All About Outdoorsy, the Revolutionary Way To Rent an RV

What Is Outdoorsy?

Outdoorsy is sort of like Airbnb, except instead of allowing you to rent apartments, rooms, or cottages, you can rent RVs, travel trailers, and campers. 

With more than 17 million recreational vehicles (RVs) sitting unused in North America for 350 days each year, the founders of Outdoorsy saw a revolutionary opportunity to connect folks who want to rent an RV for their vacations with people who have awesome and available RVs they were willing to share for some extra cash. Founded in 2014 by passionate and outdoorsy types themselves, Jeff Cavins, Jennifer Young, Ryan Quinn, and Tyler Stillwater have grown their company into the largest and safest community-driven RV marketplace for renting RVs directly from their owners.

Types of RVs You Can Rent Through Outdoorsy

Outdoorsy has a good selection of RVs and campers you can rent to suit your needs. If it has room for a bed inside and at least four wheels, you can probably find it through Outdoorsy. You’ll have the freedom to go anywhere, from obscure towns such as Surprise, Arizona, to major destinations such as Nashville, Tennessee, and anywhere in between. And there’s a vehicle for every need. 

Conversion Van

This is an option for one or two people who aren’t looking to spend a ton of money and don’t want to drive a big rig. It’s also an ideal option if you’re hoping to check out busy urban areas where a larger RV  isn’t practical. Picture a Ford Econoline or similar for this option.

Camper Van/Class B RV

This is the conversion van’s bigger and roomier sibling. A Class B RV rental offers an affordable and nimble option that’s just as easy to use for urban exploration as it is for finding secluded spots by a lake or mountain overlook. Some camper vans even have pop-up roofs that give you extra headroom. Think funky and eclectic VW buses or sleek and modern Mercedes-Benz Sprinters as options in this category.

Trailer

A trailer rental constitutes everything from a little teardrop tow-behind to a towable pop-up tent trailer to larger fifth-wheel trailers. These can accommodate a wider range of travelers and come in a variety of prices to fit almost any budget. They’re great for people who still want a true camping experience without the hassle and discomfort of sleeping in a tent each night. They also keep out bears and other nosy woodland creatures better than a tent would.

Class C RV

Class C RVs are the typical motorhome — drivable vehicles that are a step up from Class B van conversions but are not quite a tour bus. They’re great for families. Fully equipped with onboard kitchenettes and bathrooms, they provide practicality and comfort for longer vacations but are still easily mobile and can go to some urban areas without too much trouble. Winnebago and Jayco are popular makes of Class C RVs.

Class A RV

The luxury condo on wheels, this bus-sized class is the créme de la créme of RV travel and comfort. With all the creature comforts comes a higher price and less maneuverability than with the smaller options. While requiring some serious confidence to drive, these are still an economical choice compared to hotels and cabins. They’re ideal for larger groups and folks who aren’t interested in “roughing it.” Some even have expandable cabins, leather couches, and full-size refrigerators.

The Ins and Outs of Renting And Returning an RV With Outdoorsy

So, now that you have an idea of what type of vehicle will best suit your needs, how do you select it, book it, and then return it? Outdoorsy makes it easy.

Choose Your Destination or Pickup Location

On the website, all you have to do is type in the city or town where you want to pick up the RV or where you want it delivered. You can even enter national parks as your chosen destination. Next, input your start and end dates.

Select Your RV

Based on your location and date selection, Outdoorsy will show you an extensive list of all types of available vehicles. You can filter the plethora of options by choosing a price range, selecting whether you want a drivable or stationary RV, choose from amenities, and more. You can even narrow it down by selecting a certain length or by looking for pet-friendly options. If you already know which kind of RV you want to rent, Outdoorsy will show you all the available options that are close to your chosen geographical location. 

“Meet” Your RV Host

Once you’ve chosen the perfect RV, simply fill out a booking request online. You can also read all about the RV owners (called hosts by Outdoorsy). You can ask hosts specific questions and see the exact specs of your chosen RV, all from the convenience of your laptop or smartphone using the Outdoorsy app. You can arrange a pickup time or even have your host deliver the RV to your chosen campsite. This is a great option if you want to stay in a swanky Class A RV but aren’t comfortable driving it.

Enjoy an Awesome Vacation

Based on the terms you’ve worked out in the RV rental contract, next comes the fun part. Meet the RV owner in person, pick up the keys, get a walk-through, and learn all the ins and outs of your chosen vehicle. Then relax and enjoy your much deserved and highly anticipated RV vacation. Hit the road, see the sights, or enjoy the peace and amenities at a great campground. You can even do a long-term RV rental if you really want to get away from it all. 

Return Your RV

Once your holiday is done, all you have to do is return your RV to the same place and in the same condition you got it in, and you’re all set — easy peasy.

Where in the World Does Outdoorsy Operate?

It would probably be easier and quicker to answer the question: Where doesn’t Outdoorsy operate? 

United States

Outdoorsy has a huge selection of RVs in every single state in the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii.

International Destinations

A U.S.-based company, Outdoorsy welcomes international travelers. It also has a system for those wishing to cross the border into Canada from the U.S. and vice versa. Interested RVers can choose from a selection of vehicles throughout Canada and the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

List Your RV on Outdoorsy

If you’ve got an RV that’s just taking up space in your driveway or sitting sad and lonely at a campground, consider renting your RV through Outdoorsy. Turn that dormant camper into a moneymaker when you’re not using it.

Benefits of RV Rentals and Vacations

Renting an RV from Outdoorsy is a practical and safe way to indulge in a much-needed vacation, get back to nature, work remotely with a fun change of scenery, or explore the wide-open spaces and amazing destinations the country has to offer. 

Whether you go for a long weekend or an extended sabbatical, Outdoorsy will have plenty of options for you to create a trip within your budget. Roadside assistance, people ready to answer your questions, and tons of online resources like park guides and event guides make Outdoorsy the standout choice for online RV rentals.