Camping World applying Airbnb model to RV rentals

A leading retailer of recreational vehicles (RVs) and outdoor recreation equipment plans to digitally connect RV owners and renters.

Camping World Holdings Inc. is launching a peer-to-peer digital rental marketplace in May 2021. Marketed as Camping World RV Rentals, the platform will seamlessly connect owners and renters. According to Camping World, its goal is to maximize the owner’s ROI while allowing the renter to pay less money to have access to an RV. The platform will include both towable and motorized RVs.

Camping World RV Rentals opens for listings of RVs beginning May 14, 2021, and will allow customers to browse RVs and register for alerts when bookings become available. By early July 2021, bookings will open to customers as the rental marketplace enters a soft launch phase before a full nationwide launch in fall 2021. 

The retailer says the new rental platform is part of a broader digital innovation initiative. Other recent omnichannel services launched by Camping World include a partnership with BitPay to accept bitcoin and other select cryptocurrencies as payment for RV purchases, as well as the purchase of an online campground booking engine from Nomad Reservations.

Camping World’s sister company Good Sam will provide products and services such as rental protection, 24/7 roadside support, and membership savings on booking and service fees.

Headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill., Camping World operates over 175 locations in 38 states.