rv rental business plan

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How to Start an RV Rental Business

Back to All Business Ideas

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on May 11, 2022 Updated on May 15, 2024

Investment range

$24,050 - $39,100

Revenue potential

$70,000 - $175,000 p.a.

Time to build

1 – 3 months

Profit potential

$42,000 - $105,000 p.a.

Industry trend

What better way to see the country than in an RV? But a new one can be terribly expensive, which is why the RV rental market has expanded nearly 60% in the last decade, led by industry leaders Cruise America and El Monte. With a bit of an investment, you could start your own RV rental business and help people see the country while making a good living.

But before you hit the road to success, you’ll need some business knowledge. Luckily, this step-by-step guide has all the insights you need to launch a lucrative RV rental business.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting an RV rental business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

Share Fun – Help people have great vacations
Low Labor – Once the RVs hit the road, there’s not much work to do
Good Money – Make up to $200 per daily rental
High Startup Costs – RVs don’t come cheap
Insurance – RV insurance can be costly

RV rental industry trends

Industry size and growth.

Industry size and past growth – The US RV rental industry is worth $356.2 million in 2022 after expanding 58% in the last decade.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/rv-camper-van-rental-united-states/ ))
Growth forecast – The US RV rental industry is projected to grow 2.1% in 2022.
Number of businesses – In 2021, 177 RV rental businesses were operating in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/rv-camper-van-rental-industry/ ))
Number of people employed – In 2021, the US RV rental industry employed 1,002 people.

Trends and challenges

Trends in the RV rental industry include:

RV rentals are becoming more and more popular among millennials, who represent the fastest growing segment of the market.
Consumers want to rent newer RVs, and the most popular are Winnebagos, particular the Vista and Minnie Winnie models.

Challenges in the RV rental industry include:

Peer-to-peer rental platforms like Outdoorsy, which enable RV owners to rent out their vehicles, are gaining market share.
Insurance costs for RVs, particularly those used as rentals, are rising, cutting into profit margins for RV rental businesses.

Consumer spending

Average consumer spend – The average cost of a vacation in the US is $1,558 per person.(( https://www.bankrate.com/banking/cost-of-vacation/ ))
Potential customer base – According to the RV Industry Association, 72 million Americans plan to take an RV vacation in 2022.(( https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/72-million-americans-plan-go-rving-next-year ))
Class A RV $175 to $275 per night(( https://rvshare.com/rv/info-for-rv-rental-prices-average ))
Class B RV $100 to $200 per night
Class C RV$150 to $200 per night

How much does it cost to start an RV rental business?

Startup costs for an RV rental business range from $24,000 to $40,000 if you start with two RVs. Costs include the down payments on the RVs, a storage space, and a website.

How much can you earn from an RV rental business?

Prices for RV rental range from $100 to $275 per night depending on the class of the RV. These calculations will assume an average rate of $175. Your profit margin after costs of insurance, maintenance, and storage space rent should be about 60%.

In your first year or two, you may have two RVs that are each rented 200 days of the year, bringing in $70,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $42,000 in profit, assuming that 60% margin. At this point, you might add two more RVs and rent them 250 days a year. With annual revenue of $175,000, you’d make a fantastic profit of $105,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for an RV rental business. Your biggest challenges will be:

The startup costs of the RVs
Competing with RV sharing and RV rental businesses

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Step 2: refine your rv rental business concept.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting an RV rental business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research RV rental businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a campervan rental company or an RV rental business that provides an RV park guide.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as class C motorhomes or luxury class A motorhomes.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away.

What? Determine your RV rental services

Your RV rental offerings should cater to a range of customer needs. Consider:

RV Types : Start with a diverse fleet that includes various RV classes (A, B, C) and specialized models like campervans or luxury motorhomes.
Additional Services : Offer value-added services such as RV delivery and pick-up, travel planning assistance, or pre-stocked amenities.

How much should you charge for RV rental?

Prices will depend on the types of RVs you rent and could be up to $275 per night. Even class B and C RVs can go up to $200 per night. After costs of maintenance and insurance, you should aim for a profit margin of about 60%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

To identify your target market for an RV rental business, focus on:

Demographics : Key groups include families, retirees, and young couples or groups of friends seeking adventure.
Travel Preferences : Target adventure enthusiasts, event attendees, and seasonal travelers.
Geography : Concentrate on areas with high tourism or near popular destinations like national parks.
Income Levels : Offer a range of RVs to cater to various budgets, from basic to luxury models.
Psychographics : Consider values and lifestyles, such as eco-conscious travelers.
Competitor Analysis : Identify any underserved markets by examining who competitors are targeting.

Where? Choose a location for your RV rental business

Choosing a location for your RV rental business involves considering factors that ensure accessibility, visibility, and convenience for your target market:

Proximity to Tourist Attractions : Situate near popular tourist destinations like national parks, beaches, or campgrounds.
Accessibility : Choose a location easily accessible from major highways or roads, facilitating easy pick-up and drop-off.
Visibility : Opt for a spot with good visibility to attract drive-by customers.
Local Demand : Assess the local demand for RV rentals. Areas with a thriving tourism industry are preferable.
Storage and Space : Ensure the location has ample space for storing and maintaining a fleet of RVs.
Zoning and Regulations : Check local zoning laws and regulations to ensure compliance for operating an RV rental business.
Security : Prioritize a secure location to protect your assets.

Step 3: Brainstorm an RV Rental Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better
Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
Including keywords, such as “RVs” or “RV rentals”, boosts SEO
Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Wanderlust RV Rentals” over “Luxury RV Rentals”
A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these.

Find a Domain

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

Executive Summary: Summarize the main points of your business plan, including your goals and the unique value your rental service offers.
Business Overview: Introduce your business, outlining the types of RVs you’ll offer and the geographical areas you plan to operate in.
Product and Services: Detail the RV rental services you’ll provide, such as the size and types of RVs, rental rates, and any additional services like delivery and setup.
Market Analysis: Analyze the demand for RV rentals in your target market, including tourist attractions and camping sites, and identify your potential customer base.
Competitive Analysis: Identify competitors in the RV rental industry, evaluate their rental fleets, pricing, and customer reviews, and explain how your business will stand out.
Sales and Marketing: Describe your strategies for attracting customers, such as online booking platforms, partnerships with travel agencies, and marketing campaigns.
Management Team: Highlight your qualifications and any team members’ experience in the RV rental industry, emphasizing your knowledge of maintenance, customer service, and safety protocols.
Operations Plan: Explain how your business will operate day-to-day, covering topics like RV maintenance, cleaning procedures, reservation management, and safety checks.
Financial Plan: Provide financial projections, including revenue estimates, operating costs, profit margins, and startup expenses, demonstrating the business’s financial feasibility.
Appendix: Include essential documents such as insurance certificates, maintenance records, rental agreements, and any necessary permits or licenses to establish credibility with customers and regulatory authorities.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to RV rental businesses.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your RV rental business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding an RV rental business.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Starting an RV rental business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits.

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more.

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your RV rental business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business.

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Guesty , Wheelbase , or Sirvoy , to manage your bookings, rates, communication, and invoicing.

Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero .
If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google.

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

Social Media Engagement: Leverage platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase the adventure and freedom of RV travel; engage with your audience by sharing customer stories and travel tips.
Partnerships with Travel Bloggers: Collaborate with popular travel bloggers or influencers to create content featuring your RVs, reaching a wider audience and building credibility.
Local Event Sponsorship: Sponsor local events such as outdoor festivals, camping expos, or community gatherings to increase brand visibility and attract potential customers.
Referral Programs: Implement a referral program offering discounts or perks to existing customers who refer friends or family, encouraging word-of-mouth marketing.
SEO Optimization for Location-Based Searches: Ensure your online presence is optimized for local search engine queries, helping potential customers find your RV rental business when searching for rentals in your area.
Themed Promotions: Create themed promotions or discounts tied to holidays, seasonal trends, or popular travel destinations to generate interest and boost bookings during specific times.
Exclusive Packages and Add-ons: Differentiate your offerings by providing exclusive packages or add-ons, such as outdoor equipment, discounted campground partnerships, or guided tour options.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or specialized RV forums to build trust and credibility among potential renters.
Email Marketing Campaigns: Develop targeted email campaigns to keep previous customers informed about new offerings, promotions, and seasonal discounts, encouraging repeat business.
Fleet Visibility: Utilize high-traffic areas by strategically parking RVs with branded signage to maximize exposure and attract the attention of potential customers passing by.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your RV rental business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your RV rental business could be:

New, luxury RVs for the classiest of road trips
Sharp campervan rentals to hit the road for less
We have the perfect RV for your vacation budget

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running an RV rental business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in RVs for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections.

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in RVs. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for an RV rental business include:

RV Maintenance People – repair and maintain RVs
General Manager – scheduling, accounting
Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Start Making Money!

RV rentals are booming, particularly as the pandemic winds down and people want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. With 72 million people planning RV vacations in 2022, an RV rental business should have no shortage of customers. You could start your own RV rental business, build up a reputation and soon expand to become a national RV empire!

After reading this guide you’ve got the gist of the business side, so it’s time to hit the road with your successful RV rental business.

RV Rental Business FAQs

Yes, an RV business can be very profitable. You just need to make sure that your RVs are well-maintained to avoid issues and to make sure your customers have a great vacation.

To differentiate your RV rental business from competitors, consider offering unique features or services such as specialized RV models, luxury amenities, flexible rental options, exceptional customer service, or value-added extras like camping gear or personalized trip planning assistance.

Develop a regular maintenance schedule for routine checks and address any repairs promptly. Establish relationships with reliable mechanics or maintenance facilities experienced in RV repairs.

Implement a thorough cleaning process between rentals, including disinfecting high-touch areas, laundering linens, and thoroughly cleaning kitchen and bathroom facilities. Regularly inspect and maintain safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and tires.

Consider offering add-ons such as camping equipment rentals, Wi-Fi or entertainment packages, RV delivery and setup services, or customized trip planning assistance.

Starting an RV rental business on the side is possible, but it requires careful planning and management. Consider the time commitment required for managing reservations, maintenance, and customer service alongside other commitments.

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How to Start an RV Rental Business

A RV rental business provides affordable options for people looking to rent various styles of RVs. Rentals are an appealing option for those customers who enjoy exploring the country in an RV, but don’t want the commitment of owning the recreational vehicle.

Learn how to start your own RV Rental Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start an rv rental business by following these 10 steps:

Plan your RV Rental Business
Form your RV Rental Business into a Legal Entity
Register your RV Rental Business for Taxes
Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
Set up Accounting for your RV Rental Business
Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your RV Rental Business
Get RV Rental Business Insurance
Define your RV Rental Business Brand
Create your RV Rental Business Website
Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your rv rental business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

What are the startup and ongoing costs?
Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our RV Rental Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

Your state's business records
Federal and state trademark records
Social media platforms
Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your rv rental business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening an rv rental business.

If you are opening a new start-up, your costs may be substantially higher, as you’ll need to purchase one or more RVs. If you take over an existing business, though, the costs may be lessened or worked into the overall pricing of purchasing the business. Either way, you will need to invest in at least a few RVs to get started. Additionally, you will need business and personal liability insurance, a webpage for the business, and an investment in marketing and advertising options, in order to spread the name of your business. Since many entrepreneurs don’t have the capital on hand to initially invest, you may want to research financing and investment options, either independently or through a lawyer or accountant. If you already own an RV, most of your start-up costs are nullified, and you can focus on advertising your services.

What are the ongoing expenses for an rv rental business?

Since the RVs are the cornerstone of your business, the maintenance and upkeep costs will be your biggest concerns. Other costs will include:

Regular tune ups, oil changes, and replacement parts
New tires, balanced, and alignment
Cleaning and interior maintenance, including bathrooms, bedding, and upholstery
Insurance for the RV and renters
Partnership and advertising through an RV rental platform, if you choose to use such a service

Who is the target market?

Individuals, couples, and families, who enjoy camping and outdoors activities, but want more of a home away from home than a tent, will be your primary target market.

How does an rv rental business make money?

A RV rental business makes its money from the rental fees collected from customers. The fees will fluctuate, depending on the type of RV and the length of time the RV will be rented.

Rental pricing will varies, depending on the type and age of RV. $100-200 per day is average pricing for Class A-C motor homes which are 10 years or older, with an additional $100-200 per day for newer RVs. You will need to do some independent research to determine the pricing in your region of the country and price your own rental(s), accordingly.

How much profit can an rv rental business make?

Depending on the number of RVs you have available for rental, you could see profits anywhere between $5,000-30,000 annually.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Consider renting your RV for in town events, such as sporting events, community gatherings, and concerts. Many people will forego hotel rental for an option to have greater freedom to come and go and move locations, as needed. The shorter trade distance will also save mileage on your RV and you can charge the same price per day.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your rv rental business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an RV rental business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

An RV rental business is generally run out of a sale lot. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

If you plan to lease a location :
It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to an RV rental business.
After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
If you plan to purchase or build a location :
You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your RV rental business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your RV Rental Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for RV Rental Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market an rv rental business

As mentioned previously, linking with a RV rental or share platform will give you access to a greater number of potential customers. There will be a fee involved with such a platform, but this is an excellent method for casting a larger customer net. additionally, create your own Facebook page, Instagram account, and even a personal business website. You may also want to create flyers and pamphlets to distribute at regional RV parks and campgrounds. Getting the word out of what RVs you have and where you’re located is critical for jump starting your Rv rental business.

