romantic road trip. Plus, you benefit too! With very little effort on your part, you could generate some extra cash. The average yearly income for someone on Outdoorsy renting out one RV is $40,000-$60,000!

What do I need to know about living in an RV? ›

Full-time RV living tips
  1. Consider your location. ...
  2. Consider the cost. ...
  3. Adopt the right state of mind. ...
  4. Downsize your stuff. ...
  5. Be prepared for all types of weather. ...
  6. Be as self-sufficient as possible. ...
  7. Prepare for boondocking. ...
  8. Prepare for travel.

Is the RV rental business lucrative? ›

Potential Annual Earnings (150 rental days per Year)

As you can see, renting out your motorhome or towable is an enormously lucrative business. And if you manage to have your camper booked for more than 150 days a year, you can easily earn over $50,000 per year, depending on the type of rig.

What features to look for when buying an RV? ›

Take a close look at each RV's fuel economy, floorplan, and livability, and make sure it fits both in your budget and lifestyle. It's also smart to make a list of all the amenities you'll need — storage, beds, and appliances, etc. — that way you'll know all your needs are covered.

How much percentage does Outdoorsy take? ›

How much is Outdoorsy's host fee? Outdoorsy hosts share 25% of each booking fee with us. A 25% chunk might seem like a lot, but it's small potatoes when you think about all the things the host fee gets you.

What is the profit margin on RV rental business? ›

A lot of RV Fleet owners look for a 15% – 20% profit and that is what you will want to do to make sure you cover the costs of fuel, clean up and maintenance without losing money. Another thing to consider is if you buy right, then you can sell right. Some RV rental businesses with a fleet of RVs buy in bulk below MSRP.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for RV living? ›

To follow this rule of thumb, drive no more than 300 miles in one day, arrive no later than 3 p.m., and try to stay at your destination for a bare minimum of 3 days. This schedule makes sure you have enough time to rest up and recharge.

What size RV is best for full time living? ›

The best 5th wheel for full time living is a trailer that is less than 36 feet long. Longer trailers are harder to manage, and some regions have regulations about trailers over 36 feet. A 36-foot trailer is also easier to haul with a 3/4-ton truck. For height, a trailer less than 13 feet, 6 inches is recommended.

What I wish I knew before buying an RV? ›

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying an RV
  • The Right Size is a Make or Break. Choosing the right size for your RV can be a make-or-break decision for your RV journey. ...
  • Maintenance Isn't a Walk in the Park. ...
  • Budgeting Is Your Co-Pilot. ...
  • Choosing Campgrounds Wisely. ...
  • Community Is Key.
Feb 9, 2024

What is the most rented RV? ›

Leading Types of RVs in the Rental Market

Conventional travel trailers and Class C motorhomes are leading in the rental business. They're mostly what you'll find out there.

Is buying an RV to rent out a good investment? ›

While you will definitely incur expenses while renting out your RV (think maintenance, listing fees, supplies), you should still net a solid profit. In fact, some RV rental sites report users making as much as $50,000 per year!

Are RV airbnbs profitable? ›

If you have a nice RV, have all the amenities needed by guests, and your property is in a perfect location, you could make upwards of $1,000 a month or more. But being an Airbnb host also involves a lot of responsibilities, so you might find it helpful to use vacation rental software like Hospitable.

Is an RV a smart investment? ›

However, almost all personal vehicles depreciate over time, and that doesn't stop millions of Americans from heading to a dealership and purchasing a new car. In fact, a study done by Camper Report found that RVs lose 21% of their value as soon as they're purchased and over 35% after five years.

What is the downside of owning an RV? ›

CON: RVs Can Be High-Maintenance

RVs require a lot of upkeep. You need to keep on top of cleaning, which includes dumping RV waste. You also need to make sure fluids are topped up and tires are inflated. Then, of course, there could be occasional repairs that need doing.

Are RV sites a good investment? ›

Absolutely! Investing in an RV lot at a resort proves to be a savvy choice for multiple reasons. It promises your permanent vacation spot is always available, eliminating the need for constant planning. Also, it provides you with a supplemental rental income while you're not occupying the lot.

Is RV park business profitable? ›

' According to most sources, RV parks are a high-yielding investment and you can expect anywhere from a 10% to 20% return on your initial RV park investment . This makes owning an RV park well worth the investment.

How can I make money traveling in an RV? ›

Many RV travelers take workamping jobs to supplement their income, work in a retail store, run a campsite office, landscape, or manage campground staff. Temporary RV campground jobs are a great way to save money on your stops and give you the chance to meet new people!

Is RVshare profitable? ›

Well, how much money you make renting your RV will depend on a few factors such as the type of rig, how new it is, where you're located, and how often you rent it out. RVshare owners can easily make anywhere from $10,000 up to $40,000 a year in extra income by renting out their RVs when they're not being used.

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