Renting an RV is just the beginning of the adventure. Once you’ve picked your home on wheels, the real question is—what extras will make your trip smoother, more comfortable, and stress-free? Sure, you could take the bare minimum, but with the right add-ons, your trip goes from “just okay” to unforgettable.
At Enjoy Trailer, we’ve seen it all—from renters who bring half their house in suitcases to those who realize halfway through the desert that they should’ve added a generator. So let’s break it down: what are the top add-ons, who actually needs them, what they cost, and how they impact both renters and RV owners.
The Most Popular RV Rental Add-Ons & Their Market Value
Based on industry data, about 60-75 % of renters choose at least one add-on to enhance their RV experience. These are the top five most frequently selected extras, along with their estimated cost range per rental period:
- Generator Rental – $40-$55 per night (through all years, most requested add-on, chosen by 85% of dry campers, and 15% have their own generator)
- Early Pick-Up/Late Drop-Off – $75-$100 per request (used by 60% of renters)
- Kitchen Kit & Bedding – $50-$100 per trip (added by 75% of renters)
- Wireless Brake Controller – $50-$75 per trip (requested by 40% of renters with towable units)
- Pet Fee – $50-$150 per trip (depending on pet type and cleaning needs)
These add-ons provide an average profit margin of 80% for RV owners, making them a significant revenue stream on top of the base rental fee. In fact, data from RV rental platforms suggests that add-ons account for 15-25% of total income for owners with frequently rented units.
1. Wireless Brake Controller – Avoid White-Knuckle Driving
If you’re towing a travel trailer, a wireless brake controller isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifesaver. It syncs the trailer’s brakes with your towing vehicle, ensuring smoother stops, better control, and zero panic attacks when descending a steep hill.
💡 Best For: First-time RV renters, anyone towing without a built-in controller, and those who prefer their heart rate to remain steady on road trips.
🚨 What Happens If You Skip It? Your trailer may jerk forward or push your vehicle, leading to an unpredictable and unsafe ride. We’ve had renters call us mid-trip saying, “Uh, I think I made a mistake. Can I still get that brake controller?”
📊 Market Insight: 40% of towable RV renters opt for this add-on, even if they initially hesitate.
2. Generator Rental – The Real MVP of RV Camping
Here’s the thing—unless you’re hooked up at a full-service RV park, your air conditioning, microwave, and power outlets are useless without a generator. That means no charging phones, no morning coffee, and no blasting music in the middle of the Mojave Desert.
💡 Best For: Dry campers, festival-goers (yes, Coachella veterans, we’re looking at you), and anyone who likes A/C when it’s 100°F outside.
⚡ What Happens If You Skip It? Hope you like the sound of absolute silence (except for the occasional existential crisis).
👉 Fun fact: 85% of renters add a generator once they realize that without it, their Instagram stories will be… well, nonexistent.
📊 Market Insight: This add-on alone can bring in $400-$600 per month per unit for RV owners.
3. Pet Fee – Not Just for Dogs
Most people assume the pet fee applies only to dogs. But oh, how we’ve learned! Our RVs have hosted parrots, iguanas, bunnies, and even a hedgehog named Mr. Spiky. The pet fee covers additional cleaning and ensures the next guest doesn’t find surprise “souvenirs” left behind.
💡 Best For: Anyone bringing a pet—whether it barks, chirps, or hisses.
🐾 What Happens If You Skip It? If we find evidence of an unexpected furry (or scaly) passenger, the cleaning fee magically increases.
📊 Market Insight: About 30% of renters bring pets, making this a consistent revenue booster.
4. Early Pick-Up / Late Drop-Off – Because Time Matters
RV rentals usually follow strict pick-up (after 12 PM) and drop-off (before 3 PM) times. But what if you want to hit the road early or avoid rushing back?
💡 Best For: Early risers, festival campers who want to beat the crowd, and those who hate watching the clock on vacation.
🕒 What Happens If You Skip It? You’ll be stuck waiting while someone else enjoys the RV before you. Or worse—you’ll be racing against the clock to return it, possibly racking up late fees.
👉 Pro Tip: 60% of renters choose at least one of these options, and they never regret it.
📊 Market Insight: Late returns often result in penalties up to $150, making this a highly profitable add-on for RV owners.
5. Kitchen Kit & Bedding – The “Oops, I Forgot That” Essentials
We can’t tell you how many times renters say, “Wait, the RV doesn’t come with bedding and dishes?” While some trailers include them, many do not.
💡 Best For: Renters who prefer not to sleep in a burrito of beach towels.
🍽 What Happens If You Skip It? Hope you enjoy eating soup straight from the can or spending your first night shopping for sheets instead of stargazing.
👉 Reality Check: 75% of renters add these last-minute.
📊 Market Insight: This add-on increases owner profits by up to 20% per rental.
Are RV Add-Ons Worth It? The Real Answer
While add-ons might seem like extra costs upfront, they often save money and stress in the long run.
Think of it this way:
✅ A generator rental means fewer campsite fees (since you don’t need full hookups).
✅ A wireless brake controller prevents damage (or worse—an accident).
✅ A pet fee ensures a clean space for you and the next guest.
✅ An early pick-up or late drop-off buys you more adventure time.
So, are they worth it? For most travelers—absolutely.
When chosen wisely, add-ons aren’t about luxury—they’re about peace of mind, better logistics, and smoother days on the road. They let you personalize your trip based on your comfort level, plans, and travel style. Whether you’re camping off-grid, bringing pets, or road-tripping with kids, these extras turn a basic RV rental into a home that actually works for you.
