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Top 7 Platforms For Renting Out Vans And RVs

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Top 7 Platforms For Renting Out Vans And RVs

Renting out your van or RV can generate significant income, with some owners making up to $40,000 annually. Peer-to-peer platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy simplify the process by offering tools for secure payments, insurance, and renter background checks. Here’s a quick look at the top platforms:

  • RVshare: Largest U.S. marketplace with up to $1 million in liability insurance and flexible commission rates (15%-25%).
  • Outdoorsy: 80/20 revenue split, fast payouts, and robust insurance coverage.
  • Nomad Adjacent: Focused on selling alternative living vehicles, not rentals.
  • Motorhome Republic: Partners with professional fleets, offering one-way rentals.
  • Travellers Autobarn: Unlimited mileage and campervans with essential amenities.
  • roadsurfer: Operates its own fleet with unlimited mileage and 24/7 support.
  • Indie Campers: Peer-to-peer and fleet rentals with global coverage.

Quick Comparison

Platform Commission Payout Speed Coverage Area Insurance Best For
RVshare 15%-25% Up to 1 week U.S. only Up to $300,000 U.S.-based rentals
Outdoorsy 20% 1-2 business days U.S., Canada, UK, AUS $1M Liability Premium features
Nomad Adjacent None N/A U.S. only N/A Selling vehicles
Motorhome Republic N/A N/A U.S. only Varies (fleet-based) Professional fleets
Travellers Autobarn N/A N/A U.S. (West Coast) Included Unlimited mileage trips
roadsurfer N/A N/A U.S. & Europe Included Fleet rentals
Indie Campers Varies Not specified Global (80+ locations) Varies International reach

Each platform has unique strengths. Choose based on your goals - whether it's maximizing income, fast payouts, or global exposure.

Top 7 Van and RV Rental Platforms Comparison: Commission Rates, Payouts, and Coverage

Top 7 Van and RV Rental Platforms Comparison: Commission Rates, Payouts, and Coverage

1 year of renting out our RV with Outdoorsy and RV Share | Is it worth it?

Outdoorsy

1. RVshare

RVshare

RVshare is the largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace in the U.S., offering RV owners a way to earn income from their idle vehicles. The platform also provides expert guidance to address RV-specific questions, making it a reliable choice for owners looking to rent out their vehicles. Let’s dive into the earning potential and features that make RVshare a standout option.

Owner Earnings Potential

RVshare has proven to be a lucrative opportunity for many RV owners. For example:

  • Denton earned close to $68,000 in a single year.
  • Cornelius, who rents out two RVs, grosses about $5,000 per month per unit. After deducting $1,000 in expenses per unit, that’s a solid monthly profit.
  • Becky netted nearly $5,000 in just one summer season.

"Our two rental units gross about $5,000 a month each renting on RVshare, so the income has way covered my expenses."
– Cornelius, RV Owner

Listing Fees and Commission Structure

RVshare makes it easy to get started, as listing your RV is completely free. The platform charges a commission starting at 25% for each booking. However, this percentage can decrease based on your annual performance, giving high-performing owners a chance to keep more of their earnings.

Specialized Features for Van and RV Rentals

RVshare includes several perks to ensure a smooth rental experience for both owners and renters. These include:

  • A-rated insurance coverage for every rental.
  • 24/7 roadside assistance.
  • Renter ID verification and background checks.
  • Secure payments, with funds deposited on the first business day after the rental begins.

For renters who lack towing experience, you can offer delivery and setup services, which not only expands your customer base but also enhances convenience. RVshare’s reputation speaks for itself, with a Trustpilot rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on over 16,600 reviews - 74% of which are 5-star ratings.

Additional Tools to Maximize Visibility

RVshare provides tools to help you attract more renters and boost your earnings. Features like Instant Book allow renters to book immediately, giving your listing a lightning bolt badge to stand out. Other tools include:

  • A recommended pricing tool to help you stay competitive.
  • Free one-on-one rental coaching to optimize your approach.
  • Seasonal pricing adjustments to ensure maximum occupancy and revenue.

With these features and tools, RVshare makes it easier than ever to turn your RV into a reliable income source.

2. Outdoorsy

Outdoorsy has made a name for itself in the peer-to-peer RV rental market, connecting over 30,000 hosts and generating $688 million in payouts since 2015. Its user-friendly commission structure and extensive support system make it an appealing choice for RV and van owners looking to earn extra income. Here’s a closer look at Outdoorsy’s earnings potential, fees, and standout features.

