General Preparation
You should be on time for the agreed pick-up and familiarize the renters with the operation of the RV. If the RV is a large motor home, ensure that you can operate it safely. The RV renter should also confirm this. If the RV is a towed trailer, you should make sure the towed RV is properly secured and the vehicle is capable of towing the RV. This is your chance to double check and confirm in person that every thing is going to go smoothly, for the benefit of both parties.
Take your time to tour the vehicle and make sure to take plenty of pictures of the condition, both on the outside and the inside. All preexisting damage should be documented (taking photos with a camera phone is a good idea), just like you would do when renting a car. For a detailed preparation check list you can follow, see our RV Rental Preparation Checklist. You don't have to go through the whole checklist with your renter, but it's a suggested list to make sure you don't forget anything in your preparation.
Online Check-In Process
We've tried to make it as easy as possible with a paper-less check in process. You'll have to go through the online check in process and complete the mandatory fields. Completing the Check-In automatically issues the Protection Plan for the rental and creates the certificate of rental. This is a required step in the transaction.
In the Check-In, you'll need to go through the following with the Host and check the check boxes on the online Check-In Form:
- Confirm Drivers License(s) of Guest and Additional Drivers
- Exterior Inspection
- Interior Inspection
- Use of Exterior and Leveling Systems
- Use and Refill of all Tanks and Water Systems
- Use of Kitchen and Interior Systems
- Trailer connected with double safety chains, lights and towing mirrors (check if n/a)
- Familiarized with Driving RV
- Backing up with Spotter Test (Guest understands that backing up, parking or filling gas without a spotter is reckless and we may add a Reckless Use Fee to their Damage Reimbursement deposit of up to $16,500-$18.500 depending on the Guest Protection Plan chosen)
There are also fields to upload any photos of preexisting damages and make notes. Both the Guest and Host can and are encouraged to note any pre-existing damage so there is no misunderstanding at Check-Out about whether the Guest is responsible for any damages during the trip.
Finally, there are fields for the odometer reading and generator hours reading (if applicable).
Upon successful Check-In, the Checked In Form will also be your Certificate of Coverage and Rental Certificate.
Under the Certificate of Coverage will be the Certificate of Rental which will specify the make, model, owner and driver (and any additional drivers) during the rental period.
We encourage you to print of copy of the completed Check-In Form with the Certificates of Coverage and Rental for the Guest so they can keep it in the glove box. Both the Guest and the Host will also receive an email copy that you can keep on your phone.
The RV owner should also fully familiarize you with how the RV works. Take your time, get it right, and you'll have a great trip!
We also highly recommend getting our 24/7 Roadside assistance. The plan will give you 24/7 support in case of breakdown and a free tow to the nearest service station that can repair the RV, but it also provides 24/7 support from RVing experts on how to use the RV. They will cover all your questions, from how to turn on the microwave to how the awning or leveling system works.