RVRA Survey Finds Potential Growth For RV Rentals

The RV Rental Association (RVRA) found in a survey that 81% of RV rental dealers also rent RV trailers, countering the belief of people that RV rentals only have motorhomes.

The survey also showed that 59% of the surveyed rental dealers said over one-fifth of their business last year was from customers who already own an adequate tow vehicle.

“Because pickup trucks and SUVs capable of towing many RV trailers are some of the most popular vehicles in North America, it’s no surprise that towable RVs are popular with renters,” said Scott Krenek of Krenek RV and chairman of RVRA. “The RV rental market is healthy and has the potential for more growth. That’s why so many RVRA members are looking forward to a great summer.”

The RV rental market is expected to be 2% bigger this summer than the year prior when the supply chain was disrupted. Families hoping to rent an RV for a vacation must act quickly to the RV type they want, according to a press release.

Supply chain disruptions that affected the towable RV manufacturing industry decreased during the months of March, April, and May. Krenek said rental dealers will most likely have enough RV trailers in their inventory.

However, disruptions may keep impacting the car/truck manufacturers that supply motorhome chassis to RV builders. 

Krenek said supply chain disruptions keep rental fleet motorhome inventories lean. It explains why 55% of rental dealers planned to keep some older units in their inventory this summer, then replace them only when new units arrive.

Despite the temporary dislocations, Krenek believes, “RV rental vacations are a wonderful way to make memories with family and friends. Some advance planning before you set out on your trip will make the experience even better.”

The survey also showed that 37% of rental dealers said over one-fifth of their business came from customers wanting to have a trailer delivered to a campground or other location of their choice, where dealership personnel connects all utilities.

Peer-to-Peer Platform Use Grows

The option of renting an RV from private owners via peer-to-peer digital platforms has experienced dramatic growth in recent years. The study found slightly over a quarter of rental dealers have posted at least a portion of their rental fleets on peer-to-peer platforms.

Krenek said potential renters must keep it in mind as dealers are more knowledgeable than the average owner on how RVs operate, how to maintain them, and what to do when they break down during the journey. 

Here are some other issues Krenek believes consumers need to consider before renting an RV this summer. RVRA recommends customers ask these basic questions:

• Does the rental agency keep regular hours for drop-off and pick-up?
• For first-time RV renters, does the rental company provide an orientation on the RV systems and components?
• Find out the age of the RV you’re thinking of renting and if it is an older model, was it was professionally maintained?
• If customers have questions about the RV during the trip, is there a phone number they can call or text for help?
• What are the terms for the security deposit?
• Is the RV that was described online the actual model that will be available at the time of pickup?
• Who owns the RV that you’re renting and how does the insurance coverage work?
• For RV owners considering renting their unit on their own, RVRA urges them to read and understand the terms of their RV manufacturer’s warranty as well as any component part warranties. They should also read and understand the terms of any financing agreement associated with the unit.

RVRA is a unit of the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA). The survey was conducted through the RV Retailer Intelligence program, a service of the RV Assistance Corp. (RVAC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of RVDA. To find an RVRA member company, visit www.rvra.org.