You've listed your RV. You've taken the photos. Now you have your first booking confirmed — and you're wondering what you need to do before the guest arrives.

The good news: you don't need to turn your RV into a hotel. Renters using peer-to-peer platforms know they're borrowing a real vehicle, not booking a resort. What they expect is cleanliness, honesty, and a vehicle that works exactly as described.

Here's what to focus on before your first handover.

1. Start with a Deep Clean

This sounds obvious, but it's worth being thorough. Renters will open every cupboard, check every corner, and use every surface. First impressions matter, especially for your first few reviews.

• Interior: vacuum carpets, wipe down all surfaces, clean kitchen and bathroom thoroughly, check upholstery for stains
• Windows and mirrors: clean inside and out
• Exterior: wash the body, clean the tyres, remove any grime from wheel arches
• Fridge: empty, defrost if needed, leave clean and odour-free
• Waste tanks: empty and flush grey and black tanks before every trip

If you're not keen to do a full clean yourself before each booking, RV detailing services are available in most cities for $150–$400 depending on the size of the vehicle.

2. Do a Full Systems Check

Don't leave a mechanical or operational issue for your renter to discover on the road. Run through every system yourself before the handover:

• Engine: oil, coolant, brake fluid, tyre pressures
• Gas: check connections, test all burners and the oven, check regulator
• Electrical: 12V and 240V systems, lights, USB outlets, inverter if fitted
• Water: fill the fresh water tank, test hot water, check for leaks under the sink
• Roof and hatches: open and close all vents and skylights, check seals
• Awning: extend and retract — check the mechanism and fabric condition

If anything isn't working as it should, either fix it before the booking or disclose it clearly in your listing. Surprises on the road are the fastest way to a bad review.

3. Stock the Essentials

You don't need to supply everything — and most renters will bring their own food, bedding, and personal items. But a few thoughtful additions go a long way:

• Bedding and towels: Many hosts include these as standard; specify in your listing whether they're provided.
• Cleaning kit: A small supply of dish soap, a sponge, a bin liner, and a mop means renters can keep things tidy.
• Kitchen basics: A bottle opener, a can opener, a cutting board. Small things that matter when you're 200km from the nearest town.
• First aid kit: Legally required in most states. Check it's stocked and in date.
• RV essentials: Fresh water hose, power cable, toilet chemicals, and a levelling kit if your rig needs it.

Some hosts include a welcome pack — a local map, a list of nearby campsites, maybe a small snack. It sounds minor, but it's the kind of thing that earns you a five-star review.

4. Create a Simple Handover Guide

Every RV has its quirks. The water pump that needs to be primed. The fridge that takes 20 minutes to get cold. The awning that sticks slightly on one side.

Write these down. A one-page handover guide — even just a Word doc or a note on your phone that you print out — saves a dozen confused messages on day one of the trip.

Include:

• How to start the engine and any vehicle-specific notes
• How to operate the gas, water, and electrical systems
• How to connect to mains power at a caravan park
• How to empty the waste tanks
• Emergency contacts and your mobile number
• Any specific rules (no pets, no smoking, return with a full tank)

You can update this guide as you go — renters will tell you what was confusing, and each iteration makes the next booking smoother.

5. Set Clear Rules and Communicate Them Early

Be upfront in your listing about what's allowed and what isn't. Ambiguity causes conflict.

• Is the vehicle pet-friendly? If so, are there any breeds or size restrictions?
• Is smoking permitted? (Most hosts say no — specify this clearly.)
• What's your policy on additional drivers?
• Do you require renters to return the vehicle with a full tank?
• Is there a minimum age requirement for drivers?

The clearer you are upfront, the fewer awkward conversations you'll have after the booking is confirmed. Most renters will respect reasonable rules — they just need to know what they are.

The Handover Itself

Where possible, do the first handover in person. Walk the renter through the vehicle, show them how everything works, and take photos together of any existing marks or damage before they drive away. This protects both parties and sets a positive tone for the trip.

If you can't do an in-person handover, a short video walkthrough sent the day before works well. Whatever the format, make sure the renter feels confident operating the vehicle — a well-briefed renter is a happy renter, and happy renters leave good reviews.

Ready to list? It takes about 15 minutes to get your RV on Tern — and we'll walk you through every step.

‍