What Is Outdoorsy?
Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer RV and campervan rental marketplace connecting owners with travelers seeking adventure vehicles. Founded in 2015, it offers insured short-term rentals of motorhomes, trailers, and campervans through a digital platform, handling bookings, payments, and 24/7 roadside assistance. The service operates across North America, Australia, and Europe, with over 500,000 rental days booked annually.
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How does Outdoorsy work for owners and renters?
Owners list vehicles with photos, specs, and availability. Renters browse listings, book online, and pick up locally. Outdoorsy provides $1M liability insurance, damage protection, and secure payment processing. Owners earn 65–85% of rental fees, while renters pay daily rates averaging $100–$300.
Owners undergo ID verification and vehicle inspections, while renters must provide driver’s licenses and proof of insurance. The platform uses dynamic pricing, adjusting rates based on demand and seasonality. For example, a 2022 Airstream Classic listed at $200/day in July might auto-increase to $275 during peak fall foliage weeks. Pro Tip: Owners should include generator tutorials—40% of roadside calls involve power system confusion.
What safety measures does Outdoorsy enforce?
All rentals include real-time GPS tracking, 24/7 customer support, and pre-trip vehicle inspections. Drivers must pass license checks confirming eligibility for RV classes. Outdoorsy’s insurance covers third-party liability, physical damage, and theft with $500–$2,500 deductibles.
Beyond basic checks, Outdoorsy uses AI to flag high-risk bookings—like same-day requests for large motorhomes. Practically speaking, their Trust & Safety team reviews 18% of reservations manually. Vehicles over 26 feet require renters to confirm prior RV experience. A real-world example: When a Texas renter damaged a trailer’s braking system in 2023, Outdoorsy’s insurance processed the $3,800 repair within 72 hours. But what happens if a renter violates mileage limits? Overages cost $0.50/mile, tracked via odometer photos pre- and post-trip.
| Feature | Outdoorsy | Competitor (RVshare) |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Deductible | $500–$2,5K | $1K–$3K |
| Roadside Assistance | 24/7 | Business Hours |
| Renter Screening | AI + Manual | AI Only |
What types of vehicles are available on Outdoorsy?
Listings include Class A-C motorhomes, teardrop trailers, campervans, and luxury RVs with amenities like solar panels or outdoor kitchens. Over 75% are privately owned, with 20% from commercial fleets. Unique options like converted school buses or off-grid overland rigs comprise 5% of inventory.
Class B campervans (e.g., Winnebago Revel) dominate urban markets due to easier parking, while Class A diesel pushers attract cross-country travelers. Pro Tip: Renters in mountainous regions should prioritize vehicles with engine braking systems—standard in only 35% of listings. For example, a Colorado-based 2021 Thor Chateau with exhaust brakes rents 22% faster than similar models without them.
What are Outdoorsy’s rental costs and fees?
Base rates range from $50/day for small trailers to $500/day for luxury RVs. Added fees include 15–20% service charges, mileage packages (100–300 mi/day), and generator usage fees. Renters pay security deposits of $500–$2,000, refunded post-inspection.
Seasonality massively impacts pricing—summer rates in national park hubs spike 300%. A mid-sized RV costing $150/night in January might hit $450/night in Yellowstone during July. Additionally, delivery fees apply if owners transport vehicles to campsites ($3–$8/mile). Here’s a cost breakdown for a 5-day Utah trip:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Class C Rental | $1,250 |
| Service Fee | $225 |
| 300 Miles | $150 |
| Generator | $75 |
| Total | $1,700 |
Does Outdoorsy offer insurance and roadside assistance?
Yes—every booking includes comprehensive coverage via Liberty Mutual, covering collision, liability, and uninsured motorists. Roadside assistance handles flat tires, lockouts, and towing. Optional upgrades like reduced deductibles ($250 instead of $1,000) cost $10–$25/day.
Outdoorsy’s insurance excludes reckless driving, off-roading, and pet damage unless noted in the rental agreement. For instance, taking a 32-foot motorhome onto a beach in Florida could void coverage. Pro Tip: Photograph pre-existing scratches using the app’s timestamp feature—disputes over damage claims fell 62% after this feature launched in 2022. Curious about mechanical failures? Owners must cover repairs if breakdowns stem from maintenance issues documented in inspection reports.
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FAQs
Yes—18+ can rent certain vehicles, but those under 25 pay a $25/day young renter fee and face restrictions on RVs over 24 feet.
Are pets allowed in Outdoorsy rentals?
50% of owners permit pets for $10–$50/day fees. Always filter by “pet-friendly” and disclose your animal during booking.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Cancel for free within 24 hours of booking. After that, fees range from 50% (7+ days pre-trip) to 100% (within 24 hours).