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...
Must-Have Essentials for New RV Hosts: How to protect Your Rig, Delight Your Guests, and Boost Rental Profits
Must-Have Essentials for New RV Hosts: How to protect Your Rig, Delight Your Guests, and Boost Rental Profits
When you start renting out your RV, you quickly realize it’s about so much more than just handing over the keys. You’re essentially providing a boutique hotel on wheels, where your guests are looking forward to creating beautiful memories, and you naturally want to ensure your vehicle returns in good shape. Over the past couple of seasons, I’ve learned that what you put inside the rig is just as critical as the mechanical health of the vehicle itself. The right gear does double duty: it ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for your guests, protects your investment from simple first-time mistakes, and opens up a steady stream of extra profit through helpful add-ons.
Here is my actual breakdown of what I include for free to ensure a safe trip, what I provide for basic hospitality, and how I structure my paid options to add genuine value to my guests' vacation.
The great thing about using modern rental platforms like Outdoorsy or RVshare is that their backend systems are already optimized for this exact process. When you set up your listing, the app provides a complete, built-in checklist for both basic essentials and premium add-ons. You don't have to reinvent the wheel. All you have to do is check the boxes for the inventory you have, set your own customized pricing, and you can even manually add custom items unique to your setup. It makes managing your whole inventory incredibly easy, streamlined, and completely hands-off.
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Photo 1: A look inside my Class C RV, where everything is neatly organized in the storage spaces while keeping the exterior clean and tidy.
When you start renting out your RV, you quickly realize it’s about so much more than just handing over the keys. You’re essentially providing a boutique hotel on wheels, where your guests are looking forward to creating beautiful memories, and you naturally want to ensure your vehicle returns in good shape. Over the past couple of seasons, I’ve learned that what you put inside the rig is just as critical as the mechanical health of the vehicle itself. The right gear does double duty: it ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for your guests, protects your investment from simple first-time mistakes, and opens up a steady stream of extra profit through helpful add-ons.
Here is my actual breakdown of what I include for free to ensure a safe trip, what I provide for basic hospitality, and how I structure my paid options to add genuine value to my guests' vacation.
The great thing about using modern rental platforms like Outdoorsy or RVshare is that their backend systems are already optimized for this exact process. When you set up your listing, the app provides a complete, built-in checklist for both basic essentials and premium add-ons. You don't have to reinvent the wheel. All you have to do is check the boxes for the inventory you have, set your own customized pricing, and you can even manually add custom items unique to your setup. It makes managing your whole inventory incredibly easy, streamlined, and completely hands-off.
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Photo 1: A look inside my Class C RV, where everything is neatly organized in the storage spaces while keeping the exterior clean and tidy.
1. The Peace of Mind Essentials (Always Free)
This is the most critical category of your entire listing. First-time renters are often unfamiliar with the delicate, specialized systems of a motorhome, and it’s completely natural for them to feel a bit anxious at first. I supply these items completely free of charge—not just to protect my rig, but to give my guests the ultimate peace of mind so they can focus on enjoying the open road without worrying about technical mishaps.
Water Pressure Regulator: Campsite water pressure varies wildly across different campgrounds. If the local pressure is too high, it can put unnecessary stress on the internal plumbing. This regulator stays attached to the fresh water hose to ensure a safe, steady flow for your guests.
Surge Protector: Faulty campsite power pedestals are more common than you think. A sudden spike or drop in voltage can disrupt the RV's entire electrical circuit. Providing a high-quality surge protector shields the expensive appliances and ensures your guests have uninterrupted power throughout their stay.
Waterproof Mattress Protectors: Accidents happen, from morning coffee spills to middle-of-the-night mishaps. These are absolutely mandatory for basic hygiene, ensuring every new guest sleeps on a pristine bed while keeping the mattresses in excellent condition for the long run.
Dashcam & Backup Camera: Navigating a large rig into tight campsites can be stressful for anyone. A reliable camera system drastically cuts down that natural driving anxiety, making parking a breeze and ensuring everyone stays safe.
Outdoor Shoe Mats: I provide a heavy-duty outdoor mat right by the entrance and kindly ask guests to leave their shoes outside. This isn't just about keeping the floors clean; it’s actually about air quality. In many RVs, heating vents are near the floor. Leaving dusty shoes outside prevents debris from being blown into the living space, ensuring everyone breathes fresh, clean air while they sleep.
