1. What To Know Before Choosing An RV Campsite
2. Understand Your RV Camping Options
3. Resources For Finding The Perfect RV Campsite
4. Tips For Snagging The Best RV Campsite

What To Know Before Choosing An RV Campsite

1. Budget

2. Length Of Stay

3. Proximity To Planned Activities

4. Your Camping Style

Understand Your RV Camping Options

Campgrounds

RV Parks

RV Resorts

Free Camping

Resources For Finding The Perfect RV Campsite

RV Websites

Campendium

Good Sam

Casino Camper

RV Apps

Allstays

Pinterest

RV Clubs

Passport America

Harvest Hosts

RVer Facebook Groups

Where’d You Stay RV

Camping Is Our Life

Tips For Snagging The Best RV Campsite

1. Read reviews.

2. Call ahead.

3. Make your reservation ASAP.

4. Ask about the refund policy.

Click Here To Rent An RV

Click Here To List Your RV

The post A Guide To Finding The Perfect RV Campsite appeared first on Campanda News.

1. RV Maintenance & Safety Checklist
2. RV Camping Essentials Checklist
3. RV Kitchen Checklist
4. RV Grocery Checklist
5. RV Bed & Bath Checklist
6. Make Your Own RV Checklist
7. Download All RV Checklists

RV Maintenance & Safety Checklist

RV Camping Essentials Checklist

RV Kitchen Checklist

RV Grocery Checklist

RV Bed & Bath Checklist

Make Your Own RV Checklist

All RV Checklists

• Download RV Maintenance & Safety Checklist
• Download RV Camping Essentials Checklist
• Download RV Kitchen Checklist
• Download RV Grocery Checklist
• Download RV Bed & Bath Checklist
• Download Blank RV Checklist

Click Here To List Your RV

The post RV Checklists: 6 Printable Packing Lists appeared first on Campanda News.

RVing can take you to some beautiful locations and help you create wonderful memories. But not every part of RVing is pretty. Maintaining and emptying your septic system on a regular basis is an unglamorous — but necessary — part of any RV adventure. And without proper maintenance and care of this system, things can get pretty ugly.

Whether you’re a new RV owner or you plan to rent an RV on Campanda, it’s important to know how to care for your RV tanks properly. This handy guide will help you get started:

What does an RV septic system look like?

Recreational vehicles typically come with three tanks, located on the underside of the RV, to keep things running smoothly.

1. Fresh Water Tank

As the name suggests, this tank is for fresh water. This is the water that comes out of your taps.

2. Grey Water Tank

The grey tank holds the dirty water from your RV shower and the kitchen sink. Some used campers and vintage RVs may not have this tank.

3. Black Water Tank

This is the one that tends to scare new RVers. The black tank holds waste water from the toilet. If your RV does not have a gray tank, all dirty water is dispensed into this tank.

When not maintained properly, any one of these tanks can cause problems.

How often should I empty my RV tanks?

How often you need to empty your tanks is relative. If you are traveling with a large number of people, you may need to empty your tanks every other day. If it is just you and your spouse, once a week may be enough.

A general rule of thumb is to wait until your tanks are about two-thirds full before emptying them. It creates a much better “flow” when dumping, making the process much more efficient.

Some recreational vehicles come with systems to show you exactly how full your tanks are. This is a great way to gauge when to dump, but be warned! After a few years, these sensors don’t always work well. Even new ones may give an incorrect reading because of paper or other waste sticking to the sensor making it read “full” when it’s not. It’s important to stay cognizant of how much water waste you are really accumulating.

How do I empty my RV tanks?

Before your first waste water dump, make sure you have a sewer hose and some gloves to protect your hands.

Next, be sure to identify the valves on the outside of your RV. These will be clearly marked “grey” and “black”.

Hook your sewer hose up to the valve on the RV. Take the other end and secure it to the sewer you are using. Ensure it is fastened on both ends before pulling the valves!

Start with the black tank. Remember, the toilet waste water dumps directly into this tank. Never dump this water anywhere except designated dump stations. Dump stations are always clearly marked.

