Is It Worth Buying an RV to Rent Out?

The RV rental industry has grown into a multibillion-dollar market, fueled by the rising popularity of road trips, camping, and remote lifestyles. Online rental platforms have made it easier than ever to rent out your RV, connecting owners with thousands of travelers looking for a home on wheels.

But is buying an RV to rent out a smart investment? Or will the realities of RV ownership—insurance, maintenance, and management—outweigh the potential rental income?

Let’s explore the pros and cons of renting out your RV, how the RV rental business works, and whether becoming an RV owner with a rental side hustle is worth it.

The World of RV Rentals: Is the Demand Real?

RV travel has surged in popularity over the past decade, especially with more travelers seeking flexible, self-contained vacation options. But is this just a trend, or is there sustained demand in the rental market?

The Rise of Peer-to-Peer RV Rental Platforms

In the past, renting an RV meant going through traditional rental companies. Now, peer-to-peer RV rental sites allow everyday RV owners to list their vehicles and earn money when not using them. RVers spend on average 3 – 4 weeks in their recreational vehicle a year. When it’s not in use, you can rent out your travel trailer, campervan, or Class C rig on a nightly or weekly basis—often earning between $100 and $500 per night depending on your RV type and location.

Who Is Renting RVs?

RV renters come from all walks of life:

Vacationing families looking for affordable RVs as an alternative to hotels
Digital nomads wanting a mobile office for a cross-country road trip
First-time campers testing out RV life before committing to buy
International travelers seeking flexible accommodation while exploring the U.S.

The average cost to rent an RV varies, but travel trailers and smaller rigs typically start at $100–$150 per night, while luxury Class A units or fifth wheels command $300–$400+ per night.

Why People Buy an RV to Rent Out

The RV rental and leasing market in the U.S. has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry, offering strong potential for individual owners to earn supplemental income.

Turning an RV into a Rental Business

Many people today aren’t just buying an RV for weekend trips. They’re purchasing with the intention to list their RV on a rental platform to earn passive income. Some treat it like an Airbnb on wheels—earning enough each season to cover RV loan payments, maintenance, and more.

Rental Income Potential

Depending on how often you rent your RV, the right unit can bring in anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per month during peak season. Here’s what affects your rental income:

RV type (Class C motorhomes and travel trailers are most popular)
Location (proximity to national parks, airports, or tourist destinations)
Time of year (spring through fall is peak season)
Listing quality on rental sites

Pros and Cons of Renting Out Your RV

Before listing your vehicle, it’s important to understand both the benefits and potential challenges involved.

Pros of Renting Out Your RV

Earn Passive Income: Renting your RV for even 10 nights a month could generate $2,000–$3,500.
Offset Ownership Costs: Cover monthly payments, insurance premiums, and storage fees with your rental income.
Tax Benefits: As a rental business, you may deduct depreciation, maintenance, RV insurance, platform fees, and even mileage for drop-offs. These deductions depend on how the RV is used and classified, which ties closely to its treatment under tax-related rules for RV ownership.
Flexibility: Rent your RV out when you’re not using it—take your own camping trip whenever it’s free.

Cons of RV Rentals

Wear and Tear: Rental RVs accumulate miles quickly and endure more use. You’ll need to budget more for repairs, cleaning, and upgrades more frequently than personal-use rigs.
Maintenance Time: Between each rental period, you’ll inspect, clean, and prepare your RV—unless you outsource this to a third-party service.
Renter Risks: Even with insurance and deposits, some renters damage interiors or misuse appliances. You’ll need clear rental agreements and damage policies.
Storage & Insurance: When your RV isn’t in use, you’ll still need to plan for off-season storage and ongoing insurance. Quality storage can range from $75 to $200/month depending on location and amenities—but it also protects your investment from weather and vandalism. Partnering with trusted providers like RecNation ensures your RV stays secure, accessible, and rental-ready year-round.

Is Renting Out Your RV Worth It?

Whether or not renting out your RV is worth it depends on your financial goals, the kind of RV you own, and how much time you can dedicate to managing bookings.

Sample Income vs. Expenses Breakdown (Class C RV):

Item	Monthly Estimate
Rental income (10 nights)	$2,000 – $3,500
RV loan payment	$600 – $800
RV insurance	$100 – $200
Maintenance & cleaning	$150 – $300
Storage	$75 – $150
Platform fees (20–25%)	$400 – $800
Estimated Profit	$800 – $1,500+

For many, owning an RV as a rental business is one way to make the most of your purchase—especially if you’re considering whether buying an RV can actually be a good investment. If you already own an RV or plan to buy an RV soon, listing it on a rental site can help cover your costs—especially during peak seasons.

