Your Guide to Launching a Successful RV Rental Business
It’s not hard to start a RV rental business. In fact, it’s downright easy to start. Here are 5 Steps to starting a business. Use your existing RV and you’re in business for zero investment.
Buy right, own right, and sell right
If you follow this formula, you’ll have a great RV lifestyle, great stories, and wonderful memories to share.
Already own an RV?
Buy Right
Step 1. Acquire an RV – This is your product
I’m partial to buying used, and if you already own an RV, well then you’re in business at zero investment. There are so many people who buy new and then realize that the RV they purchased doesn’t work for them, they paid too much, or they just don’t use it enough to justify the cost.
Buy used: The seller has taken the depreciation AND they’ve worked out most of the bugs that almost all new RVs have. So, buy used when possible and look for a deal: 20% below market because there are many deals out there from private parties. Refer to our 3 tips on how to buy a used RV. and refer to Nada Guides for up to date market prices.
Inflation: Yes, prices are inflated right now, but there are still deals and look for more as inventory comes on the market from owners who just don’t use it enough. Shoot for 1 to 2-years-old and do your research beforehand. RV Trader and Craigslist are good places to look. I use If This Then That to get notified on deals. When you zero in on the right rig, use this PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) checklist offered by Changing Gears.
If you intend on renting out your RV, buy a 5th wheel or travel trailer, as opposed to a motorhome. Why? Because, as you’ll discover, the safest type of RV rental is a delivered RV rental. If you let the renter drive or tow, your RV is going to get damaged. A “tow behind” delivered RV rental saves time and money.
Delivering a travel trailer or 5th wheel is easy: Park it, unhook, set it up, and drive away. When the rental period is over, drive back to the campground and pick it up. Easy! It’s the fastest growing sector for RV rentals. This is harder to do with a motorhome because you’ll need a tow vehicle or a ride back to your home after setting up.
Own Right
Step 2. Clean and prep for rentals
Just like baby-proofing your home, you’ll want to “rent-proof” your travel trailer. Yes, this is your home away from home while camping with your family, but keep in mind that renters don’t like a lot of personal items taking up space.
Items to keep/leave in your recreational vehicle: Broom and cleaning supplies, pots and pans, dishes and silverware, spices and cooking oil, DVD’s for kids, camp table/chairs, coffee pot, cups and dish towels, toilet paper, hand soap, foil, paper plates, etc. (you get the idea). More details here.
Items to leave out: (Personal items) Clothes, shoes, jackets, toothbrushes, toys, perishable food, personal photos, knick- knacks, “R” rated DVD’s, etc.
The idea is to make your RV space as comfortable and usable as possible while leaving it clutter-free. Think about what a 5-star hotel room offers and duplicate that model as much as possible: nice linens, towels, pillows, soaps, shampoo, etc. The space should appear clean and orderly.
Step 3. List your RV for rent
This step is easy, and RVPlusYou makes it even easier. Listing in the classifieds is temporary and can be expensive. The RVPlusYou.com platform allows you to manage your bookings, calendar, reservations, etc., and it’s free to list. If you do want to advertise on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, use our “Send Special Offer” button to quote your prospective renters. If they rent through us, you’ll get a damage and liability policy included in the renal.
For more information, click here. You may also want to download our Playbook for RV rental advice.
Make sure you list in locations where you are willing to deliver. If you’re only willing to deliver within a 30-mile range of your home, list at those campgrounds and RV parks that are a good fit for your size travel trailer or 5th wheel.
You should include a listing for your home city, even if you think no one will want to rent there. Why? Many people need extra space in their homes for family reunions and wedding events. When they search, they’ll search for your city’s name and “RV Rental”.
Always make sure you price your rental right. It needs to be competitive, but also needs to be worth it for you and you need good reviews to start. What would the delivery and set up work be worth to you? Price it simple, price it right.
Step 4. Start marketing
You don’t have to be a salesperson to do this business, but you should get the word out to friends and family. Make sure to spread the news about your new RV rental business.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media platforms are a great way to let friends and family know that you’ve started a business. Ask them to forward your listing to their friends and family. Use the “Send Special offer” button to quote.
Sell Right
Step 5. Remember, this is a business
If you buy right, then you can sell right. Many RV rental businesses buy in bulk at very low prices. They put the RV into service for 1 to 2 years, earning up to $50,000 per year, then sell it for about what they paid, or even for a small profit. Why? RV’s won’t last forever, especially with the wear and tear that commercial RV rentals endure. Yours won’t see that kind of wear, but you do need to turn over your fleet.
If you bought the RV at 1 to 2 years old at a 20% discount, then used it for 1 to 2 years, it should be about 4 to 5 years old after earning $5,000 to $10,000 per year when it’s time to sell. You should be able to sell at just about what you paid, maybe a bit less. No matter because you won’t have to take a huge hit as most people do after buying new.
Also, as a business, you’ll want to write off many of the expenses that come with owning an RV; storage, repairs, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, etc., but you’ll be required to report income, track expenses, pay taxes, etc. More information here on how that works.
It’s not hard and the IRS does allow certain deductions that you’ll want to take advantage of. So you’ll want to set up your business as a business. Consult your legal and tax professionals to be sure you’re getting the most out of your new venture!
Starting your own RV rental business requires some thought and planning but can be an excellent way to earn a side income or more. An RV isn’t an asset unless it’s generating income and/or value. Don’t let it be a money pit.
Need more information? – Download the Free RV Rental Guide Here