To empty, pull the valve and let the tank drain. Close the valve when you can no longer hear any liquid coming through the hose. Ensure the valve is closed completely. This is very important. Leaving a black tank valve open is an absolute no-no. It will cause all the liquid to flow out, leaving the solids no way of draining.

When you’ve ensured the valve is shut, pull the grey tank valve. Again, close when done.

Some people leave the gray tank valve open outside of the RV and let it drain continuously. This is a mistake. Flushing the gray tank after the black tank helps flush any solids stuck in your sewer hose. If you keep this valve open, you will not have that extra water to flush out the sewer hose after the black tank.

For easy clean up, go slowly when detaching the sewer hose. Many RVers use a bucket or tub to contain the hose when not in use.

How do I maintain my RV septic system?

Once you get the hang of emptying the tanks on your recreational vehicle, the process can go quickly and smoothly. But there’s more to using your tanks properly than emptying them — maintenance is just as important and will help prevent trouble down the line.

In general, regularly flushing along with cleaning and sanitizing your tanks will keep the system up and running fairly free of problems.

Other things to know about your RV holding tanks:

Fresh Water Tank

The least scary of the three tanks, the fresh water tank still needs maintenance from time to time.

When hooked up to water or filling the tank, use only a potable water hose. These are easy to spot because of their white color.

With this tank, it’s important to pay attention to the weather. Insulate your hose during freezing weather and drain your fresh water in extreme heat to prevent water stagnation.

If the tank begins to smell, it may be contaminated. Use household bleach to clean the tank.

1. Pour ¼ cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water in your tank.
2. Run the water until you smell bleach.
3. Continue to run until all the bleached water is out.
4. Let your tank sit for 24 hours.
5. Refill your tank and run the water until bleach smell is gone.
6. Use as normal.

Gray Water Tank

Again, this is where runoff water from your sink or RV shower is held. In large travel trailers and fifth wheels, there may be two gray tanks.

It’s important to note that the drain into this tank is small. Take every precaution to ensure food particles do not go down the drain. Even something as small as a pea may cause a clog.

Black Water Tank

There are a few good rules of thumb for minimizing trouble with the dreaded black tank:

1. Use single-ply toilet paper. Two-ply can clog the tank.
2. Flush regularly, always adding water to the toilet bowl before flushing.
3. Sanitize your tank after dumping. You can find special chemicals for this in the RV section of any big box store.
4. Clean this tank often by putting a garden hose down the toilet. This should help flush your system and clear up any build ups.

Your #vanlife fantasies may not involve draining sewage, but this is a very real and essential part of RVing. When done properly, it should be a quick and painless process. Follow the guidelines above and after a few turns at the dump station, you’re going to be a pro at handling your RV septic system!

Totally grossed out by the idea of emptying your own RV tanks? Many RV owners on Campanda offer to dump your tanks on return for an extra fee. Browse Campanda’s selection of trailers, motorhomes and campers by clicking the link below:

Click Here To Rent An RV

Looking to share the joys of RVing — black water tank included — with other RV enthusiasts? Rent your RV on Campanda and turn your rig into a second stream on income!

Click Here To List Your RV

The post A Beginner’s Guide To RV Holding Tanks appeared first on Campanda News.

Find out which kind of RV is right for you with the official Campanda guide to the different RV types and classes.

There are so many things to love about RV travel. It offers families and friends the chance to spend quality time together. It’s a lower-cost, lower-hassle alternative to plane travel (with a lower carbon footprint). And it puts you right into the heart of the great outdoors without sacrificing the comfort of a familiar bed.

But most of all, RVs offer freedom. The freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. The freedom to choose your destination, your schedule and your vehicle.

Freedom is exciting. It can also be overwhelming. With all the choice in the world, where do you even begin? How do you know which RV is right for you?

That’s why we created this in-depth guide to RV types and classes. In this article, we’ll cover the similarities and differences between Class A, B and C vehicles, as well as campervans, fifth-wheels, travel trailers, truck campers, toy haulers and pop up campers.

Keep reading to discover which type of RV is the best fit for you and your family — whether you’re a first-timer looking to for an RV rental or an existing owner thinking about upgrading (or downsizing) your rig.