How to keep customers coming back

As is the case with most independent small businesses, your reputation precedes you. Make sure you’re always offering a clean, well-maintained RV to each renter.

Offer incentives, such as reduced pricing, for return customers.
Create travel packages and park guides for RV renters.
Give discounts for customers writing reviews or adding photos to your rental website. Customer testimonials can be very powerful in capturing and keeping customers.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Those individuals with experience in retail sales, have customer service experience, and/or sufficient mechanical knowledge will gravitate to a business opportunity, such as this. You must also be comfortable talking to potential customers and should have some knowledge of of the state and national park rules and regulations for RV camping.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at an rv rental business?

A RV rental business thrives on customer interest and a quality RV product, ready to be rented and sent out on the open road. Therefore, day to day activities will focus on the acquisition of new customers as well as the retention of past customers, balanced with the care and maintenance of your RV fleet.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful rv rental business?

Customer service and positive communication skills are necessary traits for matching your renters with rentals. Talk to your customers to understand what they want and what will be the best fit for their needs. You should also have a fairly extensive knowledge of the different types of RVs available, how they drive, and which units will fit your customers’ needs. Ideally, you should be somewhat of a RV enthusiast, as well, able to convey your own experiences on the road and camping in RVs. Plus, you will need to express some knowledge of the mechanical aspects of each RV and be able to give advice to your clients, both before they have left and once on the road, so they can properly plan for the trip ahead of them.

What is the growth potential for an rv rental business?

More and more individuals, couples, and families are choosing RV rentals as an exciting method for exploring the country. Customers can maintain a temporary home and level of comfort, similarly offered for extended stay hotel suites. The difference being, a RV gives the customers the freedom to visit multiple locations, without having to re-pack a suitcase before each departure. This flexibility gives RV rentals a decided advantage for customers looking to visit more than one destination. Consequently, the RV rental business is becoming more and more popular, with new and return customers looking for exciting adventures on the open road.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an rv rental business?

Since the RV will more or less rent itself, you just have to make sure people are aware of your rental business. This means you will need some sort of marketing blast to spread your company’s name. Employ social media and any free or low cost options through the internet to broadcast your options and contact information. Some independent RV renters will use RV share options, such as RVShare or Outdoorsy as platforms to direct more customers to their RV options. You will pay a fee to the site, but you should also see increased customer traffic and responses to your rental(s).

How and when to build a team

Much of this business will only require one or two people to successfully run it. You will need to be able to answer customer calls and internet inquiries, clean and maintain the RVs, and interact with customers, face to face, when they pick up and return the RVs. But, as your business grows, and the number of RVs you offer expands, you may want to consider taking on a couple more employees, especially if the are capable of assisting in all aspects of the business.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

RV Rental Business Trends

Real World Examples

Hallmac RV Rentals
Cruise America Mesa, AZ

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

The Wandering RV

How to start an rv rental business & make your rv pay for itself.

Bill Widmer
Updated: June 14, 2023

Sponsors help keep our quality content free!

Starting an RV rental business is a great way to pay off your camper or even to turn into a full-time business that replaces your job! It just depends on how much work you want to put in.

Whether you want to rent your RV out in order to make the monthly payments to pay it off and save money, or you’re considering buying an entire fleet of RV rentals, this guide has all the tips and steps for you to start a successful RV rental business.

The guide is broken up in three parts:

Answers to common questions about starting an RV rental business
How to actually set up your RV rental business
Tips for growing your new RV rental business & keeping it profitable

Use the table of contents below to jump to the section that most interests you, or keep reading to learn everything you need to know about RV rental businesses!

How much money can you make renting out an rv, where/how do you rent your rv, what are the costs involved in an rv rental business, what kind of rv rentals do well, do you need to register as a business, do i need a special kind of rv insurance, step 1: get an rv, step 2: take pictures & videos, step 3: create your rv listing, step 4: start marketing, 1. form a legal entity, 2. register for taxes, 3. open a business bank account & credit card, 4. keep accurate accounting, 5. obtain required permits & licenses, 6. purchase business insurance, 1. create a beautiful listing, 2. get a booking software, 3. offer delivery services, 4. buy supplies in bulk, 5. use house furnishings, not “rv” parts, 6. maintain, maintain, maintain, 7. find a reliable mechanic, 8. learn to diy, 9. shop around for parts, 10. expand your rv fleet, final thoughts, before you start your own rv rental business.

Before you pull the trigger and list your RV for rent , you probably have a few questions about how this whole thing works. Here are a few common Q&A’s to help you out:

It’s possible to make anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per year as an RV renter!

Of course, how much you make RV renting depends a lot on the type of camper you own, where you live (if it’s a popular spot for sporting events or has great RV parks nearby), and how much work you put into perfecting your listing and rental experience.

Typically, camper vans, small pop-up campers, and vintage campers are the most popular and demanded types of RV rentals. So if you have one of those, you’re already ahead! But if not, that’s OK – there is a wide demand for all kinds of RVs including motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers.

Check out this RV rental listing calculator to get an estimate of how much you could make!

You can list your RV for rent on any peer-to-peer RV rental company . While there may be more, the big three that people are using right now are:

Each rental site has it’s pros and cons, but luckily, you can list your rig on all three at the same time to maximize bookings! Then, use software to manage them (more on that in the tips section at the end).

Every business has business expenses, and an RV rental business is no exception.

In addition to the cost of your camper, you also have other ongoing expenses, such as:

Vehicle maintenance costs: $500-$1,000 per year
Business start up costs (forming the company): $150-$500 one time
Recreational vehicle insurance: $800-$1,500 per year
Business insurance (general liability coverage): ~$500 per year
Personal liability insurance (option): $150-$300 per year
Supplies (toilet paper, soap, etc.): ~$30 per month
Cleaning costs: $50-$100 per cleaning
Rental fees: Usually ~20% of the total booking fee (so $20 out of every $100)
Interest fees (If you have a loan on your RV): Interest rates vary

This puts us at a grand total of $190-$263 per month, plus $150-$500 one time to set up your business, plus whatever you spend on cleaning costs (which vary depending on how often you rent out your rig). That’s also not including interest rates if you have an RV loan .

As far as small businesses go, these costs are pretty low. Plus, these are all things that you can write off on your taxes which will save you money at the end of the year!

Typically, camper vans, small pop-up campers , and vintage campers are the most popular and demanded types of RV rentals. However, all types of RVs have some demand, so no matter what kind of rig you have, you can do well renting it.

Yes – if you make more than $400 in a year, you’re legally required to register your business and pay taxes. At least, that’s how it is in the United States!

I share more about this in the “staying legal & organized” section.

Yes… sort of. While regular RV insurance will cover your camper, most RV insurance companies like Good Sam and Progressive will NOT cover you in the event of an incident while a renter is driving.

But don’t worry – instead of being sneaky and saying you were driving, you can opt instead to go with Roamly RV insurance . They are the only camper insurance company to officially cover RV rentals. They are also the only insurance company to cover custom van conversions!

* Note: While Roamly is one of the only companies that allow you to rent out your rig, you will still need insurance to cover you during the rental period. Luckily, Outdoorsy, RVShare, etc have rental insurance built into their platform (Roamly powers Outdoorsy’s insurance during the rental period). But if you rent directly to a friend or in a way that’s not through a platform like RVShare or Outdoorsy, you will still need insurance during the rental period.

Lastly, Roamly customers can save on their insurance premiums (up to 35% of their premiums) based on how much they rent out their rig on Outdoorsy with Roamly’s Rent and Save Discount!

How to Set Up Your RV Rental Business

Starting an RV rental business is a bit of a process, but we’ve simplified it into four easy steps for you to follow along with! By the end of this guide, you will have your listing up and running!

The steps are:

Get an RV (If you don’t already have one)
Take Pictures & Videos
Create Your RV Listing
Start Marketing Your Rental (Optional but recommended)

Let’s break it down.

If you’re not already an RV owner, buying a camper is your first step. As I mentioned in the Q&A section, the most popular types of RV rentals are campervans and vintage campers. So, if profit is your goal, this is the best RV class to buy.

It’s best to look for a gently used (<5 years old) camper and, if possible, pay for it in cash. You don’t want interest fees eating up your profits!

Here are some places to look for a used RV:

RV section of Auto Trader
Classifieds

Just be sure to thoroughly inspect the RV to make sure it’s in good mechanical order and is free of any water leaks or damages! Here are some used RV inspection tips from Love Your RV.

After you buy your RV, you need to think about getting proper RV insurance . Unfortunately, the only RV insurance provider that is set up to cover RV renters is Roamly . You may encounter issues if you have any other kind of camper insurance, so be wary of the fine print!

Once you’ve purchased and cleaned up your camper, the next most important step is taking high-quality pictures and videos of your rig. The better your pictures, the higher your chance of keeping your booking schedule full!

Here are some tips for getting the best pictures possible :

Take pictures during golden hour or during a slightly overcast day for the best lighting.
Use lighting indoors to improve indoor photos
Take pictures of different angles to best show off the living space
Get a really good picture of your rig with a drool-worthy background for the cover photo
Consider hiring a photographer if you just can’t get good pictures

Here are some examples of great RV photos:

The more glamorous and dreamy you can make your photos, the better! Be sure to get some in-action lifestyle shots showing off what your customers could experience when they rent from you.

Pictures in hand (or in harddrive, I guess), it’s time to create your RV rental listing!

As for where you list your RV, most RV owners choose Outdoorsy . They have the largest selection and best insurance of all the RV rental companies . That said, you can list on multiple sites for the best chance at keeping your booking schedule full!

Here are three companies you can create an RV rental listing on (click the company name to be taken to the listing page; opens in a new tab):

Outdoorsy ( Read Our Review )
RVezy ( Read Our Review )
RVshare ( Read Our Review )

We also wrote a guide comparing Outdoorsy and RVshare to help you make your decision of where to list your RV rental!

When making your listing, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Keep your title short and interesting. The best RV rental listings are those with a great, eye-catching title. Which of these are you most likely to click on?

I personally gravitate towards the “Ford Transit Luxury Experience” and “Hippy Digs Camper Van 2019” – that latter of which has 41 5-star reviews!

If we look at their listing , we can see some RV rental secrets:

What a good rv rental listing looks like

Specifically, she has a LOT of fairly high-quality photos. They aren’t super high-resolution, but they’re at least taken in good lighting and show a lot of different angles and lifestyle shots.

She also has a great photo of herself with good lighting and a big smile, showing she’s friendly and approachable. Even a detail as small as your profile picture is important!

Don’t skimp on the description. Once someone clicks on your listing, the next thing they see is the description of your rig. So having a friendly, detailed description is important!

If we look at Mylee’s description from the listing above, you can see she has a fun description signaling it can be driven long distances, it’s a great lifestyle, and detailing what the van comes with and that it was hand-made by them.

If you’re not a great writer, it can be a good investment to hire a copywriter to create the listing for you. You can often find them at a fairly affordable price on sites like FreeUp and Fiverr .

Many RV owners stop at step three and cross their fingers. While this can work, it’s a better idea to start sharing your new business with your friends and family!

It’s important to get some initial 5-star reviews , so putting in a little extra effort to get your first few renters will go a long way to creating a business with passive income.

Sharing your listing on social media and emailing your colleagues about it can help kickstart your RV rental business and bring in renters!

6 Steps for Staying Legal & Organized

If you’re serious about renting RVs as a legitimate business, there are some steps you need to follow to make sure you don’t get in trouble by the IRS.

The first thing you need to do once you start making money from your business is choosing a business name and forming a legal entity. If you make anything over $400 , you have to register as a business and start paying taxes.

It’s actually pretty easy to do this, though! Just set up an LLC or a corportation with LegalZoom . They will help you see if your business name is taken and set up your business.

If you don’t mind doing some research and filling out some paperwork, you can also do it yourself. Just do a Google search on how to do it in your state.

Check out Outdoorsy’s guide to choosing a business structure for more info.

In addition to forming a legal entity, you need to register to file taxes. Again, Google how to do this in your state. LegalZoom does have the option to register for you, if you go that route.

In order to keep your business and personal taxes separate, you should also open a business bank account and a business credit card. Expenses like hiring a cleaner, making repairs, marketing, and more can all be written off on your taxes!

Note that I am not a legal professional and this is not legal tax advice. It’s always best to consult a certified accountant for tax advice.

Whether you use a spreadsheet or an accounting software like Quickbooks, you’re going to need to keep accurate accounting. Like I said before, you can write a lot of things off, so proper accounting will help you save on taxes AND keep you legal!

Check out the SBA’s guide to small business accounting for more help.

Depending on the state you’re operating out of, your RV rental business may need special permits and licenses. Refer to the SBA’s guide to see if you need them and learn how to acquire them.

In addition to your RV insurance, your RV rental business will need business insurance. It’s a good idea to get General Liability insurance at the very least. This will cover you in most general situations and gives you a base layer of protection should you get into a legal battle.

More Tips for Running a Profitable RV Rental Business

Now that your RV business is up and running, here are some extra tips to help your business stand out among the competition and keep your profits high!

I’ve said it several times already, but here it is again: You need a stand-out title, description, photos, a video, and even a profile picture! The more you can do to improve your listing, the more renters you will get.

It’s worth hiring a photographer to help you with the photos, and even hiring a copywriter to help you with the title and description, if you’re not great at doing those things yourself. It will make all the difference in your rental business!

If you list your RV for rent on multiple RV rental websites (like Outdoorsy , RVezy , and RVshare ), one problem you may run into is double bookings – that’s where two different people book your rig on the same day on different platforms.

