HPRVHightened Path RV

How do I get my RV Rental?

Contact Hightened Path RV Rental of Colorado Springs. From there we will go through your RV and determine if the RV is rent-able. It can't be heavily damaged and must be in good working order. If the RV can be rented, then we will sit down and discuss the contract and your requirements for the rental RV.

Does Hightened Path RV rent my motorhome for me?

Yes. We take photo's and video of your RV or motorhome. We gather as many details about the RV as possible. Then we show the RV available on hightenedpath.com

We are considered an RV leaseback agency. Leaseback agencies typically take full control of your vehicle, and conduct the entire rental process. Fees are 50% of the nightly rental. Leaseback renting makes sense for RV owners who are unable, or unwilling to perform the steps required to rent their motorhome, but still wish to earn some rental revenue.

What if I want to rent my motorhome or RV and manage it myself?

Absolutely possible! This is a great alternative is you are concerned about someone else handling and caring for your RV! We will list your RV or Motorhome for free on our website. As it rents, we only take 10% of the nightly rental. You keep 90% and any additional fees or options you charge to the customer. This gives you flexibility, allows you to utilize our forms, credit card processing, and security checks. But most importantly, people will find your RV listing through our website!

What kind of RV rental paperwork is needed or used?

The paper work that Hightened Path uses are as follows:

• Sales Quote - Simple excel form to show an accurate RV rental quote.
• Rental Agreement - Legal binding contract between the two parties.
• General Rental Documents - An add on to to the rental agreement.
• Insurance Binder - Standard verbiage that the renter’s insurance company must provide coverage for the duration of the RV rental. See Insurance below.
• Security Damage Authorization Form - This form is used to gather the damage deposit from the RV renters credit card.
• Pet / Smoking Policy – No smoking and no pets allowed. Although, you can decide to make your RV pet friendly.
• Pet Friendly Policy - If you decide to allow your RV rental to be pet friendly, and a renter decides to bring a pet, they must sign this form.
• Check In / Out Forms - This is used to cover a variety of areas. It shows the number of drivers and all of their insurance and drivers license info. It shows the current odometer, fuel, propane, and water levels. Plus the most important information is the walk through to look for any damages or irregularities. Mentions that minor damage to the RV will result in forfeiture of deposit monies.
• Motorhome Driving Safety - Recommendations and tips on how to properly drive an RV.
• Release of Liability - If a renter decides to leave their personal vehicle at our location, they must sign this form.
• Suggested Take Along List - A list of equipment a renter may want to take along on the trip that may not already be included.

Is there an RV rental contract with Hightened Path RV Rental?

Yes. All of the contracts are the same, unless there is something specific about your RV or motorhome. If so, we can add an addendum to the contract. You can view it here: Owner Agreement

How much can my RV rent for?

This varies RV to RV. The simple answer is that your RV will rent anywhere from $80 per night to $400 per night. The determination for this is: size, length, fuel type, slides, sleeping capacity, class, style and so on. Not necessarily in that particular order. But the more it sleeps, the easier it is to rent your RV.

How often can I expect to rent my RV?

You can expect to rent your RV from May - September here in Colorado. During this time the RV may only have two~three weeks total that it doesn't actually rent. If your RV rented for $100 per night for 5 months strait, that's $15000; 50% of that is $7500 cash in your pocket!

What does it cost to list my rental RV on Hightenedpath.com?

It doesn't cost you anything to rent your RV or to list it on hightenedpath.com

Can I rent my RV in the winter?

Yes, but this is a case by case basis. It really depends on you and if your RV is equipped for cold weather. The only time the RV really rents is during the holidays and spring break. Obviously living in a cold state like Colorado, the RV will have to be winterized. Not many people are going to want to rent during the winter without having water to use. There are ways around this if they really want to use the sewage and water. The renter signs an additional document stating they will pay for the de-winterization and re-winterization of the RV.

But, there is one other thing that Hightened Path does with the RVs during the winter. We have another location that we work with to keep the RVs rented in Arizona. We take the RVs down there in October and bring them back during the month of May. If this is something that interests you, we can further discuss this option with you.

How does RV Rental insurance work?

There are two options Hightened Path uses to make sure the RV is properly covered through insurance.