Contents

1. Motorized Vs. Towable RVs
2. Class A Motorhomes
3. Class B Motorhomes
4. Class C Motorhomes
5. Campervans
6. Fifth-Wheel Trailers
7. Travel Trailers
8. Sport-Utility Trailers
9. Truck Campers
10. Pop Up Campers

Motorized Vs. Towable RVs

There are two broad categories of RVs: motorized and towable.

Motorized RVs

Motorized RVs (a.k.a motorhomes) have engines. A motorized RV offers all living and driving functions under one roof, without the hassle of hitching and unhitching the vehicle at camp.

Since the engine and living quarters are located in a single vehicle, driving a motorhome can often feel more comfortable for first-time drivers, who may not be used to turning and maneuvering with another vehicle in tow.

There are four popular types of motorized RVs: Class A motorhomes, Class B motorhomes, Class C motorhomes and campervans. Although they all belong to the same category of RV, the classes vary dramatically from one another. We’ll cover them each in detail below.

Towable RVs

Towable RVs (a.k.a. trailers) require a tow vehicle to get from place to place. The size of car or truck required depends on the size and weight of the towable RV.

Towable RVs are often cheaper than their motorized counterparts, and the lack of a motor means there’s no engine trouble to worry about (at least in the RV). And once you reach your destination, you can simply unhitch your trailer and explore the surrounding area in your tow vehicle (usually your family car).

There are five types of towable RVs to choose from: fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, sport-utility trailers, truck campers and pop up (or fold-down) campers.

Let’s take a closer look at the different kinds of RV:

Motorized RVs

Class A Motorhomes

Class As are the most common motorized RVs. Built on heavy-duty frames — either a specially designed chassis or an existing commercial bus or truck chassis — these RVs are the largest of the lot. They range between 21 and 45 feet and weigh in excess of 20,000 pounds.

They’re exceptionally spacious, with roomy living spaces and sleeping accommodations for up to ten people. Many come equipped with a separate master bedroom suite and slide-out sections to further expand living spaces. Some even have a “basement” for extra storage.

The kitchens in Class A motorhomes can rival those of traditional houses, and you can usually expect laundry machines, ice makers, full bath facilities and similar features onboard. These are the motorhomes you picture when you hear the words “luxury RV.”

The size of your typical Class A can be intimidating for new RVers. Maneuvering these vehicles through narrow and twisting roads can be hazardous, and finding parking can be a pain. Many people tow their family car along to give them greater mobility once they reach their destination.

These vehicles can also be expensive. In addition to higher initial costs, a Class A is generally more costly to repair, insure and fuel than smaller RVs.

However, if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in your motorhome, you can’t get more luxurious or comfortable than a Class A with all the bells and whistles.

Pros:

• Large and luxurious living areas
• Lots of storage
• Tons of amenities
• A true home on wheels, good for long-term living

Cons:

• Expensive to buy, repair, insure and fuel
• Less maneuverable on the road
• Size can be intimidating for new RVers
• May require towing a smaller vehicle for day trips and errands
• Some states may require a special license for the largest RVs

Class B Motorhomes

Class Bs are also called “campervans” or “van campers”. And for a good reason: These smaller RVs look and drive much like a van, due to the fact that they’re typically built on a standard van chassis (with a raised roof for walking upright).

The tradeoff for snug living quarters is drivability — because of their compact size, Class Bs are some of the easiest RVs to drive. And there’s no need to tow an extra vehicle behind, as these RVs are perfect for day trips and excursions.

These RVs typically offer a queen-size bed (or a convertible dinette area), small kitchen, storage space and a “wet bath” — a combined shower/sink/toilet. Although many technically sleep up to four, after two people a Class B can start to feel a bit too cozy.

Class Bs are also typically more affordable to maintain and fuel than their larger counterparts. They’re a great option for weekend getaways and spontaneous travelers.

Pros:

• More affordable to fuel and repair
• Easy to drive
• Convenient for day trips or errands

Cons:

• Can be expensive to buy
• Restricted living space
• Limited storage
• Fewer amenities

Class C Motorhomes

Class Cs combine the best features of both Class As and Bs into one versatile and (relatively) affordable mid-size motorhome.