Sink Drying Pads & Racks: Managing moisture in a moving home is a team effort. The kitchen counter area is especially vulnerable to water splashes during daily use. To make dishwashing easy and worry-free, I provide a medium-sized dish rack with a built-in water-catching tray and an absorbent drying pad. It helps guests keep the space tidy without having to constantly worry about water pooling on the laminate counters.
This is the most critical category of your entire listing. First-time renters are often unfamiliar with the delicate, specialized systems of a motorhome, and it’s completely natural for them to feel a bit anxious at first. I supply these items completely free of charge—not just to protect my rig, but to give my guests the ultimate peace of mind so they can focus on enjoying the open road without worrying about technical mishaps.
Water Pressure Regulator: Campsite water pressure varies wildly across different campgrounds. If the local pressure is too high, it can put unnecessary stress on the internal plumbing. This regulator stays attached to the fresh water hose to ensure a safe, steady flow for your guests.
Surge Protector: Faulty campsite power pedestals are more common than you think. A sudden spike or drop in voltage can disrupt the RV's entire electrical circuit. Providing a high-quality surge protector shields the expensive appliances and ensures your guests have uninterrupted power throughout their stay.
Waterproof Mattress Protectors: Accidents happen, from morning coffee spills to middle-of-the-night mishaps. These are absolutely mandatory for basic hygiene, ensuring every new guest sleeps on a pristine bed while keeping the mattresses in excellent condition for the long run.
Dashcam & Backup Camera: Navigating a large rig into tight campsites can be stressful for anyone. A reliable camera system drastically cuts down that natural driving anxiety, making parking a breeze and ensuring everyone stays safe.
Outdoor Shoe Mats: I provide a heavy-duty outdoor mat right by the entrance and kindly ask guests to leave their shoes outside. This isn't just about keeping the floors clean; it’s actually about air quality. In many RVs, heating vents are near the floor. Leaving dusty shoes outside prevents debris from being blown into the living space, ensuring everyone breathes fresh, clean air while they sleep.
Sink Drying Pads & Racks: Managing moisture in a moving home is a team effort. The kitchen counter area is especially vulnerable to water splashes during daily use. To make dishwashing easy and worry-free, I provide a medium-sized dish rack with a built-in water-catching tray and an absorbent drying pad. It helps guests keep the space tidy without having to constantly worry about water pooling on the laminate counters.
2. The Basic Essentials (Freebies for Comfort and Ease)
When people rent an RV, they are looking for a baseline of convenience that makes them feel right at home. Providing these basic domestic necessities sets a welcoming, professional tone for the entire trip and ensures your guests never feel stranded without the basics.
RV-Safe Toilet Paper & Chemical Pods: Regular residential toilet paper can easily clog an RV's black tank plumbing. I always leave plenty of RV-safe paper, but the real key is being overly generous with toilet chemical treatment pods. If a guest goes out on a 10-day trip, I give them at least 10 pods so they can easily toss one in every time they empty the tanks. It’s a tiny detail that keeps the system functioning perfectly and the bathroom completely odor-free.
Kitchen Cookware & Dishware: I include a fully stocked kitchen completely free. This includes real pots, pans, knives, cutting boards, utensils, real ceramic plates, cups, and wine glasses for relaxing evenings. As a thoughtful bonus, I also throw in a stack of disposable plates and cups for those days when they’d rather spend time around the campfire instead of doing dishes.
Cleaning Supplies: Most renters naturally want to keep the space decent and tidy, so I make sure they have the right tools to do so. Leaving a cordless vacuum, disinfectant wipes, multi-surface spray, and plenty of trash bags in plain sight makes daily maintenance effortless for them, which also makes post-trip turnover much smoother for me.
The Comfort & Convenience Kit: I also provide a storage box filled with small, practical items that make campsite living so much easier. This includes kitchen rubber gloves, heavy-duty work gloves for utility hookups, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, a long lighter for the campfire, a basic tool set, and extra cleaning rags. I choose to provide all of this for free to ensure my guests have a seamless trip, though you can easily bundle these into a paid "Essential Kit" if you prefer.
Photo 2: A neat shot of the RV kitchen, with all the essential utensils carefully organized and ready for guests.
