Should You Rent Your RV Privately or Through Outdoorsy? Pros, Cons, and What Most Owners Don't Expect If you own an RV, you've probably wondered whether it's better to list it on a rental platform like Outdoorsy or RVezy, or simply rent it out privately. At first glance, private rentals seem like the obvious choice. There are no platform commissions, you can set your own rules, and every dollar goes directly to you. But after hosting renters myself and talking with many other RV owners, I've realized the decision isn't nearly that simple. Each approach comes with trade-offs, and the best choice depends on what matters most to you: convenience, income, risk, or long-term growth. Here's an honest comparison. Renting Through a Platform Platforms like Outdoorsy, RVezy, and RVshare have made RV rentals much easier than they were years ago. Instead of finding customers yourself, the platform already has thousands of travelers searching for RVs every day. P...
Class B vs. Class C: A Practical Guide from an RV Owner and Rental Host
If you are planning an RV road trip and trying to decide between a Class B and a Class C, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions I get.
I actually own both types of RVs. I use them for my own family trips, and I also rent them out to other travelers as a host. Because I see this dilemma all the time from my guests, I wanted to share a straightforward, honest comparison to help you choose the right one for your journey.
First, let’s clear up a common misconception: it is not just about the length. People often feel nervous when they hear a Class B is 22 feet and a Class C is 24 feet. To be fair, those extra 2 feet do matter when you're making sharp turns or maneuvering in tight spaces, so you definitely have to watch out. But once you are out on the open highway, you won't notice much of a difference from the driver's seat.
The real game-changer isn't the length—it’s the width of the vehicle and your travel style.
Picture 1. The Class B camper van we own and operate for rentals.
Why You Might Prefer a Class B RV(The Camper Van)
Think of a Class B as a sleek, easy-to-manage van. While the interior space is cozy, it offers incredible flexibility.
Lower driving anxiety: Class C motorhomes are quite wide, and their large side mirrors extend pretty far out. If you are a beginner navigating narrow city streets or roads with lampposts close to the curb, a Class C can feel stressful. A Class B is noticeably narrower, drives much like a regular SUV or large van, and makes parking very simple.
Great for couples on the move: If it is just two of you and your plan involves moving frequently from place to place, exploring towns, and doing a lot of driving, I usually recommend a Class B.
Better fuel efficiency: My Class B runs on diesel, while my Class C runs on gasoline. On the exact same route, the Class B will save you about 30% to 40% on fuel costs. When looking at rental platforms, you might notice that Class B vans are sometimes priced similarly to, or even higher than, larger Class C options. However, if you plan to cover long distances, the savings on fuel can easily offset the higher rental rate.
💡 Helpful Tip: How 4 People Can Enjoy a Class B Can four people travel in a Class B? Yes, it has seatbelts for four, but it typically only has one Queen-sized bed.
My recommendation is to bring a tent, air mattresses, and sleeping bags. Most campgrounds allow you to park your vehicle and pitch one tent on the same campsite. You can drive together during the day, and at night, two people sleep inside the van while the other two sleep in the tent.
As for meals, you don't need to worry about the small indoor table. Almost every campground provides a wooden picnic table. Simply bring a nice tablecloth, cover the outdoor table, and enjoy your meals outside. If it rains, you can roll out the van’s awning or set up a pop-up canopy.
.jpg)
Picture 2. The Class C RV we own and operate for rentals.
Why You Might Prefer a Class C RV(The Classic Motorhome)
A Class C is a true "home on wheels." It is built for space, comfort, and settling into your destination.
Perfect for larger families: Class C motorhomes are designed for groups. Depending on the specific model, a Class C typically has enough seatbelts to accommodate up to six people for travel.
One of the biggest advantages of a Class C is its sleeping capacity. Most models include a permanent rear bed that comfortably sleeps two adults, plus an over-cab bunk that can sleep another two people. The dinette can also be converted into an additional bed. It's usually most comfortable for one adult, or two younger children with smaller builds.
In total, many Class C motorhomes can comfortably sleep five to six people, making them an excellent choice for larger families or multi-generational trips.
In fact, many of my Class C renters are immigrant families whose parents are visiting from abroad. For a big family that would otherwise need to book two or three separate hotel rooms, traveling together in a Class C can save a significant amount of money, especially during the busy peak season when hotel rates skyrocket.
Ample storage for bulky gear: If you plan to bring a lot of luggage, large coolers, heavy camping chairs, or bulky recreational gear like inflatable kayaks and paddleboards, you will need the storage space of a Class C. The external storage compartments are excellent, and the indoor refrigerator is large enough to hold a family's worth of groceries.
Comfort during longer stays: If your travel style is to drive to a beautiful campground, park, and stay in that one spot for a few days, a Class C is ideal. It is spacious enough that your family will still feel comfortable and relaxed, even if it rains and you have to spend the day indoors.
Conclusion
There is no single "best" choice—it all depends on your specific trip.
Even though I appreciate the agility of my Class B for quick getaways, I often choose the Class C even when it is just my partner and me heading to a nearby campground. Sometimes, we simply want to relax and enjoy the extra elbow room. On the other hand, I have had couples rent my Class C for that exact same reason.
Take a close look at your route, your headcount, and your comfort level with driving a wider vehicle.
If you have any questions about specific setups or destinations, please feel free to leave a comment below. Safe travels and happy camping!
Comments
Post a Comment