RV dealers predicted 2024’s rental business will grow compared with 2023.
RV Rental Association (RVRA) 2024 spring survey participants provided the outlook.
Among those surveyed, 41% of rental operators said their rental revenue will increase compared with last year, while 31% said it will remain the same.
RVRA Chairman Scott Krenek said rental dealers anticipate a positive summer. He said 84% of respondents said manufacturers supplied enough RVs for dealers’ rental fleets. Krenek said he anticipates momentum from the April 8 solar eclipse will continue into the summer season.
Several consumers who already have rented an RV this year were repeat renters. The survey report said 48% of companies had a customer who rented with them at least once in the past, and 23% reported having renters who worked with them at least twice.
The survey report said 38% of companies had five- to six-night contracts, and 22% reported contracts with seven nights or more. Among survey participants, 16% anticipated their rental contracts would be longer this year.
Half of the rental dealers reported listing rental RVs on peer-to-peer platforms.
Renters use RVs with more sleeping space. A total of 88% of respondents said RVs that slept three adults were the most popular. A quarter (25%) said RV that slept five adults were most popular and 19% said those with at least six sleeping spaces were most popular.
A fifth of respondents (20%) said RV rentals were delivered and set up, while 22% of renters had their own tow vehicles.
Rental dealers’ predictions of a positive year will soon be tested as the summer season approaches.
