What’s the best platform to rent out your RV? If you’re looking to earn extra income with minimal hassle, the choice usually comes down to Outdoorsy vs RVshare. These are the two biggest names in peer-to-peer RV rentals. Both offer insurance and reliable customer support, as well as large renter audiences.
However, they also have their differences – fees, user experience, and various tools they provide to both owners and renters. In today’s article, we’ll compare these RV rental platforms to help you make a more informed choice.
Have a Site? Rent Out RV with Booking Widget, No Fees: Try BNBForms
What is Outdoorsy?
Before we dive deeper into comparing features and experiences, let’s look closer at each platform.
As a peer-to-peer RV rental platform, Outdoorsy is designed to connect RV owners with renters who look for ways to get outdoors in a comfy setting. From motorhomes and campervans to travel trailers, this solution offers a diverse range of options for every trip. With its clean and modern yet user-friendly design and booking form, the site has a wide range of RVs throughout the US and Canada, as well as international destinations.
With features like round-the-clock roadside assistance, protected payments, and driver verification, Outdoorsy protects both owners and renters. When comparing RVshare vs Outdoorsy, it is clear that the latter is community-centered and is aimed towards ease of communication, while also giving access to flexible listing options. As a result, this makes Outdoorsy popular with first-time renters and trailer owners who want a user-friendly way to earn income from their vehicle.
Key features:
- Varied range of RV rentals;
- RV delivery and setup services;
- Support for renters and owners;
- Easy-to-use mobile app;
- Listing management and marketing tools.
| Name | Owned by | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoorsy | Outdoorsy, Inc. | From $50-$250/night | Travelers and hosts who need various RV options and reliable insurance |
What is RVshare?
The second booking platform in today’s Outdoorsy vs RVshare comparison is one of the largest peer-to-peer RV rental websites in the US. By offering an extensive marketplace of motorhomes and trailers for rent, RVshare is aimed towards accessibility for first-time renters. With straightforward search tools, useful tips for renters, and transparent pricing, it takes care of every aspect that makes the process smooth for travelers.
As for RV owners, the mentioned platform concentrates on a strong earning potential through a user-friendly listing system. If you own an RV and want to list it on RVshare, you get flexible pricing controls and secure payment support as well as optional add-ons designed to improve the experience of your renters. Moreover, the platform supports quick communication and offers useful marketing tools. All this makes it a trustworthy choice for both campers and RV owners when it comes to renting an RV or transforming it into a steady income source.
Key features:
- Flexible RV search system;
- Campground and destination selection;
- Affiliate & campground programs;
- Varied fees;
- Insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.
| Name | Owned by | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| RVshare | RVshare, LLC | From $50-$300/night | Renters and RV owners who need competitive pricing |
🏕️ Top Read: 10 Best Easy-to-Use Campground Reservation Software for Your Park
Outdoorsy vs RVshare: Top Points Compared
Now that we know more about Outdoorsy vs RVshare, it’s time to compare these two solutions. While both may seem similar at first, they have certain differences that can significantly affect your experience as a renter or RV owner. Below, we’ll take a look at some key factors defining RVshare vs Outdoorsy for owners and renters, allowing you to make an informed choice about them as an RV owner. Here’s what we’ll look into:
- Commissions and fees;
- Insurance protection;
- Cancellation policy;
- Reviews;
- Mobile app.
| Features | Outdoorsy | RVshare |
|---|---|---|
| Rental availability | Global | US only |
| Insurance & protection | Yes, up to $1m (on approved bookings) | Yes, up to $500k |
| Instant booking | Depends on the listing | Yes |
| Customer support | Yes, via multiple channels | Yes |
| 24/7 Roadside assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Listing tools for RV owners | Yes | Yes |
| Drivable, towable, and deliverable RV types | Yes | Yes |
| Payouts to RV owners | Yes, after the rental | Yes, but it may take more time |
| Non-RV accommodation | Yes | No |
| Loyalty program | No | Yes |
1. Commissions and Fees
One of the first factors any RV owner needs to consider when comparing Outdoorsy vs RVshare and choosing a platform for providing recreational vehicles for rent is commission. As for Outdoorsy, this solution has quite a high fee of 25% for new hosts or those having a total booking revenue of up to $20,000 in the last 12 months. However, it decreases to 20% as your revenue increases. Additionally, the platform provides a minimum host service fee of $15/night for driveable vehicles and $10/night for towables.
