Opinions sought from owners who rented on Outdoorsy

[gfmucci]

I'm retired, been reading and viewing everything I can about RVs for two years. Last year I rented a 2008 32' class C for 2 weeks. It cost over $3,500 for trip from Florida to Vermont and back. Next month I'm renting a 2022 26' class A for a week. Another near $3,000.

I'm seeking a way to afford to purchase an RV by renting it out a week or two a month.

So, onward with my thinking...

I'm considering purchase of a 3 to 5 year old small Class A for personal use. I would finance 50 to 70% of the cost (depending on terms) and plan (hope) to rent it out for a week a month (or more) on Outdoorsy to cover loan and maintenance costs. I have a storage location 5 minutes from home, around $200 per month.

I would love to hear from RV owners with Outdoorsy experience what their expense and revue experience has been as well as their overall experience with Outdoorsy and their business model. I do not need to hear general opinions about renting out your RV. Just from those with Outdoorsy or RVShare experience renting out their RV through those agencies, please.

I understand that a few hours before and after each rental is required as well as providing great customer service during rental as is required to be successful in any business.

I have the time, unlike those who have a fulltime job who rent out their RV on the side. Example below:

My first experience last year wasn't good. The rental was owned by a full time cop who I never saw. I picked it up from his wife who knew nothing, and a workmate who came over to try to figure out the rusted leveling jacks that didn't work and to clean out the bug-infested rear of the propane fridge. Upon return, no one was there to review the trip. Obviously these people didn't have the time to do a good job.

That was not a 5 star experience.

[SJ-Chris]

If you ask Outdoorsy, here is how much you could make renting out your Class A using their online rental calculator....



Is it just me, or does it feel a little dirty for Outdoorsy to tell you this is how much you could make per year?? Kinda like a way overblown false promise?? I'd bet there isn't a single RV owner making that much renting out one RV.



I also personally take offense to how Outdoorsy advertises an RV. Here's an example....This one is advertised as $195/night. But when you actually try to book it the total really comes out to ~$367/night



Feels kinda misleading to me.


Here is feedback from many people who have rented out their RVs on Outdoorsy, and those who have rented...
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/auto...outdoorsy.html


I have rented out my RVs for 7 years now. I have some experience. Not on Outdoorsy. I can tell you that renting out your RV as a way to make money isn't a very good idea. Renters break stuff. If you are renting out an RV and you also want to keep that RV in great condition since YOU want to use it yourself, it's very tough to do. Renters will also lie about where they are going in your RV (...be sure you know when Burning Man is each year if you live within 300 miles of Reno, NV). They will also lie about whether or not they have pets. They will also smoke in your RV. I primarily rent out my RVs in a very unique manner that net me ~10x the regular rental rate and that's the only reason I have/rent my RVs. I wouldn't own/rent them if I was only going to be making ~$150/night as it wouldn't be worthwhile.


If you need to rent out your RV 1-2 weeks per month to be able to afford it, then it really isn't a good idea to get an RV.



Good luck!
Chris