Essential Tips for First-Time RV Renters from the CEO of RVshare

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly changed how we travel. With ongoing international travel restrictions and only a few countries currently open to Americans, many are hitting the highways for their next getaway, with a growing number diving into the world of Recreational Vehicles (RVs).

But will this surge in popularity endure, or will travelers revert to air travel as the industry stabilizes in the coming months and years?

This week's Future of Travel webinar addressed this very question, as TPG's founder and CEO Brian Kelly welcomed Jon Gray, CEO of RVshare, and unveiled an exciting new charity initiative that offers a chance to win a two-week RV rental just for donating.

Continue reading for some of Jon's top recommendations for new renters, and make sure to scroll to the end for a complete recording of the session.

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No special licenses or skills required.

One of the main concerns for first-time renters is their qualifications (or lack thereof). Fortunately, you typically don’t need any special license to rent and operate an RV for personal use, nor do you need prior experience. In fact, Jon noted that about 80% of RVshare's customers are newcomers, so you'll be in good company on the platform.

He recommends starting with a smaller class of RV for your first rental—specifically Class C or B—before fully diving into the experience of a Class A motorhome. However, based on his experience, operating an RV isn't as challenging as many believe.

But when you rent an RV, do you just get handed the keys and sent on your way?

Fortunately, no.

"When you rent through RVshare, you'll meet the owner, who will guide you on how to use the RV safely and effectively," Jon explained. After that, you'll take it for a test drive. "Before you head out, you'll do a test drive with the owner, which helps you feel more comfortable operating it, providing a great sense of peace of mind," he added.

Of course, there's a way to avoid driving it altogether...

You can opt for delivery.

If you're looking to enjoy RV life without actually driving, you can arrange for delivery. Many rentals offer optional delivery, allowing the RV to be set up at a campground, ready for your arrival. Jon did this for a family trip earlier this year.

"I didn't have a car to tow a large RV, but I wanted to rent one for a recent trip, so my kids could have their own space. We rented a spacious, 40-foot fifth-wheel RV. I could never tow it with my vehicle, but when we arrived, it was already set up at the campground, with the air conditioning running. We simply walked in. When it was time to check out at the end of the weekend, I just texted the owner, and he came to pick it up later. The whole experience was completely seamless for me."

This option allows you to enjoy the benefits of a socially-distanced RV trip without the stress of operating the vehicle.

You need to do your research.

Even if you choose delivery, it's essential to plan ahead when renting an RV. His top tip? Research the best type of RV for your intended trip, as this is often the biggest mistake first-time renters make. For instance, just because an RV sleeps five doesn’t mean it has five separate beds for you and your friends.

It's crucial to consider the specific amenities, including the layout and floorplan. If you plan to use the RV for remote work this fall while traveling with family, make sure there’s a designated space for you to take calls and work without disturbance, while your spouse or kids enjoy another area of the RV.

Another vital aspect of advanced planning, especially in current times, is reserving campgrounds. Several readers have voiced concerns about overcrowding due to the rising popularity of RV rentals. Jon suggests that you should "book your destination campground" in advance. Since that’s a location you’re keen to visit, securing that spot ahead of time is crucial.

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However, he also pointed out that RVs aren't confined to formal, paid campgrounds. While these sites can provide a wealth of amenities and may even have their own loyalty programs, if they’re too crowded for your taste, don't worry — especially in national parks.

"Almost all national parks permit what's known as boondocking," he explained. This essentially means "you can park your RV, turn on the generator, and use the RV's tanks and generator without needing to connect to a formal campground." No campground necessary at all.

Finally, consider the costs, which encompass many factors beyond just the rental price. That’s the first aspect you’ll want to research. Generally, the larger and newer the RV, the higher the cost. However, bigger and newer doesn't always mean better quality, so Jon highly recommended that potential renters read reviews on RVshare to set realistic expectations — and you can even filter by model years if you prefer an older RV to save on rental expenses.

You'll also need to factor in fuel expenses. An owner can provide more information on the specific RV you're looking at, but Jon suggested starting with an estimate of 10-12 miles per gallon. This can quickly accumulate over a long trip.

Some tolling authorities in various states charge fees based on the number of axles, so keep that in mind if you plan to use toll roads. Additionally, consider any fees associated with campgrounds you plan to visit.

However, keep in mind that RVshare appears on numerous online shopping platforms — including Rakuten and Mr. Rebates, as well as airline portals from carriers like American and Alaska. This can be a great way to earn extra points, miles, or cash back on your RV rental.

In summary, this can be an exciting new way to travel, but make sure to approach the trip with a clear understanding.

RELATED: How to use Rakuten (formerly Ebates) to earn bonus cash back or Amex points

There are numerous choices available.

When it comes to RV rentals, the variety is truly impressive — ranging from compact camper vans to luxurious motorhomes packed with features. I was surprised to find hundreds of options for a week-long rental on RVshare during Thanksgiving, all within an hour's drive of my small hometown, Fort Pierce, FL.

As mentioned earlier, there are delivery options available, and you can also find RVs that are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friend along. You can refine your searches on RVshare by entertainment system, and some even offer built-in Wi-Fi — although Jon acknowledges this is an area for future growth in the industry.

"I believe the RV community — especially campgrounds — has clearly received the message this summer that their future success heavily depends on providing high-quality Wi-Fi ... [but] RVshare has teamed up with a company named Skyrome, allowing you to obtain a Wi-Fi booster before your trip and take it along with you."

It remains to be seen how quickly campgrounds in more rural areas can enhance their Wi-Fi systems to meet the growing demand for remote work and schooling, but under the right conditions, staying connected in an RV is certainly feasible.

COVID protocols are in place.

Naturally, renting an RV from an individual — similar to booking a home or apartment on Airbnb — can be somewhat intimidating, especially amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, Jon emphasized that RVshare is taking steps to empower owners to maintain cleanliness. This begins with a comprehensive checklist based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which includes specific cleaning protocols and mandated temperatures for washing linens before the next guest arrives.

And what happens if an RV isn't properly cleaned? Jon was straightforward about it.

"We'll remove it from the platform," he stated. "We don’t want renters to encounter a situation where the RV isn't clean" — although he emphasized that these instances are extremely rare, with a remarkable 93% of reviews on RVshare being five stars.

And what if you find yourself in one of those uncommon situations where the RV doesn't meet your expectations? The platform provides a satisfaction guarantee.

Full webinar recording.

Want to hear more insights from Jon? Check out the full recording below:

"The Future of Travel with Brian Kelly" is a series of live discussions that explore what lies ahead for the travel industry as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Join Brian as he converses with leading experts and company executives on various topics, including traveler health, sanitation protocols, loyalty programs, and their implications for travelers.

To access recordings of previous sessions, please visit the following links:

• Future of cruising with Carnival CEO Arnold Donald
• Your health and travel with Doctor Mike
• Airline operations with JetBlue President and COO Joanna Geraghty
• Six insights from America's top flight attendant on the future of travel, featuring Sara Nelson
• Brian Kelly and Oneika Raymond discuss the future of inclusive travel
• What does the future of international travel hold? Insights from a US State Department representative

Featured photo by Katie Genter/Dinogo