Can I hire out my motorhome or campervan?

Hiring out your motorhome or campervan can be a great way to earn some extra income while also offsetting the costs associated with ownership.

To make the process easier, there are a growing number of online platforms where motorhome and campervan owners can hire out their vehicle privately - a service very similar to AirBnB.

According to Camplify, the average UK leisure vehicle owner only uses their caravan or motorhome four times a year, and joining their community could give you potential annual earnings of around £10,000, with an average value of £515 from your first booking.

Indie Campers also state that private owned campervans usually go unused for 95% of their lifetime, while they could be on the road creating memories for more people.

Goboony states it really is possible to both offset the annual costs of your vehicle and even earn money on it long term. How much you earn will naturally depend on how often you rent out the motorhome.

If this interests you then here's a basic guide on how to get started:

Prepare your vehicle
Before hiring out your motorhome or campervan, ensure that it's in good condition and meets all safety standards. Clean it thoroughly and make any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Ensure you are covered
Having the appropriate ‘self-drive’ insurance is very important, make sure your motorhome insurance policy covers hire. If not, you will need to purchase additional coverage or a specific rental insurance policy.

These policies covers the actual vehicle and also allows for it to be driven under a hire contract. You can also add other features, such as breakdown cover. If you plan to allow your vehicle to be taken outside the UK, check that your insurance will cover your vehicle abroad.

Choose which platform to use
There are a number of websites that give you the platform to get your vehicle listed and available to potential renters. They will usually take a small percentage of the booking fee for use of their platform and services. You simply add your motorhome to a management system, determine your rates and availability, and they will list and notify you of any booking requests. Research to see which platform works best for your personal circumstances.

Set your pricing
Determine how much you'll charge for hiring out your motorhome, taking the size of the motorhome, its age, amenities, and the hire duration all into consideration. The time of year can be an important factor because people are willing to pay a premium at certain times, such as the summer, school holidays and bank holidays.

Create a rent agreement
Draft a rental agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the rental, including payment schedule, security deposit, mileage limits, cleaning fees, and any other rules or restrictions. For example you may want to have a non-smoking policy or not allow pets inside your vehicle.

Provide instructions
It’d be really useful to provide detailed instructions on how to operate the motorhome, including how to use appliances, hook up utilities, and perform basic maintenance tasks.

Inspect and maintain
Conduct regular inspections and maintenance checks on your motorhome to ensure it remains in good condition. Do a check prior to and after a hire period, take photographs to log any damage that may have incurred, and address any issues promptly to prevent them from escalating.

Feedback and improvement
Gather feedback from renters to identify areas for improvement and enhance the hire experience. Continuously update and upgrade your motorhome to attract more renters and generate positive reviews.

Summary

In summary, hiring out your motorhome or campervan is down to personal choice. Some owners may not wish to contemplate the idea of renting out and risk potential damage, particularly if the vehicle carries a lot of sentimental value. But for some, it’s a practical way to earn money - making the most of a high-value resource they already have.