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Recreational Vans

RVshare explained: rentals, costs, and tips

RVshare camper van rental marketplace overview with trip planning tips

What is RVshare and who uses it

RVshare is a large peer to peer rental marketplace where owners list motorhomes, camper vans, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop ups for short term use. Travelers browse by pickup location or delivery radius, set dates, and filter by features like pet friendly rigs, seatbelts for a family, solar, or generator availability. The platform facilitates booking, payment, trip messaging, and offers insurance and roadside assistance to help both parties travel with confidence. It is widely used by first time renters testing road travel, families planning a national park loop, festival goers needing on site lodging, and remote workers looking for a mobile office for a few weeks.

Listings typically include detailed descriptions, interior and exterior photos, bed layouts, power and climate details, and an availability calendar. Owners set house rules such as no smoking, pet policies, and mileage limits, and may offer add ons like camp chairs, bike racks, bedding, or delivery to a campground. Reviews from prior trips help renters gauge cleanliness, accuracy, and host responsiveness, which can be as important as the rig specs. Because supply is local, selection tends to be strongest near major metros and popular outdoor regions, with seasonal spikes around spring breaks, summer, and fall foliage.

Vehicle types and terminology

Class A motorhomes are bus size coaches that prioritize space and amenities. Class C motorhomes use a cutaway cab with a sleeping loft and strike a balance between comfort and drivability. Class B vans are the most compact, often built on Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster platforms, and appeal to travelers who want to park easily and move daily. Towables include travel trailers and fifth wheels, which require suitable tow vehicles and adherence to weight ratings. Many listings now feature lithium batteries, solar, and inverters, which can reduce generator use and support work on the road.

How RVshare works for renters

Renters begin by choosing dates and a general pickup city or delivery option, then refine results by length, sleeping capacity, amenities, and price. It helps to message hosts with any special needs, such as a child seat location, gear storage, or questions about campsite pad length. Once booked, the platform processes payment and shares trip details in a secure thread. Before departure, owners provide a walkthrough covering hookups, leveling, slideouts, battery management, heat and air controls, propane safety, and grey and black tank procedures.

Expect to complete a pre trip inspection noting cosmetic condition and systems status, then return to that checklist after the trip. Many owners require a security deposit that is handled through the marketplace and released after the post trip inspection if no damage is found. If you are towing a trailer, verify your vehicle’s tow rating, hitch class, brake controller compatibility, and tongue weight capacity well before pickup. For delivery and setup, confirm access roads, campsite size, and shore power. If boondocking, ask the owner about battery capacity, charging methods, and realistic run times for lights, fans, and refrigeration.

Owner side overview

Owners create listings with descriptions, photos, pricing, pickup guidance, and rules. They set calendars, minimum nights, delivery fees, and add ons. The platform provides insurance options and roadside assistance during active bookings, plus payout processing after successful trips. Owners often use checklists to document condition, demonstrate systems, and streamline returns. Strong communication, clear expectations, and well maintained rigs tend to lead to higher ratings and repeat bookings.

Costs, insurance, and policies on RVshare

Total trip cost on RVshare includes the nightly rate, a service fee, required insurance, and any add ons like delivery, early pickup, late return, or gear packages. Mileage and generator use may be metered with included amounts and per unit overage charges. Cleaning or dump fees apply if the rig is returned without meeting stated requirements. Cancellation policies vary by listing, ranging from flexible to strict, so read them closely before booking. During the trip window, platform provided insurance can cover certain liability and physical damage; renters should understand coverage levels, deductibles, and exclusions, and owners should maintain proper maintenance and documentation.

Plan campsites early for peak seasons. National parks and sought after state park campgrounds fill months in advance. For private parks, check pad length, power availability, and pet policies. If you plan to disperse camp on public land, know stay limits and local fire restrictions. Safe travel also includes weight awareness for trailers, tire pressure checks, and speed discipline. For motorized rigs, budget extra time for fueling and plan routes that avoid low clearances or challenging mountain passes until you are comfortable with size and braking distance.

Planning tips for a smooth trip

  • Book a campsite that fits your rig length plus tow vehicle if needed
  • Ask the owner for a laminated quick start guide for hookups and power
  • Do a five minute systems check every morning and before departure
  • Store heavy items low and secure them to prevent shifting
  • Keep a clean pair of shoes for the interior to reduce sand and grit

Renting through RVshare can be a smart way to test floor plans and travel styles. A compact van might feel perfect for an agile national park tour with daily moves and tight parking. A family might prefer a Class C with a separate sleeping loft to preserve the dinette for meals and work. Travelers planning longer stays may find a trailer with a slideout and separate bedroom more restful. Take notes about bed comfort, storage, heating and cooling behavior, and power demands so future trips are even smoother.

As you compare listings, imagine your real use day by day. Will you cook most meals inside or outside. Do you need air conditioning off grid or will shore power be available most nights. Will you carry bikes or boards and where will they go. How much time will you spend driving versus stationary. These answers guide the right size, layout, and energy system for your route and climate.

Rentals through RVshare introduce you to the lifestyle with low commitment, but they also underline the tradeoffs of short term use. Availability fluctuates, pickup and return windows can restrict your schedule, and each rig has its own quirks to learn just as your trip begins. If your calendar includes frequent road time across the year, owning a van or overland rig built around your routines removes those variables and keeps your gear permanently dialed in.

OZK Customs builds adventure vans and overland rigs that translate the lessons you learn from rentals into a single rig that fits you every day. From quiet power systems that support work and climate control to storage that swallows bikes, boards, or camera gear without clutter, a purpose built layout streamlines life on the move. If you want a turn key path, our complete custom builds handle design, fabrication, and integration so you can focus on travel. If you already have a solid platform, targeted upfits can add power, storage, suspension, lighting, or connectivity to elevate comfort and range.

Picture the difference between packing for each rental and simply rolling out with your own rig that is always stocked, charged, and ready. The right van feels like a trailhead basecamp one weekend and a remote studio the next. That is the moment when ownership starts to make more sense than recurring rentals. When you are ready to discuss a build, we walk through your routes, seasons, crew size, and must haves to align the platform and components to your goals.

Strong planning is the common thread whether you rent through RVshare or commission a build. Map your energy budget, water strategy, and sleep needs to your destinations. Think about airflow for hot nights, cold weather insulation, and how you will secure bikes or a moto on travel days. With clear priorities, your time on the road becomes easier, safer, and more fun.

Bottom line, RVshare is an effective way to try the lifestyle and learn quickly. If the road is calling more often, a custom adventure van designed around your habits will simplify every mile and make spontaneous trips effortless.

Your trips should fit your life, not the other way around. If rentals have shown you what works and what does not, let us design a van that nails comfort, storage, and off grid capability from day one. Share your vision and we will outline clear options, transparent timelines, and a build plan that delivers miles of easy travel. Reach out and let’s map your rig together.

Lets Get Started

Ready to step beyond short term rentals and into a purpose built adventure van that fits your life every day of the year? Talk with OZK Customs about a complete custom build or a tailored upfit designed for off grid comfort and easy travel. Share your wish list, timeline, and budget, and we will map a clear path from concept to keys. Start your build conversation today.

ADDRESS:

6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701

PHONE:

(479) 326-9200

EMAIL:

info@ozkvans.com