• Insurance Binder from Renter’s Auto Insurance Company.
  We request an RV insurance binder issued by the renter’s insurance company. The binder states that the renter’s auto insurance company is responsible (primary) for your motorhome, and any damage they do while in it. The binder must include increased coverage's due to the value of the motorhome. Major insurance companies will provide renters with a binder for a modest fee. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies will offer this service. For that reason, commercial RV rental insurance is used.
• RV Rental Insurance.
  The recommended insurance option involves purchasing commercial RV renter insurance. MBA Insurance offers plans that cover commercial RV rentals, your RV, and the renters. Commercial RV Rental insurance adds to your current recreational RV insurance policy. This is not something you have to purchase but is added to our current commercial fleet policy. MBA plans also simplify the claims process, and can remove the insurance binder requirement. MBA is dedicated to the RV rental industry, offering classes in RV rental, reservation software, RV rental forms, and manuals. This is an example of the MBA RV Binder. (Hightenedpath.com has no affiliation with MBA)

What’s included with my rental? Towels? Pots ‘N Pans? Sheets?

Hightened Path RV Rentals tries to include as much as possible for the RV rental. We do not charge extra for these amenities. Depending on the RV and the space it has available is what we are able to include. For example a Class B conversion van only has room for sheets blankets towels and paper goods. There is no room for pots, pans and silverware. The Class A RV can easily include everything needed for any type of trip.

Should you decide to manage the RV rental yourself, you can provide whatever you feel is necessary for the renter. You can see our "Prep Checklist" here.

How do I keep my motorhome from being stolen?

Hightened Path uses proper screening for successful RV Rentals. Some of the most important screening practices are:

1. We try to avoid last minute "same day" rentals. The risk factor is significantly increased with same day rentals.
2. We validate renters driving and employment records.
3. The renter must be 25 years of age or older to rent.
4. We collect all rental fees and a sizable security deposit in advance.
5. The renter will need a valid major credit card that we can verify.
6. We get the renters insurance and make a copy of their insurance card.
7. We get their phone number and address. If needed, we call them to “confirm the reservation”.
8. BE CAREFUL! BE SKEPTICAL! This is your RV rental vehicle and you have the right to refuse service to those who do not meet your requirements.

The incidence of true RV Conversion (theft) is actually very low, and in most cases the RV is recovered shortly after it is reported stolen. Conversion occurs when you rent out a vehicle and your renter does not bring it back. It is called a Conversion because you gave him permission to take the vehicle. Conversion is a crime in SOME states. In other states, rental companies must have specific wording on the front of their rental contracts and jump through one or more hoops to change this civil misdeed to a crime so that the police department will take action. Know your state law! For more information on conversion, call MBA RV Insurance 800-622-2201.

What if the renter damages my motorhome?

We do our very best to minimize the chance of damage with good renter screening and training practices, as indicated above. However, as the saying goes, “Accidents may happen.” The following list is how Hightened Path protects your RV.

1. Proper insurance. See Insurance above.
2. Hightened Path takes a larger security deposit than most every other companies with a valid credit card number in advance. We suggest a $1500 to $2500 deposit on your unit. The deposit can be used against an insurance deductible, or for incidental damages which do not merit an insurance claim.
3. Proper renter training. The renter will have a checklist that addresses what to do in case of accident. The renter will be instructed to notify Hightened Path as soon as possible if any damage occurs.
4. Proper check-in techniques. We inform the renter that a formal check-in and walk through will take place upon return of the vehicle. So after the renter has departed, we do a thorough walk through of the entire RV.

What about my RVs maintenance?

Hightened Path will take care of most wear and tear issues. We will take care of the RVs oil changes, the fuel filter and if your RV has a generator, we will maintain that as well. Brakes and tires are dependent upon the RV unit. We also do a 36 Point RV Inspection by a professional mechanic twice a year. You can read more about our maintenance options here.

What if my RV breaks down during a rental?

We are required to make a good faith attempt to get repairs made and get the renters back on the road as soon as possible. The best practices for roadside repairs include:

1. Keep the vehicle in good running condition to minimize the chance of mechanical failures.
2. We make sure the renters have a cell phone. Our renters are instructed to contact us first in case of a breakdown.
3. If the renter is broken down, we do whatever it takes, within reason, to get them off the road, and get the vehicle repaired.
4. We suggest the renter get roadside assistance through their insurance or AAA (when available).
5. Before departing, we make sure that the renter understands that we are not responsible for lost vacation time, or any living expenses incurred due to a mechanical failure of the vehicle. (The contract will contain that language, but reiterate it before they depart.)
6. The renter is made aware that Hightened Path is not responsible for tire failure or tire blowouts. This responsibility falls on the RV renter.
7. Establish clear policies about roadside repair.

