Peer-to-Peer vs Fleet RV Rentals Two Models, Completely Different Experiences

How Peer-to-Peer Works

Platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare work like Airbnb for RVs. Private owners list their vehicles with photos, descriptions, pricing and availability calendars. You search by location, dates and vehicle type. You book through the platform. The platform handles insurance and payment processing. You coordinate pickup directly with the owner.

The owner walks you through the vehicle at pickup — how to operate the systems, where things are, any quirks specific to their rig. This walkthrough is usually more thorough than a fleet company's because the owner cares about their personal vehicle. Return works the same way — you meet the owner, they inspect the vehicle and you're done.

How Fleet Rental Works

Companies like Cruise America and El Monte RV own all their vehicles. You book online, show up at a depot, sign paperwork and get a vehicle. The process is identical to renting a car — standardized, systematic and impersonal. You get a quick walkthrough, the keys and you're off.

Fleet vehicles are standardized. Every "Large" Cruise America unit is the same layout. You don't pick a specific vehicle — you pick a category and get whatever's available. This means no surprises (good or bad) from individual owner variations. But it also means no character, no unique features and no ability to choose a specific model year or brand.

Side-by-Side Comparison

The Real Cost Comparison

Fleet companies advertise low nightly rates. But by the time you add mileage charges, generator fees, kitchen kits, bedding packs and insurance supplements, the total is 30-50% above the advertised price. A $170/night Cruise America rental easily becomes $230-$260/night all-in.

P2P platforms charge a service fee (10-20% on Outdoorsy) on top of the owner's nightly rate. But the nightly rate often includes unlimited mileage, generator use, kitchen supplies and bedding. Insurance is separate ($10-$45/day depending on coverage level). A $150/night Outdoorsy rental typically lands at $190-$230/night all-in.

Net result: P2P is usually the same price or cheaper than fleet — while giving you a newer, more diverse vehicle. The exception is short rentals (1-2 nights) where fleet companies sometimes offer promotional rates that undercut P2P.

Quality and Reliability

P2P quality depends entirely on the individual owner. The best P2P rentals are better than any fleet vehicle — professionally detailed, well-maintained, thoughtfully outfitted with extras. The worst P2P rentals are dirty, poorly maintained and misrepresented in photos. Reading reviews is essential. Look for owners with 10+ reviews and a 4.8+ rating.

Fleet quality is predictable. Every vehicle is functional but rarely impressive. You won't be delighted by the interior condition, but you also won't find dirty dishes in the sink. The mechanical reliability is comparable — both models experience breakdowns, though fleet companies have more systematic repair processes while P2P platforms rely on their roadside assistance programs.

When to Choose Each

The Platforms