Owner Earnings Potential

Outdoorsy provides hosts with the chance to earn competitive income, as shown by several real-life success stories. For example, Tim Frye from Flower Mound, Texas, earned $30,000 annually renting out his 39-foot Forest River Berkshire motorhome. During the pandemic, his bookings increased by 70%. Meanwhile, Andrew Carson from Fredericksburg, Virginia, managed to gross $5,500 per month with two Class C motorhomes, even after accounting for $1,400 in monthly expenses.

"It's like having a personal assistant for our small business. They bring us new clients and provide our guests with 24/7 customer service and peace of mind."
– Tina Howitt, Outdoorsy host since 2022

Listing Fees and Commission Structure

Outdoorsy makes listing simple and free. The platform operates on an 80/20 revenue split, meaning hosts keep 80% of the total reservation cost while Outdoorsy takes a 20% commission. Payments are processed quickly, with hosts typically receiving their earnings within 24 hours of a rental’s return.

Every rental includes $1 million in liability coverage and $300,000 in collision protection, ensuring peace of mind for hosts without adding extra costs.

Features Tailored for Van and RV Rentals

Outdoorsy offers a range of features designed to make renting easy and secure. Renter background checks, DMV verifications, and 24/7 roadside assistance are standard.

The platform’s Smart Match tool helps hosts fill their calendars by connecting them with renters whose preferred vehicles may already be booked in their area. Hosts can also offer delivery services, such as bringing the RV directly to airports or campsites - a feature many renters appreciate for its convenience.

Tools to Boost Visibility and Earnings

Outdoorsy equips hosts with tools to streamline their rental business and maximize revenue. Features like Instabook allow instant reservations, while Quick Replies and the Insights dashboard simplify guest communication and provide data on booking trends. Hosts can also offer paid extras, such as camping gear, pet-friendly "Pooch Packages", additional mileage, or generator usage fees, to increase earnings.

With a 93% 5-star rating across more than 800,000 nights booked, Outdoorsy has built a strong reputation among both renters and hosts.

3. Nomad Adjacent

Nomad Adjacent

Nomad Adjacent focuses on facilitating the buying and selling of alternative living solutions like converted vans, RVs, tiny homes, and container homes. Unlike some platforms, it does not cater to rental listings, keeping its niche clear and focused.

Listing Fees and Commission Structure

Selling on Nomad Adjacent is entirely free. Sellers can list their vans and RVs without paying any fees, commissions, or dealing with hidden costs. This makes it an appealing option for those looking to sell rather than rent. The platform earns revenue through optional add-ons, such as social media promotions, which sellers can use to increase their listing’s visibility.

Specialized Features for Van and RV Sales

One standout feature is the map-based search tool, which helps buyers find vans and RVs available in specific geographic areas. This function connects sellers with local buyers, making transactions more convenient. To improve search rankings, sellers are encouraged to include high-quality photos, clear titles, and detailed descriptions. The platform’s audience consists of alternative living enthusiasts, ensuring listings reach people genuinely interested in lifestyle solutions like converted vans and RVs - not short-term rentals.

Additional Tools to Maximize Visibility

Regularly updating your listing can help maintain its visibility in searches. The platform also offers resources on minimalist and alternative living, which can give your listing an edge. If you’re more interested in generating rental income, consider exploring other platforms mentioned later in this guide.

4. Motorhome Republic

Motorhome Republic

Motorhome Republic focuses on connecting travelers with professional rental fleets instead of individual owners' vehicles. By partnering with established rental companies like Cruise America and El Monte, this platform ensures access to commercial fleets. It’s a great choice for those who prefer renting through professional companies, offering unique options like one-way trips.

Standout Features for Van and RV Rentals

One of the platform's most appealing features is its one-way rental option. This allows renters to pick up a vehicle in one city and drop it off in another. Imagine starting your journey in Las Vegas and wrapping it up in San Francisco, or driving from Philadelphia to Maine. This flexibility is ideal for cross-country adventures. As Capture the Atlas puts it, "This is the best one-way RV rental company throughout the U.S."

Rentals come with 24/7 roadside assistance, and the vehicles available are often newer models from partner companies. Thanks to its user-friendly search tool, you can filter by vehicle age, model, and amenities, making it easy to compare prices across brands. For example, a 10-day West Coast trip in a 20-foot RV costs about $1,784. This breaks down to a $1,544 base rental fee and $240 for insurance.

Pricing and Discounts

Motorhome Republic often provides discounts compared to booking directly with rental companies. However, the prices are slightly higher than what you might find with peer-to-peer rental options.