These RVs are built on existing truck or van chassis and typically range in size from 20 to 33 feet. Sometimes called “mini-motorhomes,” Class Cs are smaller than Class As but offer many of the same amenities, including ample sleeping quarters and storage.

Class Cs are also more agile and maneuverable than their larger cousins, although not quite as easy to drive as Class Bs. Many owners end up towing the family car along to make errands and excursions easier once they reach their destination, though confident drivers may eschew this option.

The initial cost of a Class C vehicle is often less than a Class B, despite offering more amenities. However, the fuel and maintenance costs tend to be higher (though not as high as a Class A).

This type of RV is an excellent option for families or travelers on a budget. Because they offer a full range of amenities, Class Cs are also popular with frugal full-time RVers.

Pros:

• Large living and sleeping areas
• Extra storage or sleeping area above driver’s cab
• Fully-equipped with all basic amenities
• Less expensive than Class As (and even some Class Bs)
• More maneuverable than Class A

Cons:

• Driving can be challenging for new RVers
• Still costly to maintain, repair and fuel
• May require towing a smaller vehicle for day trips and errands

Campervans

These RVs technically fall into the Class B category (and as we noted, campervan is another term for Class Bs). But chances are, when you think of a campervan you’re picturing a smaller conversion van — like the classic Volkswagen Westfalia.

The darlings of Instagram, these petite campers offer versatility and style in exchange for limited living space and amenities.

Compact cooking facilities, a fold-out dining area and sleeping accommodations for one or two people is usually all you can fit inside a campervan’s small frame. A bathroom of any description is rare.

Because of their size and limited amenities, these RVs are best for weekend getaways, solo travelers or harmonious couples.

Pros:

• Classic and trendy look
• Easy to drive and maneuver
• Perfect for excursions and errands

Cons:

• Limited living space
• Few amenities
• Insurance for vintage models can be expensive

Towable RVs

Fifth-Wheel Trailers

Fifth-wheel trailers are the largest and most luxurious of the towable RVs. Accordingly, they’re also the most expensive.

Because of their size, these trailers — which can range from 20 to 40 feet in length — must be towed by a large pickup truck or conversion vehicle. A fifth-wheel connects to the tow vehicle via a “gooseneck” extension, which extends over the back of the towing truck. This feature provides a stronger and more maneuverable connection than ball hitches.

The lack of a cockpit opens up valuable space, and fifth-wheel trailers are, as a rule, very spacious. Fifth-wheels typically include full-size kitchens and baths, ample storage and sleeping accommodations for up to eight people.

Slide-outs offer additional interior space, and the gooseneck allows for a feature otherwise rare in RVs: multiple living levels.

It’s important to note that even though fifth-wheels can accommodate up to eight people, the same can rarely be said of the trucks used to haul them. It is generally illegal to ride in a towable RV while in motion, so you’ll need to consider passenger space in your towing vehicle to avoid feeling cramped on long journeys.

Pros:

• Spacious living quarters and storage space
• Full of amenities and conveniences
• Secure and maneuverable connection via gooseneck
• Can be unhitched to free up towing truck for errands and excursions
• Affordable, compared to similarly-sized motorized RVs

Cons:

• Require large towing vehicle
• Limited passenger space during travel
• Can be intimidating to drive

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiniest 4-foot teardrops to 35-foot models with room for up to eight people.

The range of amenities and floor plans varies widely. Larger models can be fully equipped with multiple bedrooms, spacious kitchens and full baths. The smallest travel trailers may simply offer sleeping space for one or two people plus some modest cooking facilities.

Travel trailers connect with a standard ball hitch receiver and can be towed by any vehicle rated to handle their weight capacity — meaning there’s an appropriately sized travel trailer for every family car.

As with fifth-wheels, it is generally illegal to ride in a conventional travel trailer while in motion, so you’ll want a roomy passenger vehicle for the drive. Maneuvering can also be tricky — reversing with a trailer attached is challenging even for the most experienced drivers and tail swing can become an issue with larger models.