To avoid the headache of blocking out the dates across all three rental websites every time someone books, and to avoid upset customers when you inevitably have to cancel their booking, a booking software can help you manage your bookings across all the sites easily!

Some options include Wheelbase and Sirvoy .

No, I don’t mean giving your clients pizzas to their door (although that might be a cool marketing tactic!). By delivery, I mean delivering the camper right to the campground they are staying at.

If you have a big travel trailer or fifth wheel, this might be a requirement anyway! But even if you don’t, delivering your rig can be helpful and avoid extra risk of the client driving it themselves. It’s not a requirement, but it can help.

Things like toilet paper, paper towels, and soap in your rental all make it a stand-out experience. But if you’re buying these things in regular packages or, worse yet, travel sizes, it’s going to get expensive fast.

Costco is a wonderful thing! Consider getting a membership and buying these supplies in bulk.

Related Reading: Can you rent an RV from Costco?

When shopping for parts and supplies for your RV , you will come across a lot of RV-specific things, like faucets, showerheads, and even recliners .

However, most of those RV specific things are more expensive and no better than their regular household counterparts! So instead of paying more for the same thing, just get regular household stuff.

Except toilet paper. It’s important to have RV-specific toilet paper to avoid ruining your black tank! Always use septic-safe toilet paper.

Maintenance on your rig is crucial to keep it running and profitable. This means oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning everything properly, making sure the seals are leak-free, and more.

Here’s a quick video from RV with Tito on how to do some basic preventative maintenance work on your RV:

RV mechanics can be expensive and backlogged for work. Try to find someone you can rely on and hire them outside of where they work so you can get a better price and faster service.

Making minor repairs and maintenance yourself saves a lot of time and money. RV mechanics can charge $100-$200+ per hour, even to do the most simple tasks. Always look to see if you can do something yourself on your rig before you look to hire that mechanic!

However, unless you’re a trained technician, it’s probably best to leave the electrical and gas systems to the professionals.

RV parts from camper stores can be expensive. Always shop around for RV parts to get the best deal and avoid over-paying. Most RV shops will charge double what you’d pay retail for simple things like water pumps and LP gas detectors.

Check out this guide to finding used RV parts at salvage yards for more money-saving tips!

Finally, if you want to turn this into a true RV rental business rather than a side hobby, expanding your fleet of RVs means you can make more money and even start hiring people to help you run everything!

If you are going to expand your fleet, though, keep in mind that it’s a good idea to have multiple of the same type of rig. This makes maintenance, cleaning, and repairs much easier because you know exactly what needs to be done and how to do it, rather than needing to learn multiple rigs.

Additionally, keep in mind that your location and the type of camper you buy will have a big effect on whether you can keep your rigs booked all the time. If you live in the middle of nowhere where people aren’t interested in going, or if you have a type of camper no one is interested in, you’re going to struggle.

In general, camper vans , small class B RVs , and vintage campers are all going to perform better than travel trailers or giant motorhomes. Small pop up campers also tend to do well, since they can be towed by nearly any vehicle.

Going from an RV owner to an RV rental business owner is a big leap. However, doing so means you get to enjoy being a small business owner and paying off your camper faster.

Better yet, your camper will pay YOU to own it!

This is a great business opportunity for the right person, and as long as you are careful about maintaining your rig and giving it the time it needs to grow, this could be a great small business for you.

Ready to get started? Use the links below to list your RV for rent on all the major RV rental platforms:

List on Outdoorsy
List on RVezy
List on RVshare

RV Extended Warranties in 2024 — Are they worth it? Everything you need to know

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RV Rentals by Type

RV Rental Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their RV rental companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating an RV rental business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an RV Rental business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an RV Rental Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your RV Rental business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for an RV Rental Company

If you’re looking to start a RV Rental business or grow your existing RV Rental company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your RV Rental business to improve your chances of success. Your RV Rental business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for RV Rental Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a RV Rental business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for RV Rental companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for an rv rental business.

If you want to start a RV Rental business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your RV Rental business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of RV Rental business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an RV Rental business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of RV Rental businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

Give a brief overview of the RV Rental industry.
Discuss the type of RV Rental business you are operating.
Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of RV Rental business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of RV Rental businesses:

Vacation RV Rentals: This type of an RV rental business is popular with individuals, couples and families who rent recreational vehicles for vacations, “glamping experiences,” or long-distance trips. Vehicles may include small campers, trailers, 5th wheel vehicles and large mobile home RVs.
Long-term RV Rentals: Specializing in rentals for long-term use, such as six to twelve months, this type of RV rental company is focused on those who summer in cooler weather or those who want to reside in warmer climates during the snow season at home. RV Rental vehicles are typically at least 24-feet in length up to 40-foot trailers that have several sliding pop-outs for additional space.
Corporate RV Rentals: Corporations that require interim housing for employees who are visiting a worksite or building project will use this type of RV Rental company to supply housing accordingly. This type of rental is typically short-term rather than long-term.
Senior Living RV Rentals: A segment of the senior population travels the USA in RVs throughout each year, stopping in particular gathering places in multiple states. RV Rentals are often used to equip seniors for a minimum of 12-month travels, sometimes extending to 2-years in length.

In addition to explaining the type of RV Rental business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

When and why did you start the business?
What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of RVs purchased by your company, reaching X number of nationwide customers , etc.
Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the recreational vehicle rental industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the recreational vehicle industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your RV Rental business plan:

How big is the RV Rental industry (in dollars)?
Is the market declining or increasing?
Who are the key competitors in the market?
Who are the key suppliers in the market?
What trends are affecting the industry?
What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your RV Rental business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your RV Rental business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, those seeking “glamping” experiences, families, seniors, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of RV Rental business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regard to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other RV Rental businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes RV sales businesses, permanent mobile home parks, outdoor accommodation companies (cabins, fishing camps, tent campgrounds, etc). You need to mention such competition, as well.

For each direct competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

What types of customers do they serve?
What type of RV Rental business are they?
What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
What are they good at?
What are their weaknesses?

With regard to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And, don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

Will you provide options for rentals that can be purchased after a certain number of rental months?
Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
Will you provide better customer service?
Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a RV Rental business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of RV Rental company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide RV drop-off/pick-up service to a campground, discounts for groups who rent RVs, or senior pricing for long-term rentals?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the RVs and the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your RV Rental company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your RV Rental business located near major tourist areas in a large complex, is it located by ocean campgrounds, or is it situated near a massive seniors-only RV park? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your RV Rental marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

Advertise in local papers, radio stations and in RV travel magazines
Reach out with direct-mail pieces to individuals and families
Distribute flyers to senior communities
Engage in email marketing
Advertise “RV Glamping” on social media platforms
Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) for targeted keywords on your website

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your RV Rental business, including answering calls, planning and directing recreational vehicles, cleaning and servicing vehicles, and billing customers.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth rental, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your RV Rental business to a second location in a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your RV Rental business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing RV Rental businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But, also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing an RV Rental business or have successfully sold a wide array of recreational vehicles to customers.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 20 customers each day and offer large RV rental party discounts online? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your RV Rental business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit, but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a RV Rental business:

Cost of recreational vehicles and equipment
Payroll or salaries paid to staff
Business insurance
Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and office supplies

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your RV rental lot location lease or a list of recreational vehicles already owned and ready to rent.

Writing a business plan for your RV Rental business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the RV Rental industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful RV Rental business.

Recreational Vehicle Rental Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my rv rental business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your RV rental business plan.

How Do You Start Business?

Starting business is easy with these 14 steps:

Choose the Name for Your RV Rental Business
Create Your RV Rental Business Plan
Choose the Legal Structure for Your RV Rental Business
Secure Startup Funding for Your RV Rental Business (If Needed)
Secure a Location for Your Business
Register Your RV Rental Business with the IRS
Open a Business Bank Account
Get a Business Credit Card
Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
Get Business Insurance for Your RV Rental Business
Buy or Lease the Right RV Rental Business Equipment
Develop Your RV Rental Business Marketing Materials
Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your RV Rental Business
Open for Business

Where Can I Download a Free Business Plan Template PDF?

Click here to download the pdf version of our basic business plan template.

Our free business plan template pdf allows you to see the key sections to complete in your plan and the key questions that each must answer. The business plan pdf will definitely get you started in the right direction.

We do offer a premium version of our business plan template. Click here to learn more about it. The premium version includes numerous features allowing you to quickly and easily create a professional business plan. Its most touted feature is its financial projections template which allows you to simply enter your estimated sales and growth rates, and it automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Here’s the link to our Ultimate Business Plan Template.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your RV Rental business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success. Click here to see how Growthink’s business plan writers can create your business plan for you.

Starting an RV Rental Business: How to Create a Plan for Your Project

Starting an RV rental business takes initiative, a collection of reliable tools, and a big sprinkle of determination.

One of the beauties of RV travel is that this lifestyle appeals to a huge number of people. If you’re passionate about traveling in an RV and want to dedicate your life to this business, you are not alone. But, even though there’s a huge amount of happiness and joy involved, starting an RV rental business takes initiative, a collection of reliable tools, and a big sprinkle of determination.

At Wheelbase Pro, we’ve helped countless entrepreneurs with setting up their RV rental business, so we understand the different steps you need to take. There are many variables that will be unique to your scenario, like the laws in your specific location. However, we’ve also realized that almost all successful RV rental business owners go through similar steps to launch a company.

For this reason, we’ve put together an article breaking down the general steps you need to take to establish an RV rental business below.

Are RV Rental Businesses Profitable?

Before going over the steps on how to start an RV rental business, let’s figure out if this is a viable business idea or not.

As with any other business, there are risks involved with starting an RV rental business that go beyond your profit margins. Plus, you may already own one or even two RVs, but you’ll need to grow your fleet and learn how to manage it in order to scale your business. Additionally, RV rentals can be quite seasonal depending on your location, so there might be a slow time of the year that you’ll need to account for.

With all of the above in mind, RV rentals have the potential of being extremely profitable. For starters, RVs are high-ticket items, so many travelers avoid maintenance expenses by paying top-dollar for a rental. Depending on the camper, travelers are often willing to pay more than $200 per night, but remember that the price needs to be in line with the features and amenities in the rental.

So, in simple terms, an RV rental business has a huge amount of potential in terms of revenue, but you need to put in the work and create the perfect environment for your company to thrive.

How to Create an RV Rental Bussiness Plan

Now that we’ve discussed the potential for revenue, it’s time to go over the steps you need to take to create an RV rental business plan and set up your company for success.

Think of All the Costs Involved

Entrepreneurs that set up an RV rental usually consider variables like the cost of the RVs, the rental space itself, and traditional expenses like accounting. But, you also need to think about industry-specific expenses, like camper repairs, upgrades, dedicated business insurance, advertising, and required maintenance like oil changes. This will help you develop a comprehensive budget and prevent you from getting blindsided by unforeseen expenses.

Start Saving Funds

Whether you already own a business or think it will be your first venture, you need to start saving money as soon as you begin planning. Yes, working with a financial institution is necessary, but having some liquidity in the form of cash savings means that you don’t have to wait until your credit gets approved to get started.

If Possible, Work with a Specialized Financial Institution

This may not be an option for every single entrepreneur, but when possible, you should partner with financial institutions that specialize in RV rental businesses. If it’s not possible, you can also opt to work with a bank or similar organization that either helps small businesses or that has a good record of working with regular car rentals and dealerships.

Consider Creative RV Rental Business Models

When starting an RV rental business, most entrepreneurs opt for starting with something basic. The idea is sound because a more basic business should be easier to run. However, in the RV rental space, having a creative approach or model can actually bring you more business. For example, consider marketing your RV as a rental for sporting events or making modifications to a vintage RV to make it stand out. Just remember that you’ll have to provide the right amenities and ensure that there is demand for the theme you choose.

Find the Best Rental Software for Your Business

As part of learning how to start an RV rental business, you need to evaluate booking software and select the best option for your company. Having RV rental software will help you collect bookings even while you sleep, but you need to choose a provider that’s experienced and also creates a safe environment.

At Wheelbase Pro, we’ve developed one of the leading out-of-the-box RV rental solutions for entrepreneurs of all levels. The best part is that our robust software is completely free of charge, so contact us today and our team will be glad to help.

Create Detailed Listings

Solid booking software is a must, but you also have to create detailed listings that include photos, descriptions, and everything else that travelers need in order to make a decision. As part of this step, you can create walkthrough videos that serve as marketing content while also helping customers understand how the features in your RVs work.

Provide the Best Benefits in the Industry

Having additional features in a RV is common and these extra elements allow you to raise the price of your rentals. The problem is that most industry leaders charge a significant amount of money for these features. Instead of strictly following the industry, you should try to deliver the best benefits and try to garner a reputation for being customer-centric.

Maintain Flexibility

Once you have your listing, booking platform, and default feature/benefits list in place, you can basically take your business in any direction. Promoting your rental business early on is crucial, but also remember to maintain enough flexibility to adjust your business plan according to the results you get and the objectives you want to achieve.

Ready to Learn More? Wheelbase Is Here to Help

Establishing an RV rental business takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and passion. But, as long as you plan ahead, develop a comprehensive plan, and acquire the right tools to simplify the process, you’ll be able to position your RV rental company for success.

To find out more about Wheelbase Pro, get in touch with us today and we’ll be glad to help.

Reservation Software for RVs: Advantages of Online Reservation Tools

Find out 9 main advantages why choosing the right online reservation software is essential for your RV rental company.

