RV sharing programs let you turn the rig sitting in your driveway into a money-making machine, typically earning $50-275+ per day while you're not using it. Think of it as Airbnb for RVs. Popular platforms like Outdoorsy handle the bookings, while specialized insurance protects your investment. For renters, RV sharing platforms offer significant cost savings compared to traditional dealers and are a great way to test drive the RV lifestyle before committing to a purchase. The key? Understanding the insurance gaps, setting clear expectations, and treating it like the business it is.
RV sharing programs connect RV owners who want to make money with travelers who want to hit the road without buying. While it's fairly straightforward, the details do matter.
Picture this: you've got an RV that sits unused for months while you're tied up with work or life. Meanwhile, someone across town is dreaming of a weekend getaway but doesn't want to drop $100K+ on a rig they'll use twice a year. RV sharing platforms bridge that gap.
Here's how it actually works in practice. You create a listing with photos that showcase your RV's best features—that outdoor kitchen, the sleeping setup, maybe that sweet solar system you installed. Renters browse by location, dates, and their specific needs (pet-friendly? Off-grid capable?). The platform handles payments, provides insurance coverage during rentals, and offers 24/7 support when things go sideways.
The beauty is in the simplicity. You set your availability, your rates, and your rules. They book, pick up, and return. You collect payment minus the platform fee. Rinse and repeat.
According to the RV Industry Association, there are over 11 million RV-owning households in America, with many rigs sitting unused for significant portions of the year, making the sharing economy a natural fit for this market.
Most RV owners who take this seriously earn between $10,000-$30,000+ annually, but your mileage will vary based on where you live and what you're renting.
Rental prices can vary widely. That Class A motorhome in your driveway could pull in $175-275+ per day during peak season if you're near popular destinations. A travel trailer? More like $50-125 daily, but hey—that's still solid money for something that would otherwise be depreciating in storage.
Location makes a huge difference. If you're within driving distance of national parks, beach towns, or major cities, you're sitting prettier than someone in the middle of nowhere. Seasonality matters too—summer and holidays are your money-makers, while winter might be slower unless you're in snowbird territory.
Here's what different rigs typically earn:
Don't forget to factor in platform fees (usually 15-25%), cleaning time between rentals, and the extra wear and tear. But when you're looking at offsetting a large portion of your annual RV expenses? That's hard to ignore.
Curious what your rig could bring in? Use Outdoorsy’s earnings calculator to get a personalized estimate.
For owners, it's about turning a depreciating asset into an income stream. For renters, it's the freedom to explore without the commitment.
Your rig becomes a business partner instead of just an expensive hobby. We're talking about the possibility of earning a steady income during those months when your RV would otherwise be collecting dust and losing value. The platform insurance typically covers liability and physical damage during rentals—that's $1M in liability coverage and up to $300,000 in comprehensive coverage and collision protection, you don't have to worry about.
Plus, there's something satisfying about helping fellow adventurers experience what you love about RV life. You're not just making money; you're enabling memories.
This is your chance to test-drive the RV lifestyle without the massive upfront investment. Want to see if your family can handle a week in 300 square feet? Rent a Class C for a long weekend first. Curious about boondocking? Find an owner with solar power and water tanks who can show you the ropes.
The cost savings are real—you'll pay substantially less than traditional RV rental companies. And let's be honest, renting from someone who actually owns and loves their rig often means better-maintained vehicles and insider tips on the best camping spots.
Here's where things get tricky: your regular RV insurance probably doesn't cover commercial use, and platform coverage often has gaps that you need to know about.
This isn't the time to wing it or assume you're covered. Most personal auto policies specifically exclude commercial activities—and yes, renting out your RV counts as commercial use. You'll need to either add a commercial endorsement to your existing policy or get separate coverage.
If you're living in your RV full-time and considering sharing, you'll need specialized full-time RV insurance that covers both residential and commercial use. The same goes for those stylish converted camper vans—they require specialized RV insurance for camper vans that traditional auto policies won't touch.
What platform insurance typically covers:
What you still need to think about:
The smart move? Call your insurance agent before you list your first rental to ask about insurance for renting out your RV. Be upfront about your plans, understand exactly what's covered, and get everything in writing. Yes, it might cost more, but it's a lot cheaper than discovering coverage gaps after an accident.
Every renter brings unknowns—how they'll treat your rig, their driving skills, and their cleanliness standards. But most issues are preventable with the right approach.
Let's address the elephant in the room: handing your keys to strangers feels weird at first. Your RV represents a significant investment, and trusting someone else with it takes some getting used to. But here's the thing: most renters treat your rig better than you'd expect because they know they're being watched, reviewed, and held accountable.
The main risks you're managing:
Your defense strategy: Start with thorough pre-rental walkthroughs. Document everything with photos. Create clear, detailed house rules and make sure renters acknowledge them. Consider GPS tracking for high-value rigs. Build relationships with local RV service centers for emergency repairs.
Most importantly, screen your renters. Look at their reviews, communication style, and how they present themselves. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it's okay to decline a booking.
Not all RV rental platforms are created equal. Before listing your rig, take time to compare things like owner fees, insurance protection, customer support, and the type of renters each platform tends to attract.
Some platforms might charge lower fees but offer less exposure or weaker protection. Others may bring in more experienced renters who treat your RV with care. Think beyond just commission rates. Ask yourself:
Many owners start with a single, trusted platform and scale from there once they’re comfortable with the process. Listing on multiple platforms can boost exposure, but it may also create logistical challenges with scheduling and varying terms.
Outdoorsy is a top choice for many owners thanks to its strong insurance backing, supportive host network, and diverse renter base, making it a smart place to begin your rental journey.
Do your homework on the owner, understand the insurance situation, and have a backup plan if things go sideways.
Renting someone's personal RV is different from dealing with a big rental company. You're entering into a relationship with another human being who cares deeply about their rig. Respect that, and you'll typically get great service and maybe some insider knowledge about the best camping spots.
Before you book:
During pickup: Take photos of any existing damage, ask questions about quirks (every RV has them), and make sure you understand basic systems like water, electrical, and waste management. Don't be embarrassed to ask—most owners would rather spend extra time explaining than deal with emergency calls later.
Red flags to avoid:
Even the smoothest trips hit a few bumps. Whether you're new to RV rentals or you've done this a dozen times, having the right contacts on hand can make all the difference when the unexpected happens.
Here’s what every renter should have within reach:
Fill in your RV rental emergency contact card and keep a hard copy handy—on your phone or in your RV, somewhere easy to spot like in the glove box or on the fridge door.
The sharing economy has opened up new possibilities for both RV owners and dreamers. Whether you're looking to offset those ownership costs or test-drive life on the road, there's never been a better time to get started.
Just remember — success in RV sharing comes down to preparation, clear communication, and proper protection. Get the coverage and confidence you need with insurance that’s built for the way you roll.
Contact Roamly to get your quote today, and rent out your RV with peace of mind, backed by coverage that truly understands the sharing economy.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
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