VR Jamboree 2009

Avoid this host — stressful experience despite years of smooth rentals We have rented dozens of times through platforms like Airbnb and Outdoorsy, always as respectful and responsible guests. This was the first time we encountered such an unpleasant and stressful experience — one that completely undermined the spirit of a family vacation. From the start, the owner communicated via personal text messages and calls, refusing to use the official platform. This is not only against Outdoorsy's terms of service but removes all the transparency and protection guests should expect. He even sent us extra charges (like $30 for propane/fridge use, which was never mentioned before) by direct message outside the platform. We have full proof of these off-platform requests and payments. On top of this, the tire on the RV was clearly damaged before we left — visibly scraped along the rim in the photos the owner showed us himself during pickup. We were reassured it was “no problem,” yet mechanics later confirmed that this kind of damage should have prevented the RV from being used for a 2,500 km trip. Unsurprisingly, the tire burst at the end of the trip. The owner then blamed us for it and is now trying to claim costs (434 $) — even though it was due to pre-existing damage. To make things worse, in the final days of the trip, the host sent stressful messages pressuring us to return the RV earlier than the agreed time and threatened fees if we were late. Again, all this stress was communicated by personal phone, not through the app. If you rent here, take detailed photos of everything, refuse any communication outside the platform, and don’t accept extra hidden fees. This was the most stressful rental we've ever had, and it made our return home exhausting, having to defend ourselves against unfair claims from a host who disregards the rules and causes unnecessary pressure. From now on, we’d rather pay more with a professional rental company than risk ruining a vacation again.