RV Consignment: The Most Cost-Effective Way to Grow Your Fleet

Find out more about how consignment can help you grow your RV rental business without spending a small fortune.

Do you want to know more about Wheelbase?

Get in touch with us today and one of our team members will reach out to further discuss your needs and explain how Wheelbase can support your business.

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Published on Aug 10, 2023

From dream to reality: How to start your own RV rental business

14 min read

The recreational vehicle (RV) rental market has grown considerably in recent years. COVID-19, remote working culture, and social media have made the holidays on wheels more appealing. However, that's just one part of the picture.

RV rentals allow people to explore and adventure in the outdoors. The sightseeing, nature, and independence mix is perfect for holidaymakers looking for a more unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.

The freedom and versatility that RV rentals offer is unparalleled. However, a well-serviced, modern campervan is expensive for most people. Starting an RV rental business means you can make these special holidays accessible to everyone.

The availability of fuel-efficient vehicles means that campervan vacations are cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to other holidays. Rental models also meet the growing trend toward sharing goods that aren't needed daily. RV rentals could be the way to go if you want to start a business in the travel and tourism industry that brings people joy while offering a more eco-friendly option for their holiday trips.

The global RV rental business market is growing. Worth around $800m in 2021, the RV rental market is projected to surpass well over $1bn dollars over the next few years, thanks to a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%. With nightly rental rates of around $200 or more per campervan, this can be a lucrative business when done right.

Let's look at the essential steps required to start a successful RV rental business.

Create an RV rental business plan

Running a profitable RV rental business starts with a solid plan. You need to understand your market, your competitors, and the overall finances of the niche.

Starting an RV rental business requires a significant investment. A business plan is essential if you want to raise capital or for your business. So make it as deep and well-researched as possible.

Here are some critical parts of an RV rental business plan that you must include.

Market research and competitor analysis

Before you start an RV rental business, you need to do a lot of research. So explore the market and your competitors, and think about seasonality.

Identify your target audience

RV owners and renters have roughly similar demographics. A recent comprehensive study by the RV Industry Association shares some incredible insights into the typical target market for RV rentals.

Here are a few stand-out statistics from the report that can help you identify your target audience.

RV ownership has increased by 60% over the last 20 years

RV owners and renters are split evenly between those over and under 55s

Remote workers are increasingly taking "hush trips," i.e., unauthorized working holidays

Millennials are the most significant growth market

RV deliveries are becoming increasingly popular

Other things to consider are your location. If you live within driving distance of holiday attractions or hotspots, you can target travelers to those areas.

Perform a competitor analysis

Competitor analysis is an excellent source of information. Things that you want to find out include:

What are your competitor's rental fees?

What services do they offer?

How many campervans do they have?

What do they do well, and where are they failing?

What areas do they service?

What are their pickup and collection policies?

Do they deliver RVs?

The answers to all these questions can help you spot underserved market segments and opportunities. Some of your rivals will be big faceless corporations. Others will be RV owners who want to earn money from their RVs. On the other hand, you should aim to find areas where you can offer better value, vehicles, or services to attract customers.

Evaluate seasonality

RV rental businesses are heavily affected by seasonality. Depending on your location, the holiday season could be just a few months long. So, that's something you need to work into your plan.

If you buy a fleet of RVs, you must pay for them each month. So ensure that you can collect enough rent during the high season to come out ahead.

Business planning

An RV rental business requires a significant initial investment. The rise in demand during COVID-19 saw motorhome prices shoot up. While starting an RV rental business is more expensive than in the past, the high costs have also significantly bolstered the need for a rental market.

Here are a few things to consider during the business planning stage.

Define your value proposition

How will your RV business stand out? That's the big question you need to ask. If there are a lot of RV rental companies in your area, you need to find a way to get an edge.

While competing on price is an excellent way to win new customers, high costs and business expenses will cut your profits. So consider offering high-quality rentals, more convenience with pickups and drop-offs, or next-level service.

Think about your target audience and what they want. Understand their needs and communicate how your RV rental business can accommodate these desires and more!

Describe your business model

You need a concrete financial plan to raise money for your camper van rental business. So get your business model and pricing strategy down on paper so you and your potential investors understand precisely how you'll generate money.

RV rental income will make up the bulk of your revenue. But you should explore other areas where you can earn money. For starters, you can offer extras and upgrades that people might need during their vacation. That could be something as simple as selling coffee and drinking water or offering extra equipment to make life on the road more fun.

Project your finances

Financial planning is a crucial stage of starting an RV rental business. You need to find an answer to the question, "Is an RV rental business profitable?"

The good news is that you can charge around $200 or more per night for an RV rental. Motor Biscuit suggests the average monthly payment for RV financing is between $225 to $650 monthly . Crunching those numbers shows that renting RVs can be very profitable, especially if your inventory is constantly used during the high season.

However, before you start working out how soon you can retire, you must consider the expenses that can eat into those profit margins. Let's take a look.

Startup costs:

Downpayment for your RV fleet

Rental facility

Permits and licenses

Accounting and legal advice

Business and admin tools

Ongoing expenses:

Maintenance

Credit card fees

So, while rental fees have a solid gross margin, there are plenty of business expenses to consider. Experts suggest you target around 60% profit margin on your rentals.

Create a marketing plan

Once you have your costs and business model down, it's time to think about how to reach your target market. Consider both online and offline channels. Content marketing and SEO can turn your website into a well-oiled booking engine, but don't ignore the power of social media platforms. PPC ads are a cost-effective way to get instant results.

Ensure your business plan has a solid go-to-market strategy . It's not something you can figure out on the hoof.

Establish a legal entity for your RV rental business

To start your own RV rental business, you must do things by the book. Here are the major things you'll need to take care of to ensure your business is legal and above board.

Choose a name for your business

Coming up with a business name is an exciting time. Pick something catchy and memorable that makes it clear what business you are in. Check your desired name against local business registries, social media accounts, and websites. You don't want any confusion.

Form a business entity

You have a few options when deciding on a legal structure for your business. Pick carefully because each kind has tax and legal implications.

Sole Proprietorship: This business entity can be set up with just a social security number (SSN). However, there are two major downsides to consider. Firstly, you'll need to pay tax on your business and personal earnings. Secondly, you're liable for any debts or damages which could affect your personal assets.

Partnership: A partnership has many similarities to a sole proprietorship. However, it's the business structure to use when you have a business partnership. But choose carefully because you'll be liable for your business partner's actions and decisions.

LLC (Limited Liability Company): An LLC is a good structure for an RV rental business because it allows for pass-through taxation while limiting your liabilities in the event of bankruptcy or legal action.

Before you choose your business structure, speak to a legal professional to get a recommendation that suits your needs. Rules vary from country to country, so ensure you get some advice or, at minimum, do some research.

Register for taxes

You'll need to pay taxes on your earnings. However, the exact process depends on the country you are operating in. If you're in the US, you must apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) before registering for state and federal taxes.

Your local government websites should offer you all the information you need about taxes in your region.

Set up a business bank account

Setting up a business bank account is an essential step. There are several benefits to consider. For starters, if you want the liability protections afforded by an LLC, you need a business account. Furthermore, it's a bad idea to commingle personal and business funds.

Finally, setting up a separate account for your RV company means you can build credit, get a business credit card, and avail of loans. This can help with cash flow, which is crucial for small businesses of any kind.

In the US, you can set up a business bank account with an EIN. Check your local requirements to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Legal and regulatory considerations

Starting an RV rental business requires more than just registering your business. There are also legal and insurance matters that you need to take care of. Failure to do so could result in fines or business closure, so don't take this step lightly.

Small businesses need to apply for a variety of permits and licenses. Requirements vary depending on where you do business. So ensure you check government websites to ensure you comply with local regulations.

Insurance coverage

You'll need business insurance to protect your inventory and employees. However, you'll also need RV Insurance to cover your vehicles while they are being rented.

Some of the insurance policies that you'll need are:

Property insurance for your RV rental premises

Business property insurance for your RVs and equipment

Commercial auto insurance for your company vehicles

RV breakdown insurance

Professional liability insurance

Shop around to get the best packages and ensure you get advice from a professional.

Rental contract and waiver policies

An RV rental firm needs rock-solid contracts to protect your inventory and business. Accidents happen on the road, and you can't be liable for your renter's actions.

So get the advice of a legal professional and ensure you are protected in the event of damages or loss. What's more, you must also build in protection for your inventory. You are renting out goods that can cost more than six figures, so make sure you have policies that guarantee they return to you within the specified time frame.

You'll also need to ensure that any damages are charged to your customers. This includes windscreen damage, punctures, dents, and scapes. So draw up a contract that protects your RV.

Inventory management

RV rentals involve some logistics. While customers can sign rental agreements digitally, you'll need to ensure you collect documents, set up insurance, and give out and collect the keys.

Here are a few things you need to consider.

Sourcing RVs and equipment

Buying an RV fleet is expensive. While you could buy used vehicles, RV renters are increasingly looking for fresh campervans. Additionally, having a fleet that is under warranty means you're protected from mechanical issues.

Buying in bulk can get you a better price. But if you're starting, it might be best to start with just a few RVs while you get into the groove.

Tips for maintaining and organizing inventory

Rental inventory management software is crucial. You can also connect these programs to your website, allowing potential customers to see availability and book online.

You need a solid process for checking vehicles in and out. Ensuring your RV's are roadworthy is essential. Any negligence will destroy your business and your reputation.

RV shops are expensive. So, if you're mechanically minded, you can save a lot of money on maintenance and repairs. Otherwise, buying new and reliable models can keep maintenance costs down.

Marketing and customer acquisition

Your dreams of starting an RV rental business can only come true with good marketing and advertising. Here are some helpful tips.

Identifying your target market

RV renters come from lots of different backgrounds. But reaching all of them is a challenge. Your best bet is to figure out who you want to target. For example, families, RV renters with pets, adventurers, etc. Catering to these cohorts will require distinct messaging.

Another thing to consider is how the campervan will be used. Some renters will want to drive thousands of miles over rough terrain and camp under the stars. Others will want to drive to a campsite and stay there for their RV vacation. The wear-and-tear implications are totally different.

So figure out who you want to serve and where they congregate.

Build a memorable brand for your business

Branding is essential in the RV rental business. But you need to strike the right tone. Appealing to your client's sense of adventure is a good start. However, most holidaymakers want to rent from a dependable and trustworthy business.

All this comes downstream from knowing your target audience. Understand their needs, and project them with your brand.

Effective marketing strategies for an RV rental business

Millennials represent a significant source of growth in the RV rental world. Digital marketing is the best way to connect with this demographic. So consider a mix of short and long-term strategies.

A content marketing strategy that produces updated and exciting information on campervan holiday routes can help draw long-term traffic to your website. When paired with SEO, this can be a great way to bring a steady stream of customers.

However, if you're just starting out, digital ads on Meta or Google can help you connect with your audience. And don't forget about using a solid local SEO strategy , either.

Ensure you have social media accounts too. Post regularly, be helpful, and engage with RV-oriented groups, and you'll make the connections that can make a difference.

The role of a website and online user experience in driving bookings

The way that consumers shop has changed remarkably over the last few years. Today buyers want to do their research and find the best deals. So make it easy for them by providing photos, vehicle specs, and transparent prices.

Ensure the user experience is as frictionless as possible. Don't make them need to call you up to enquire about availability or prices. Make sure all the essential info is at their fingertips.

Here is a step-by-step guide to building a rental website . Make it as functional, professional, and reassuring as possible to boost conversion rates .

Operations and customer service

You need smooth operations and excellent customer service to build trust, loyalty, and a reputation. Here are two areas you need to consider.

Managing daily operations

You must build clear internal policies for handling the pickup and drop-off of your vehicles. Additionally, because you'll be dealing with driver's licenses and personal information, you need solid data management too.

The most important thing is ensuring your fleet is going out and coming back in good condition. Thorough inspections and a good maintenance schedule are essential.

Delivering excellent customer service

Excellent customer service keeps people coming back. Be attentive, knowledgeable, and compassionate, and you'll make your customers feel cared for.

Problems will happen. But deal with them responsively and with kindness, and you'll protect your business reputation.

Growth and expansion

Of course, the work never truly ends. Starting a business is just the first phase, but if you want to generate more revenue, you'll need to grow and scale.

Key Performance Indicators to monitor

KPIs are a great way to track performance. Here are a few RV rental-specific KPIs that you should monitor.

RV fleet utilization = # days rented / # days available

Rental rate = total rental revenue / # of rental contracts

Capital utilization = annual rental revenue/cost of acquisition

Average order value = total revenue/# of bookings placed

RV to rental ratio = # of RVs available for rent/ total # of RVs

Strategies for growing the business

High business expenses and extreme seasonality mean that RV business owners need to look for additional revenue streams. Thankfully, there are a few ideas that can help you make the most of the busy season.

While RV rental will bring the lion's share of revenue, you can explore add-ons to increase the value of each rental. Depending on the surrounding area, you can offer extra services. For example, you can provide mountain bikes that attach to the RV, disposable BBQs, fishing rods, or anything that helps your customers achieve the RV holiday of their dreams.

Other things to consider are mileage charges. These extras would cover wear and tear. Additionally, you can explore airport pickup and drop-offs to target international travelers at an additional cost.

Make the most of local attractions and events. Additionally, you might be able to establish partnerships with surrounding campsites that welcome RV visitors. Be brave enough to think also outside the box.

Potential challenges and how to overcome them

RV rental businesses face some challenges as the market grows and matures. Here are some key concerns that you need to consider.

