The road to success: how to rent your RV on Airbnb

Are you looking to turn your recreational vehicle into a money-making machine? Renting out your RV on Airbnb could be the perfect solution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of listing your RV on Airbnb, from preparation to managing bookings and ensuring a great guest experience.

In this article, we'll cover:

• The benefits of renting your RV on Airbnb
• How to prepare your RV for rental
• Setting up an attractive Airbnb listing
• Managing bookings and guest communication
• Legal and insurance considerations
• Tips for enhancing the guest experience
  
  

Why rent your RV on Airbnb?

The RV rental market has seen significant growth in recent years. According to the RV Industry Association, RV rentals increased by 650% in 2020 alone, with continued growth expected in the coming years. 

This surge in demand presents a golden opportunity for RV owners to capitalise on their investment. Here are some key benefits of renting out your RV:

• Additional income stream: turn your RV from a depreciating asset into a money-maker. Many RV owners report earning between $10,000 to $30,000 annually from rentals, depending on their location and rental frequency.
  
  
• Keeping your RV in use: regular use can help maintain your RV's systems and prevent issues caused by long periods of inactivity. Batteries stay charged, seals remain pliable, and mechanical components get the movement they need to stay in good condition.
  
  
• Meeting new people: share your love for RV travel with guests from around the world. This can lead to interesting connections and even friendships with like-minded travellers.
  
  
• Offsetting ownership costs: use rental income to cover maintenance, storage, and loan payments. This can make RV ownership more affordable and potentially allow you to upgrade to a better model in the future.
  
  
• Flexibility: unlike traditional real estate rentals, you can block off dates for personal use whenever you want to take your own RV trips.
  
  
• Tax benefits: consult with a tax professional about potential deductions related to your RV rental business, such as maintenance costs, insurance, and depreciation.

Preparing your RV

Ensuring your RV meets Airbnb standards

Before listing your RV on Airbnb, it's crucial to ensure it meets the platform's standards and provides a safe, comfortable experience for guests.

• Cleanliness is paramount: deep clean your RV, paying special attention to kitchen and bathroom areas. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service specialising in RVs for an initial deep clean and between guests.
  
  
• Perform regular maintenance: keep all systems in good working order, including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical components. Create a maintenance schedule and log to keep track of service dates and upcoming needs.
  
  
• Conduct safety checks: install and test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Ensure all emergency exits are clearly marked and easily accessible.
  
  
• Stock essential supplies: provide basic cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and other necessities. Consider creating a "welcome kit" with items like hand sanitiser, disposable gloves, and disinfectant wipes.
  
  
• Update and modernise: consider making upgrades that improve guest comfort and satisfaction, such as installing a smart thermostat, upgrading to LED lighting, or adding USB charging ports.

Adding personal touches

Creating a welcoming atmosphere can lead to better reviews and repeat bookings. According to Sarah Johnson, a hospitality expert from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, "Personal touches can transform a stay from good to exceptional." She suggests, "Consider leaving a handwritten welcome note or a small local treat for your guests. These gestures show you care about their experience."

Some amenities to consider include:

Ensure your RV is guest-ready with our FREE downloadable checklist!

• Fresh linens and towels: invest in high-quality, durable linens that can withstand frequent washing. Have at least two sets for each bed to make turnover easier.
  
  
• Fully stocked kitchen essentials: include pots, pans, utensils, dishes, and basic pantry items like salt, pepper, and cooking oil. Consider providing a coffee maker with a starter supply of coffee and tea.
  
  
• Outdoor equipment: camping chairs, a portable grill, outdoor games, and maybe even bikes can enhance the camping experience for your guests.
  
  
• Entertainment options: provide books, games, or even a small TV with streaming capabilities for rainy days or quiet evenings.
  
  
• Comfort items: think about including throw blankets, extra pillows, and perhaps a small fan or heater for added comfort.
  
  
• Local guidebooks or personalised recommendations: create a digital guidebook for your RV with your favourite local attractions, restaurants, and activities. Include insider tips that only locals would know. Click the guidebook below to see the superb guidebook Happy Campers made for the RV renters.

Remember, the goal is to create a home-away-from-home feeling that will encourage positive reviews and repeat bookings.

Setting up your Airbnb listing

Capturing attractive photos

High-quality images are crucial for attracting potential renters. In fact, Airbnb reports that listings with professional photos get booked 24% more often than those without.

Tips for great RV photos:

• Showcase both interior and exterior views: capture your RV from various angles, including all living spaces, the kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas.
  
  
• Highlight unique features or amenities: if you have special features like an outdoor kitchen, solar panels, or a particularly spacious layout, make sure to showcase these.
  