What does this mean for you, the RV owner? Depending on the nature of the repair and what we have agreed to in the rental contract, you will be notified with the extent of the repairs needed. At that point, it will be up to you, the owner, as how you wish to proceed. As long as Hightened Path has the needed money in the maintenance fund, we can get it repaired and you can reimburse us immediately or through future rental income.

Who is renting? What is the typical renter like?

RV rentals are always popular with families, professional couples, group outings, and vacationing retirees. Renters tend to be fairly affluent, as the daily rental rates are often more expensive than roadside motels, or other forms of camping. Renters can be former owners, especially renters of larger motorhomes. Hightened Path attracts some other profitable demographics:

1. Business rentals – Corporations rent large, clean class “A’s” for marketing events. Movie studios rent many RV’s for “location” sets. An author may do a book tour for several weeks.
2. Government rentals – Politicians like to travel in comfort! They also rent for specific events.
3. NASCAR, and other sporting events. – RV rentals are extremely popular at NASCAR events. The vehicle sits in a parking lot through the event, so they are typically low mileage, low risk rentals.
4. Emergency housing – Every so often we get calls asking about emergency housing for remodels, fires, or fumigations. Typically, these are “no-miles” rentals; the vehicle sits in the driveway while the house is being worked on. Special rates are often worked out, especially for longer rentals.

What is the best type of RV for rentals?

• Class “C”
  The class "C" motorhome is the workhorse of the RV rental business, comprising a vast majority of motorhome rentals. The class "C" models are generally designed for families and quite often offer more sleeping capacity then class "A" motor homes. Class "C" with bunks are very popular since they can sleep up to 10. Most are built with a gas engine, but some newer models are coming out with diesel engines.
  
  
• Class “A”
  Class “A” motorhomes are very much in demand, and can rent for more than class “C’s”. The challenge with class “A” rentals is the size and complexity. Good screening and training practices are particularly important. Many larger class "A" motorhomes are "diesel pushers". This means that the engine is diesel, and in the rear of the vehicle. Driving a powerful diesel pusher is a memorable experience; and those memories can be quite costly, if bought by the day.
  
  
• Class “B”
  Class “B” motorhomes are van conversions, and always in demand. In fact they are very easy to rent and can go for $275~$400 per night! Van conversions are smaller, easier to drive, and can go places that larger motorhomes cannot. Yet they only sleep 2 - 4 comfortably.
  
  
• Fifth Wheels
  Fifth wheel camper trailers are not the first choice of most renters, at some locations they are being successfully rented. The towing vehicle needs to be a large pickup truck with a specialized hitch mounted in the bed. Hightened Path RV Rentals does not rent fifth wheels. If you own a fifth wheel and would like to rent it yourself, you can list it on our site and manage it.
  
  
• Travel and Tent Trailers
  There is constant demand for towables. The popularity, price and simplicity of towables make them a profitable rental vehicle. The fact that the renter drives his own vehicle simplifies the rental. The popularity of SUV’s makes towing easier than ever. Validate the compatibility of the renter’s hitch and wiring harness in advance. Make sure that you have the ability to get wiring or hitch modifications made locally. Larger travel trailers have trailer brakes which must be connected to the renter's tow vehicle. Tent trailers are very popular rentals. They are very easy to tow, and can be taken into campsites that conventional travel trailers cannot access. Hybrid trailers and very popular!
  
  
• Toy Haulers
  Toy Haulers are increasingly popular with renters who ride motorcycles or ATVs. These toys can be driven into the back of the motorhome for travel. That space is reclaimed as living space when the motorhome is parked, and the toys are outside. These get requested quite often.

Does Hightened Path RV rent my fifth wheel?

No. Renting fifth wheels are difficult because there is a truck and specific hitch required to pull these. We do not supply either one. Although, you are welcome to rent and manage it yourself.

What if my RV is older?

Older motorhomes can be semi-profitable rentals. Many owners keep their old motorhome when they rent, and use the rental revenue to pay for the new motorhome. Advantage of renting older RV’s include:

1. Older models are simpler.
2. Cosmetic infractions are less critical with age.
3. Older vehicles can typically be offered at more competitive rental rates.
4. There are typically no warranty considerations.

Other Considerations:

1. MBA does not insure vehicles more than 10 years old. Renter will need to provide an insurance binder.
2. Higher risk of breakdown. Keep the vehicle in good operating condition.
3. Normal wear and tear will be greater.
4. Hightened Path prefers to rent RVs 10 years or newer. If you feel your RV is older, still in great shape and mechanically sound, contact us and we can do a proper inspection to determine rent-ability.