When it comes to RVshare, it has a slightly different set of fees to offer. While the commission for an owner is 25% per booking, the renters will need to pay a 15% administrative fee when returning the RV. According to the RVshare help center, fees may vary. For example, the service fee may change from time to time and is only paid in the renter’s first payment. Outdoorsy vs RVshare commission comparison also shows that for RVshare, it doesn’t include security deposit and taxes. Moreover, the platform has a set of post-trip fees that can be added by the owner. They include:
- Cleaning fee;
- Dumping fee;
- Late fee;
- Pet fee;
- Refueling fee;
- Abandonment fee.
| Fees | Outdoorsy | RVshare |
|---|---|---|
| Platform fees | Yes, up to 10% | Yes |
| Owner fees | Yes, 20-25% | Yes, 15-25% |
| Security deposit | May be set by the RV owner | Yes, charged by the owner |
| Fuel fees | Yes, varies per listing | Varies for most rentals |
| Post-rental fees | Yes | Yes (charged for damages, missing items, etc.) |
| Cancellation fees | Yes, depends on the cancellation policy tier | Yes |
| Insurance fees | Yes, set by the insurance plan | Yes, based on the daily rate |
2. Insurance
Insurance plays one of the key roles when it comes to picking Outdoorsy vs RVshare. As for Outdoorsy, this rental platform provides one of the strongest insurance frameworks in the RV rental market. Backed by the best insurance companies, the provided plans include protection against stolen RVs, accidents, vandalism, fires, and other common insurance cases. Besides, with this RV rental site, renters can benefit from 24/7 roadside assistance, which covers issues like flat tires, lockouts, and towing.
As a competitive RV rental management platform, RVshare also provides solid insurance options. By offering up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage as well as free roadside assistance, the protection of this solution for RV renters provides slightly more variety, as they come in 4 diverse packages. RVshare claims to provide the most complete coverage on the market as it helps owners feel secure when handing over their vehicle to renters. While the insurance is surely reliable, certain options and specifics still differ between listings when comparing Outdoorsy vs RVshare for owners.
| Insurance options | Outdoorsy | RVshare |
|---|---|---|
| Liability coverage | Yes, with the Protection package | Yes, with the RVshare Protection plan |
| Physical damage | Yes, up to $300k coverage | Yes, but depends on the RV value |
| Natural disasters | Yes | Yes (fire, snow, flood, lightning, earthquake, etc.) |
| Roadside assistance | Yes, 24/7 | Yes, 24/7 assistance and towing |
| Eligibility limits | Only approved RVs | Only newer vehicles are eligible for full damage protection |
3. Cancellation Policies
Another crucial factor in the Outdoorsy vs RVshare comparison is their cancellation policy. Outdoorsy allows owners to choose from several cancellation policy options – flexible, moderate, or strict. This allows for more flexibility and sets rules that meet the needs of both renters and RV owners. These policies include both refundable (25%) and non-refundable (50%) reservation deposits and set different rules regarding the minimum cancellation term.
RVshare also offers multiple cancellation policy options. By providing mostly a more consistent and renter-friendly structure, it allows selecting from three cancellation policy options that are similar to those of Outdoorsy. Cancellation policy only allows for a 50% refund of the initially paid amount. Note that the policy is only applicable when a renter cancels the reservation. In the other case, the RV booking is refunded in full (if the vehicle owner initiates the cancellation).
| Cancellation policy type | Outdoorsy | RVshare |
|---|---|---|
| Policy options | Flexible, Moderate, Strict | Flexible, Standard, Strict |
| Grace period | 48 hours | 24 hours or 1 hour if less than 7 days are left before the rental starts |
| Refund percentage (cancellation in advance) | 50-75% | Full refund (over 30 days to rental start) |
| Refund percentage (cancellation close to start date) | None or 50-75% (depends on the policy type) | None or 50% (over 14 days to rental start) |
4. Reviews & Customer Experience
When it comes to reviews, Outdoorsy vs RVshare can both boast high customer satisfaction according to their Trustpilot pages. For example, Outdoorsy’s customers praise the platform’s easy way to connect renters and RV owners. Additionally, users highlight the informative nature of the platform and the user-friendly design, while fewer renters mention some features not working as expected (such as the photo upload functionality).
Due to a strong set of features and reliable customer support, RVshare delivers, and the experience its customers receive is also highly rated. By offering top-notch support, RVshare manages to have a high customer satisfaction rating, which is reflected in positive reviews. The negative reviews this platform has mostly concern insurance and rental process issues that differ from one renter to another, but negatively impact their experiences. The majority of reviews, however, are positive and display how RVshare staff connect RV owners with their clients.
| User experience | Outdoorsy | RVshare |
|---|---|---|
| Platform usability | Mixed (complaints about platform bugs) | Mixed (unexpected complexity & hidden charges) |
| Customer service | Highly positive (responsive support, helpfulness) | Positive (Staff professionalism, quick response) |
| Fee transparency | Minor complaints | Frequently criticized |
| Reliability | Positive | Mixed |
| Owner perspective | Mostly positive reviews | Mixed with minor post-rental complaints |
| Renter perspective | Variable, depending on the host | Variable |
| Overall Trustpilot rating | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
5. Mobile Apps
Having a mobile app for accessing rented RVs is a core feature for any large-scale rental platform. This is also true for Outdoorsy vs RVshare, which both offer this feature.