5. Travellers Autobarn

Travellers Autobarn

Travellers Autobarn operates as a commercial rental company with its own fleet of campervans, distinguishing it from peer-to-peer platforms. The company has rental hubs in three key West Coast cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. What makes it stand out is the thoughtful design of its vehicles and the features included with each rental.

The company specializes in campervans like the Chevy 2500-based Kuga and Hi-Top models, which provide standing room for added comfort. Each vehicle is outfitted with essentials such as a fridge, sink, microwave, gas stove, and both 120V and USB plug-ins. Solar panels power critical appliances, making these vans a practical choice for road trips.

One of the biggest perks? Unlimited mileage is included with every rental. This is a rare find, as many competitors cap daily mileage at 100–150 miles. For those planning extensive road trips across the American West, this feature can save both money and hassle. Rates start at approximately $55 per day, excluding taxes and insurance.

Travellers Autobarn also offers one-way rentals between its three locations for a $175 fee, though this fee is waived for rentals longer than 28 days. The process is streamlined with an online check-in system, and for an additional $45, renters can add a "living equipment" bundle that includes bedding and kitchen supplies.

6. roadsurfer

roadsurfer

roadsurfer stands out from peer-to-peer rental platforms by operating as a professional rental company with its own fleet of vehicles. Since its launch in 2016, the company has grown to manage more than 7,500 vehicles spread across 70+ locations in Europe and five destinations in North America, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Calgary. Unlike peer-to-peer services, roadsurfer exclusively rents its own vehicles - private owners cannot list theirs. Let’s take a closer look at what makes roadsurfer an appealing choice for travelers.

Features Tailored for Van and RV Rentals

roadsurfer offers a range of perks designed to make van and RV rentals as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Every rental includes unlimited mileage and a free second driver, giving renters the freedom to explore without worrying about extra fees. Additionally, the company provides a 24/7 mobility guarantee, ensuring round-the-clock assistance if any issues arise during a trip.

Each vehicle is equipped with essentials like camp heaters and air conditioning to keep travelers comfortable in any weather. To make things even easier, roadsurfer supplies model-specific "how-to" videos, helping renters get familiar with their vehicle's features. One standout option is the "Surfer Suite", built on the VW California. This model is compact enough to fit in standard parking spaces, making it a great choice for navigating city streets.

7. Indie Campers

Indie Campers runs a fleet of over 1,250 RVs and also operates a peer-to-peer marketplace where private owners can list their vehicles. With coverage in more than 80 locations across three continents, the platform connects hosts with over 100,000 travelers from more than 100 countries. Boasting a 4.7/5 rating from over 73,000 travelers, Indie Campers has carved out a strong presence in the rental market.

Listing Fees and Commission Structure

Listing your vehicle on Indie Campers is entirely free. The platform uses a commission-based model, so hosts only pay a fee on confirmed bookings.

Simply manage your fleet and only pay commission on the bookings you accept.

Hosts have full control over their nightly rates, allowing them to adjust prices seasonally or offer discounts for extended rentals. Payments are securely handled through Stripe, ensuring transparency with no hidden fees.

Specialized Features for Van and RV Rentals

Indie Campers includes several features tailored for van and RV rentals. Renter identity checks and an online check-in system let hosts review client details in advance.

Our online check-in allows you to review client information beforehand, speed pick-ups and boost sales of your extra services and products.

The platform also supports one-way rentals, offers unlimited mileage options, and provides 24/7 customer support to assist hosts throughout the rental process. These tools make renting smoother and more efficient for both hosts and travelers.

Additional Tools to Maximize Visibility

To help hosts attract more bookings, Indie Campers provides a Perfect Listing Guide. This guide offers practical advice on improving rankings, such as optimizing descriptions, adjusting pricing for seasons, and enhancing photos. It suggests using bright, natural lighting and lifestyle shots - like a set dining table or a sunset scene - to create an inviting visual experience for potential renters. Maintaining a customer satisfaction score of at least 4.5, offering flexible cancellation policies, and responding quickly to inquiries can also boost visibility and lead to more bookings.

Platform Comparison

When deciding on a platform, consider factors like commission rates, payout speed, coverage area, and insurance options.

RVshare takes a commission between 15% and 25%, offering the potential for hosts to earn up to $40,000 annually. Outdoorsy charges a flat 20% commission and stands out for its speedy payouts, typically within 1–2 business days - faster than RVshare’s one-week turnaround. Outdoorsy has facilitated over 240,000 trips and boasts an impressive average rating of 4.87/5. RVnGO offers a unique advantage with its 0% commission for hosts, meaning owners retain 100% of the booking fees, while guests pay a 3% credit card fee. RVezy operates across the U.S. and Canada, charging a 20% commission, with payouts processed in 3–5 business days. It also includes built-in insurance for added convenience. Indie Campers follows a commission-based model without upfront listing fees, serving over 80 locations across three continents and connecting hosts with a network of more than 100,000 travelers.

