Buying an RV is expensive. According to Camper Report, RVs can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $300,000. That’s definitely not chump change. Fortunately, breaking the bank to buy a new RV isn’t your only option. If you’ve long dreamed of hitting the open road behind the wheel of an RV, RVshare might be calling your name. Rather than buying an RV, this Ohio-based company is hooking up RV owners with RV renters. That’s right. Instead of buying a new RV and embarking on that roadtrip that you’ve always dreamed of, you can rent an RV instead.

RVshare is like the Airbnb of the RV world

RVshare started with a fateful honeymoon. It was way back when in 2012, and RVshare co-founder Mark and his wife, Rachel, had just bought an RV so they could spend their honeymoon traveling the country. Once the love birds returned home, however, they realized their RV would likely sit unused for the majority of the year. And while it would be sitting unused, they would still have to deal with all of the costs of RV ownership. Then came an idea.

Mark discovered that by renting out his RV, he could offset the costs of his own RV while also sharing all of the perks of RVing with folks who either weren’t sure if they wanted to own one or simply couldn’t afford to.

How does RVshare work?

According to RVshare, the average family’s RV will sit unused for approximately 90% of the year. That’s a pretty long time. Remember too, during that time, owners are still responsible for the expenses associated with RV ownership. With that in mind, RVshare is bringing RV owners and those who want a taste of the RV life together. 

But how does RVshare work? It’s actually pretty simple. You can use RVshare’s search engine to find exactly what you’re looking for. Filter RVs out by location and type. You can even sort by features. Once you’ve found that perfect RV, you can chat with the RV owner to arrange your trip.

After you’ve booked your RV, all that’s left to do is pick it up. RVshare explains that during pickup, you’ll go through a quick demo of the RV with its owner, and then you’re free to hit the road for your RV vacation. And once your trip is done? It’s as simple as dumping the tanks and returning the RV to its owner.

RVshare isn’t the only RV peer-to-peer rental company

In fact, RVshare does have some competition in the peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. Outdoorsy also offers peer-to-peer RV rentals, and functions in a very similar way to RVshare. Search for an RV that fits your needs, then book your trip with its owner. Once you’ve done so, you can either pick up or have the RV delivered. And after that? You’re ready to hit the open road.

Save your pennies by renting an RV

There are plenty of reasons to rent, rather than buy an RV. With costs similar to that of booking a hotel room, renting an RV through one of these online networks is a great way to get behind the wheel of an RV without incurring the costs of RV ownership yourself. It will also give you the opportunity to find out if the RV lifestyle is really for you. So, go ahead and find that perfect RV for your next vacation, and be sure to enjoy your time spent on the road ahead.