Safety Guidelines

Educational guidance to help you prepare for a safe camper rental. These guidelines are informational and do not modify your booking terms, verification requirements, or legal obligations.

Emergency?

In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. SquatchRV support is not an emergency-response service.

Before Booking

Take time to review each listing carefully before requesting a booking:

  • Read the full listing description, amenities, and house rules.
  • Understand the camper type, size, weight, and towing requirements. Confirm your tow vehicle is rated for the camper's weight and that you have the correct hitch and brake controller if needed.
  • Check occupancy limits — do not assume a camper sleeps more people than the listing states.
  • Review the cancellation policy. Each host chooses Flexible, Standard, or Strict, and the policy is snapshotted to your booking at the time you book.
  • Review the late-return policy if the host has configured one. Returning late may result in additional fees.
  • Confirm verification requirements. Both renters and hosts must complete identity verification before booking or listing.
  • Do not rely on assumptions about insurance coverage. SquatchRV does not currently provide insurance or damage-protection coverage.

Before Pickup

Prepare for a smooth handoff by planning ahead:

  • Confirm the pickup location, date, and time with the host via on-platform messaging.
  • If you are towing, verify your vehicle's towing capacity, hitch compatibility, and brake controller before arrival.
  • Review the host's operating instructions if provided in the listing or messages.
  • Bring a valid driver's license and any documents required by the host.
  • Plan your route and campsite reservations in advance, especially for popular dates.
  • If the host offers delivery, confirm the delivery address and any site access requirements.

At Pickup / Handoff

The handoff process protects both parties by documenting the camper's condition before the rental begins:

  • Inspect the camper together. Walk around the exterior and interior with the host.
  • Document existing damage. Note any pre-existing scratches, dents, or wear before you take possession.
  • Take required condition photos. The handoff record requires photos of the front exterior, rear exterior, driver side, passenger side, main interior, kitchen, and sleeping area.
  • Verify equipment and accessories. Confirm hoses, cords, chocks, keys, and any included accessories are present and accounted for.
  • Review operating instructions. Ask the host to explain how to operate the propane, electrical, water, and waste systems if you are unfamiliar.
  • Complete acknowledgments. Both the host and renter must acknowledge the documented condition before the rental can begin.

Sign in to access your rental handoff checklist and condition photo upload.

During the Trip

Follow these practical guidelines for a safe rental:

  • Follow towing and weight limits. Do not exceed your tow vehicle's rated capacity or the camper's gross vehicle weight rating.
  • Secure loads. Stow and secure all items before driving. Unsecured items can shift and cause damage or injury.
  • Use stabilizers and chocks appropriately. Deploy stabilizer jacks and wheel chocks when parked to prevent movement.
  • Follow campground rules. Observe speed limits, quiet hours, fire restrictions, and site-specific guidelines.
  • Monitor propane and electrical systems. Turn off propane while driving, check for leaks, and do not overload electrical circuits.
  • Do not exceed occupancy limits. Sleeping more people than the camper is rated for is unsafe and may violate campground rules.
  • Stop using equipment if there is a safety concern. If something seems wrong (a gas smell, an electrical fault, unusual noise), stop using it and contact the host.
SquatchRV does not perform mechanical inspections or certify the condition of any camper. Hosts are responsible for maintaining their own equipment. Always use your own judgment and follow the host's instructions.

Returning the Camper

A smooth return helps both parties close out the rental cleanly:

  • Return at the scheduled time. Check the booking for the host's scheduled return time.
  • Understand the grace period and late-return policy. If the host has configured a late-return policy, returning past the grace period may result in a late fee. The fee is calculated at return and reviewed by SquatchRV admin.
  • Complete the return inspection. The host documents the camper's condition at return, including fuel, propane, and water levels.
  • Document post-rental condition. Take your own photos at return for your records.
  • Report possible damage accurately. If you notice new damage during the trip or at return, report it honestly rather than concealing it.
  • Keep records of any off-platform security deposit return or reconciliation. SquatchRV does not hold or move deposit funds; deposits are handled directly between host and renter.

Damage / Incident Response

If something goes wrong during your rental:

  • Ensure safety first. If anyone is injured, call 911 or local emergency services before anything else.
  • Notify the host. Contact the host through on-platform messaging to report the issue.
  • Document with photos. Take clear photos of any damage or incident scene.
  • Report to SquatchRV. Submit a support request so our team can help coordinate and document the situation.
  • Do not conceal damage. Attempting to hide damage may result in loss of platform protections and account penalties.

If the host identifies new damage at return, a damage report is created for admin review. Both parties can submit written responses, and an admin reviews both sides before making a determination.

Host Safety

Guidance for hosts to keep their listings safe and well-maintained:

  • Keep your camper reasonably maintained. Address known mechanical, electrical, and propane issues before listing.
  • Disclose known defects. Note any non-obvious issues in your listing description or inform renters before handoff.
  • Provide safe operating instructions. Walk the renter through the propane, electrical, water, and waste systems at handoff.
  • Document condition before handoff. Use the handoff photo system to record the camper's starting state.
  • Verify required ownership and account status. Complete camper ownership verification and keep your account in good standing.
  • Do not hand off a camper if a serious safety issue is known. If you discover a safety problem before a rental, contact the renter and SquatchRV to cancel or reschedule rather than hand off an unsafe camper.
These guidelines are educational and do not create legal obligations beyond your existing Terms of Service and Host Agreement.

Renter Safety

Guidance for renters to stay safe during your rental:

  • Understand vehicle and towing requirements. Confirm your tow vehicle is rated for the camper's weight and that you have the correct hitch and brake controller.
  • Inspect before departure. Walk around the camper at pickup and ask the host about anything you do not understand.
  • Follow host instructions. The host knows their camper — follow their guidance for operating propane, electrical, and water systems.
  • Do not operate equipment you do not understand. Ask the host to explain anything unfamiliar before you use it.
  • Report safety issues promptly. If something seems wrong during the trip, stop using the equipment and notify the host.
  • Do not conceal damage or incidents. Report issues honestly to the host and SquatchRV.

Emergency Situations

Life-threatening emergency

Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Do not wait to contact SquatchRV.

Roadside or mechanical emergency

Follow the host-provided instructions and any applicable roadside or service resources (AAA, your auto insurance roadside plan, or a local service provider). SquatchRV does not provide emergency roadside service.

SquatchRV support

SquatchRV support is available through the Support Center, but it is not a 24/7 emergency dispatch service. For non-emergency safety concerns, damage reports, or technical issues, submit a support request and our team will respond during business hours.

Need help? Contact Support

If you have a safety concern, need to report damage, or are experiencing a technical issue, submit a support request and our team will help.

You can also visit the Support Center for FAQs and more resources.

Disclaimer: These Safety Guidelines are provided for general educational purposes only. SquatchRV is a marketplace platform that connects renters and hosts. SquatchRV does not insure trips, guarantee camper safety or mechanical condition, perform mechanical inspections, provide emergency roadside service, or guarantee the identity or conduct of any host or renter. Verification processes reduce risk but do not eliminate it. Always use your own judgment, follow applicable laws, and consult the host's instructions for each specific camper. Your rental is governed by the Terms of Service, the listing's cancellation policy, and any agreements you sign at checkout.