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Earn 7 Days a Week: Rent Out Your Van on Weekends!

Routed Team
Feb 10, 2026
Income Tips

As a delivery driver, you already know the value of your van. It's not just a work tool—it's an income generator. But here's a question: what's your van doing on weekends when you're not working? If it's sitting idle in your driveway, you're missing out on significant additional income. The peer-to-peer vehicle sharing economy has made it easier than ever to rent out your van during downtime and earn money doing absolutely nothing but letting someone else use it.

Delivery van owner earning passive income renting vehicle on weekends

Why Rent Out Your Van?

The numbers are compelling. Most commercial vans can generate $200-400 AUD per weekend through rental platforms. Over a year, that's an extra $10,000-21,000 AUD in passive income—with minimal effort on your part. Think about it:

  • • Your van sits idle anyway—why not monetise that time?
  • • You already maintain the vehicle for deliveries, so rental income is largely profit
  • • You control when it's available—rent it out when you're not using it
  • • Insurance and maintenance can often be deducted from rental income

How Van Rental Platforms Work

Van rental platforms connect vehicle owners (that's you!) with people who need temporary access to a van. It's the sharing economy in action. Here's how it typically works:

  • List your van: Create a profile and add your vehicle with photos and details
  • Set your price: You decide what to charge per day or per week
  • Screen renters: Most platforms verify renters to protect your vehicle
  • Handle the booking: The platform manages reservations and payments
  • Collect payment: Money is transferred to your account after the rental

The platforms typically take a commission (usually 20-35%), but you still pocket the majority of the rental fee.

Top Van Rental Apps by Country

Australia

  • GoShare: Australia's leading peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform. Great for vans, with flexible scheduling and competitive rates.
  • Citihire: Offers short-term van rentals with Australian presence. Handles logistics for small businesses and individuals.
  • Airtasker Rentals: Popular platform where you can list your van for task-based rentals and weekend use.

United Kingdom

  • Turo (expanding to UK): The world's largest peer-to-peer car and van sharing platform. Offers £150-400+ per weekend for vans.
  • Zipcar: UK's established vehicle sharing service. Less peer-to-peer, but stable and trustworthy.
  • Snag.GetVan: UK-based platform specifically designed for van owners. Growing rapidly with competitive rates.
  • Neighbour.com: A more recent platform allowing neighbors to share vehicles, including vans.

United States

  • Turo: Dominant player in the US. Offers high earning potential—vans can generate $200-500+ per weekend.
  • HomeRiver: Peer-to-peer rental platform with strong presence for commercial vehicles and vans.
  • Outdoorsy: Specializes in RVs and vans, perfect if you have a commercial or camper van.
  • Getaround: Popular car sharing app that's expanding van rental offerings in major cities.

Canada

  • Turo: Operates in Canada with strong market presence for van rentals.
  • Neighbours Helping Neighbours: Community-focused sharing platform popular in Canada.

New Zealand

  • Bookabach: Popular NZ holiday rental platform that includes vans and vehicles.
  • Camper Mate: Specifically designed for camper van and vehicle rentals in New Zealand.

Tips for Success as a Van Owner

  • Keep it clean: A well-maintained van gets higher ratings and can command higher prices
  • Professional photos: Use high-quality images showing the interior, exterior, and features
  • Competitive pricing: Research similar vans in your area and price accordingly
  • Great communication: Respond quickly to inquiries and be flexible with renters
  • Set clear expectations: Include mileage limits, fuel policy, and condition requirements
  • Consider insurance: Check that your van rental is properly covered—most platforms offer additional protection
  • Start with weekends: Begin by renting weekends and special occasions, then expand if you're comfortable

The Numbers: What Can You Really Earn?

Let's do some simple math. If your van rents for an average of $250 AUD per weekend:

  • • 4 weekends per month × $250 = $1,000/month AUD
  • • $1,000 × 12 months = $12,000/year AUD
  • • After platform fees (30%) = $8,400 profit/year AUD

That's serious money for renting your van when you're not using it anyway. During peak seasons (holidays, summer), demand is even higher, so you could earn significantly more.

Common Concerns—Addressed

What if someone damages my van? All major platforms include damage protection. Most cover accidental damage and wear, with the renter's deposit covering minor issues.

Can I set mileage limits? Yes, you control the terms. Most owners allow 100-150 km's / miles per day, which covers typical usage.

What about fuel costs? You decide whether renters pay for fuel or if it's included. Most owners require renters to return the van with a full tank.

Will this affect my delivery work? Not if you schedule rentals on days you're not working. It's a perfect complement to delivery driving.

The Bottom Line

Your van is an asset that's currently sitting idle during your downtime. By listing it on a van rental platform, you transform wasted time into passive income. Whether you're in Australia, the UK, the US, or another English-speaking country, platforms exist specifically for you to monetise your vehicle.

Start small, learn the process, and scale up. Many delivery drivers are already earning $10,000+ AUD per year just by renting their vans on weekends. Why shouldn't you? During the week, maximize your delivery earnings with smart route optimisation.

Maximise Your Van's Potential

Keep your deliveries optimised during the week and earn extra income on weekends.

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