The pros and cons of hiring out your motorhome

In recent years, motorhome holidays have really surged in popularity, with more people embracing the freedom and flexibility that comes with being able to borrow or hire one. It gives them a taste of what it would be like to actually own a motorhome, and in some cases it’s a great option for people attending festivals if they don’t fancy staying in a tent. As a motorhome owner, when you’re not using your vehicle, it may just be sitting idle, costing you in maintenance and insurance - so why not think about renting it out? It might also be a helpful way of bringing an additional bit of income in…

Hiring out your motorhome can be an enticing option, offering a way to offset the initial cost and the ongoing expenses, but is it the right choice for you? Let’s take a closer look at some of the potential pros and cons below.

The pros of hiring out your motorhome

Extra income!

The most obvious benefit of hiring out your motorhome is the additional income. Depending on your location, the time of year, and the size or luxury level of your vehicle, you could generate a significant return. This could help cover running costs such as the insurance, servicing and even help you pay off some outstanding finance. The money you make could also go towards funding your own motorhome trips, too. Some people report generating over £100 a day, sometimes more, depending on the size of the motorhome and whereabouts in the country they are.

Reduced costs overall

As you probably know, motorhomes require regular maintenance, and dependant on what’s needed each year, it’s often not cheap. By hiring out your motorhome, you not only earn extra income but perhaps reduce the likelihood of it deteriorating from disuse. Frequent use keeps the engine running smoothly and the interior from becoming musty. They are built to be enjoyed!

The ability to share the experience

Many motorhome owners enjoy the lifestyle that comes with being on the road, and sharing this experience with others can feel quite rewarding. For those unable to own a motorhome themselves, renting one then offers a taste of this unique freedom. For you, knowing that your vehicle is creating lasting memories for others can add to your sense of satisfaction as an owner.

Flexibility of when it’s used

Hiring out your motorhome by planning in advance means you can choose when and how often it’s rented, and when you will need it. You have full control over when you make it available, ensuring you still have access to it for your own adventures. As you’ll see below, its up to you to make this work so that it’s a pro rather than a con!

And on to the cons…

Wear and tear

Every time your motorhome is rented out, it’s exposed to more wear and tear. Even with the most careful renters, accidents can happen. The interior may get scuffed, appliances might break down, and the exterior can suffer from the usual bumps and scrapes. Over time, this could diminish the vehicle’s resale value or require costly repairs.

Insurance hassles

Although some rental platforms offer insurance for the hire period, ensuring that your motorhome is properly covered can be tricky. You’ll need to inform your current insurer, and bear in mind not all providers allow rentals under their policies. Additionally, any claims resulting from hire periods could affect your no-claims bonus or lead to higher premiums in the future. You need to check if you are covered for damage, and also if you have cover in the event that someone is injured whilst using it.

Having to manage the process

You’ll need to decide if you are going to hire it out privately, or use a company or a mix of both. While platforms for motorhome hire such as Airbnb and Camplify streamline the process, there’s still going to be a level of administration involved. From handling bookings and setting rental agreements to arranging handovers and ensuring the vehicle is clean and ready, managing rentals can become time-consuming. You might need to drop off and pick up from an agreed location, which could be a long way away. If you don’t use a rental service to handle some or all of these tasks, this additional work might outweigh the financial benefits. 

Also, if someone has driven a long distance from you, and for example they lose the keys, what will you need to have in place to sort the problem out? What about break down cover? Will you allow pets onboard? Does each driver have the correct license for the type of motorhome you have? These are all very important points to consider in advance.

You also need to take steps to ensure that your motorhome is safe to use, for example that the electrical appliances are checked by a competent person, and that the vehicle itself is regularly serviced.

Damage and liability

Even with a strict vetting process, there’s always a risk of damage to your motorhome. A renter may not treat your vehicle with the same level of care as you would. While accidents are usually covered by insurance, some damages may not be, and the process of making a claim can be frustrating and somewhat drawn-out.

Availability for personal use

One of the joys of owning a motorhome is the freedom to take off on a spontaneous trip. However, if your vehicle is rented out for a long period or during peak season, it might not be available when you want it most. This could lead to you feeling like your own freedom is restricted by your rental commitments.

So, do the pros or cons weigh heavier for you?

Hiring out your motorhome obviously offers the potential for some extra income and can help reduce the overall costs of you actually owning the vehicle. It also keeps your vehicle in regular use and allows others to be able to enjoy the lifestyle that comes with it. However, all this needs to be balanced with the risks of wear and tear, the complexities of insurance, and the time needed to actually manage the process.

Ultimately, if you’re someone who doesn’t mind putting in a little extra effort and is happy to share your beloved motorhome with others, hiring it out could be a fulfilling experience. However, if you value the freedom to go somewhere on a whim, or are concerned about the risks, you may decide it’s better left as a personal item rather than an income generator.

What’s your take on it? Have you considered hiring out your motorhome? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!