Pros:

• Many different sizes and floor plans available
• Can be towed with a variety of vehicles
• Affordable (compared to similarly sized motorized RVs)
• Can be unhitched to free up towing truck for errands and excursions

Cons:

• Driving in reverse is difficult to impossible
• Tail swing can be an issue with larger trailers
• Limited passenger space during travel
• Smaller trailers offer limited amenities

Sport-Utility Trailers

Sport-utility trailers (SUTs), commonly called “toy haulers,” are relative newcomers to the RV marketplace. These RVs were designed to allow outdoor enthusiasts to transport their jet skis, motorcycles, ATVs, etc. more easily.

Typically 20 to 35 feet in length, toy haulers are divided into two sections: a rear section with a pull-down ramp and a front section with living quarters.

Most toy hauler owners use the rear cargo area as originally intended — as a portable garage for their motorized toys — but you can easily convert this space into additional storage or even a home office.

These RVs come with the same challenges as their conventional counterparts, namely: poor maneuverability, tail swing and limited passenger space during travel. However, they are an excellent option for RVers looking to bring their motorized sports vehicles on vacation.

Pros:

• Easily transport cargo
• Convenient dual functionality
• Living area can be fully equipped with all necessary amenities

Cons:

• Limited passenger space during travel
• Driving in reverse is difficult to impossible
• Driver must be aware of tail swing
• Less livable interior space compared to similarly sized RVs (unless cargo area is converted)

Truck Campers

Economical and easy to drive, truck campers (sometimes called “slide-ins” or “cab-overs”) are made by attaching a hard-sided camper shell to an ordinary pickup truck (yep, like the one in your driveway).

Truck campers typically sleep two to four passengers and offer small cooking, dining, storage and bath facilities — even though the overall size may only be slightly longer than your standard pickup.

These RVs are perfect for weekend warriors, spontaneous travelers and outdoorsy types who favor flexibility, drivability and affordability over luxury amenities.

Note: The RVIA classifies truck campers as towable. But you could argue that, since the shell portion sits on top of the truck (rather than being towed behind) they aren’t really “towable.” In fact, a fully assembled truck camper does propel itself down the road, meeting a loose definition of a motorized RV. However, without a truck, a camper shell is about as mobile as your average garden shed, so we deferred to the RVIA and kept truck campers in the towable category.

Pros:

• Affordable to buy, insure and repair
• Easy to drive and maneuver
• Great for off-roading — a good “go anywhere” vehicle
• Removable shell means you can continue to use your truck as normal

Cons:

• Tight living quarters
• Very limited amenities
• Must have specific truck model to match camper

Pop Up Campers

Pop up campers (also called “fold-down campers” or “tent trailers”) are the Transformers of the RV world. These compact trailers feature extendable side sections that are folded away during travel for easy transport.

The hard-bodied central section of the camper usually contains basic kitchen and bathroom facilities, while the tented sides convert into sleeping areas for up to six people.

Due to their design, pop ups are much better suited for the occasional camping trip than they are for long-term living. There is minimal storage available and the tent-style side sections offer limited protection from extreme elements.

Lightweight and easy to maneuver, pop ups can be towed by ordinary passenger vehicles (like an SUV, minivan or full-sized sedan) via a ball hitch receiver.

These trailers are perfect for families looking to upgrade their camping experience from the usual tent-and-sleeping-bags affair. They’re also great “starter RVs” for campers who are just starting to embrace the RV life.

Pros:

• Easy to maneuver
• Lightweight and can be towed by most full-sized passenger vehicles
• Inexpensive to buy and own

Cons:

• Limited living space
• Little to no storage
• Not suited for extreme weather
• Canvas sides susceptible to wear-and-tear

Phew! There’s a lot on information up there, and you may feel like you’re still not 100 percent sure which type of RV is right for you. And that’s okay — many times you don’t know if an RV is “the one” until you’ve taken her out on the road.

If you’re thinking of buying an RV for yourself, your best bet is to explore different models at dealerships and RV shows and then rent an RV or two to test-drive the kinds you think you like.

