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With the massive increase in the popularity of RVing, many RV owners are capitalizing on the opportunity to make a few extra bucks.
Instead of letting their rig sit in storage, they rent it out to those wanting to experience RV life. While it’s typically very beneficial for the RV owner and those renting the RV, it’s not always a smooth experience.
We recently heard about one RV owner’s horrific experience renting out his RV. His story may cause you to think twice before renting out your RV. Let’s take a look!
What Is Burning Man?
Burning Man is an annual event dating to 1986, focusing on community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. It attracts almost 100,000 people to a piece of land in Nevada’s the Black Rock Desert.
NPR described the event as “Once considered an underground gathering for bohemians and free spirits of all stripes, Burning Man has since evolved into a destination for social media influencers, celebrities, and the Silicon Valley elite.”
This festival’s vision is to “bring experiences to people in grand, awe-inspiring and joyful ways that lift the human spirit, address social problems, and inspire a sense of culture, community, and civic engagement.”
The festival is many things to the people that attend it. You may need to experience it in person to get the complete picture.
How Did the RV Rental Get Trashed?
TikToker, MrLoanOfficer, purchased an RV to rent out as a way to make money on the side. However, his first experience of renting out his rig didn’t go as planned.
The renters told him they would be taking a trip to Yosemite National Park, but they made a “wrong turn” along the way and ended up at Burning Man. The festival has a poor reputation, and many know it for being incredibly dusty.
MrLoanOfficer even showed that he had exchanged text messages with the renters regarding attending festivals like Burning Man. They pretended never to have heard of the event.
The trashed, dust-covered RV with a Burning Man parking sticker revealed that they weren’t exactly being honest. MrLoanOfficer will be keeping their deposit and is pursuing legal action against the renters.
Is It a Good Idea to Rent Out Your RV?
There are several things you should consider regarding renting out your RV. There are pros and cons to entrusting your RV to the hands of another individual.
Let’s take a look!
Pros of Renting Your RV
One of the most noticeable pros of renting your RV to others is the cash it can generate. If you have the right type of RV and are in the correct location, you can make a massive amount of money.
You may even generate enough money for the RV to pay for itself. This can make it easier for you to afford adventures or upgrade your rig.
Another benefit of renting your RV is that you give other individuals the opportunity to make memories they wouldn’t experience otherwise.
Instead of your RV sitting in storage, another family can hitch it up and take it to a campsite. This is an excellent way to introduce others to RVing and help them decide if it’s for them.
Keep in Mind: Can you put your RV on Airbnb? Let’s find out!
Cons of Renting Your RV
One of the most significant cons to renting your RV is what MrLoanOfficer experienced. Some people have no respect for other people’s property, and they’ll abuse it.
Just because you wouldn’t treat another person’s property a certain way doesn’t mean the individual renting from you shares the same values.
Some damages will cost more than the vehicle’s deposit and require you to go through the headache of taking the renter to court.
Even if the renter respects your property, it will increase the natural wear and tear on your RV. Simple things like door hinges, drawers, and toilets wear out the more you use them.
You’re increasing the number of times people use these items when renting your RV. You may have to replace certain items sooner than you would have otherwise.
One final con to consider for renting your RV is that things can go very wrong. Even under ideal circumstances, water lines can break, tires can blow, and appliances can fail.
This can put you and the renter in an awkward and unfortunate situation. If something goes wrong with it, you likely want to be the one to cause it or to be there when it happens.
Tips for Protecting You and Your RV When Renting It
If you decide you want to rent out your RV, there are several things you should do to protect yourself and your rig.
Following these tips can help ensure that if something goes wrong, you’ll be in a better position to handle the situation.
Use a Reputable Rental Company
If you’re renting out your RV, only list it using one of the reputable RV rental companies like RVshare or Outdoorsy. These are two of the most prominent players in the game for RV rentals.
They’ve helped many RV owners to control, insure, and verify rental transactions. They may charge a small fee, but many owners find it’s worth it.
They can help make the process as smooth as possible and help ensure your RV is in good hands when you rent it to one of their users.
Pro Tip: A small rental company may be the way to go! Here’s Where To Find Small RV Rentals You’ll Love!
Document Everything
It would be best if you documented everything regarding the condition of your RV. If something experiences damage, you not only want to know but also know who did it.
Keeping a well-documented history of your RV helps ensure you can address any situations as they occur.
Like renting a passenger vehicle, it’s best to do a pre and post-trip inspection and walk around with the renter. Having them sign off on the condition and any damages can be helpful if you are in a legal situation with a renter.
Have the Proper Insurance
Insurance is one of those things that nobody likes to pay for, but they’re glad they have it when they need to use it. You want to ensure you have the proper insurance before renting your rig.
You don’t want to discover that your insurance policy is garbage after filing a claim with your insurance provider. Your insurance company may not allow you to rent your RV.
That’s where a service like Roamly comes in handy. They help ensure your RV has the proper coverage when it is and isn’t for rent. Take the time to discuss your policy with your provider to know what they cover.
Use a GPS Tracking Device
If you’re worried about a renter taking your RV to a location you disapprove of, you can use a GPS tracking device on it. This can help you monitor your RV’s location and ensure that the renters only take it to approved areas.
Had MrLoanOfficer been using a GPS tracking device on his unit, he would have seen it on its way to or parked at the Burning Man festival.
He could have addressed the situation before the renters caused any damage to his RV.
Any renters uncomfortable with you using the GPS tracking device are likely not being honest or transparent about how or where they plan to use your RV.
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Be Careful Who You Trust with Your RV
You must be careful with who you trust with your RV. While you can vacuum floors and wash the dirt off your rig, some damages may be a bit more extensive and possibly beyond repair.
You want to know that your RV will return in the same condition as when it left. However, if you take the proper precautions, you can make money and fund your future RVing adventures.
You may even get that massive battery bank and solar system to help you enjoy your RV in more locations.
Would you risk renting your RV? Let us know your reasons in the comments!
Last update on 2024-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
