Austin, Texas-based RVshare, a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, reports that its bookings have nearly tripled since last year and are up more than 1,600 percent since early April.
The company cites social distancing rules, tight travel budgets and a reluctance to vacation in traditional ways ¬– airplane flights, hotels – as the reasons. It highlights a report from the U.S. Travel Association that says only 18 percent of travelers say they would feel safe staying at a hotel or resort, the same percentage that says they would feel comfortable flying.
The company encourages RV owners to consider renting their units to boost their income.
“During this time of uncertainty in the world of travel, more and more families are renting RVs for their summer vacation,” said Jon Gray, RVshare’s CEO. “RV owners and those interested in buying an RV can take advantage of this wave of demand to put a bit more cash in their pocket, or to help supplement income in this time of financial instability.”
From a survey of RV owners renting on RVshare, the company found that more than half – 51 percent – of owners are able to cover 76 percent or more of their RV’s financing cost through renting to travelers, with more than a third –35 percent – covering all or more of their financing cost.
The survey found that the most in-demand rentals on RVshare are Class C vehicles, while Class B vehicles, or camper vans, are the fastest-growing in popularity.