When people rent an RV, they are looking for a baseline of convenience that makes them feel right at home. Providing these basic domestic necessities sets a welcoming, professional tone for the entire trip and ensures your guests never feel stranded without the basics.
RV-Safe Toilet Paper & Chemical Pods: Regular residential toilet paper can easily clog an RV's black tank plumbing. I always leave plenty of RV-safe paper, but the real key is being overly generous with toilet chemical treatment pods. If a guest goes out on a 10-day trip, I give them at least 10 pods so they can easily toss one in every time they empty the tanks. It’s a tiny detail that keeps the system functioning perfectly and the bathroom completely odor-free.
Kitchen Cookware & Dishware: I include a fully stocked kitchen completely free. This includes real pots, pans, knives, cutting boards, utensils, real ceramic plates, cups, and wine glasses for relaxing evenings. As a thoughtful bonus, I also throw in a stack of disposable plates and cups for those days when they’d rather spend time around the campfire instead of doing dishes.
Cleaning Supplies: Most renters naturally want to keep the space decent and tidy, so I make sure they have the right tools to do so. Leaving a cordless vacuum, disinfectant wipes, multi-surface spray, and plenty of trash bags in plain sight makes daily maintenance effortless for them, which also makes post-trip turnover much smoother for me.
The Comfort & Convenience Kit: I also provide a storage box filled with small, practical items that make campsite living so much easier. This includes kitchen rubber gloves, heavy-duty work gloves for utility hookups, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, a long lighter for the campfire, a basic tool set, and extra cleaning rags. I choose to provide all of this for free to ensure my guests have a seamless trip, though you can easily bundle these into a paid "Essential Kit" if you prefer.
Photo 2: A neat shot of the RV kitchen, with all the essential utensils carefully organized and ready for guests.
3. Smart Add-ons for Extra Comfort (The Paid Options)
This is where you can offer extra convenience for guests who want a more tailored, hassle-free experience. Paid add-ons allow you to provide high-maintenance luxury items while properly covering the extra labor required to prepare them.
Linen & Bedding Package: Many local renters actually prefer bringing their own familiar sleeping bags and pillows. However, fly-in tourists obviously can't pack bulky duvets in their luggage. Because stripping, heavy-duty laundering, and sanitizing linens takes significant turnover time, charging a fair fee ($50–$100) covers your labor while offering a massive convenience to travelers.
Propane Fire Pit & BBQ Grill: Here in British Columbia, our beautiful summers often come with strict campfire bans due to high wildfire risks. Traditional wood fires are frequently restricted, which can be a disappointment for campers. However, portable propane fire pits are legally allowed in almost all campgrounds. Offering one as an add-on is a total lifesaver for guests who still want to enjoy that cozy, classic campfire vibe in the evenings.
Portable Power Banks: This is highly practical for guests who love dry camping or boondocking off-the-grid. While the RV has its own battery system, guests always welcome extra power to charge cell phones, cameras, or laptops. Providing a separate, portable power station allows them to save the rig’s primary house batteries. Most units also have built-in LED lights, perfect for lighting up the picnic table at night.
Coolers & Ice Packs: For larger groups or extended trips, the compact RV fridge can get crowded quickly. To solve this, I offer a durable portable cooler and pre-frozen ice packs for a small flat fee (around $10). It gives them that necessary extra storage space for cold beverages or BBQ meats, adding easy convenience to their trip.
Camping Chairs & Outdoor Tables: While I include two basic chairs for free as a courtesy, larger families or groups appreciate the option to rent extra matching chairs and a sturdy, fold-out outdoor table setup for a reasonable fee.
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Photo 3: My Class C rental RV out in the wild, showcasing a real campsite setup on a beautiful trip.
This is where you can offer extra convenience for guests who want a more tailored, hassle-free experience. Paid add-ons allow you to provide high-maintenance luxury items while properly covering the extra labor required to prepare them.
Linen & Bedding Package: Many local renters actually prefer bringing their own familiar sleeping bags and pillows. However, fly-in tourists obviously can't pack bulky duvets in their luggage. Because stripping, heavy-duty laundering, and sanitizing linens takes significant turnover time, charging a fair fee ($50–$100) covers your labor while offering a massive convenience to travelers.
