Rental company or local owner?

A rental company (Cruise America, El Monte RV) rents you a class from its fleet at a depot. A peer-to-peer platform (Outdoorsy, RVshare) rents you one owner’s RV, on that owner’s terms. Here’s how that plays out, quoted from each one’s own policy pages.

Topic	Rental company (fleet)	Peer-to-peer (owner)
What you book	Cruise America: you reserve a model; it may substitute a model of similar or higher grade. Cruise America: RV rental FAQs El Monte RV: you book an RV type; changing type depends on availability. El Monte RV: Frequently asked questions	Outdoorsy: you book a specific listed vehicle; the host enters its make, model, year and tank sizes. Outdoorsy Help Center: How to list your RV
Pickup and delivery	Cruise America: pick up at a rental center, normally 1–4 PM; return 9–11 AM. Airport transport is up to you. Cruise America: RV rental FAQs El Monte RV: pick up and return at a rental station; a few locations deliver for a fee. No after-hours pickup. El Monte RV: Frequently asked questions	Outdoorsy: hosts can charge to deliver to your driveway, campsite or the airport, within a radius they set. Outdoorsy: Standard practice for drop off and pick up Outdoorsy: hand-off times and locations are arranged with the host. Outdoorsy Help Center: Guest FAQs
One-way rentals	Cruise America: one-way between most rental centers, by advance reservation, subject to availability. Cruise America: RV rental FAQs El Monte RV: one-way fees typically $200–$750, depending on drop-off and fleet. El Monte RV: Rental costs, fees and payments	Outdoorsy: one-way trips are something to clarify with the host before booking. Outdoorsy Help Center: Guest FAQs
Mileage and kits	Cruise America: 39¢/mi, estimated up front (100 mi a night local, 250 one-way), trued up at return. Personal kit $75/person; vehicle kit $125. Cruise America: RV rental FAQs El Monte RV: 100-mile packs at $37 or $0.38/mi at return; unlimited option for a fee. Kitchen and linen kits are paid Travel Extras. El Monte RV: Rental costs, fees and payments	Outdoorsy: each host sets a daily mileage and generator allowance and the overage fee. Outdoorsy Help Center: How do I charge for kilometers? Outdoorsy: add-ons such as camping gear are arranged with the host. Outdoorsy Help Center: Guest FAQs
Insurance and protection	El Monte RV: insurance is required; options include liability cover and Vehicle Incident Protection ($1,500 deductible). El Monte RV: Frequently asked questions Cruise America: deposit of at least $500; damage waivers are void in restricted areas. Cruise America: RV rental FAQs	Outdoorsy: guests choose a protection package: state liability limits and up to $300,000 comprehensive and collision. Outdoorsy Help Center: RV Protection Packages RVshare: protection is charged to the renter at booking; deductibles $500–$4,000 per occurrence. RVshare Help: Do I have to pay for RVshare Rental Insurance and Protection?
Cancellation	Cruise America: cancel 7+ days out for a refund of the $300 down payment; less notice or any one-way, it’s forfeited. Cruise America: RV rental FAQs El Monte RV: $300 down payment non-refundable after a 48-hour window; 75% of nightly charges at 4–7 days; full rate at 3 days or less. El Monte RV: Frequently asked questions	Outdoorsy: the host picks Flexible, Moderate or Strict; all refund the rental amount in full 30+ days out. Service fees aren’t refundable. Outdoorsy Help Center: Outdoorsy Cancellation Policy RVshare: the owner picks Flexible, Standard or Strict; all refund in full 30+ days out, less service and screening fees. RVshare: Terms of Service (§20 cancellation policies)
Consistency vs variety	Cruise America: most rental units are custom-built by Thor Motor Coach to its specifications; all are gasoline. Cruise America: RV rental FAQs El Monte RV: every motorhome has air conditioning and a generator. El Monte RV: Frequently asked questions	Outdoorsy: amenities, rules and policies are set listing by listing. Outdoorsy Help Center: How to list your RV
Pets	Cruise America: pets welcome; cleaning fee up to $250 if not returned in the same condition. Cruise America: RV rental FAQs El Monte RV: pets allowed at no extra charge; cleaning or damage fees may apply. El Monte RV: Frequently asked questions	Outdoorsy: pet rules are per host; check the listing’s rules for “Pet Friendly”. Outdoorsy Help Center: Guest FAQs

Policies checked 2026-10-28. Where a platform leaves a term to each owner, we say so instead of guessing. Policies change; the partner’s page at booking wins.

Rental-company RVs Local owner RVs