A new dealer survey unveiled by the RV Rental Association (RVRA) showed half of surveyed dealers planning bigger rental fleets this year.
This spring, 25% of rental dealers say they will have the same size fleet as last year, and half are expecting more available units. RVRA noted because dealers with bigger fleets added only a few more RVs, while a quarter subtracted some, the respondents’ combined rental fleet will be only 2% higher this year compared to 2020.
“Some dealers responding to the survey are not offering rentals this year because they sold last year’s rental fleet, and do not believe replacements will arrive in time for the peak season,” RVRA stated. “Other dealers, who ordered rental units from manufacturers months ago, are expanding their rental fleets.”
The association noted a dealership that expanded its rental fleet from 19 units last year to 25 this year. Another site will up its fleet by 21 units. RVRA’s survey found 53% of dealers reporting tight inventories expressed their “biggest challenge” as acquiring rental units.
The interest surge in RV travel makes booking rentals early an important move to secure desired dates and units, RVRA Chairman Scott Krenek said.
“It is wise to make reservations for both the RV and campgrounds as early as you can,” Krenek said.
RVRA stated pandemic-related restrictions last year caused the RV rental business to behave “like a roller coaster.” The market plunged significantly in wake of March and April cancellations, followed by a demand surge last summer. The association stated the spike explains why 21% of rental dealers say their 2020 revenue was at least 50% higher compared with 2019. Only 8% of respondents experienced a rental revenue decline in 2020 compared with the year prior, RVRA stated.
The association’s report found the pandemic led many rural-based families to virtual classrooms and remote work within rental RVs. Regarding rental contracts, 42% of dealers said their average contract last year was seven or more nights. In 2021, 70% of dealers think the average rental contract length will stay the same, while 24% believe rentals will be booked for longer time periods.
“RV rental vacations are a wonderful way to make memories with family and friends,” Krenek said. “Some advance planning before you set out on your trip will make the experience even better.”
RVRA noted specific questions Krenek recommends customers ask their rental agents before signing a contract:
- Does the rental agency keep regular hours for drop off and pick up?
- For first-time RV renters, does the rental company provide an orientation on the RV systems and components?
- If customers have questions about the RV during the trip, is there a phone number they can call or text for help?
- What are the terms for the security deposit?
- Is the RV that was described online the actual model that will be available at time of pickup?
- Who owns the RV that you’re renting and how does the insurance coverage work?
- For RV owners considering renting their unit on their own, RVRA urges them to read and understand the terms of their RV manufacturer’s warranty as well as any component part warranties. They should also read and understand the terms of any financing agreement associated with the unit.
RVRA is a unit of RVDA. The association’s survey was conducted through the RV Retailer Intelligence program, a service of the RV Assistance Corp., a wholly-owned RVDA subsidiary.
