If your RV sits idle and you are deciding between selling it and renting it out, the short version is this: sell, or consign it with a dealer for sale, when you want cash and no further costs; put it into rental consignment when the RV is newer, you want to keep owning it, and you are comfortable with income that changes month to month. “RV consignment” can mean either path, so it helps to know which one you are being offered before you compare numbers.
What is the difference between sales consignment and rental consignment?
Both use the word consignment, but they lead to opposite outcomes.
| Sales consignment | Rental consignment | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Sell the RV for you | Rent the RV out for you |
| Who usually runs it | An RV dealer | A rental management program |
| Ownership | Ends when the RV sells | Stays with you |
| How the other party is paid | A fee or commission on the sale | A share of rental revenue |
| What you receive | One payment after the sale, minus fees | Monthly income that varies with bookings |
| Personal use | None once the dealer has it | On unbooked dates, with notice |
With sales consignment, the dealer takes possession and sells the RV for an agreed percentage or flat fee, and RV LIFE notes that your own insurance may stop covering the RV while the dealer holds it, so consignment insurance is worth asking about. Our breakdown of what dealers charge for RV consignment and what you net covers the fee side in detail.
With rental consignment, “consignment agreement” means the management agreement. Nothing is sold. RV Management USA does not sell RVs; the program rents your RV out while you keep the title.
When does selling your RV make more sense?
Selling, either privately or through dealer consignment, is usually the better call when:
- You need the cash now, or you want to stop all ownership costs.
- The RV is older than about 5 years and has not been kept in excellent condition, which makes it a weaker rental candidate.
- You no longer want to use it at all, even occasionally.
- You would rather not deal with preventative maintenance bills or systemic repairs while it is rented.
Keep in mind that RVs lose value as they age whether they are used or not. Our post on how fast RVs lose value by type can help you judge timing.
When does renting it out make more sense?
Rental consignment tends to fit when:
- The RV is 5 years old or newer, or older but very well maintained.
- It sits most of the year and you still want it for a few trips.
- You want the RV to help cover its own costs instead of turning it into a single payment.
- You are fine with income that rises and falls with the season.
In the RV Management USA program, most owners make $500 to $2,000 a month, and Class A, B and C motorhomes average $8,000 to $20,000 a year. That is a program range, not a promise. Revenue is split 45% to you, 45% to the Fleet Manager and 10% to RV Management USA, and you receive a monthly owner statement with direct deposit. See how much you can make renting out your RV for examples by RV type.
How do selling and renting compare side by side?
| Question | Sell (private or dealer consignment) | Rent (rental consignment) |
|---|---|---|
| How fast do I get money? | When it sells | Monthly, as bookings come in |
| Is the amount predictable? | Agreed price, minus fees | No, it varies with demand |
| Do I keep the RV? | No | Yes |
| Who pays for upkeep? | You until it sells | Preventative maintenance is billed to you and can be deducted from profits; systemic repairs are your cost |
| What about rental damage? | Not applicable | Covered by the renter’s deposit plus the commercial rental policy |
| Insurance | Check coverage while a dealer holds it | You keep basic personal insurance in force |
| Commitment | Until the consignment contract ends or the RV sells | Contracts typically run 6 to 12 months |
Is RV leaseback the same as rental consignment?
Not always. “Leaseback” is used loosely in the RV world, and terms vary a lot from company to company, so compare the actual agreement rather than the label. Our post on RV leaseback pros and cons explains what to look for. Whatever it is called, check who owns the RV, how revenue is split, who pays for maintenance and repairs, and how you get paid.
What should you ask before choosing either path?
| Ask a dealer (sales consignment) | Ask a rental program (rental consignment) |
|---|---|
| What is the fee or commission, and are there extra fees for cleaning or advertising? | How is revenue split, and what deductions come out before payout? |
| How long does the contract last, and can I end it early? | How long is the agreement, and what happens at the end? |
| Who insures the RV while you have it? | What does the commercial rental policy cover, and what insurance do I keep? |
| How quickly am I paid after a sale? | When and how are payouts made? |
| Can I set a minimum price? | Can I use the RV myself, and how much notice do I give? |
Our guide to key terms in an RV rental management agreement goes through each clause.
Frequently asked questions
Does RV Management USA buy or sell RVs?
No. RV Management USA does not sell RVs. Its rental consignment program rents your RV out under a management agreement while you keep ownership.
Can I rent my RV for a while and sell it later?
Yes, that is a common plan. Contracts typically run 6 to 12 months, so check the term and end-of-contract steps in your agreement before you set a sale date.
Is an older RV eligible for rental consignment?
The program focuses on RVs 5 years old or newer, with exceptions for very well-maintained older units.
Is rental income guaranteed?
No. Most owners in the program make $500 to $2,000 a month, but bookings vary with season, location and RV type.
Not sure which way to go?
If you are weighing a sale against renting, talk with a Fleet Manager and the RV Management USA team. We can tell you whether your RV is a good rental candidate and what a realistic month could look like, so you can compare that with what a sale would bring.
