Renting Out an RV or Camper

The average RV owner drives their motor home for less than a month yearly. What happens to the vehicle in the other 11 months? It sits idle, collecting dust and rust on your property. So why not rent it and get paid instead?

Look at how good a side hustle renting out an RV or camper can be and how much you can earn from it below.

An Overview of Renting Out an RV or Camper: A Primer

If you have an RV or Camper that you rarely use, you can make money renting it out to people looking to explore the outdoors.

And since you’ll use your vehicle for about 2% of its lifetime, it’s a great opportunity to make your money’s worth of the purchase price and enjoy big profit margins. 

Like any other business, you’ll need to come up with capital to get started on your RV rental and work on your vehicle to ensure it’s attractive enough to rent.

You can also market your RV or camper and find potential clients through many different platforms online. 

How Much Can You Earn Renting Out an RV or Camper?

You can make about $100 a night and up to $10,000 a year or more, depending on its availability. You may charge higher prices for class A RVs since they’re the biggest or when your camper has special amenities like lawn chairs and camping gear. 

Most RV owners make enough to cover their RV payments, while some pay off their RV loans after renting for an entire year. And if you pay parking fees, you can save money renting out your camper in the summer instead of letting it age in the hot sun. 

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Side Hustle Renting Out an RV or Camper?

You can expect to spend at least $2,000 to start your side hustle. The final cost depends on location, insurance provider, and other maintenance services. 

If you don’t own an RV or camper, buying one will cost you anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the size. 

RV rental insurance may cost $1,000 to $3,000 to protect against damage or theft, and you’ll also have to consider maintenance and repairs.

And if you don’t have parking space at home, storage can range from $100 to $300 monthly. 

Where Can You Find Gigs Renting Out an RV or Camper?

The RV rental business is profitable because enthusiasts will pay top dollar to rent your camper. You can either search for clients individually or join gig economy platforms to access a broad network of customers.

Where to Independently Find Gigs Renting Out an RV or Camper

You can post your listing on Facebook or Craigslist and leave your contact info for clients. Be sure to create engaging posts and use relevant hashtags for your services. 

Running paid advertising campaigns like Google or Facebook ads will also help you target potential renters interested in RV rentals.

A website or blog is another great way to promote your business because it lets you share photos and videos and tell your camper story. Potential renters will connect with your story better, convincing them to book a reservation. 

If you want to get creative, advertise on your RV using wraps, window decals, bumper stickers, and magnetic signs the next time you go camping.

RVing events are a great way to gain exposure and meet potential clients. You’ll connect with other RV owners, join RVing groups, and reach out to bloggers and influencers interested in your services. 

Gig Economy Companies That Offer Gigs Renting Out an RV or Camper

Many sharing economy platforms connect you to clients who’ll pay hundreds of dollars to experience the RV lifestyle. 

You can list your camper on sites like RVShare for free and set your rates and terms. The website charges a commission for each rental, but you can make enough money to cover your expenses and enjoy profits. 

Other sites like Outdoorsy will even offer liability insurance and roadside assistance when you enroll in their membership program.

These services will protect you from delaying your RV payment by ensuring you receive on-time payment. You can also try platforms like RVnGO, Campari, and the classic Cruise America.

The best part about gig economy sites is that they handle all the marketing to give your RV rental side hustle full exposure. Although you might have to pay listing fees and commissions, for every successful rental request, it’s worth avoiding the risks of working alone. 

Why You Should Consider Renting Out an RV or Camper As a Side Hustle

Your RV or camper is valuable for exploring the great outdoors and making extra cash on its days off. Take a look at these reasons for renting it out:

• Rental income: You can rent out your RV when it’s sitting idle and make money for your next big road trip.
• Set your schedule: You get to set your rental period, allowing you to make extra money on your terms. You can also set aside spare time for its maintenance or your camping trip. 
• Share the experience: The RV lifestyle is a beautiful experience, and renting it out allows others to enjoy a new adventure.  

Problems With Renting Out an RV or Camper for Money

Despite making the extra cash, you need to be prepared for the downsides of renting out your RV. Consider the following problems:

• Damages: Even if you have good renters, they may still damage your travel trailer. These damages range from a minor dent to dealing with water damage.
• Wear and tear: Depending on your RV, you may have to replace the tires and fluids, and perform routine maintenance more often when renting it out.
• Time commitment: Renting out your RV is a lot of work. You have to be available 24/7 to answer calls or queries from renters and handle any problems like breakdowns. 

Frequently Asked Questions