My motorhome is complicated. How can I be sure the renter understands it?

Hightened Path representatives do a thorough walk through of every RV with every single RV renter, regardless of their experience. Plus, Hightened Path makes a video covering all the essentials of using the RV. This can be viewed online anytime. We also prepare simplified explanations for each system, print them in large type, and have them laminated. We have recently made a troubleshooting guide that is included with every RV rental. Plus, all owner's manuals and documents are left for reading, reviewing and troubleshooting.

Should I let my renters tow a car, a boat or a trailer?

This is entirely up to you. Hightened Path will usually charge a $50 towing fee for this. This goes into the maintenance fund to cover wear and tear. Boat towing is in constant demand. With the proper hitch and electrical connections, towing a small boat is not difficult. Larger, heavier boats will require trailers with centrifugal brakes. Towing and tongue weight need to be considered, especially with a Class C. Contractually, the towing rules need to be laid out. If towing is allowed, towing weight and tongue weight need to be specified.

Are pets allowed in my RV?

This is entirely up to you. Hightened Path does allow pets. But now a days, many people have small dogs. The only benefit to allowing dogs, on a case by case basis, is that it may mean a longer rental. If a pet is allowed in the RV, there are strict rules that apply. First the renter pays a NON-REFUNDABLE $200 fee. This is used to steam clean the carpets and upholstery after the RV is returned. Second, the pet must be in some type of cage while the renters are driving. Finally, the pet is not allowed on the sofa, bed or chairs. If any of these things take place, the renter pays additional fees.

Are renters allowed to use the awning?

Hightened Path does NOT allow renters to use the awning, even if the awning is automatic. Each awning is zipped tied so the renters cannot use them. If the zip ties are broken upon return, there is a fee associated with this. Unfortunately, they become very problematic and costly to repair. Most renters don't understand the various issues that can arise when not taking proper care of the RV awning.

What about children?

Kids are allowed in any type of unit. 70% of all rentals have children. There are no additional fees or any other waivers that need to be signed for this.

Is smoking allowed in my RV?

No! We never allow any type of smoking in or around the RV. If there is any sign of this, there is a $400 fee attached to the rentals return. No smoking.

What other related services are provided to make extra $$ on my RV rentals?

We offer some related services which are typically offered to renters.

1. Convenience Package - Hightened Path offers to: fill the propane, dump the tanks, fill the water, pressure wash the outside, and clean the inside of an RV. The price varies from $150 - $400 depending on the RV.
2. RV Delivery - We charge $75 per hour to deliver an RV. So from Colorado Springs to Denver International Airport, it would cost $225 round trip (3 hours drive time). As the owner, you do not receive any of this money.
3. Pet Fee – If you are okay allowing small pets (usually dogs), then Hightened Path RV Rental charges $150-$200 NON-REFUNDABLE fee for pets. The money is used to steam clean the carpets and upholstery after a pet has been in the unit. No exceptions on this. As the owner, you do not receive any of this money.
4. Mileage – Most rental contracts include 100 free miles / day, with a per-mile fee, typically around $.30/mile; but each RV varies. Towables generally have unlimited miles.
5. Generator Usage – The industry standard generator fee is $3/hr. We charge $1/hr.
6. Satellite Usage – If the RV has a satellite dish on top, then Hightened Path can place a receiver inside the unit and charge an additional fee for this. Usually $2.00 per day.
7. Bike Rack – This can be done two ways. One,we can rent the rack for $25. Two, we can rent the bikes if the RV renter is from out of state. At this time, we do not have bikes to rent.
8. Lawn Chairs - This is another easy thing Hightened Path offers. $5 per chair.
9. Canopy - Since we do not allow customers to use the awnings, we allow them to rent a popup canopy; $20 to rent a canopy.
10. Fluid Top Off - Many renters will find it inconvenient to top off propane, diesel fuel, and water. This varies based on what needs to be filled. We make sure every RV is topped off with the proper fluids before each rental.
11. Dump the Tanks - Many renters will get through the entire rental period without emptying the gray and black holding tanks. Hightened Path empties them for $35.
12. Cleaning Waiver - Hightened Path will offer to clean the RV for $50 per hour. This allows the renters to return the vehicle without cleaning it in advance.
13. Pressure Wash - Hightened Path charges $75 to wash the out side of the RV.
14. Miscellaneous - There are certainly plenty of other services or equipment you can rent with your RV. We try to keep it simple with less inventory to manage.