RVshare Celebrates 10th Anniversary: A Decade of RV Travel Innovation

Since its inception in 2013, RVshare.com has revolutionized the way people experience travel and outdoor adventures by connecting RV owners with eager renters. With over 100,000 listings across all 50 states and a vibrant owner community of 60,000, RVshare has become the go-to platform for millions of travelers seeking memorable experiences on the road.

The story behind RVshare’s creation is as romantic as it is entrepreneurial. Co-founder Mark Jenney was inspired by his honeymoon RV trip with his wife, Rachel, in 2012. After realizing that their RV would sit idle for most of the year, they sought a solution that would allow others to enjoy the magic of RV travel during the downtime. This led to the birth of RVshare, an innovative platform that has since facilitated over 4 million nights of unforgettable experiences under the starry skies of America.

The company’s journey began in 2013 when Mark Jenney, together with co-founders Joel Clark and Pat Couch, launched RVshare. The website went live in August of that year, providing a seamless platform for RV owners and enthusiasts to connect and embark on incredible adventures together. In 2018, RVshare underwent a leadership transition, with Jon Gray, former chief revenue officer of HomeAway, assuming the role of CEO. This move marked a turning point for RVshare as it secured a $50 million commitment from Tritium Partners, an investment firm based in Austin, Texas.

The year 2020 brought unprecedented growth to RVshare, fueled by the increasing popularity of self-contained travel options. As travelers sought safe and flexible alternatives, RVshare experienced a remarkable threefold increase in business. Recognizing the immense potential, private equity giant KKR invested over $100 million in Growth Capital in RVshare. This significant boost enabled the company to expand its operations and further enhance the user experience. In tandem with this growth, RVshare welcomed Morgan Larkin as Chief Operating Officer and Melissa Fortenberry as Chief Product Officer to its leadership team in 2021.

Reflecting on the past decade, RVshare highlights its remarkable achievements. From humble beginnings in the founders’ basement, the company has emerged as a dominant player in the RV rental marketplace. CEO Jon Gray aptly stated that “the pandemic sped up the RV rental industry by 5 years in 12 months,” emphasizing the transformative impact of recent events. RV travel, once associated primarily with retirement plans, has now become a popular choice for families, couples, and young adventurers. The company takes pride in its ability to meet the surging demand, maintain a high level of customer satisfaction with 94% 5-star reviews, and continually innovate to provide an exceptional renting experience.

To ensure marketplace health and establish trust and security, RVshare has made significant strides in managing RV rental listings, implementing a zero-discrimination policy, offering comprehensive insurance coverage, and providing ongoing education for both renters and owners.

Looking ahead, RVshare remains optimistic about the future of RV rentals. The company is already seeing indications of that with new RV rental fleets like Go Rollaway and Escape Campervans which will provide a more hospitable experience for renters.  There is also new innovation and technology in RV manufacturing. Companies like  AeroBuild and Lighthship  will help revolutionize RVs with all electric options and environment-friendly innovation which we are excited to offer to future renters. The market is poised for continued growth, driven by the rising popularity of outdoor and experiential travel.