The Top Questions to Ask the Host Before Renting an RV

RVing is a fantastic way to travel — and 46 million Americans agree. With an RV rental by owner, you get all the comforts of home at a lower price compared to staying in a hotel. And RV rentals by owner are on the rise since 2020. However, if you’re renting an RV from an owner for the first time, it can be intimidating because you’ll have to get used to driving and operating the different mechanisms that an RV has. Luckily, nowadays, there is a lot of information online about RVs you can study beforehand, but the best way to learn about your rental RV is to go old school — and ask the RV owner. We’ve listed some questions you can consider asking the RV host before driving off on your RV adventure. Let’s get started answering your RV Rental Questions.

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1. What Kind of RV Do You Have, and How Many Does It Sleep?

RV stands for “recreational vehicle,” and there are many kinds of RVs out there, ensuring you’ll find one that’s perfect for your trip. If you’re renting an RV for the first time, you’ll want to ask what kind of RV is being rented out. The answer will fall into the following categories:

• Class A RVs resemble a bus, about 30 to 40 feet long, and have a vertical front windshield with large windows. This type of RV is usually the first choice for full-time RVing. They have slideouts for added space and are equipped with appliances you’d find in a house.
• Class B RVs are usually built on a van chassis and drive like a standard automobile. This type of RV is a good choice for couples or solo travelers but not the best choice for families with children.
• Class C campers are ideal for first-time campers. They’re easy to drive, and they’re built on a truck chassis with a “cab-over” profile that makes them easily recognizable. They typically have a kitchen, a bathroom, and slideouts. This type of camper also has different configurations, so you’re sure to find one that fits your specific needs.

You may also want to ask how many the RV sleeps, and be sure to check where these people will be sleeping. For example, a bed from a pull-down couch is ideal for children, but not necessarily your teenagers or adults.  

2. How Much Is The RV Damage Protection Plan, And What Does It Cover?

Damage protection is vital for the safety of your rental and your family during your RVing trip. You’ll want to know what kind of protection is available and how much you have to pay per day or per night. It is actually less expensive if the option is per night, so ask. You also want to be clear on what is covered by the plan. RVnGO offers comprehensive damage protection coverage and clearly outlines the terms for each RV rental by owner. That is all great for damage coverage but what about roadside assistance when you need a flat tire repaired or a slide out fixed or general operating questions? That is where a good Roadside Assistance Coverage comes in. It is definitely worth the extra money to add that to your RV Rental  Reservation. Make sure that damage protection is one of your RV Rental Questions to ask your Host.

A good tip is to inspect the RV and take photos of any damage or scratches you see before you drive away with it. This way, you can avoid any misunderstandings when you return the RV later on.  Working with an RV rental platform for your RV rental by owner will have a check-in and check-out policy to verify the condition of the RV before your trip and when you return it to assure there are no fraudulent protection claims.

3. How Much Is the Deposit, and When Will It Be Returned?

Most RV owners or rental companies collect a deposit to cover any damages that might occur to the vehicle. This deposit will usually range from $500 to $1,000, sometimes higher, depending on the type and cost of the RV. The deposit you make is equal to the RV owner’s damage waiver fee. 

Depending on the policy, your money will usually be returned between two and seven days after you return the RV. 

4. What’s the Pet Policy of the RV Rental by Owner?

One of the advantages of RVing is taking your pet with you. Some owners have pet-friendly RVs, while others don’t allow furry family members. Owners and rental companies that allow pets usually require specific conditions that you have to follow. Some might need an extra deposit for cleaning and have restrictions on the size of the pet you can bring on board. 

5. What’s the Cancellation Policy?

Sometimes, things happen, and you have to cancel your trip. Before renting the RV, make sure you know the cancellation policy. If you use an RV rental company, they spell these policies in the Rules and Policies section of each RV listing and may even override the Host Cancellation Policy. The same goes for if a Host needs to Cancel the reservation.  Some Hosts and RV Rental Platforms may have a Refund Policy to review. We recommend that you read all Cancellation and Refund Policies before agreeing to a RV rental reservation. When renting an RV, make sure you choose the policies that work with your plans. 