What Type of RV Is Best for Rentals?

Not every RV is ideal for renting out. The best RVs for rental income are:

Class C Motorhomes (22–30 ft): Spacious, easy to drive, and perfect for families.
Travel Trailers: Lower cost of entry and great for couples or small families.
Class B Campervans: In high demand among solo travelers, couples, and weekend adventurers.

Avoid complex luxury units unless you’re targeting high-end renters and willing to handle specialty maintenance.

Managing Your First Rental: Best Practices

Starting your RV rental business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to make your first rental smooth—for both you and your renter.

Setup Checklist Before You List Your RV

Clean your RV thoroughly after personal use
Take high-quality photos inside and out
Write a detailed listing with features, rules, and amenities
Choose a competitive per night rate based on RV type, region, and season
Define your rental period rules (minimum nights, delivery distance, etc.)

Communicating with Renters

Good communication builds trust. Send renters:

A welcome message after booking
A pre-trip checklist with what’s included
Instructions for return (fuel levels, waste tanks, cleaning)
A friendly reminder about your expectations

After the Rental Period

Once renters return the RV:

Inspect for wear and tear
Note mileage and systems usage
Conduct a thorough RV inspection to catch any hidden damage or maintenance needs.
Replenish and reset the rig for the next trip

Is Rental Arbitrage a Lower-Risk Option?

Not ready to buy an RV? Rental arbitrage allows you to operate a rental business by managing someone else’s RV. Like Airbnb arbitrage, you lease or revenue-share with an owner and list the RV on rental platforms.

Pros of RV Rental Arbitrage:

No upfront RV purchase or RV loan
Test the RV rental industry before becoming an owner
Build a rental brand without long-term asset risk

Cons:

Smaller profit margin per booking
Must maintain strong relationships with RV owners
Limited control over long-term rig condition

This model works well for people who want to explore the RV rental business without taking on full ownership risk.

Pros and Cons of Renting vs. Owning

Some people wonder whether to rent an RV for their own trip or buy one to rent out. Here’s a quick look:

Pros to Renting an RV (as a traveler):

Lower upfront cost
No storage or maintenance
Try different models before buying

Pros to Owning an RV for Rental Income:

Long-term revenue stream
Tax write-offs
Flexible personal use

Cons of Renting Out Your RV (as an owner):

Managing maintenance and wear
Risk of damage
Seasonal income fluctuation

Whether you’re renting your RV to strangers or considering the benefits of renting vs buying, both have advantages depending on your goals.

Don’t Overlook Storage and Protection

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, storing vehicles in protected environments helps prevent weather-related wear, corrosion, and premature material breakdown—key considerations for maintaining your RV’s longevity and resale value.

That’s where RecNation comes in.

With secure, monitored storage facilities across the country, RecNation helps RV owners protect their investments with:

Indoor and covered storage options
24/7 access for flexible pickups and returns
Locations near popular RV markets

Final Thoughts: Is Renting Out Your RV Worth It?

For many owners, yes—but only if you approach it with a business mindset. From choosing the right rental platforms to managing upkeep and downtime, turning your RV into a source of income is possible with the right preparation.

Renting Out Your RV Is a Great Way to:

Offset the cost of owning an RV
Generate rental income from something you already enjoy
Take part in the growing RV rental industry
Meet rising demand from travelers and weekend campers

RV rental is not entirely passive. You’ll be responsible for customer communication, regular maintenance, insurance coverage, and occasional repair issues.

That’s where RecNation comes in. We provide secure, flexible RV storage across convenient locations—helping you protect your rig during downtime, keep it renter-ready, and simplify long-term ownership.

With thoughtful planning, professional storage, and a clear rental strategy, you can turn your RV into a reliable income-generating asset.

FAQ

How much does it cost to rent an RV?

The cost to rent an RV ranges from $100 to $350+ per night depending on the model, season, and location. Travel trailers are often more affordable than motorhomes.

Is renting out your RV worth it?

If managed well, renting out your RV can generate $10,000 to $30,000+ per year in rental income. It’s a smart option for RV owners looking to offset expenses or build a rental business.

What’s the best type of RV to rent out?

Travel trailers and Class C motorhomes are top performers. They’re easier to use, popular with renters, and relatively affordable to maintain.

Do I need special RV insurance to rent my RV?

Yes. Standard RV insurance doesn’t cover commercial use. Use rental platforms that offer built-in insurance or work with a trusted insurance company to ensure you’re covered.

Can I still use my RV personally?

Absolutely. Just make sure your personal use doesn’t exceed 50% of the year if you want to claim full business tax deductions.