Enjoy a flexible income boost with RVBnb

By Sarah Arksey
Associate Writer

Would you like to monetize your RV by renting it out when you’re not using it? Or perhaps you’re a keen traveler who wants to road trip North America without the commitment of purchasing an RV. Airbnb-style unit-sharing has officially reached the RV world— here’s everything you need to know!

Did you know the average RV sits unused for more than 350 days per year? The RV market is officially booming— expected to grow exponentially to reach 1.55 billion by 2030.

GoNOMAD spoke to RVTrader rep Gillian Luce, who explained: “This growth is attributed to increased interest in RV travel post-COVID-19, remote work trends, and the financial benefits of renting out RVs”. 

Luce says this trend puts current owners in an extremely lucrative position— and should incentivize prospective buyers. The mobility of an RV over a traditional property investment “allows investors to strategically position their RVs in high-demand locations, potentially increasing occupancy rates and rental income”.

Platforms such as RVezy, Outdoorsy, and RVshare aim to give these RVs a second life— by giving RV-less road trip enthusiasts a chance to get out on the open road. These companies allow one to easily list an RV, manage bookings, and ensure its safety through comprehensive insurance— offering up to $1 million in liability coverage.

Outdoorsy’s website states that it’s possible to make up to $50,000 per year renting out an RV. “To date we have more than 50,000 RVs available to rent across 4,8000 North American cities,” relays Outdoorsy rep Lydia Davey.

“We’ve seen many new Hosts purchase used RVs to convert or update, flip them to individual listings, then scale up to maintain and rent out an entire fleet.” Davey emphasizes the potential for a quick return on this investment—  “It’s not unusual for a used RV listed on our platform to quickly pay for itself throughout the summer.”

Lee from Austin, TX

I spoke to Lee Kirgan, 56, from Austin, TX, who began as a renter on RVshare and later purchased his own trailer to list on the platform. “We were inspired by our travels and purchased a travel trailer to rent out, but use ourselves when time allows primarily,” he explains.

“As a host, I’ve met great people who are curious like I was”, adds Kirgan, who— like many— initially aimed to explore the RV world in a non-committal way.

Most of Kirgan’s experiences as a lister have been “uneventful”, and he finds it “very easy to work with people who want to experience the RV life”.

However, his venture has not been without horror stories— one of his guests, who “just didn’t listen to instructions”, nearly burned his trailer to the ground! “He left a gas can next to the muffler on the generator”, explained Kirgan, adding that a “quick-thinking camper” saw the swollen gas can and alerted the renter, saving the day (and Kirgan’s trailer).

Potential downsides

Luce acknowledges that investing in an RV may not be for everyone– and encourages potential first-time buyers to “explore reputable platforms to understand the process, insurance coverage, and potential income”, listing RVTrader blog posts 5 Tips for Renting Out Your RV and The Rise of RVBNB: Monetizing Your RV Through Rentals as great starting points.

Luce continues: “Despite the comprehensive insurance coverage and vetting processes offered by platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy, the risk of damage or misuse can still be a source of anxiety​“. She acknowledges that RVs are like “a second home” to many, and it can be difficult to give up your freedom to take spontaneous trips.

“Balancing rental availability with your travel plans requires careful scheduling to ensure you don’t miss out on your adventures while maximizing rental income”.

Harvest Hosts

An Airbnb-style market is emerging for RV campsites, as well. Harvest Hosts offers a network of over 5000 unique campsites in Canada and the U.S., which the owners of rural and urban properties such as vineyards, farms, and estates have listed.

Harvest Hosts’ sister company, Brit Stops, offers a similar platform in the UK.

The appeal of Harvest Hosts lies in the built-in experiences that come with a stay— properties include features like drive-in movie theatres, petting zoos, and wine tours. On the website or app, you can search for campsites by type— there’s even a “haunted” category for road-trippers craving a bit of dark folklore!

The uniqueness of these experiences is perhaps Harvest Hosts’ biggest strength: “There is even a place in Florida where you can swim with manatees— or an oyster farm in the Northeast,” explains Director of Brand Marketing Carrie Price.

Harvest Hosts requires the purchase of an annual membership for $84.15/year. Still, there are no additional fees to use the campsites— and some locations require as little as 24 hours notice, making the platform excellent for casual, free-spirited road trips. The website states that though hosts don’t formally receive payment, this arrangement is still a win-win:

“Guests get to savor amazing stays at Hosts across North America, while Hosts appreciate the business and free advertising.” Though purchases of the hosts’ wine, produce, and other products and services aren’t required, it is encouraged!

When asked if she’d like to share any stories about the community fostered by Harvest Hosts, Price responded: “One of my favorites is about two solo RVers who met at a Harvest Hosts location and eventually got married. We’ve met them several times at events, and they are incredibly happy. Stories like these highlight the incredible connections and friendships that form through our community.”

Other companies, such as Outdoorsy, have taken advantage of the budding RV campground-sharing market as well. “We not only offer guests ways to travel via RV rentals, but we also offer places to stay outdoors through the Outdoorsy Destination Network,” explains rep Lydia Davey. 

The Bottom Line

Speaking again to Gillian Luce, she states that the “symbiotic relationship” between platforms like Harvest Hosts and the RV rental market “will continue to enrich the travel experience and support local economies, making RV ownership more appealing and financially viable”. As for the right time to buy an RV, Luce says there’s no time like the present

“Right now, families planning their dream vacations, couples scheming up romantic getaways, and solo travelers [are all] ready to hit the

highway. By snagging an RV now, you’re putting yourself right in the middle of all that excitement, ready to cater to adventurers of all stripes”.

She ends with a reminder that the season for the open road is upon us: “As we gear up for summer, it’s like the starting line for a marathon of epic road trips”.