Thinking about renting out your RV to earn some extra cash? You’re not alone.
RV rental platforms like Outdoorsy, RVshare, and RVezy have made it easier than ever for owners to turn their rigs into income-producing assets. But here’s the catch — not every dollar you make goes straight into your pocket.
There are several hidden expenses that can quietly chip away at your profits if you’re not prepared. After a few years of renting out my own RVs, I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that understanding these costs upfront is the key to long-term success.
Here are five hidden expenses that can eat into your RV rental income (and how to stay ahead of them).
1. Personal Vehicle Insurance
One of the first surprises for new owners is that personal vehicle insurance doesn’t go away once you start renting your RV.
While rental platforms offer coverage when a renter is using your rig, you still need your own insurance for times when the RV is parked, being serviced, or driven by you.
And here’s the tricky part — some insurance companies may deny coverage if they find out your RV is being used commercially. Others will allow it but charge higher premiums.
Pro tip: Work with an agent who specializes in RV rental coverage, not just standard RV ownership. Get multiple quotes, read the fine print, and make sure your policy clearly allows for rentals.
2. Platform Fees
Next up — platform fees.
Each rental platform takes a percentage of every booking. For example:
- Outdoorsy: 15–20%
- RVshare: 20–25%
- RVezy: around 15%
That means if you rent your RV for $200 a night for five nights, your gross income is $1,000 — but after fees, you might only see $800.
And that’s before you even factor in cleaning costs, supplies, and taxes.
Bottom line: Always calculate your real net profit before setting your nightly rate. Consider building those platform fees into your pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
3. Storage Costs
If you can’t keep your RV at home, storage can become a major recurring expense.
Outdoor storage typically costs $100–$300 per month, while indoor climate-controlled storage can easily reach $400–$600 depending on your location.
Even when your RV isn’t being rented out, that bill keeps coming — so don’t forget to factor storage into your monthly operating costs.
Tip: Some owners negotiate shared storage spaces or rent rural property space from friends to save hundreds per year.
4. Mechanical Breakdowns
This one can hit hard — both financially and emotionally.
When a renter calls to say the RV broke down, it’s not just the repair cost you’re dealing with — it’s the lost incomefrom canceled trips and refunds.
For instance, I once had a $200 part failure that ended up costing me $1,500 in missed bookings.
To protect yourself, set aside 10–15% of your monthly rental income in an emergency fund. Whether it’s a burned-out water pump, a bad alternator, or a failed A/C unit, something will eventually go wrong.
It’s not a matter of if — it’s when.
5. Routine Maintenance
Finally, let’s talk about routine maintenance — the backbone of a reliable rental business.
Oil changes, new tires, brake inspections, seal checks, cleaning supplies, and propane refills all add up fast.
For motorized RVs, plan on budgeting around $1,000–$1,500 per year just for general upkeep. If you’re outsourcing your maintenance, that number can easily double.
Preventive care not only keeps your RV safe but also helps you maintain 5-star reviews and repeat renters.
Final Thoughts: Treat Your RV Like a Business
At the end of the day, these expenses don’t have to be deal-breakers. The key is to plan ahead and think of your RV as a business asset, not just a personal toy.
✅ Build all costs into your pricing.
✅ Track every dollar that comes in and goes out.
✅ Reinvest a portion of your profits into maintenance and upgrades.
If you do that, your RV rental business can be both profitable and sustainable.