The Outdoorsy mobile app for renters is quite polished, intuitive, and feature-rich. Having a high rating, it is available for iOS and Android. The app offers easy access to search filters and booking management, as well as other features. Messaging, RV delivery, and secure payment handling are also available with this app. With convenient UI and diverse functionality, Outdoorsy makes its mobile app a great option for renters.
RVshare’s mobile app is well-optimized and provides major functionality of the rental platform, but is only available on iOS. From searching for RVs to booking management, all key features are accessible from your smartphone. The app helps inform renters of their RV booking status, communicate with RV owners, and easily find other recreational vehicles for rental. Also, it may seem that the RVshare vs Outdoorsy apps are both quite similar. But while the latter offers two separate apps for renters and hosts, RVshare provides one solution for all needs.
| Mobile app features | Outdoorsy | RVshare |
|---|---|---|
| Supported OS | iOS and Android | iOS |
| Listings | Yes (searching and browsing) | Yes |
| Messaging | Yes (in-app messages) | Yes (between renters and owners) |
| Booking | Yes (request & confirm bookings) | Yes (booking and management) |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes (for bookings and messages) |
| Owner tools | Yes (listing management, price customization, photo upload, etc.) | Yes (inbox, booking requests, payout info, and more) |
| Vehicle tracking | Yes | No |
Outdoorsy vs RVshare: What to Choose?
Outdoorsy vs RVshare comparison shows that both are suitable choices when it comes to booking an RV for rent. But which is better RVshare vs Outdoorsy, and what’s the best pick for your needs? The final decision depends on several factors: preferred location, insurance options, and quality of customer support. For example, Outdoorsy operates globally (similar to many popular OTAs), while RVshare works only in the USA. For many renters, it is often one of the factors that define where to rent an RV. Additionally, Outdoorsy vs RVshare commission differences may influence your choice since the former allows you to decrease fees slightly when your income increases.
Additionally, Outdoorsy offers top-notch insurance, while RVshare is more affordable and has flexible rental terms (including a loyalty program for frequent renters). RVshare might also be a better pick for US-situated RV owners who are looking for a lower commission. On the other hand, Outdoorsy offers faster payment processing through Plaid and other services and strict renter checks, ensuring a secure experience at all stages.
| Outdoorsy | RVshare |
|---|---|
| Global peer-to-peer RV marketplace | US-only peer-to-peer marketplace |
| Wide variety of RVs and accommodations (glamping tents and rustic cabins) | Varied RV rentals (drivable motorhomes, trailers, camper vans, etc.) |
| Owner tools (listing management, payouts, calendar, etc.) | Owner dashboard & related tools |
| Flexible payment schedule | The payment schedule depends on the owner |
| 20-25% owner fee | 25% owner fee |
| Two separate mobile apps for hosts and renters | One app for all needs |
| Android and iOS mobile apps | iOS mobile app |
| High-quality insurance & damage protection | Diverse insurance options in 4 available packages |
BNBForms as a Booking Solution for RV owners
In case you have your own RV rental website and you want to efficiently manage booking flow, BNBForms can also be a great choice. Regardless of what CMS or website builder you use, this booking engine can be easily integrated into a wide variety of solutions. From WordPress to Wix and Joomla, these tools are widely used by RV rental business owners to manage direct bookings. Thanks to such features as channel manager with iCal synchronization, secure online payments, and inventory management, BNBForms makes it simple and affordable for RV renters to book vehicles online and pay for them instantly.
Key features:
- Mobile-friendly booking widget;
- Real-time availability calendar;
- Dynamic pricing settings;
- automated email notifications;
- Bookable extra services.
| Name | Owned by | Price | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNBForms | BNBForms | $16/mo | 1 month |
Conclusion: Choose The Best Platform to Keep Your Revenue
As you see, comparing Outdoorsy vs RVshare helps you better understand how each platform can support your RV rental business. Whether you’re looking for a global marketplace or something focused solely on the U.S., both booking solutions can meet your needs. However, it’s important to carefully review the different aspects of each platform and see how they align with your goals and expectations. This will help you make a more informed choice, especially if you consider:
- Types of supported RV rentals: Each platform available nowadays offers a slightly different range of RV categories. Be it campervans or motorhomes, be sure to look for an RV rental platform best suited for your type of vehicle.
- Cancellation policies: Cancellation rules can affect your earnings and customer satisfaction. As a result, it influences the final choice of an RV rental platform. Moreover, reviewing how fitting these policies are for your needs allows you to plan forward before you rent anything out.
- Insurance & renter support: As we mentioned above, insurance is one of the key factors when it comes to choosing an RV rental website. Alongside it, roadside assistance and customer service quality also define whether RVShare, Outdoorsy, or any other platform will be better in ensuring how secure you and your renters feel.
- Tools for owners: Finally, each RV rental solution provides a set of services and tools for owners. They differ from one platform to another, also influencing your choice. From pricing controls and availability calendars to marketing functionality, each of these features may determine how efficiently RV bookings are managed.