Peer-to-peer popularity: Peer-to-peer (p2p) rentals are rising in popularity. This model involves an RV owner and RV renter doing business over an online platform. The best way to compete here is by offering new models and outstanding service.

Seasonality: Depending on your location, motorhome demand will drop off during winter. If you're sitting on a fleet of RVs, you're paying out costs without any return. Short-term leasing agreements can allow for a more dynamic inventory that responds to demand. But they will also be more expensive. So crunch the numbers.

Insurance costs: Rising RV insurance costs can eat into profits. However, some innovative options on the market allow you to pay for insurance only when you need it. These policies can counter the downsides of seasonality too.

Becoming a new RV rental business owner could be a great way to earn a living. The sector is growing steadily due to the demand for more unique and sustainable holidays.

Running a successful RV rental business takes hard work and a significant financial investment. But once your campervans are on the road, you can sit back and take profit with minimal hassle.

RV rental is becoming more popular with Millenials and Gen Zs. Reaching these demographics requires a solid digital marketing strategy alongside a website and booking portal.

If you think RV rentals are the life for you, get out there and make it happen!

Article written by Akseli L.

A marketer who gets excited about all things e-commerce. Outside of office hours, you'll most likely find Akseli from the countryside, hiking and shooting landscapes.

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Launching Your Successful RV Rental Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for an easy entrance into entrepreneurship (or your next big business venture), an RV rental business may be just the ticket.

Not only is an RV business easy to start up– provided you have the capital for at least one (preferably a few) pre-owned RVs – but it’s a relatively easy business to scale.

And, not to mention, an RV rental business is a relatively passive source of income , with most of the business consisting of marketing and coordinating the renting itself.

Once your RV rental business is fully established, the business structure allows you to sit back and collect rental payments every time a customer rents one of your RVs.

Learn more about the benefits of RV renting here: Is Renting out Your RV Worth It? What You Should Know | Neighbor Blog .

So, if starting an RV rental business sounds like it could be your next investment, read on to find out everything you need to know to start and run an RV rental business.

How to Start an RV Rental Business

If you’ve started businesses before, you’ll recognize some of the steps below.

However, there are several things you’ll need to do that are unique to launching an RV rental business.

Make sure to pay special attention to these points (like our tips in #3) to make the most of your initial investment and get started off right.

Here’s how to start an RV rental business:

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Step #1: Create Your RV Rental Business Plan

First, let’s start with your business plan.

The major milestones in starting an RV rental business include the following:

Acquiring your RVs
RV maintenance
Communications

If you know how to acquire RVs in a cost-effective way, maintain them long-term, market your listings, and communicate with customers– you’re good to go.

Within your business plan, make sure to include:

How you’re going to acquire your RVs (more on that next)
Your process for preparing those RVs for rent
Your process for maintaining those RVs, specifically a checklist of items to review before and after each rental, as well as annual inspections and key service dates
Marketing channels, as well as any specific notes regarding strategy
Brand positioning , including your target market and ideal customer persona
And capital requirements , both initial startup capital needed as well as estimated recurring expenses and where that capital is coming from

You likely don’t have all of that information now, and that’s alright. That’s where this guide comes in.

Jot each of the above sections down and fill in what you can as you read through this guide. Once you’re done reading, complete any necessary market research you still have to do to fill in the areas only you can complete.

Step #2: Form Your RV Rental Business and Set Up Accounts

Next, let’s officially form your RV rental business and set up all your necessary accounts so that you can operate your business.

This part can be fun, but it can also be a bit of a drag (especially if you’ve started other businesses before). So, let’s roll through it quickly.

Here’s a rundown of all the important to-dos you’ll need to take care of before your business is officially up and running.

Register your business to get your tax ID
Obtain any necessary state and local business licenses and permits (every state is a little different, so check with your state and local municipality to find out what is required)
Purchase liability insurance for your business as well as insurance for each vehicle
Open a business bank account (you’ll use this later to purchase your RVs)
Set up your account software
Design and launch your website

Feel free to lump your website in with other marketing tasks, as you’ll likely take care of it at the same time. However, I’ve included it here because it’s more of a setup task.

Your website won’t attract any customers on its own, and it’s important to understand that.

Many start a new business thinking that once they launch their website, they’re in business, but that’s just the beginning.

With that said, once you have all of this completed, you’re now an RV rental business owner.

However, an RV rental business isn’t officially up and running until you get your first customer– and you do that by marketing (which we’ll talk about in #5).

Save up to $1,200/year on RV storage & parking

Step #3: acquire your rvs.

Now for the most fun order of business: purchasing your RV(s).

How many you purchase is completely up to you. You can technically start an RV rental business with a single RV rental, but if you’re serious about launching a full-scale RV rental business, then you should purchase at least three to five to start.

That includes the main RV sizes , also known as “ motorhome classes ” (Which appear below in order of size– yes, it is A, then C, then B):

Class A : The RV behemoths
Class C : Standard-sized RVs, what you’ve seen in most family road trip-themed movies
Class B : Smaller van-life-esque RVs

In addition to those, it would be smart to invest in at least one travel trailer and pop-up camper as well.

Travel trailers are smaller and include a trailer hitch (as the name implies) so that they can be hooked up to any vehicle and taken long-distance.

A pop-up camper is similar in that it’s a small camper addition, but think of it more as a travel trailer that expands (“pops”) out to include much more space than it initially seemed.

Pop-up campers have become popular in recent years, so you may be missing out by not including one in your inventory.

No matter what you can start with for now is fine. Just keep in mind that the sooner you can offer a greater variety of RVs and trailers, the fewer customers you’ll have to turn away (Note: Some RV renters will be looking for a specific size, while others will be more flexible).

With that said, a few quick notes on purchasing your first RVs:

Should You Purchase Pre-Owned?

If you’re familiar with property investing, think of purchasing RV rentals in the same way: purchase used and at the biggest discount you can get.

Consumers often purchase RVs, only to find that they don’t use their recreational vehicle often enough to justify the ownership costs , so they sell at a discount just to recoup their cost. Because of this, you can find incredible deals on practically unused RVs.

In many cases, an avid RV user will typically only take their RV on one trip per year for a few weeks during summer, meaning a one or two-year-old RV often won’t have many miles or wear-and-tear on it.

With this in mind, it’s easy to score great deals on pre-owned RVs, slashing your initial investment cost.

Learn more about what to look for when buying a used RV: What to Look For When Buying a Used RV .

Is It Better to Buy or Finance an RV?

To pair with the advice to purchase pre-owned above, paying in cash is generally advised when purchasing an RV.

Financing is an option, but you’ll be spending far more money over the life of the RV due to interest, which will really eat into your profits.

As much as you can keep those costs down– by purchasing cash – the better. If you can pair that with purchasing pre-owned, you’ll cut an enormous amount of your initial investment down, allowing you to reach profitability faster.

Step #4: Prepare Your RVs for Renting

Now that you have your RVs, it’s time to prepare them for business.

This includes two main tasks:

Preventative maintenance and a full inspection
And cleaning + furnishing

Let’s break each down individually:

Maintenance + Inspection

The very first thing you’ll want to do is enlist a quality mechanic to complete a comprehensive vehicle inspection of each RV you plan to purchase.

Depending on where you purchased your RV(s), you’ll want to have the inspection conducted pre-purchase.

This is ideal as it ensures you don’t purchase a pre-owned RV with unlisted damages. As a best practice, always request a CarFax report before purchasing, and make sure to take the RV(s) for a test drive.

When you hire a professional to conduct an inspection and perform necessary repairs, you should receive a full list of all items that need to be taken care of later. That way, you stay on top of ongoing maintenance.

One last note : Getting handy with certain basic maintenance tasks can really help reduce your vehicle maintenance costs over time. Changing out lights, doing an oil change, and replacing tires are all things you may opt to do on your own to further cut costs.

Cleaning + Furnishing

Once inspection and maintenance are complete, it’s time to fix up your RV so that you can offer the best experience possible for your renters.

This involves cleaning the entire vehicle inside and out as well as replacing any minor parts with wear-and-tear throughout the vehicle, such as faucet heads, cushion covers, and curtains.

Tip: Don’t purchase RV-specific furnishings, as they’re often sold as specialty items and overpriced. Standard home furnishings used in traditional homes (that aren’t on wheels) are typically compatible with RVs and typically come with a much lower price tag.

Once that is complete, you’ll want to supply your RVs with necessary items such as travel-sized soaps, paper towels, and shampoo. Make sure to keep these items stocked in a centralized location. Pro tip: Only stock up on these toiletries when the RV has officially been rented. Temperature changes may cause some of the items to spoil or burst from heat if left in the RV for long periods of time.

Step #5: List and Market Your RVs for Rent

Now that your business and RVs are all ready to go, the only thing left to do is list them on major rental sites and start marketing.

How you market will mostly depend on your budget. But first things first, you’ll need to get your website up and running.

If you have a low budget, social media and SEO are good low-cost investments to generate rentals. If you have a slightly higher budget, you could hire a contractor to create content for you or post paid ads.

If you have a higher budget, the fastest way to generate rentals is definitely ads. If you’re looking for a quick return on your investment and have the capital for it, investing in Facebook and Google Ads is a good place to start.

Tips for Jumpstart Your RV Rental Advertising

The best way to figure out how to advertise your brand on social is to create a new Facebook account.

Once your account is live, you’ll want to follow a few big RV rental communities (try to keep it at 3 max, you don’t want FB to flag you for spam and temporarily suspend your account)

By following RV rental communities, you’ll send the right signals to Facebook and ensure your business is filed in the “RV rental” bucket. That way, when RV rental companies create ads, you’ll be targeted. But why would I want to see competitor ads?

Imitation isn’t only the sincerest form of flattery. It’s a great marketing tool to leverage. After studying successful ads, you can work to replicate that success.

Another option is to use Facebook Ads Library , which allows you to search for a particular type of ad and view the ads themselves. Just make sure the ads you’re viewing are currently running so that you know they’re more likely to be profitable.

It will then be up to you to iterate and find what works best from there, but that will serve as a great starting point.

Start Your RV Rental Business Right

Ready to start your own RV rental business?

An RV rental business can be highly profitable–especially when compared to many other inventory-based businesses. With an RV rental business, you can money from that one piece of inventory for years (and even sell it once it’s time to replace the RV with something newer, recouping even more of your original cost).

Just make sure to create a detailed business plan and clarify your target market before investing, as we spoke about earlier.

One final thing you’ll need to figure out (especially if you plan to operate from home) is: where you plan to store your RVs. There are several options, from commercial storage to large-sized self-storage units (typically 10’ x 30’ or 10’ x 40’). You can even find outdoor RV storage for large fleets of rental vehicles.

Which you choose is up to you. Just make sure you pick something that offers convenient access so you can grab whichever RV you need fast and at a decent price.

Want to make finding RV storage simple and easy?

Check out Neighbor’s self-storage marketplace , where you can find all of the above storage options from one convenient place, compare choices, and get the storage you need quickly.

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How to Start an RV Rental Service

Main Sections In This Post Steps to Starting an RV Rental Business Points to Consider Knowledge Is Power Featured Video

In this post, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to starting an RV rental business.

In addition, we will give you an overview of what you can expect from operating an RV rental business and help you make better decisions and gain clarity.

You can access the latest resources in our “Knowledge Is Power” section, which can be used during the startup phase and once your RV rental business is fully operational.

There is an abundance of information available to explore. If you like this post, consider sharing it with others and bookmarking it for future reference.

Let’s get started with the steps.

The Steps to Start Your RV Rental Business

Below are the steps to starting an RV rental business.

Each step is linked to a specific section, allowing you to jump to your desired section or scroll to follow the steps in order.

An Overview of What You’re Getting Into
RV Rental Business Overview
Researching Your RV Rental Business
Looking Startup and Operating Costs
Creating Your Mission Statement
Creating A Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Choose an RV Rental Business Name
Register Your Company
Create Your Corporate Identity
Writing a Business Plan
Banking Considerations
Getting the Funds for Your Operation
Software Setup
Business Insurance Considerations
Supplier and Service Provider Considerations
Setting Your Prices
Physical Setup
Creating a Website
Hiring Employees
Getting Customers Through the Door

1. An Overview of What You’re Getting Into

It is essential to have a strong understanding of what you’re getting into. The more you know what to expect, the better your decisions will be and the fewer surprises you’ll encounter.

Before starting your RV rental business, there are many points to consider, the pros and cons of owning and operating your business, how passionate you are about your business, getting the right advice, and more.

When you consider these crucial points, you’ll better understand what you are getting into and can avoid many problems you could encounter if you bypass these issues.

Take the time to look at these considerations from the following link before starting your business, and you will gain the information to help you make the right decisions.

See our page on Critical Points to Consider before starting your business.

2. Gaining an Overview of Owning an RV Rental Business

Next, let’s discuss the issues that will give you an overview of what to expect from owning and running an RV rental business.

In this step, we will be looking at the following sections:

a.) A Quick Overview of Owning an RV Rental Business b.) RV Rental Business Models c.) Challenges You Could Face When Starting and Operating an RV Rental Business

a.) A Quick Overview of Owning an RV Rental Business

An RV rental business is a service-oriented venture that offers recreational vehicles (RVs) for temporary use to individuals or families seeking to explore travel destinations or embark on road trips.

These businesses typically maintain a fleet of RVs of varying sizes and configurations to accommodate different preferences and group sizes.

