Renting out your RV

Outdoorsy's cost guide puts average travel trailer rates at $75 to $150 a night, and Outdoorsy keeps 20% to 25% of the booking subtotal. RVshare doesn't state its owner commission percentage in its owner FAQ.

The main catch is insurance. Outdoorsy's help center says a personal RV policy does not apply while the vehicle is rented out, and Roamly, an insurer that sells rental policies, says most personal RV policies carry commercial exclusions. One industry blog estimates typical net income after loan, insurance and depreciation at $2,000 to $4,000 a year, an estimate rather than a measured sample. It suits people who already own an RV that sits unused much of the year.

How RV rental money works

Renters pay through the platform, which keeps its fee and pays you the rest. RVshare says owners set their own prices. Outdoorsy says owner-set cleaning fees typically run $75 to $200 per rental depending on rig size, and some owners offer delivery at about $1.50 to $3.00 a mile. Renters also pay a separate service fee on top, so the price they see is higher than the subtotal your fee is based on.

What RV owners actually earn

The nightly rates are the platforms' own averages before fees, and Outdoorsy says rates apply to well-maintained rentals in decent demand and vary by market, age and season. RVshare's yearly income figure comes from an App Store listing and is advertising, not a typical outcome.

Where the hours go

Each booking carries unpaid work: messaging, handoff, cleaning and checking the unit afterward. The calculator's unpaid time per booking is an assumption, not a sourced figure.

What it costs to keep an RV rental-ready

Loan payments, storage and registration depend on your situation, and RVshare notes that a long RV loan plus fast depreciation can leave owners upside-down.

Where to find renters

Outdoorsy and RVshare both let you list for free and charge only when a booking is made. Outdoorsy starts your payout after the trip begins, and RVshare releases funds after the reservation starts.

Insurance, tax and rules in the U.S.

Insurance. Outdoorsy's host protection summary says its protection doesn't replace your personal policy and covers only bookings made through the platform. RVshare provides owner coverage at no cost, but its liability sits with a surplus lines insurer outside state guaranty funds, subject to policy exclusions. Whether you need a commercial or rental-specific policy depends on your insurer's wording, so get its answer in writing before listing.

Taxes and permits. RVshare collects and remits sales taxes in most states, but collection depends on the jurisdiction and owners may be responsible elsewhere. Permit and business license rules vary by state and city, so check your state revenue department and city business license office. The IRS treats rental payments for personal property as taxable income, reported on Schedule C if you are in the business of renting and otherwise on Schedule 1. Depreciation and repairs are deductible rental expenses. RVshare issues a 1099 only above $20,000 and 200 reservations, but income below that is still taxable.

Risks and red flags for RV owners

If you cancel, renters get refunds: Outdoorsy refunds the guest in full when a host cancels, and RVshare gives renters a 100% refund and rebooking help.

Who RV renting fits, and who should skip it

It fits if:

• You already own a travel trailer, camper van or motorhome and can pay for insurance that allows rental use.
• You can hand over the rig in person or offer delivery, unlike work you do entirely on your own schedule.
• You can accept income that arrives only on booked nights and shifts with the season.

Skip it if:

• You would have to buy an RV for this, since loan payments and depreciation can erase income. Pet sitting needs little capital.
• You need steady pay. House cleaning pays per visit.
• You can't get written confirmation from your insurer that rental use is covered.

How to start renting out your RV

1. Ask your current insurer in writing whether rental use is covered. Outdoorsy's personal policy article explains why it matters.
2. Compare platform protection: Outdoorsy's host protection summary and RVshare's insurance overview.
3. Check state and city tax and permit rules, starting with RVshare's taxes page.
4. Create a listing through Outdoorsy's owner sign-up help or RVshare's list your RV page.
5. Set rates and a cleaning fee against Outdoorsy's published ranges.
6. Set up payouts: RVshare requires a Stripe account (payments overview), and Outdoorsy pays by direct deposit (fee and payout page).
7. Keep records of income, repairs and depreciation for the IRS rental income rules.