Have you rented your RV out before to people you don't know? We are considering renting ours out through Outdoorsy just to bring in some additional income. Considering that it is just a year or so old, we are hesitant to rent it.
If you have done this, can you give me the good, the bad, and the ugly? Thanks.
We are considering buying an RV (eventually) so I was curious about Outdoorsy, and went over to snoop around.
It looks pretty comprehensive, in terms of protections for both the owner and the renter; I thought it was interesting that you (as an owner) could also rent out or include "accessories" to go with the RV, like kayaks, bikes, etc.
I suppose the biggest down side would be the prep work to rent, and the clean up after - in addition to what Outdoorsy requires (tire checks, etc.) you would probably want to consider stuff like:
- clean out all of your personal belongings (just as if you were selling it) In addition, I would remove any "custom" items you don't want a stranger's cooties on, like bedspreads and throw pillows.
- make sure that you inventory anything you do leave in it (like sheets, towels, glassware, dishes, etc.) -and/or- make a comprehensive shopping/packing list for any potential renter of what they would need to bring.
- be prepared to clean up after strangers have lived in your RV, so scrubbing the toilet, tub/shower, sinks, mopping floors, and generally cleaning the entire unit after every rental.
- be prepared to restock any items that you send the unit out with (like sheets, towels, dishware, etc.) in the event that it doesn't return with the RV for some reason... (the same reason that people steal hotel towels? Why do people steal hotel towels? Another topic for another day...)
- make an extensive and thorough photo *and* video "inventory" of the RV before you rent it (to document it's initial condition) and after it returns every time. Consider making a handout that shows important controls/features/hookups, and how to use them.
As a renter, I would probably look for a newer, super clean unit. (Super clean would be my #1 priority, quite frankly) I would want it to be completely empty of anyone else's "stuff"; and I would prefer to have a set of "rules" about what was expected from the owner that was clear - and consistent with Outdoorsy's. As a renter I would also hope to have some kind of basic documentation (and a quick overview at the time of pick up) that would guide me through everything from deploying awnings to answering questions like "Can I leave the AC on if it's hooked up to power at the campsite?" (and that's just the tip of the iceberg for the questions I would have LOL)
That's all just off the top of my head. Obviously, it will add miles and the associated (and inevitable) wear and tear on the vehicle, and potential additional maintenance costs that you don't normally have on a vehicle that you have been parking except when you use it. But, the income could help offset some of the expense of owning the unit, as long as you don't mind keeping it "rental ready" all the time, and you don't mind the extra (potential) work before and after the rental.
I'm sure that an experienced RV owner will come along with some thoughts that are more relevant to you; in the meantime, I'm going back over to Outdoorsy to see what's available locally...