Day-to-Day Tasks in Running an RV Rental Business

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection : Regular maintenance of the RV fleet is imperative to ensure safe and reliable operation. Daily inspections for cleanliness, mechanical issues, and safety features such as brakes and lights are essential.
Customer Service and Reservations : Handling inquiries, processing bookings, and assisting customers with their rental needs. This involves providing information about available RVs, rental rates, terms and conditions, as well as addressing any concerns or questions from clients.
Cleaning and Preparing RVs : After each rental, thorough cleaning and sanitation of the RVs are necessary to maintain hygiene standards and provide a pleasant experience for the next renter. Additionally, restocking essentials like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and kitchen utensils may be required.
Documentation and Contracts : Managing paperwork related to rental agreements, waivers, insurance, and payment processing. Ensuring all legal and administrative requirements are met to protect both the business and its customers.
Marketing and Promotion : Promoting the RV rental business through various channels such as online platforms, social media, and partnerships with travel agencies or tourism websites. Creating enticing rental packages and special offers to attract customers.
Logistics and Inventory Management : Organizing the logistics of RV pickup and drop-off, coordinating schedules, and maintaining accurate records of inventory and availability. This includes tracking reservations, monitoring vehicle utilization, and scheduling maintenance tasks.
Financial Management : Handling finances including invoicing, billing, and tracking expenses. Managing accounts receivable and payable, budgeting for maintenance and operational costs, and analyzing financial performance to make informed business decisions.
Compliance and Regulations : Staying updated on industry regulations, safety standards, and licensing requirements. Adhering to legal obligations such as insurance coverage, vehicle registrations, and tax filings to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks.

Running and managing an RV rental business demands meticulous attention to detail, effective communication skills, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

By efficiently executing these day-to-day tasks, owners can ensure the smooth operation and success of their venture in the competitive rental market.

b.) RV Rental Business Models

Types of Setups and Business Models for an RV Rental Business

Traditional Rental Service : This model involves offering a fleet of RVs for rent to customers for a predetermined period. Customers pay a rental fee based on factors such as duration, size of the RV, and amenities. The business handles maintenance, cleaning, and logistics associated with rental operations.
Peer-to-Peer Rental Platforms : Similar to platforms like Airbnb, peer-to-peer RV rental platforms connect RV owners directly with renters. Owners list their RVs on the platform, set rental rates, and manage bookings themselves. The platform facilitates transactions and may charge a commission or service fee.
Subscription-Based Rentals : This model offers customers the option to subscribe to a membership program, allowing them to access a fleet of RVs for a monthly fee. Subscribers can typically choose from different tiers based on usage frequency and duration of rentals. This model provides convenience and flexibility for frequent travelers.
RV Fractional Ownership : In this setup, multiple individuals or investors collectively own an RV and share usage rights based on a predetermined schedule. Owners pay an initial investment and maintenance fees, and usage rights are allocated equitably among the co-owners. This model reduces individual ownership costs and allows for shared benefits.

Choosing a suitable business model from the beginning is crucial, as switching your model later is more challenging. Focusing on a niche allows you to adapt your products and services to a specific group of customers.

Consider becoming a specialist instead of trying to be a business that offers everything to everyone.

Identifying a business model that feels right to you is essential and can give you a better chance of succeeding.

c.) Challenges You Could Face When Starting and Operating an RV Rental Business

Challenges During the Startup Phase of an RV Rental Business

Initial Capital Investment :

Acquiring a fleet of RVs requires a significant upfront investment, which can strain the finances of a startup.

Securing funding or financing options may pose challenges, especially for entrepreneurs without substantial personal savings or established credit.

Regulatory Compliance :

Navigating the complex regulatory landscape governing RV rental businesses can be daunting.

Obtaining necessary licenses, permits, insurance coverage, and complying with safety standards and zoning regulations adds to the administrative burden and may delay the launch of the business.

Fleet Acquisition and Maintenance :

Sourcing reliable RVs and ensuring they are well-maintained is crucial for customer satisfaction and safety.

Finding reputable suppliers, negotiating favorable terms, and establishing maintenance protocols are initial hurdles for startup owners.

Marketing and Brand Building :

Building awareness and attracting customers in a competitive market requires effective marketing strategies.

Developing a compelling brand identity, establishing an online presence, and differentiating the business from competitors are ongoing challenges during the startup phase.

Operational Logistics :

Setting up operational processes and systems for reservations, bookings, customer service, and logistics management is essential for smooth business operations.

Implementing efficient workflows and technology solutions while balancing costs and scalability can be challenging for new owners.

Challenges During Operation of an RV Rental Business

Seasonal Demand Fluctuations :

The RV rental industry often experiences seasonal peaks and troughs, with demand varying based on factors like weather, holidays, and travel trends.

Managing inventory and staffing levels to meet fluctuating demand while optimizing revenue presents ongoing challenges.

Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs :

Maintaining a fleet of RVs in optimal condition requires continuous investment in maintenance and repairs.

Balancing the need for regular upkeep with minimizing downtime and repair costs poses a constant challenge for business owners.

Customer Service and Satisfaction :

Providing exceptional customer service and addressing issues promptly is vital for retaining customers and building a positive reputation.

Handling customer complaints, resolving disputes, and managing expectations can be demanding, especially during peak seasons.

Competitive Pricing and Differentiation :

Staying competitive in a crowded market requires strategic pricing strategies and differentiation.

Monitoring competitors, adjusting rental rates, and offering unique services or amenities to attract customers while maintaining profitability is an ongoing challenge.

Regulatory Compliance and Changes :

Keeping up-to-date with evolving regulations, safety standards, and legal requirements in the RV rental industry is essential.

Adapting to regulatory changes, obtaining permits, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations pose ongoing challenges for business owners.

3. Research

Quality information plays a significant role in achieving success.

Continuous research is vital. The more you know, the easier it is to operate your business.

a.) Demand, the Competition and Your Location b.) Target Audience

a.) Demand, the Competition and Your Location

Determining the demand for your products and services before starting your RV rental business is essential. Offering high quality and reasonable prices is not enough.

There must be enough demand for what you plan to offer, or opening your business doesn’t make sense.

A lack of demand will lead to closing before you see any success, and you could have a mountain of debt that’s challenging to repay.

Market Saturation:

In addition to market demand, you need to consider if the market is saturated with what you plan to offer. With a saturated market, gaining market share won’t be easy unless you offer something your competitors don’t.

You also need to consider if the competition could easily copy your idea. If so, competitors are already established, so they could take most of the market share for your idea.

Competition:

When looking at the competition, focus on what you are up against. Understand your competition, what they provide and their strengths and weaknesses.

You may be able to bring something new to the marketplace instead of just going head-to-head with the competition. Understanding what you are up against is crucial when starting a new business.

Choosing Your Location:

Ideally, you should focus on a location that balances sufficient demand with a manageable level of competition. Moreover, affordability is another crucial consideration.

While a highly populated area might provide greater exposure, you must ensure that the increased expenses won’t outweigh your profits.

Opting for cheaper rent may seem tempting, but you must ensure the location has enough customers to provide enough revenue for your RV rental business to be profitable and survive.

In conclusion, choosing the right location with balanced supply and demand is crucial for your business’s success. Take the time to thoroughly research and analyze potential locations to make an informed decision.

For more, see the Demand for Your Products and Services and Choosing The Best Location for Your Business.

b.) Target Audience

Benefits of Understanding Your Target Audience

Adaptability : Understanding your target audience allows you to adapt your products, services, and offers to meet their specific needs and preferences. By tailoring your offerings to suit their requirements, you increase the likelihood of attracting and retaining customers.
Focused Marketing Efforts : With a thorough understanding of your target audience, you can focus your marketing efforts more effectively. Instead of employing a broad marketing approach, you can target your messaging and promotional activities to resonate with the interests and priorities of your ideal customers.
Increased Customer Satisfaction : Meeting the needs and expectations of your target audience leads to higher levels of customer satisfaction. When customers feel understood and valued, they are more likely to return for repeat business and recommend your services to others.
Competitive Advantage : Understanding your target audience gives you a competitive advantage by enabling you to differentiate your business from competitors. By offering unique value propositions that appeal specifically to your target market, you can stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Improved Decision-Making : Armed with insights into your target audience’s preferences, behaviors, and demographics, you can make more informed business decisions. Whether it’s product development, pricing strategies, or expansion plans, understanding your customers allows you to make choices that are more likely to resonate with your audience and drive success.

Target Market Ideas:

Families seeking affordable vacation options
Adventure enthusiasts looking for outdoor experiences
Retirees wanting to explore the country in comfort
Tourists seeking unique travel experiences
Event attendees in need of temporary accommodation
Travel agencies seeking partnership opportunities
Corporate clients planning team-building retreats
Film and production companies requiring on-location accommodation
Festival organizers in need of temporary lodging solutions
Individuals renovating their homes and in need of temporary housing

4. Looking Startup and Operating Cost:

Understanding the financial aspect of your business and making good decisions based on the facts are crucial factors in succeeding.

You will struggle to manage a successful operation without investing the time and effort necessary to understand the financials of your RV rental business.

This section has a lot to cover, and these are critical steps in starting and operating your business.

The section is broken up into the following:

a.) Start-up Cost:

In this step, we will look at the importance of getting accurate estimates and a simple list to help you understand your needs.

b.) Monthly Expenses:

Expenses must be monitored, or the operation could be jeopardized. A sample list of monthly expenses is provided, which can be used to generate ideas for your setup.

c.) Best Practices

Well take a look at what you can do to ensure you are always on top of the financial well being of your operation.

Let’s get started!

a.) Start-Up Costs:

Accurately estimating startup costs is crucial for smooth planning and execution. Underestimating may lead to financial difficulties, while overestimating can deter investors. Costs depend on factors like business model, size, location, hiring, and equipment purchase or rental.

To estimate, list all necessary expenses and research prices. Additional issues may arise during research.

Sample estimates vary due to diverse setups, making it impossible to provide an exact figure. Thorough research ensures accurate estimates, determining the feasibility of starting an RV rental business.

Sample List: Startup Costs for an RV Rental Business

The purpose of the list below is to focus on the items more than the numbers because these are general samples, and your figures will be different.

Fleet Acquisition and Maintenance:

Purchase of 5 mid-sized RVs: $150,000 – $200,000
Vehicle registration and licensing: $5,000 – $7,000
Initial maintenance and repairs: $10,000 – $15,000
Total: $165,000 – $222,000

Facility Setup:

Rent or lease for office and storage space (first month’s rent + security deposit): $5,000 – $10,000
Office furniture and equipment: $3,000 – $5,000
Storage racks and shelving: $2,000 – $3,000
Total: $10,000 – $18,000

Marketing and Branding:

Website development: $3,000 – $5,000
Marketing materials (business cards, flyers , etc.): $1,000 – $2,000
Digital marketing and advertising: $5,000 – $8,000
Total: $9,000 – $15,000

Insurance and Legal Expenses:

Liability insurance: $2,000 – $3,000
Legal fees (business registration, contracts, etc.): $3,000 – $5,000
Total: $5,000 – $8,000

Staffing and Training:

Hiring and training costs for 2 employees (including salaries for the first month): $8,000 – $12,000
Total: $8,000 – $12,000

Miscellaneous Expenses:

Utilities and initial setup fees (internet, phone, etc.): $1,000 – $2,000
Office supplies and miscellaneous expenses: $2,000 – $3,000
Contingency fund (10% of total estimated costs): $33,400 – $44,200
Total: $36,400 – $49,200

Grand Total Estimated Startup Costs: $233,400 – $314,400

For more, refer to our article on Estimating Startup Costs.

b.) Monthly Operating Costs:

Your monthly expenses largely mirror the startup costs discussed earlier, but various factors influence these ongoing expenses:

Business Setup and Staffing : Whether your business operates independently or with staff significantly impacts monthly expenses. Staff salaries, benefits, and training add to operational costs.
Location Costs : A prime location in a high-traffic area commands higher rent and operational expenses compared to a less-central location. Lease or rent costs, utilities, and property maintenance contribute to monthly expenditures.
Marketing and Advertising : Monthly expenses may include ongoing marketing campaigns to attract and retain customers. Costs for digital marketing, advertising materials, and promotions impact the budget.
Operational Costs : Regular expenses such as utilities, insurance premiums, vehicle maintenance, and fuel add to monthly overhead. These costs ensure smooth business operations and customer satisfaction.

To maintain optimal business performance and handle revenue fluctuations, it’s essential to manage expenses effectively.

While controlling costs is crucial, it’s equally important to prioritize investments that maintain quality, customer service, and productivity, ensuring long-term success in the competitive RV rental market.

Sample List of Monthly Expenses for a Mid-Sized RV Rental Business

Again, the purpose of the list below is to focus on the items in the list more than the numbers. The numbers are a general idea, and your numbers will differ.

Loan Repayments and Financing Costs:

Loan repayment for RV fleet acquisition: $3,000 – $5,000
Interest payments on financing: $500 – $1,000
Total: $3,500 – $6,000

Payroll and Employee Expenses:

Salaries for 2 employees (including taxes and benefits): $4,000 – $6,000
Total: $4,000 – $6,000

Utilities and Facility Expenses:

Rent or lease for office and storage space: $2,000 – $4,000
Electricity, water, and other utilities: $500 – $800
Total: $2,500 – $4,800

Vehicle Maintenance and Fuel:

Routine maintenance and repairs for RV fleet: $1,500 – $3,000
Fuel costs for RVs: $1,000 – $2,000
Total: $2,500 – $5,000

Insurance Premiums:

Liability insurance for business and vehicles: $500 – $1,000
Total: $500 – $1,000

Marketing and Advertising:

Digital marketing campaigns and advertising materials: $1,000 – $2,000
Total: $1,000 – $2,000

Operating Supplies and Miscellaneous Expenses:

Grand Total Estimated Monthly Expenses and Operating Costs: $14,000 – $25,800

c.) Best Practices

Effective financial management is crucial for your business. By doing so, you will clearly understand its performance.

