Outdoorsy Review: A Convenient Marketplace for RV Rentals

If you’re looking to hit the road in an RV for a family vacation or make some extra income by renting out your RV, Outdoorsy might just be the platform you need. This peer-to-peer marketplace connects RV owners with people eager to rent, offering a convenient and secure way for both sides to do business.

In this review, we’ll break down how Outdoorsy works, the fees involved, and the advantages and disadvantages of using the service, whether you’re renting or listing an RV.

What is Outdoorsy?

Outdoorsy is an online marketplace that connects RV owners with renters. It’s similar to platforms like Airbnb, but instead of renting out homes, you’re renting RVs, trailers, and campervans. Owners can list their vehicles on the platform, and renters can browse listings, send messages, and book their RVs directly.

The platform provides a secure way to handle payments and communication, as well as offering insurance options for renters. For owners, it’s like hiring a property manager to handle rentals, without the hassle of doing everything yourself.

How to Rent an RV with Outdoorsy

Renting an RV through Outdoorsy is easy. To get started, you need to create a profile and meet some basic requirements. Renters must be at least 25 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and have at least three years of driving experience. A quick DMV check is conducted to ensure there are no major driving violations on your record.

Once your profile is set up, you can search for RVs by location and travel dates. When you find a vehicle you like, you can message the owner through the platform. If you’re ready to book, you can submit a booking request or use the “Instant Book” option for immediate reservations.

Outdoorsy’s Cancellation Policy

Outdoorsy offers three different cancellation policies: flexible, moderate, and strict. The amount you pay for a deposit will depend on the policy you choose, and how much of your payment you can get back if you need to cancel.

• Flexible: You pay 25% to book, and you can cancel more than five days before the trip to receive a full refund (minus fees). If you cancel within five days, you forfeit your deposit.
• Moderate: You pay a 50% deposit, and if you cancel more than seven days in advance, you can get 75% back. If canceled within seven days, you’ll get 50% back.
• Strict: With a 50% deposit, you must cancel at least 14 days in advance to receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 14 days result in no refund.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you’ll have direct access to the owner’s address and can arrange pickup or delivery.

Service Fees for Renters

Although renting through Outdoorsy is free to sign up, renters are required to pay a service fee, which can be as high as 20% of the total booking cost. This fee covers cleaning, delivery, add-on items, and other operational costs. The minimum rental fee for towable RVs is $10 per day, and $15 per day for motorhomes.

Be mindful that additional fees may be charged for things like returning an RV late, leaving it dirty, or going over mileage limits.

Outdoorsy’s Insurance Coverage

Outdoorsy offers three levels of insurance coverage for renters, with up to $1 million for liability and up to $1 million for comprehensive and collision coverage. Deductibles range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the policy selected.

Additionally, renters can opt for optional roadside assistance at $15 per day. However, some types of damage, especially those caused by the renter, may not be covered by insurance. If damages exceed the security deposit, renters will be required to pay the difference.

Advantages of Renting an RV Through Outdoorsy

• Wide Selection: Outdoorsy’s marketplace includes a diverse range of RVs, campervans, and trailers. Unlike traditional rental companies, Outdoorsy doesn’t own any inventory, meaning there are more choices for renters.
• Comprehensive Insurance Options: Renters have access to up to $1 million in liability coverage and the option to add comprehensive/collision protection.
• Travel Insurance and Roadside Assistance: Renters can protect their trip with travel insurance or opt for roadside assistance, providing extra peace of mind.
• Secure Platform: Outdoorsy manages the payment and communication process, ensuring that transactions are safe and secure.

Disadvantages of Renting an RV Through Outdoorsy

• Service Fees: The service fee, which can be up to 20%, may make Outdoorsy more expensive than renting directly from an owner. However, this fee provides the convenience and security of using the platform.
• Mileage Restrictions: Some RV owners impose mileage limits, and if you exceed them, you could incur extra charges, which can add up quickly on a long road trip.
• High Deductibles: While insurance coverage is included, the deductibles can be steep, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the level of coverage you choose.

Listing an RV on Outdoorsy

If you own an RV, listing it on Outdoorsy is a great way to make money when it’s not in use. The process is simple: create a listing, upload photos, set your price, and decide on a security deposit amount. Outdoorsy also offers the option to enable “Instant Book,” allowing renters to book your RV without waiting for your approval, making your listing more attractive to renters.

The platform takes care of payments, customer support, and insurance, while you remain in control of your rates and availability. You’ll receive payments within 24 hours of the rental period beginning.

Advantages of Listing an RV on Outdoorsy

• Earn Extra Income: Renting out your RV through Outdoorsy allows you to make money from an asset that would otherwise sit unused.
• Instant Book Feature: This makes booking easier for renters and increases the chances of your RV being rented.
• Vetted Renters: Outdoorsy screens renters and checks their DMV records, so you know your RV will be in safe hands.
• Insurance Coverage: Renters are covered with up to $1 million in liability and comprehensive/collision coverage, giving you peace of mind.
• Secure Payments: Outdoorsy handles payments, so you don’t have to worry about collecting money or chasing down payments.

Disadvantages of Listing an RV on Outdoorsy

• Service Fees: Outdoorsy takes up to 20% of the rental price as a service fee, which could be seen as a downside for some owners.
• Wear and Tear: Renting your RV means more usage, which can lead to additional wear and tear and potentially shorten the life of your vehicle.
• Insurance Limitations: While Outdoorsy provides insurance, it only covers damages related to accidents. Other types of damage may not be covered, requiring you to file claims from the security deposit.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking to rent an RV for a family road trip or earn some extra cash by listing your RV, Outdoorsy offers a convenient platform with a range of options for both renters and owners. While there are fees involved, the security, convenience, and extensive selection make it a solid choice for many people looking to rent or rent out RVs.