Looking to rent an RV? You can contact the RV owner via Campanda to ask them questions about their rig. They can provide you details about their specific vehicle and help you figure out if it will fit your needs.

Feeling inspired? Click the link below to find an RV for rent in your area — whether you’re looking for a tiny trailer or a luxury Class A motorhome:

Click Here To Rent An RV

The post Which Type Of RV Is Right For You? appeared first on Campanda News.

What is a special license?

States That Require A Commercial Driver’s License

• Arkansas: CDL required for vehicle over 26,000 lb
• Connecticut: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Hawaii: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Kansas: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• New Mexico: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Washington, D.C.: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Wisconsin: CDL required over 45 feet

States That Require A Non-Commercial Special Driver’s License

• California: Class B license required over 26,000 lb or over 40 feet; Class A license required for towing over 10,000 lbs
• Maryland: Class B license required over 26,000 lb
• Michigan: Recreational Double “R” Endorsement required to tow a fifth wheel plus a trailer (it’s unlikely that you’ll ever need this)
• North Carolina: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Nevada: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb; “J” Endorsement required to tow a vehicle over 10,000 lb (if the combined weight is less than 26,000 lb)
• New York: Recreational Vehicle or “R” endorsement required for vehicles over 26,000 lb
• Pennsylvania: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; equired for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• South Carolina: Class E license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class F license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Texas: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Wyoming: Class B license required for vehicle over 26,000 lb and towing under 10,000 lb; Class A license required for vehicle over 26,000 lb and towing over 10,000 lb

States That Do Not Require A Special Driver’s License

A Simple Solution

Check out Campanda’s selection of RV rentals to find the perfect vehicle for your next trip!

Click Here To Rent An RV

The post Do You Need A Special License To Drive An RV? A State-By-State Guide appeared first on Campanda News.

Here at Campanda, we spend a lot of time talking with interested renters. They’ve told us first-hand just what it is they’re looking for in an RV rental.

Using renter feedback and owner success stories, we put together a list of 10 easy tips to help you maximize your earning potential, get great renter reviews and make sure your RV stands out in a crowd.

1. Photos, Photos, Photos

People like pretty pictures. This is especially true when it comes to online shopping, whether they’re spending money on a new coat or a vacation rental. We recommend that you take as many photos as possible.

Fun fact: RV owners who include four or more photos in their listing receive up to seven times more inquiries.

To help potential renters really imagine themselves living in and enjoying your RV, make sure your photos are well lit and the space is tidy. And don’t worry too much about camera quality: Unless you’re using a Nokia flip-phone that you bought at a gas station, your mobile phone camera is probably fine.

Your main photo should grab the renters’ interest. Make sure that the vehicle is clean and that the angle shows as much of the RV as possible.

Setting is important too — photographing your RV in nature will help renters imagine themselves there and inspire them to book.

While the main photo is supposed to attract renters’ attention, the rest of the photos should close the deal.

Try to show as many details about your RV as possible. Take pictures of the cabin, the bathroom, beds, driver’s seat and so on. Remember to take the photos when there is plenty of light.

2. Use Your Listing Title Wisely

One of the best ways to set your listing apart is to give it a catchy and descriptive title. Cut to the chase and communicate the things that make your RV special as early in your listing as possible.

Whether your RV is extra roomy, dog-friendly or boasts solar panels, putting these details in the title will help you catch the eye of a renter with specific wants and needs.

3. Provide As Much Detail As Possible

The more information you provide, the more comfortable renters will feel about booking your vehicle.

Put yourself in the renter’s shoes — think about all the little details you’d ask about if you were borrowing someone else’s vehicle. Does your RV come equipped with cooking utensils or linens? Do you have camping gear available to rent? Is there space in the cabinets for renters to store their own supplies?

The more accurate and honest you are, the more likely it is that your renters will walk away satisfied.

And don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your description. Tell renters what makes your RV special, whether that’s smooth handling on the road or the way the light comes through the curtains in the morning.

4. Price Competitively

First, you have to know how much your RV is worth. Start by doing a little research. Look at similar rentals in your area — on Campanda.com, at local rental services and RV dealerships — to get an idea for what other owners are charging for vehicles like your own. Be realistic about what your RV is worth and you will be rewarded with more interested parties.