With this information and understanding you will have the ability to to manage your business with more control.

For more, see, Critical Points About Small Business Finances

5. Create Your Mission Statement

Importance of a Mission Statement for an RV Rental Business:

A mission statement serves as a guiding principle for your RV rental business, helping to identify its purpose. It ensures you stay focused on the main benefit you provide to customers and the community.

By articulating your mission, you clarify your business’s objectives and values, which aids decision-making and aligns efforts toward achieving long-term goals.

Examples of Mission Statements for an RV Rental Business:

“Our mission is to provide families with affordable and memorable outdoor adventures by offering high-quality RV rentals and exceptional customer service.”
“We are committed to promoting exploration and freedom by providing travelers with comfortable and reliable RV rentals, enabling them to experience the beauty of nature and create lasting memories.”
“At our RV rental business, our mission is to facilitate unforgettable travel experiences by offering a diverse fleet of well-maintained RVs and personalized service, ensuring every journey is safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free.”

For more, see How To Create a Mission Statement.

6. Creating A Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

A Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is essential for distinguishing your RV rental business from competitors. It helps identify and create something unique that sets your business apart in the market.

By highlighting your USP, you communicate the specific value or benefit customers can expect, making your business more attractive and memorable.

A well-defined USP can attract customers, increase brand recognition, and drive business growth.

Examples of a USP for an RV Rental Business:

“Our RV rental business offers 24/7 roadside assistance included with every rental, ensuring peace of mind and convenience for our customers.”
“We provide environmentally-friendly RVs equipped with solar panels and energy-efficient appliances, allowing eco-conscious travelers to explore sustainably.”
“With our unique ‘Try Before You Buy’ program, customers can rent our RVs for a weekend getaway and apply the rental cost towards the purchase price if they decide to buy within 30 days.”

7. Choose a Business Name

When selecting a name for your RV rental business, prioritize a catchy and industry-appropriate name.

It should be easy to pronounce, memorable, and reflect the nature of your business.

Remember, changing business names is complex, so choose carefully. Ensure the availability of a matching domain name for online presence and check for existing registrations to avoid legal issues.

30 Ideas for RV Rental Business Names:

Here Is a List of Sample RV Rental Business Names:

AdventureWheels Rentals
Wanderlust RV Rentals
NomadCampers
RoadRoam RV Rentals
FreedomTrail RV
OpenRoad Adventures
HappyTrails RV Rentals
ExploreEase RV
SummitRV Rentals
RollingHorizons
VoyagerRV Rentals
TrailBlaze RV
PeakProwess RV Rentals
ExploreXpress
OasisRV Rentals
CoastalCruise RV
HorizonHaven Rentals
TravelEase RV
SummitSight RV Rentals
Skyline RV Adventures
Trailblazer RV Rentals
NomadNest RV
WanderWheels
LibertyRV Rentals
AdventureAwaits RV
VagabondVoyage
TrekTrails RV Rentals
HorizonHaven RV
NomadNest RV Rentals
SummitSight RV

This list can help spark your creativity and inspire you to create an original name that resonates with your business vision and values.

For more, see the following articles:

How To Register a Business Name
Registering a Domain Name For Your Business

8. Register Your Company

Ensuring Legal Compliance for Your RV Rental Business:

Professional Consultation: Consulting with a legal professional ensures your RV rental business is set up appropriately for tax benefits, liability protection, and legal compliance. They can advise on the most suitable business structure and help navigate complex regulations.

Common Types of Registrations for an RV Rental Business:

Sole Proprietorship: A simple and common structure where the business is owned and operated by one individual. Requires minimal registration but offers no liability protection.
Partnership: A business owned and operated by two or more individuals. Partners share profits, losses, and liabilities based on the partnership agreement.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): Provides liability protection for owners while offering flexibility in management and tax benefits. Requires registration with the state.

Permits and Licenses for an RV Rental Business:

Business License: Obtained from the local government to legally operate a business within a specific jurisdiction.
Vehicle Registration: Required for each RV in the rental fleet, ensuring compliance with state transportation regulations.
Sales Tax Permit: Allows collection and remittance of sales tax on rental transactions, typically obtained from the state revenue agency.
Rental Permit: Some municipalities may require a specific permit for operating a rental business.
Insurance: Liability insurance coverage is essential to protect against potential accidents or damages involving rented RVs.
Zoning Permit: Ensures the business location complies with zoning regulations, particularly if operating from a commercial property.
Health Permit: Required if offering additional services like food or beverage sales from the rental office.
Environmental Permit: Necessary if the business involves activities that may impact the environment, such as waste disposal or storage of hazardous materials.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Registration: Required for interstate transportation of passengers or goods, depending on the scope of operations.

Registration:

How to Register Your Business
How To Register a DBA
How to Register a Trademark
How to Get a Business License

Business Structures:

How to Choose a Business Structure
Pros & Cons of a Sole Proprietorship
How To Form an LLC
How To Register a Business Partnership
How To Form a Corporation
How To Choose a Business Registration Service

9. Create Your Corporate Identity

A Corporate ID, or Corporate Identity, is a visual representation of your business that includes components such as your logo, business cards, website, signage, stationery, and promotional materials.

Consistency in design across these elements creates a professional image that leaves a lasting impression on customers.

A cohesive Corporate ID reinforces brand recognition and trust, making your business appear more reliable and credible to both new and existing customers.

Therefore, investing in a well-designed Corporate ID is crucial for establishing a strong and memorable brand presence in the market.

You can see our pages for an overview of your logo , business cards , website , and business sign , or see A Complete Introduction to Corporate Identity Packages.

10. Writing a Business Plan

Business Plan Importance:

A business plan serves as a roadmap for your RV rental business, aiding in securing financing and guiding operations.

Vision and Effort:

Crafting a business plan demands significant time and effort but provides a clear vision for your business.

Various Options Available:

You can create a plan from scratch, hire professionals, use templates, or leverage software.

Active Participation Essential:

Regardless of the approach, active participation ensures effective communication of your business’s nature and management strategies.

Flexibility and Adaptation:

Expect changes in your business plan and operations as you gain experience or market dynamics shift.

Regular Review and Optimization:

Periodically review and optimize your business plan and operations to align with evolving needs and opportunities.

Business Plan Sample Template for an RV Rental Business

Below is a business plan that serves as a template.

You can adapt it to fit your RV rental business.

Business Plan Template for an RV Rental Business

1. Executive Summary:

Overview of the RV rental business concept.
Mission statement.
Business goals and objectives.
Summary of key financial projections.

2. Company Description:

Detailed description of the RV rental business.
Legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC).
Location and facilities.

3. Market Analysis:

Analysis of the RV rental market.
Target market demographics and psychographics.
Competitive analysis of other RV rental businesses.

4. Organization and Management:

Organizational structure.
Management team profiles and responsibilities.
Staffing plan and hiring strategy.

5. Products and Services:

Description of RV rental fleet.
Additional services offered (e.g., insurance, maintenance).
Pricing strategy.

6. Marketing and Sales Strategy:

Marketing plan detailing promotional activities.
Sales strategy and tactics.
Customer acquisition and retention plan.

7. Funding Request:

Amount of funding required.
Breakdown of how funds will be used.
Repayment plan (if applicable).

8. Financial Projections:

Income statement projections.
Cash flow projections.
Balance sheet projections.
Break-even analysis.

9. Appendix:

Supporting documents (e.g., resumes, permits, licenses).
Additional market research data.
Detailed financial spreadsheets.

See How to Write a Business Plan for information on creating yours.

11. Banking Considerations

When selecting a bank for your RV rental business, opt for one with a local branch, specializing in small business services, and holding a solid reputation in the financial sector.

Building a rapport with your banker is crucial for receiving guidance and assistance, especially during challenging periods.

Maintaining a separate business account facilitates expense tracking, report generation, and tax filing accuracy.

Additionally, acquiring a merchant account enables you to accept credit and debit card payments, enhancing sales and customer convenience.

For more, see How to Open a Business Bank Account. You may also want to look at What Is a Merchant Account and How to Get One.

12. Getting the Funds for Your Operation

Considerations When Meeting with a Loan Officer:

Business Plan: Provide a detailed business plan outlining your RV rental business concept, target market, financial projections, and marketing strategies.
Credit History: Be prepared to discuss your personal and business credit history, including any outstanding debts, loans, or bankruptcies.
Collateral: Determine if you have assets that can serve as collateral for the loan, such as property, vehicles, or equipment, to secure the financing.
Loan Purpose: Clearly explain how the loan will be used to support your RV rental business, including startup costs, equipment purchases, inventory acquisition, and operational expenses.
Repayment Plan: Present a feasible repayment plan demonstrating how you intend to generate sufficient revenue to repay the loan on time, including cash flow projections and contingency plans.
Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the RV rental industry, market trends, competition analysis, and potential challenges to reassure the loan officer of your business expertise.

Documents Needed to Apply for a New RV Rental Business Loan:

Business Plan: Detailed document outlining your business concept, market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plan.
Personal Identification: Valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity.
Credit History: Credit report and score providing information on your personal and business credit history, including any outstanding debts or loans.
Financial Statements: Income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections reflecting your business’s financial health and ability to repay the loan.
Collateral Documents: Documentation of any assets or properties offered as collateral for the loan, such as property deeds, vehicle titles, or equipment appraisals.
Legal Documents: Business registration documents, licenses, permits, and any other legal paperwork required to operate an RV rental business in your area.
Tax Returns: Personal and business tax returns for the past few years to assess your financial stability and income history.

For more, see the following:

Getting a Small Business Loan
SBA Small Business Grants
Search: RV Rental Business Start-up Loans
Search: Grants For an RV Rental Business

13. Software Setup

Software Solutions for RV Rental Business:

Rental Management Software: Tracks reservations, scheduling, vehicle availability, customer information, contracts, and billing for efficient management of rental operations.
Fleet Management Software: Monitors the condition, maintenance schedules, and performance of the rental fleet, facilitating preventive maintenance, repairs, and vehicle lifecycle management.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: Manages customer interactions, inquiries, feedback, and marketing campaigns to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Accounting Software: Handles financial transactions, invoicing, payroll, tax preparation, and expense tracking to ensure accurate financial record-keeping and compliance.
Website and Booking Platform: Enables online reservations, payment processing, inventory management, and customer communication for seamless booking experiences.
GPS Tracking Software: Tracks vehicle location, route optimization, and driver behavior for enhanced security, efficiency, and customer service.
Maintenance Management Software: Schedules, tracks, and records vehicle maintenance tasks, inspections, and repairs to ensure fleet safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Analytics and Reporting Tools: Generates performance metrics, operational insights, and financial reports to facilitate data-driven decision-making and business analysis.
Communication and Collaboration Tools: Facilitates internal communication, task management, and document sharing among staff members for improved teamwork and productivity.
Mobile Applications: Provides on-the-go access to essential business functions, such as reservations, customer support, and vehicle monitoring, for enhanced flexibility and efficiency.

Check out Google’s latest search results for software packages for an RV rental business.

14. Get The Right Business Insurance

Business insurance is essential for protecting your RV rental business from various risks and liabilities associated with operating in the rental industry.

Comprehensive Protection:

Ensure your insurance policy offers comprehensive coverage to protect not only your rental vehicles but also your customers, employees, physical premises, and other assets from potential risks and damages.

Types of Insurance to Consider:

General Liability Insurance: Provides coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and other liabilities arising from accidents or incidents on your rental premises or involving your rental vehicles.
Professional Liability Insurance: Also known as errors and omissions insurance, this coverage protects you against claims of negligence or inadequate services provided to customers, such as incorrect vehicle maintenance or improper rental agreements.
Property Insurance: Protects your physical assets, including rental vehicles, office equipment, and premises, against damage or loss caused by fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Business Interruption Insurance: Provides financial protection in the event of a temporary closure or interruption in business operations due to covered incidents, such as vehicle accidents or property damage, helping to cover lost income and ongoing expenses during the downtime.
Commercial Auto Insurance: Specifically designed for vehicles used for business purposes, this insurance provides coverage for rental vehicles against accidents, collisions, theft, and other damages while on the road or parked at your premises.

Consulting an Insurance Broker:

Work with a knowledgeable insurance broker specializing in commercial insurance for the rental industry to assess your business’s specific risks and insurance needs.

An experienced broker can help you select appropriate coverage options and ensure you have adequate protection against potential liabilities and financial losses.

For more, see What to Know About Business Insurance . You can also browse the latest Google search results for RV rental business insurance .

15. Suppliers and Service Providers

Importance of Supplier Relationships in an RV Rental Business:

Key Factor for Success:

Establishing strong relationships with suppliers and service providers is critical for ensuring the smooth operation and success of your RV rental business.

Competitive Pricing:

Reliable suppliers can offer competitive prices, allowing you to maintain affordable rental rates for customers while maximizing your profit margin.

Continuous Supply:

Maintaining a good relationship with suppliers ensures a consistent and uninterrupted supply of essential items and materials needed to operate your business efficiently.

Mutually Beneficial Arrangements:

By treating suppliers with respect and ensuring mutually beneficial financial arrangements, you can foster trust and loyalty, leading to long-term partnerships that benefit both parties.

