What RVshare is and how it operates

RVshare is a peer-to-peer marketplace where private RV owners rent their vehicles to travelers, similar to how Airbnb works for homes. You search for available RVs by location and dates, book directly through the platform, and the owner delivers the RV to you or you pick it up from their location. The company does not own the RVs — it connects owners with renters and handles payment processing, insurance coordination, and dispute resolution.

The platform charges both owners and renters fees for using the service. Renters typically pay a rental rate set by the owner, plus a service fee that RVshare adds to your total bill. Owners pay RVshare a commission on each booking. The RV itself remains the owner's property, and you are renting it for a set number of days, after which you return it.

RVshare operates in the United States and Canada. You can browse listings without creating an account, but you must register and provide payment information to complete a booking. The company requires renters to be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • RVshare connects private RV owners with renters through an online platform, and you pay the owner's nightly rate plus RVshare's service fee.
  • You must be at least 25 years old with a valid driver's license, and most owners require a security deposit that RVshare holds during your rental.
  • Insurance is your responsibility — you can purchase RVshare's optional coverage, use your personal auto insurance if it covers RVs, or bring proof of your own RV rental insurance.
  • Cancellation policies vary by owner and are shown before you book; RVshare's own cancellation policy does not override the owner's terms.
  • Damage claims, disputes over charges, and booking problems go through RVshare's resolution process, not directly to the owner.

How to search, book, and pay on RVshare

Start by visiting RVshare.com and entering your travel dates and location. The search results show available RVs with photos, the owner's nightly rate, total trip cost (including RVshare's service fee), and the owner's rating and review history. You can filter by RV type, price range, amenities, and pickup location.

When you find an RV you want, click on the listing to see the full details: the exact pickup and dropoff address, the owner's cancellation policy, any house rules, mileage limits or fuel policies, and what is included (linens, kitchen supplies, outdoor gear). Some owners offer delivery to your location for an additional fee; others require you to pick up the RV from their home or a storage facility.

To book, you enter your payment information and confirm the dates and terms. RVshare processes the payment when ready and holds a security deposit (the amount varies by owner and RV). You receive a confirmation email with the owner's contact details, pickup instructions, and the RV's manual or orientation video. Most owners contact you within 24 hours to confirm pickup time and answer questions.

Insurance requirements and coverage options

RVshare does not provide insurance automatically. You are responsible for having coverage before you pick up the RV. You have three options: purchase RVshare's optional damage waiver, use your personal auto insurance if it covers rental RVs, or bring proof of your own RV rental insurance policy.

RVshare's damage waiver is optional and costs a percentage of your rental rate — the exact amount depends on the RV and the length of your trip. This waiver reduces your financial responsibility if the RV is damaged during your rental, but it does not cover everything. The waiver typically excludes damage from misuse, accidents caused by reckless driving, damage to the RV's interior from pets or smoking, and damage to tires or undercarriage. Read the waiver terms carefully before booking.

If you have personal auto insurance, call your insurance company before booking to confirm that your policy covers rental RVs and what your deductible is. Some policies do not extend to RV rentals, and some require you to notify the insurer in advance. If your insurance does not cover RVs, you must either purchase RVshare's waiver or bring proof of a separate RV rental insurance policy when you pick up the RV.

Security deposits, cancellation policies, and what happens if you cancel

RVshare holds a security deposit from your credit card during your rental period. The deposit amount is set by the owner and typically ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the RV's value. The deposit is not charged to your card unless you damage the RV or violate the rental terms. RVshare releases the deposit back to your card after the rental ends and the owner confirms the RV was returned in acceptable condition, usually within 7 to 14 days.

Each owner sets their own cancellation policy, and the terms are displayed on the listing before you book. Common policies include "flexible" (full refund if you cancel up to a certain number of days before pickup), "moderate" (partial refund depending on when you cancel), and "strict" (little or no refund if you cancel close to the pickup date). Read the owner's specific policy carefully, because once you book, you are bound by those terms, not by a general RVshare policy.

If you need to cancel, contact RVshare through the app or website and request a cancellation. RVshare processes the refund according to the owner's policy. If the owner agrees to a cancellation outside their stated policy, they can issue a refund directly, but RVshare does not override an owner's cancellation terms on your behalf.

