Renting an RV from a Private Owner? Key Tips Before You Rent
When browsing peer-to-peer RV rental sites, make sure to check: Do they have the right insurance? Can they cancel last-minute and leave you stranded? What happens if the RV breaks down?
Read on for more tips before you put any money down.
Know what you're renting
Want to try the RV experience? The option to rent an RV from an owner near you could be the answer. But it’s important to know the pluses and minuses before you rent.
Our Experience Renting From a Private Owner
Like thousands of other RV newbies, when my wife and I planned our first cross-country RV trip, we found tens of thousands of RVs available to rent on popular peer-to-peer websites like RVShare and Outdoorsy.
We were overwhelmed by the array of choices. We weren’t sure which model and size was right for our trip, which would be easiest to drive and operate, what the mileage costs would be, or how to find RV-specific insurance.
My wife and I in Grand Teton National Park
As we honed our search to our geographic area (near Bluffton South, Carolina and neighboring Savannah, Georgia) and our timeframe, we found little availability. Luckily, we were able to reserve a Class C Sunseeker. It was a little beaten down, and we had to supply our own bedding, towels, cookware and kitchen items, but it was drivable and reasonably comfortable.
We got a short orientation from the owner, but after a short time on the road, we quickly realized how little we knew about how to operate all the RV’s systems. This was especially clear at campgrounds as we tried to navigate the gray and black water tanks, slide out, and stabilizers.
Plus, what was that annoying rattle that wouldn’t go away once we reached 50 miles per hour?
We even had a couple of breakdowns along the way, which cost us time, money, and arguments with the owner about whether they were caused by operator error or pre-existing problems with the RV.
Important Tips For Peer-to-Peer RV Rentals
Ask for Maintenance Records & Owner Availability
When you rent from an owner, you’re putting a lot of faith into their care of the RV. Whether or not the RV has mechanical issues depends on how well the owner has maintained their rig. Confirm a recent thorough professional inspection. Without one, you’re gambling with reliability and safety.
You just never know what you will find. The RV could be a super deal or it could be a lemon. Most owner rentals fall somewhere in between.
To protect yourself, it's also crucial to confirm the owner's availability in case the RV has problems during your trip. Ask how quickly they will respond to you on the road, and whether they have a plan in place for emergency repairs or replacements. This can save you from unexpected headaches on the road.
We loved the RV experience, but not in our awful rental with our unhelpful owner.
Clarify Insurance Coverage & Liability
Insurance coverage and liability can be tricky with peer-to-peer RV rentals. It’s essential to know exactly what your rental includes and what it doesn’t. Some owners may offer insurance through their rental platform, but don’t assume you’re automatically protected—confirm the details upfront.
Ask the owner what their insurance covers and what’s expected of you in case of an accident or damage. Check the fine print about the deductible, who is responsible for what, and whether the insurance covers third-party liability.
If the owner’s policy isn’t sufficient, consider purchasing supplemental RV insurance to protect yourself from unexpected costs. Clarifying these details before your trip so you won’t be blindsided by surprises if something goes wrong.
Do Your Research & Book Early
The most desirable RVs are usually booked months out, and their owners are often not responsive. It’s simple supply and demand: The best rigs get the most attention and owners can be casual about following up with rental requests because they get so many.
When we tried to rent RVs for three couples to join our journey through the Badlands, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton, it turned into a nightmare. Few owners responded, and those who did often backed out after verbally committing.
Finding higher-end, newer RVs was nearly impossible, and we almost gave up on finding that needle in the haystack.
Here’s how to improve your chances of finding an RV you like:
Start your search well in advance.
Be flexible with your dates and location.
Reach out to multiple owners and ask detailed questions about the RV's condition, amenities, and availability.
If possible, secure the reservation with a deposit and request written confirmation to avoid last-minute cancellations.
Persistence and early planning are key to locking in a quality peer-to-peer RV rental.
The Blacksford team
Book With a Trusted RV Rental Company
There are alternatives to the potluck of renting from owners. Instead of gambling on owner rentals, consider renting from a reputable company like Blacksford.
My wife, a fantastic lawyer and researcher, found Blacksford RV rentals after a deep dive into Google, discovering their fleet of fully equipped, new RVs. They had everything: no hidden charges for mileage, all the linens and cookware we needed, plus exceptional customer service, including airport pickups, thorough orientations, and 24/7 support.
When things went wrong—that’s the story with RV’s…things can go wrong—the Blacksford team was quick to help (including bringing a new rig to replace one with a problem), ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip for our friends.
I suspect you may know the punchline: We bought the company—and it continues to deliver the outstanding service we first experienced through our friends’ rentals. It’s a bit more expensive than the cheaper rentals from owners, but boy do our customers think it’s worth it.
Just read our reviews, like this one:
“I originally planned our family trip starting last year by booking an RV on a popular peer-to-peer site. I talked to the owner of the RV, paid for it and everything was good to go. Then 40 days out from our trip I received an email from the website saying our RV reservation had been canceled and your money has been refunded! No explanation given!Thankfully I found Blacksford! I called them and within 10 minutes we had one booked. They saved our trip! They couldn’t be nicer people! Everyone I talked to was super helpful and kind and ready to help however they could. The RV was awesome! Very clean! They saved our Yellowstone vacation!”
Blacksford customers enjoying a stress-free vacation
So, while it is possible to rent an RV from a private owner—and thousands do, and many have great experiences—we obviously have a bias that the best owner to rent from is a company like Blacksford!