Propane Fire Pit & BBQ Grill: Here in British Columbia, our beautiful summers often come with strict campfire bans due to high wildfire risks. Traditional wood fires are frequently restricted, which can be a disappointment for campers. However, portable propane fire pits are legally allowed in almost all campgrounds. Offering one as an add-on is a total lifesaver for guests who still want to enjoy that cozy, classic campfire vibe in the evenings.
Portable Power Banks: This is highly practical for guests who love dry camping or boondocking off-the-grid. While the RV has its own battery system, guests always welcome extra power to charge cell phones, cameras, or laptops. Providing a separate, portable power station allows them to save the rig’s primary house batteries. Most units also have built-in LED lights, perfect for lighting up the picnic table at night.
Coolers & Ice Packs: For larger groups or extended trips, the compact RV fridge can get crowded quickly. To solve this, I offer a durable portable cooler and pre-frozen ice packs for a small flat fee (around $10). It gives them that necessary extra storage space for cold beverages or BBQ meats, adding easy convenience to their trip.
Camping Chairs & Outdoor Tables: While I include two basic chairs for free as a courtesy, larger families or groups appreciate the option to rent extra matching chairs and a sturdy, fold-out outdoor table setup for a reasonable fee.
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Photo 3: My Class C rental RV out in the wild, showcasing a real campsite setup on a beautiful trip.
4. The Thoughtful Details That Count
In the peer-to-peer rental world, building genuine human connections is everything. When you genuinely care about your guests' experience, it changes the entire dynamic of the rental.
Welcome Basket: A simple, inexpensive basket stocked with a few local snacks, two bottles of cold water, and a brief, handwritten note welcoming them to their journey. This small touch shows guests they are truly welcome. When you treat people with warmth from day one, they naturally treat your RV with the same respect, leading to open communication and a smoother trip for everyone.
The RV Quick-Start Manual: A custom, user-friendly guide with clear, color pictures showing step-by-step how to operate the thermostat, extend the awning, and manage the utility tanks. Keeping this right on the kitchen counter saves your guests from frustration during their trip and gives them the confidence to enjoy the RV like a pro.
Ultimately, hosting an RV rental is all about striking the perfect balance between proactive care, genuine hospitality, and smart business management. By providing the protective gear for free, you ensure your guests have a safe, successful trip. By offering thoughtful, transparently priced add-ons, you provide extra comfort to those who want it while being fairly compensated for your hard work. When you focus on helping people have an unforgettable travel experience, your RV naturally transforms from a monthly liability into a rewarding, self-sustaining asset.
About the Author: Hi, I’m a retiree living in North America, managing two financed RVs. By renting them out, I completely offset their maintenance costs, fund my own travels, and generate a steady side income. I created this blog to share practical, real-world advice for new hosts, fellow retirees, and anyone on a tight budget who wants to live the RV dream sustainably.
In the peer-to-peer rental world, building genuine human connections is everything. When you genuinely care about your guests' experience, it changes the entire dynamic of the rental.
Welcome Basket: A simple, inexpensive basket stocked with a few local snacks, two bottles of cold water, and a brief, handwritten note welcoming them to their journey. This small touch shows guests they are truly welcome. When you treat people with warmth from day one, they naturally treat your RV with the same respect, leading to open communication and a smoother trip for everyone.
The RV Quick-Start Manual: A custom, user-friendly guide with clear, color pictures showing step-by-step how to operate the thermostat, extend the awning, and manage the utility tanks. Keeping this right on the kitchen counter saves your guests from frustration during their trip and gives them the confidence to enjoy the RV like a pro.
Ultimately, hosting an RV rental is all about striking the perfect balance between proactive care, genuine hospitality, and smart business management. By providing the protective gear for free, you ensure your guests have a safe, successful trip. By offering thoughtful, transparently priced add-ons, you provide extra comfort to those who want it while being fairly compensated for your hard work. When you focus on helping people have an unforgettable travel experience, your RV naturally transforms from a monthly liability into a rewarding, self-sustaining asset.
About the Author: Hi, I’m a retiree living in North America, managing two financed RVs. By renting them out, I completely offset their maintenance costs, fund my own travels, and generate a steady side income. I created this blog to share practical, real-world advice for new hosts, fellow retirees, and anyone on a tight budget who wants to live the RV dream sustainably.
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