Here’s a quick comparison of the platforms to help you decide:

Platform Commission Payout Speed Coverage Area Insurance Best For
RVshare 15% – 25% Up to a week U.S. Only Up to $300,000 U.S. reach & flexibility
Outdoorsy 20% 1–2 business days U.S., Canada, UK, Australia $1M Liability Premium features
RVezy 20% 3–5 business days U.S. & Canada Built-in coverage Transparent pricing
RVnGO 0% Within 72 hours U.S. $1M Liability / $200K Property Maximum owner profit
Indie Campers Commission-based Not specified 80+ locations globally Varies International reach

With over 17 million RVs in North America sitting unused for approximately 350 days each year, these platforms offer a practical avenue to transform idle vehicles into a steady income stream. Evaluate the options and choose the one that aligns best with your goals for turning your RV into a source of reliable earnings.

Conclusion

Renting out your van or RV can bring in impressive income, with some owners earning as much as $40,000 annually. The range of features offered by different platforms has made it easier for many owners to succeed. Deciding where to list your vehicle depends on your priorities - whether it’s fast payouts, insurance coverage, or platform visibility.

To achieve the best results, it’s all about presentation. Start by uploading at least 20 high-quality photos taken in natural light. Stage the interior with thoughtful touches like throw blankets or small plants to help potential renters picture themselves on their adventure. Craft a compelling title (e.g., "Mercedes Benz Sprinter – Off Grid Paradise") to highlight your RV’s unique appeal, and write a detailed description that covers sleeping arrangements, bed sizes, and included amenities like cookware, linens, or GPS. Adding a local “Top 5 Destinations” list can inspire renters to book. Offering extras, such as delivery for towable RVs or add-ons like bicycles, kayaks, or pre-filled coolers, can also increase your bookings.

"Your photos are the most direct line of connection and communication you have with your renters!" - Megan Buemi, RVshare

Using features like Instant Book can improve visibility by giving your listing a special badge and a higher spot in search results. Keep your calendar updated weekly and respond quickly to inquiries to turn interest into confirmed bookings.

Competitive pricing and active management are just as important. Research what similar vehicles in your area are charging, and adjust your rates seasonally to maximize demand during peak times or attract renters during slower months. With nearly 17 million RVs sitting unused for most of the year, these platforms offer a way to turn your idle vehicle into a steady income source.

FAQs

What are the best ways to maximize your earnings when renting out an RV?

To maximize the income potential of renting out your RV, start with an eye-catching listing. Use high-quality photos that showcase both the interior and exterior of your RV. A memorable name can also help your listing stand out from the crowd. When setting your price, research similar rentals in your area to stay competitive. You might also want to offer discounts for longer bookings or during slower travel seasons to attract more renters.

Keeping your RV in top shape is essential. Perform thorough cleanings and inspections before every rental. Adding thoughtful extras like fresh linens, kitchen essentials, Wi-Fi, or even local travel guides can make your RV more appealing to potential renters. Quick responses to inquiries and clear communication with renters can lead to positive reviews - boosting your listing’s visibility and helping you charge higher rates over time.

Don’t forget to promote your listing! Share it on social media and use any marketing tools provided by your rental platform to get more eyes on your RV. With consistent effort and attention to detail, renting out your RV can become a solid source of income, with many owners earning anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 or more annually.

What kind of insurance is included when renting out my van or RV?

Most rental platforms simplify the insurance process by including it as part of their service. Typically, they offer liability protection and physical damage coverage for your RV during rentals, bundled right into the transaction. For instance, some platforms provide up to $150,000 in physical damage coverage and $1 million in liability protection. Many also include extras like 24/7 roadside assistance to keep things stress-free.

For those seeking more extensive coverage or added reassurance, many platforms offer the option to upgrade to premium insurance plans. On the other hand, if the platform doesn’t include insurance, it’s essential to ensure your personal RV insurance policy meets their requirements. This step helps guarantee that both you and your renters are properly covered throughout the rental period.

How quickly do RV rental platforms process payouts?

When it comes to payout speeds for RV rental platforms, details can be a bit scattered and inconsistent across various sources. The time it takes to process payments often depends on the platform’s specific policies and the payment method you choose. To get the most reliable and up-to-date information, it’s a good idea to check the platform’s payout terms directly or reach out to their support team for clarification.

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