6. What Are Your Pick-Up and Drop-Off Policies?

Sometimes the RV owner will deliver the vehicle to you at an agreed-upon time and location. If not, RV rentals usually have a specific pick-up time in the afternoon and a drop-off time in the morning. RV rentals are charged by night, like a hotel or an Airbnb. Depending on the owner or rental company, you may be able to arrange an early pick-up or a late drop-off, usually for a small additional charge.

7. How Does the Toilet Work on the RV?

If this is your first time RVing or renting an RV, one of the essential things you want to know is how the toilet works on the RV. Regular toilets in your house work with water pressure — this means after you do your business and flush, water pressure pushes the waste down to a series of pipes. In an RV toilet, gravity is your friend. Usually, there is water, but there is almost no water pressure as the waste goes down the toilet, through the pipe, and to the RV’s black water tank. Unlike your home toilet system, you’re responsible for disposing of the organic waste in your RV. Don’t worry. If you’re a first-time RVer, the owner will walk you through how to do it. You might consider having a pair of rubber gloves handy should you need them. 

If you’re going to an RV campsite, there is usually a dump station right where you are parked. All you have to do is attach the hose to the holding tank train outlet and the other end to the dump hole and use your toilet as usual. However, don’t forget to unhook the hose when you leave.

Pro tip: If you are not in a campsite, and you need to rely on your black water tank, you might want to use either chemical or biodegradable septic deodorizer because there is a possibility that, after a few uses, your RV toilet can smell. Also, don’t forget to use special RV toilet paper. This toilet paper degrades faster and won’t clog or accumulate in your black water tank. If you can’t get this kind of toilet paper, a single-ply toilet paper will do. 

8. Am I in Charge of Cleaning the RV Before I Give It Back?

It depends on the owner or the rental website. Some owners want their RVs to be returned as you found them. Others give renters an option to pay extra to have the vehicle cleaned. 

Also, most of the time, RV rental hosts want you to empty the RV’s black (toilet water and waste) and grey (shower and sink wastewater) tanks. However, as with the cleaning, some owners will allow you to return the RV without emptying the tanks. 

When renting an RV, make sure you know the owner’s policy to avoid misunderstandings and extra fees. 

9. Do I Have to Pay Extra to Use the Generator?

The owner or Hosts on sites like RVnGO will clearly state what is included in your rental and any extras in their Rates and Availability section. The RV Host will itemize and list any extra fees associated with use of a generator, extra mileage, late return, etc. Using the generator usually requires an additional fee. But unless you’re boondocking (parking your RV in the woods, in a parking area, or anywhere that’s not a campsite and doesn’t have facilities), you don’t usually need to use the generator. 

10. Which Campgrounds Can I Go To?

If you’re new to camping and RVing, you want to know where the best camping areas are. One of the best ways to learn is to ask about the rental owner’s favorite camping grounds. RV rental companies like RVnGO also have a lot of material and information on their blogs about campgrounds in many. Whether you want to explore Yellowstone Park or Alabama, the RVnGO blog has information on these places as well as reliable campgrounds for your RVing adventure.  If State Parks are your dream destination, then here is a list of the TOP 20 State Park Passes. 

PS – Most of these Questions are Answered by RVnGO

There are many RV rental questions to ask the Host and RVnGO has answered most of these on the website either on the FAQ pages OR on the Host RV Rental Listing Page. Going on a trip in an RV, whether it’s a solo adventure, with your significant other, or with the whole family, can be a life-changing experience. If this is your first time renting an RV by owner, go through a trusted RV rental   company like RVnGO. With lots of RV choices, each one from a verified host, you can be sure they are trustworthy. RVnGO also outlines all the costs and amenities so what you see is what you get. Plan your next RVing trip with an RV rental through RVnGO.