  
• Ensure good lighting and clean, uncluttered spaces: natural light is best. Open all curtains and blinds when shooting. Remove personal items and clutter for a clean, inviting look.
  
  
• Include lifestyle shots: show your RV in action at a beautiful campsite or scenic location to help potential guests envision their stay.
  
  
• Use a wide-angle lens: this can help make small spaces appear larger and more open.
  
  
• Consider hiring a professional: if your budget allows, a professional photographer with experience in small spaces can make a huge difference.

Check out our comprehensive guide on how to get more bookings on Airbnb which covers how to get the best shots of your rental.

Crafting a compelling description

Your listing description should be honest, detailed, and enticing. It's your chance to sell the unique experience of staying in your RV.

Include information such as:

• RV size and type (Class A, B, C, travel trailer, etc.): be specific about the make, model, and year of your RV.
  
  
• Sleeping arrangements and capacity: detail the number and types of beds (e.g., queen in master, convertible dinette, bunk beds).
  
  
• Available amenities and features: list everything from air conditioning and heating to outdoor equipment and entertainment options.
  
  
• House rules and important policies: clearly state rules about pets, smoking, maximum occupancy, and any other important guidelines.
  
  
• Nearby attractions: highlight popular destinations, parks, or activities near your RV's location.
  
  
• Your story: share a bit about yourself and why you love RVing. This personal touch can help create a connection with potential guests.

Use descriptive language to paint a picture of the experience. Instead of just saying "comfortable bed," try "sink into the plush queen-size mattress after a day of adventure."

Check out this great example of an RV listing on Airbnb:

Pricing your RV competitively

Research similar listings in your area to set competitive rates. Consider factors like seasonality, local events, and your RV's unique features.

Average RV rental prices (per night) in the US and Europe:

Note: These are approximate averages and can vary significantly based on location, seasonality, and specific RV features.

Consider implementing a dynamic pricing strategy:

• Increase rates during peak seasons, holidays, and local events
• Offer discounts for extended stays or last-minute bookings
• Use Airbnb's Smart Pricing feature, but set minimum and maximum prices to ensure profitability

Remember, the goal is to maximise occupancy while also ensuring a fair return on your investment.

Managing bookings and communication

Effective management of bookings and guest communication is key to success on Airbnb. Here are some tips:

• Respond promptly to enquiries: aim to reply within a few hours to increase your chances of securing bookings. Airbnb rewards hosts with quick response times by boosting their listings in search results.
  
  
• Keep your calendar up to date: regularly update your availability to avoid double bookings. Consider using a channel manager if you're listing on multiple platforms.
  
  
• Provide clear instructions: send detailed check-in information, including directions and access details. Consider creating a video walkthrough of your RV to help guests familiarise themselves with its features.
  
  
• Be friendly and professional: strike a balance between being personable and maintaining appropriate boundaries. Remember, this is a business transaction, but personal touches can make the experience special.
  
  
• Set expectations: clearly communicate what's included in the rental and what guests need to bring. For example, do you provide linens and towels, or should guests bring their own?
  
  
• Offer support: make sure guests know how to reach you if they have questions or issues during their stay. Consider providing a list of local service providers (mechanics, tow services) in case of emergencies.

Use Airbnb's messaging system: keep all communication within the Airbnb platform for your protection and to maintain a record of all interactions.

Legal and insurance considerations

Understanding local regulations

Before listing your RV on Airbnb, it's crucial to understand and comply with local regulations. This may include:

• Zoning laws that affect where you can park your RV for rental purposes
• Permits or licences required for short-term rentals
• Tax obligations related to rental income

Research your local laws carefully. Some areas have restrictions on RV parking or require special permits for short-term rentals. You may need to register your rental activity with local authorities or obtain a business licence.

For more information on local RV rental regulations, visit the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).

Securing proper insurance

Your personal RV insurance may not cover commercial rentals. It's essential to secure appropriate coverage to protect yourself and your assets.

Insurance options to consider:

1. Airbnb's Host Protection Insurance: provides liability coverage for up to $1 million per occurrence. However, this doesn't cover damage to your RV itself.
   
   
2. Third-party rental insurance: specialised policies designed for RV rentals. These often provide more comprehensive coverage, including damage to your RV.
   
   
3. Commercial vehicle insurance: if you're renting out a drivable RV, you may need a commercial auto policy to cover potential accidents during the rental period.