What to inspect before you leave and after you return the RV

Before you drive away, do a thorough walk-around with the owner or their representative. Check the exterior for dents, scratches, and damage to the roof, awning, and slide-outs. Look inside at the walls, cabinets, appliances, furniture, and flooring. Take photos or video of any existing damage and point it out to the owner — they should note it on the rental agreement or in writing. This protects you from being charged for damage that was already there.

Test the major systems: the engine, brakes, lights, water pump, propane, heating, air conditioning, and refrigerator. Ask the owner to show you how to operate anything unfamiliar. If something does not work, report it when ready and ask the owner to fix it or provide a discount. Do not leave the pickup location until you are confident the RV is safe and functional.

When you return the RV, do another inspection with the owner or their representative. Empty the fresh water tank, dump the waste tanks at an appropriate facility (the owner should tell you where), and refuel if required by the rental agreement. Return the RV as clean as you found it — most owners expect you to sweep, wipe down surfaces, and wash dishes. Take photos of the RV's condition at return to document that you left it in good shape. If the owner claims damage after you leave, those photos are your evidence.

Fees, mileage limits, and fuel policies

Your total cost includes the owner's nightly rate, RVshare's service fee (typically 15 to 20 percent of the rental rate), the security deposit (held but not charged unless there is damage), and any optional add-ons like damage waiver, delivery, or extra mileage. Some owners charge a one-time cleaning fee or a fuel surcharge if you return the RV with less fuel than you picked it up with.

Mileage limits vary by owner. Some RVs come with unlimited mileage; others allow a set number of miles per day (for example, 100 miles per day) and charge an overage fee for each additional mile. Check the listing to see the mileage policy before you book. If you plan a long road trip, look for RVs with unlimited mileage or negotiate with the owner before booking.

Fuel policy also varies. Some owners require you to return the RV with a full tank; others charge a per-gallon rate if you return it partially empty. A few owners provide a full tank and ask you to return it full. Clarify the fuel expectation with the owner before you pick up the RV, because misunderstanding this can result in unexpected charges.

How RVshare handles disputes and damage claims

If a dispute arises — for example, the owner charges you for damage you did not cause, or you believe the RV was not as described in the listing — contact RVshare through the app or website and open a case. Describe the issue, provide photos or documentation, and explain what resolution you are seeking. RVshare reviews both your account and the owner's account, looks at the photos and messages from your rental, and makes a decision.

RVshare's resolution team investigates damage claims by reviewing your photos from pickup and return, the owner's photos, and any messages between you and the owner. If you have evidence that damage existed before your rental or that you reported it at pickup, that evidence strengthens your case. If the owner claims new damage and you have photos showing the RV was clean at return, share those photos in your case.

Decisions typically take 5 to 10 business days. RVshare can refund charges, release a disputed security deposit hold, or uphold the owner's claim. If you disagree with RVshare's decision, you can escalate the case, but RVshare's decision is usually final. This is why documenting the RV's condition at pickup and return with photos is critical — it is your evidence if a dispute occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own RV insurance to rent through RVshare?

No, but you must have some form of coverage. You can purchase RVshare's optional damage waiver at checkout, use your personal auto insurance if it covers rental RVs, or bring proof of a separate RV rental insurance policy. Call your insurance company before booking to confirm what is covered.

What happens if I damage the RV during my rental?

If you purchased RVshare's damage waiver, the waiver covers some damage up to a limit, and you pay a deductible. If you did not purchase the waiver, you are responsible for the full cost of repairs. The owner can file a damage claim through RVshare, and RVshare charges your security deposit or credit card. Document the damage with photos and report it to the owner when ready to avoid larger claims later.

Can I get a refund if the RV breaks down during my trip?

RVshare does not automatically refund rental fees if the RV has mechanical problems. However, if the RV is unsafe or unusable, contact RVshare when ready. RVshare may work with the owner to provide a replacement RV, offer a partial refund, or resolve the issue depending on the circumstances. Report problems as soon as they occur rather than waiting until after your trip.

What if I want to cancel my booking?

Your refund depends on the owner's cancellation policy, which is shown before you book. Flexible policies offer full refunds if you cancel early; strict policies offer little or no refund if you cancel close to the pickup date. Contact RVshare to request a cancellation, and RVshare processes the refund according to the owner's terms.

How old do I have to be to rent an RV on RVshare?

You must be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license. Some owners may have additional age or experience requirements listed in their rental terms. Check the listing to see if the owner has set a higher minimum age.