Your RV has seen some great adventures. Maybe a trip to Yellowstone. A family summer by the lake. A cross-country detour that changed your life a little.
But now?
It’s parked. Idle. Costing you money. And you’re wondering:
Should I sell it… or find a way to make it pay for itself?
If that sounds like you, welcome to the fork in the road where many RV owners find themselves. In this article, we’re going to unpack exactly what RV rental consignment is—and help you answer the all-important question:
Should you sell or rent your RV?
Let’s break it down.
What Is RV Rental Consignment?
RV rental consignment is when you entrust your RV to a rental management company, which then rents it out on your behalf. You still own the RV, but it’s being used to generate income—without you managing renters, cleanings, or logistics.
It’s a lot like consigning a vehicle at a dealership, but instead of selling, you’re monetizing the RV through rentals.
Programs like RV Management USA take care of:
- Listing your RV on top rental platforms
- Coordinating cleanings and inspections
- Managing handoffs, breakdowns, and guest support
- Handling bookings, insurance, and payouts
You simply collect your share of the income, which is typically 45% of the rental revenue.
Selling vs. Renting: The Big Picture
Let’s say your RV is sitting in storage, barely used. You’re probably thinking:
Option A: Sell the RV now and walk away.
Option B: Keep the RV and let it earn money in a rental program.
Let’s break that down financially and practically.
💰 Selling Your RV
Selling might feel like the cleanest, simplest option. But is it the most profitable?
Let’s say:
- You bought your RV for $95,000
- After a few years of use, it’s now worth $65,000–$70,000
- You sell it now and pocket $20K–$30K less than you paid
Plus:
- You lose the flexibility to use it again
- You’ve already absorbed thousands in depreciation
- You walk away from the potential for recurring income
📈 Renting Your RV through Consignment
Let’s look at a conservative rental consignment scenario:
- $175/night × 12 nights/month × 10 months = $21,000 gross income/year
- At 45% to you, that’s $9,450/year in passive income
- Over 2–3 years: $18K–$28K earned before resale
Now imagine selling the RV after it’s generated $25K in income.
You still get a sale—but with cash flow along the way.
Pros and Cons of RV Rental Consignment
Let’s break it down side-by-side:
When Selling Makes Sense
Let’s be fair—sometimes, selling is the right choice.
You might want to sell if:
- You’re completely done with the RV lifestyle
- You need cash fast
- Your RV is too old or no longer qualifies for rental programs (usually >10–12 years old)
- You’ve had mechanical issues and don’t want to invest in repairs
But even then, you might consider renting for a final 1–2 seasons to generate income before listing it for sale.
It’s a smart way to squeeze more value out of your RV—even on its way out.
When Renting Is a Smarter Move
For many RV owners, consignment rental offers a best-of-both-worlds solution:
✅ You keep your RV
✅ You earn recurring monthly income
✅ You have no management responsibilities
✅ You can still use it personally
✅ You postpone selling until after it’s earned its keep
In short: Your RV goes from idle liability to income-producing asset.
Even better? You can eventually sell it with rental revenue in your rearview mirror—and a lot more financial flexibility.
Common Myths About RV Rental Consignment
Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:
❌ “Renters will ruin my RV.”
False.
With full commercial insurance and professional oversight, your RV is protected—and often better maintained than when it sits unused.
❌ “I’ll lose control over when I can use it.”
False.
You can block off dates for personal use anytime. It’s your RV.
❌ “I won’t make enough money.”
False.
Even with a modest rental schedule, your RV could earn $8K–$15K/year—completely passively.
What to Look for in a Rental Consignment Program
If you’re leaning toward renting, be picky. Not all programs are equal.
Here’s what to look for:
✅ Transparent Revenue Share
Programs like RV Management USA use a clean, fair split:
45% to you, 45% to the local manager, 10% to the platform.
✅ Local Management (Territory Manager)
On-the-ground professionals handle cleaning, turnover, check-ins, and inspections.
✅ Insurance Coverage
Full commercial coverage should be built-in to protect against damage and liability.
✅ Booking & Listing Optimization
Listings should appear on major platforms, with dynamic pricing and professional photos.
✅ Owner Control
You should always be able to use your RV when you want.
Transitioning from Seller to Smart Renter
If you were originally planning to sell, here’s how you might pivot to a smarter path:
- Get a rental income estimate
Contact a platform like RV Management USA to learn what your RV could realistically earn. - Try 1 season
List your RV through a consignment program for one summer or 10-month window. - Track the income
Compare your rental revenue to the depreciation you would’ve absorbed by selling. - Make your decision
After a season or two of earnings, you can still sell—but with more money in your pocket.
Final Thoughts
So—RV rental consignment explained: should you sell or rent your RV?
If you:
- Want quick cash
- Are ready to walk away from RV ownership
- Have an aging or non-rentable unit
Then selling might be your answer.
But if you:
- Use your RV a few times a year
- Want it to pay for itself
- Like the idea of monthly passive income
- Want to retain flexibility for future use or sale
Then rental consignment may be the smartest move you can make.
It’s not just about keeping your RV. It’s about turning it into a financial asset—instead of letting it sit in storage collecting dust and draining dollars.
Your next adventure could be earning you money.
All you need to do is keep it moving.
Hope you enjoyed this post.
– RVM Team