When choosing insurance, consider:

• The replacement value of your RV
• Liability coverage limits
• Deductible amounts
• Coverage for personal property inside the RV
• Roadside assistance options

Touch Stay guidebooks for RVs take the stress out of RV insurance by letting you show renters exactly how you do things. If things do go wrong (because accidents happen!), you can demonstrate that you properly prepared your RV renters. Touch Stay lets you:

• Group all your instructions in one place - so RV renters can’t miss them
• Include renter responsibilities and policies
• Add instructional videos to clarify tricky processes or appliances

Remember, proper insurance is not just about legal compliance - it's about protecting your investment and giving yourself peace of mind.

Enhancing guest experience

Providing clear instructions

To ensure a smooth experience for your guests, provide detailed instructions on:

• Operating RV systems: include step-by-step guides for water, electrical, and waste management systems. Consider creating laminated instruction cards for quick reference.
  
  
• Using appliances and entertainment systems: provide manuals or simplified instructions for all appliances, from the microwave to the TV.
  
  
• Driving and parking the RV (if applicable): include tips on navigating with a larger vehicle, recommended driving speeds, and how to safely park and level the RV.
  
  
• Check-in and check-out procedures: clearly outline what guests need to do upon arrival and departure. Include information on key pickup/drop-off, parking locations, and any final cleaning expectations.

Consider creating a digital guidebook using Touch Stay to provide all this information in an easily accessible format. A digital guidebook allows you to:

• Update information in real-time
• Include photos and videos for visual guidance 
• Organise information in an easy-to-navigate format
• Provide offline access for guests who may have limited internet connectivity at campsites

Top tip: include instructional videos in your guidebook. Videos let you go beyond simple operating instructions to offer your RV renters valuable tips and advice. Explain important basic things like how to drive an RV and common mistakes when driving an RV, to explaining more advanced RV navigation topics, such as driving in different countries or on tricky roads. These videos will not only keep your renters safe, but help protect your RV from returning damaged. 

Gathering feedback and reviews

Positive reviews are crucial for success on Airbnb. Encourage guests to leave reviews by:

• Providing an exceptional experience: go above and beyond to meet and exceed guest expectations.
  
  
• Sending a follow-up message after their stay: thank them for choosing your RV and politely ask for a review. You might say, "We hope you enjoyed your stay! If you have a moment, we'd greatly appreciate your feedback in the form of a review. This helps us improve and assists future guests in making informed decisions." Touch Stay’s Memo feature is ideal for this!
  
  
• Responding promptly and professionally to all reviews, both positive and negative: this shows that you value guest feedback and are committed to continuous improvement.
  
  
• Addressing issues quickly: if a guest encounters a problem during their stay, resolve it as quickly as possible. A negative experience turned positive can often result in a great review.

According to Airbnb data, listings with an average rating of 4.8 stars or higher receive 61% more bookings than those with lower ratings. This underscores the importance of consistently delivering high-quality experiences and actively managing your online reputation.

Consider implementing a guest book in your RV where visitors can leave handwritten comments. Not only does this provide a personal touch, but you can also use positive comments (with permission) in your listing description or social media marketing.

Conclusion

Renting out your RV on Airbnb can be a rewarding way to generate extra income and share your love of RV travel with others. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well-prepared to create an attractive listing, manage bookings effectively, and provide memorable experiences for your guests.

Remember to:

• Prepare your RV to meet high standards of cleanliness and safety
• Create an appealing listing with great photos and descriptions
• Price your rental competitively
• Stay on top of communication and bookings
• Understand and comply with legal and insurance requirements
• Focus on providing an exceptional guest experience

With the growing popularity of RV travel, there's never been a better time to list your RV on Airbnb. The outdoor hospitality industry is booming, with the RV rental market expected to reach $810.7 million by 2028, according to Grand View Research. This represents a significant opportunity for RV owners to tap into this growing market.

By offering your RV on Airbnb, you're not just renting out a vehicle - you're providing an experience. You're giving people the chance to create lasting memories, explore the great outdoors, and enjoy the freedom that comes with RV travel. Your attention to detail, from the cleanliness of your RV to the thoughtfulness of your communication, can turn first-time renters into lifelong RV enthusiasts.

As you embark on this journey, remember that success may not come overnight. Be patient, stay committed to providing excellent service, and continuously seek ways to improve your offering. Listen to your guests' feedback, stay informed about industry trends, and be willing to adapt your approach as needed.

Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the process. Sharing your RV with others can be incredibly rewarding, allowing you to play a part in creating wonderful vacation experiences for people from all walks of life.

Take the leap and start your journey as an RV host today. With careful preparation, a commitment to hospitality, and a dash of adventure, you can turn your RV into a successful Airbnb rental. Happy hosting!

Take your RV rentals to the next level and use a Touch Stay digital guidebook to provide the best guest experience possible. Start your 14-day free trial today!