Pro tip: It’s often better to set the base price low and offer extras as optional add-ons. This will offer renters as much choice as possible while ensuring that your price stays competitive.

We also offer an earnings calculator for new owner accounts that will give you an earnings estimate based off of your vehicle’s make and year. You can use this estimate as a general guideline for pricing your listing.

For existing owner accounts, feel free to give us a call at (339) 707-7320. One of our customer support specialists will be happy to help you calculate your income potential.

5. Consider Seasonality

What is the most popular time to RV where you live? When do you see the most RVs on the road in your area? This is called the “high season” — the time (or times) of year when demand for RVs is highest. Conversely, a “low season” is the time of year when demand is lowest.

With Campanda, you can adjust the base price of your RV listing depending on the season. We recommend that you charge slightly more during the high season to take advantage of increased demand and offer a slight discount during the low season to stay competitive.

Similarly, you can also adjust the minimum rental length according to seasonality. Many owners like to increase the minimum rental length to a week or more during the high season.

6. Offer Extras — For A Price

Upselling works. Anything that might benefit your renters — coolers, camping chairs, tents, extra generators, etc. — you can offer as an add-on, either individually or as a package deal. These extras will attract more renters and increase your average earnings. Small things like extra linens can sometimes make a big difference.

Pro tip: People don’t like mileage restrictions. Most renters prefer to pay a little more upfront and have unlimited mileage on their trip. If you’re comfortable offering unlimited mileage for a fee, we highly recommend making this option available to your renters.

7. Ask Us About Direct Booking

Many of our most successful RV owners offer direct booking on their listings. Direct booking is a feature that enables renters to book your RV with a single click.

The direct booking feature shows renters that the RV owner is ready and willing to rent out their vehicle and is perfect for last-minute planners. Direct booking also speeds up the process for the owner, putting extra cash in your pocket more quickly.

The feature isn’t for everyone — if you’re listing your RV for the first time and are still on the fence about approving your first booking, you may want to hold off until you feel more confident. However, RV owners who do choose direct booking can look forward to more bookings and higher income in a shorter period of time.

To activate direct booking, simply give the Campanda team a call at (339) 707-7320. We’ll walk you through the setup and tell you how you can best manage the tool.

8. Make Insurance Simple

We could talk about our amazing RV rental insurance all day, but you’ve got an RV listing to get to. So we’ll save some time and lay it out straight: our insurance policy is free for owners (yes, really) and Campanda renters love it.

While we happily support RV owners who want to use their own insurance plan (make sure yours covers third party rentals — many don’t!) or require renters to secure their own binder as proof of coverage, the fact is that most renters don’t want to go through the hassle.

For many renters, having to secure their own insurance binder or go back and forth with an owner about insurance coverage can be a deal breaker. Campanda’s RV rental insurance option is the simplest way to ensure that your vehicle is fully covered without detracting from your listing’s appeal.

To learn more about our insurance option, see our Insurance FAQs.

9. Clean Your RV

When you stay at a hotel, you expect the room to be cleaned between guests. Likewise, renters expect a clean and tidy RV.

A clean RV is an important part of a positive renter experience. And since happy renters leave better reviews, a clean RV also means more bookings for you and more money in your pocket.

You can set a cleaning fee in your listing. It’s up to you whether you outsource the job to a professional or do it yourself and pocket the cleaning fee as payment for your efforts.

10. Communicate

Be responsive. Whether you want to approve their inquiry or not, getting back to prospective renters as soon as possible is important — both for the renters’ experience and your own success.

That’s because on Campanda, renters give owners ratings. These ratings help others decide who they should rent from. When renters search for an RV on our website, listings from responsive owners appear higher in their search results, meaning those owners get more attention and make more money.

Responding to renters as quickly as possible is a simple but important way to earn good reviews. It’s also a surefire way to maximize your earnings — owners who communicate with renters receive up to six times more bookings than owners who do not.

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The post 10 Ways To Make Your RV Listing More Successful appeared first on Campanda News.