Items and Services Needed from Suppliers and Service Providers:

RVs and motorhomes for rental inventory
Vehicle maintenance and repair services
Cleaning supplies and equipment
Vehicle insurance policies
Camping and outdoor equipment (e.g., tents, chairs, grills)
Office supplies and stationery
Marketing materials (e.g., brochures, banners)
Website hosting and maintenance services
Accounting and bookkeeping services
Legal assistance for business contracts and agreements

For more information, see How To Choose a Supplier.

16. Setting Prices

Optimized Profitability:

Thorough pricing research enables you to set competitive rates that maximize revenue potential while covering operational costs and ensuring profitability.

Market Positioning:

Understanding market trends and competitor pricing allows you to position your RV rental business strategically, aligning your prices with prevailing industry standards and customer expectations.

Customer Attraction:

Setting appropriate prices helps attract customers by offering competitive rates without compromising on service quality, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Profitability Balance:

Striking a balance between competitive pricing and profitability ensures sustainable business growth, enabling you to generate revenue while maintaining financial stability and meeting business objectives.

See the following for more:

Setting the Price of Your Products and Services
Search Results for Pricing Strategies for an RV Rental Business.

17. Physical Setup

Considerations for RV Rental Business Layout:

Efficient Flow: Arrange the layout to facilitate smooth movement of vehicles, customers, and staff to optimize efficiency during rental transactions and vehicle maintenance.
Vehicle Accessibility: Ensure easy access to rental vehicles for both customers and staff, minimizing congestion and streamlining vehicle inspection and retrieval processes.
Security Measures: Implement security measures such as gated access, surveillance cameras, and proper lighting to safeguard rental inventory and provide peace of mind to customers.
Maintenance Area: Allocate a designated area for vehicle maintenance and cleaning, equipped with necessary tools and supplies to efficiently service and prepare rental units between bookings.
Customer Interaction Zones: Designate specific areas for customer interactions, such as rental pick-up and drop-off points, to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline rental processes.

Setting Up Business Signs:

Main Business Sign: Install a prominent and professionally designed main business sign at the entrance to attract customers and establish a strong brand presence in the area.
Location Signage: Place signs at all relevant locations, including exits, parking areas, rental pick-up/drop-off points, and specific service areas, to guide customers and enhance their overall experience.
Professional Design: Ensure all signage is well-designed, incorporating clear fonts, high-quality graphics, and consistent branding elements to convey professionalism and credibility to customers.

Office Setup for Efficient Business Management:

Time Management: Establish efficient workflows and prioritize tasks to effectively manage the time-consuming aspects of running an RV rental business, such as customer inquiries, reservations, and administrative duties.
Organizational Structure: Maintain an organized office layout with designated workstations for different tasks, ensuring easy access to essential tools, documents, and equipment to streamline operations.
Equipment and Supplies: Equip your office with necessary technology, communication tools, and office supplies to facilitate smooth business operations, communication with customers, and record-keeping processes.
Considerations for the Setup of Your Office
Considerations for Your Company Sign.

18. Creating a Website

Importance of a Website for Your RV Rental Business:

A website serves as the primary hub for your RV rental business, offering essential information about your offerings and promotions.

Unlike social media accounts, a website provides ownership and control when you host and register a domain name.

Additionally, your website serves as a powerful marketing tool, allowing you to blog about industry topics, share valuable insights, and establish credibility with your target audience, ultimately fostering trust and positioning your business as an expert in the field.

For more, see How to Build a Website for Your Business .

19. Hiring Employees

Initial Solo Operation:

Managing your RV rental business alone in the early stages can help control costs, especially considering payroll expenses.

However, as your business expands, the workload may become overwhelming, necessitating the hiring of additional personnel.

Key Considerations for Hiring:

When hiring employees for your growing RV rental business, prioritize individuals with relevant qualifications and strong work ethics .

Ensuring each new hire is the right fit for their role is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Job Positions and Outsourced Services to Consider:

Rental Manager: Responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, managing reservations, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Customer Service Representative: Handles inquiries, assists customers with rental inquiries, and resolves issues or concerns.
Maintenance Technician: Performs routine inspections, repairs, and maintenance tasks on rental vehicles to ensure they are safe and operational.
Marketing Specialist: Develops and implements marketing strategies to attract new customers, increase brand visibility, and drive business growth.
Accountant or Bookkeeper: Manages financial records, prepares budgets, handles payroll, and ensures compliance with tax regulations.
Cleaning Crew: Ensures rental vehicles are thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and stocked with essentials between rentals to maintain cleanliness and presentation standards.
IT Support: Provides technical assistance, maintains online booking systems, and ensures smooth operation of digital platforms.
Legal Advisor: Offers guidance on business regulations, contracts, insurance policies, and liability issues to protect the business and minimize legal risks.

Considering these job positions and outsourced services can streamline operations, enhance customer service, and support the continued growth and success of your RV rental business.

For more, see How and When to Hire a New Employee.

20. Getting Customers Through the Door

When you have reached this step, your business is set up and ready to go, with one more final step, which is important: getting customers through the door.

There are numerous ways to do this, like advertising, having a grand opening , word of mouth, etc.

The following sections will give you a few ideas to spark your creativity and draw attention to your new RV rental business.

In this step, we’ll cover the following sections:

a.) Marketing Considerations b.) The Market Can Guide You c.) Sample Ad Ideas d.) Joint Venture Ideas

Let’s dig a little deeper into the following sections.

a.) Marketing Considerations

Establishing a customer base for your RV rental business requires strategic marketing efforts, especially in the early stages when awareness is limited.

Building a positive reputation over time facilitates customer acquisition and retention, making marketing more manageable as your business matures.

Continuous Marketing Efforts:

Marketing your RV rental business is an ongoing process that demands constant attention and investment. Implementing effective marketing techniques is essential for generating revenue and sustaining business growth over time.

Accessible Marketing Options:

You don’t necessarily need to engage a marketing agency or expert to promote your RV rental business. Several simple methods can effectively raise awareness and attract customers:

Online Presence: Create a professional website and leverage social media platforms to showcase your RV rental offerings, engage with potential customers, and share compelling content.
Local Networking: Establish partnerships with local businesses, such as tourism agencies, campgrounds, or outdoor gear retailers, to cross-promote services and reach target audiences.
Word of Mouth: Encourage satisfied customers to spread the word about your RV rental business through referrals, testimonials, and online reviews, harnessing the power of word-of-mouth marketing.
Community Events: Participate in community events, fairs, or outdoor expos to showcase your RV fleet, interact with potential customers, and build brand awareness within your local community.
Online Listings: Utilize online platforms and directories dedicated to RV rentals to increase visibility and attract customers actively searching for rental options in your area.

By implementing these simple marketing methods, you can effectively raise awareness about your RV rental business, attract potential customers, and drive business growth without the need for extensive resources or expertise.

See How To Get Customers Through the Door and our marketing section for ideas on promoting your business.

b.) The Market Can Guide You

Staying Attuned to Customer Demand:

Remaining attentive to customer preferences is crucial for the success of any business, including an RV rental venture.

While you may have a specific vision for your offerings, it’s essential to acknowledge market demand for variations or additional services.

Ignoring signs of customer interest in certain features or amenities could mean overlooking opportunities for business growth and expansion.

Market Insights and Adaptation:

Regularly monitoring market trends and customer feedback allows you to identify evolving preferences and emerging demands.

Even if these preferences diverge from your original plans, adapting to meet customer needs can enhance your business’s competitiveness and long-term viability.

Balancing Vision and Market Demand:

While it’s essential to stay true to your business vision, incorporating customer insights can strengthen your offerings and attract a broader customer base.

Evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of aligning your business strategy with market demand, ensuring a balance between your vision and customer expectations.

Seizing Opportunities for Growth:

By remaining open to customer feedback and market signals, you position your RV rental business to capitalize on new opportunities and stay ahead of competitors.

Embracing change and responding proactively to customer needs can lead to sustained business success and increased customer satisfaction.

c.) Sample Ad Ideas

“Discover Your Next Adventure! Rent an RV Today!” Unleash your wanderlust with our top-quality RV rentals. Explore scenic landscapes, camp under the stars, and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Book now for the ultimate road trip experience!
“Escape the Ordinary! Rent an RV and Explore!” Break free from the mundane routine and embark on a journey of discovery. Rent an RV from us and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Start planning your adventure today!
“Experience Freedom on Wheels! Rent an RV Now!” Hit the open road and embrace the freedom of RV travel. From coast to coast, explore at your own pace and create lasting memories. Book your RV rental today and let the adventure begin!
“Road Trip Ready? Rent an RV and Hit the Highway!” Fuel your sense of adventure and hit the road in style with our RV rentals. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an epic cross-country journey, we’ve got you covered. Reserve your RV now!
“Adventure Awaits! Rent an RV and Explore Your Way!” Unleash your inner explorer and set out on the ultimate adventure with our RV rentals. Discover hidden gems, experience new cultures, and make every mile count. Start your journey today!

d.) Joint Venture Ideas

Approachable Businesses for Joint Ventures:

Campgrounds and RV Parks: Partner with local campgrounds or RV parks to offer exclusive rental discounts or package deals for their guests, promoting mutual business growth and enhancing customer experience.
Outdoor Adventure Companies: Collaborate with outdoor adventure companies offering activities like hiking, kayaking, or zip-lining to create bundled vacation packages combining RV rentals with outdoor experiences, appealing to adventure-seeking customers.
Tourism Agencies: Form partnerships with tourism agencies or visitor centers to include RV rental options in their travel packages or promote local attractions to renters, increasing exposure and attracting new customers.
Vehicle Dealerships: Team up with vehicle dealerships specializing in trucks, SUVs, or towing equipment to offer combined purchase or rental packages for customers interested in towing RVs, benefiting both businesses through cross-promotion and shared clientele.
Pet Care Services: Establish alliances with pet care services, such as pet-friendly accommodations, grooming facilities, or veterinary clinics, to offer pet-friendly RV rental packages, catering to pet owners and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Outdoor Retailers: Collaborate with outdoor retailers selling camping gear, outdoor apparel, or recreational equipment to offer rental discounts or promotional offers for RV renters, leveraging each other’s customer base and increasing sales opportunities.
Local Attractions and Events: Forge partnerships with local attractions, theme parks, or event organizers to provide RV rental accommodations for attendees or participants, generating additional revenue streams and fostering community engagement.
Travel Agencies: Coordinate with travel agencies or tour operators to incorporate RV rental options into their vacation packages or travel itineraries, diversifying their offerings and providing customers with alternative travel experiences.
Hospitality Industry: Join forces with hotels, resorts, or bed-and-breakfast establishments to offer RV rental packages for guests seeking alternative accommodations, expanding lodging options and attracting travelers interested in RV experiences.
Transportation Services: Collaborate with transportation services, such as airport shuttles, taxi companies, or rental car agencies, to offer convenient transportation options for RV renters, facilitating seamless travel experiences and enhancing customer convenience.

By exploring joint venture opportunities with compatible businesses, RV rental owners can expand their service offerings, reach new customer segments, and create mutually beneficial partnerships to drive business growth and success.

Also see How To Create A Joint Venture

Points To Consider

Next, for your RV rental business, let’s review essential points to consider

We will cover sections, including tips to improve the setup of your RV rental business, equipment, alternatives to starting from scratch, and more.

After that, you’ll reach the “Knowledge Is Power” segment, where you can access resources containing valuable information.

Key Points to Succeed in an RV Rental Business

Critical Points to Succeed in the Setup Phase of an RV Rental Business:

Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to understand customer preferences, competitor offerings, and industry trends to inform business strategy.
Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining objectives, target market, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections for clarity and direction.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing RV rentals, including licensing, insurance, zoning, and safety standards.
Fleet Acquisition: Acquire a diverse fleet of well-maintained RVs catering to various customer needs, preferences, and budget ranges to maximize rental opportunities.
Insurance Coverage: Secure adequate insurance coverage for the fleet, liability protection, and business assets to mitigate risks and protect against potential liabilities.
Online Presence: Establish a professional website and utilize online booking platforms to streamline reservations, enhance visibility, and attract potential customers.
Customer Service Protocols: Develop customer service protocols, including rental agreements, reservation processes, and communication channels, to ensure seamless interactions with clients.
Marketing Strategy: Implement a targeted marketing strategy utilizing online advertising, social media, search engine optimization, and local partnerships to reach potential renters effectively.
Operational Infrastructure: Set up operational infrastructure, including rental management software, maintenance schedules, and customer support systems, to facilitate smooth business operations.
Financial Planning: Establish financial systems for budgeting, accounting, and cash flow management to monitor expenses, track revenue, and ensure financial sustainability.

Critical Points to Succeed in the Operation Phase of an RV Rental Business:

Customer Experience: Prioritize exceptional customer service, providing personalized assistance, timely responses to inquiries, and support throughout the rental process to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Fleet Maintenance: Implement a rigorous maintenance schedule to ensure RVs are well-maintained, safe, and reliable for renters, minimizing downtime and maximizing rental opportunities.
Staffing and Training: Hire and train knowledgeable and customer-focused staff to handle reservations, vehicle inspections, customer orientations, and support services efficiently.
Inventory Management: Implement efficient inventory management systems to track fleet availability, manage reservations, and optimize utilization to maximize revenue potential.
Marketing and Promotion: Continuously market the business through targeted advertising, promotions, and referral programs to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
Operational Efficiency: Streamline operational processes, including rental check-in/out, vehicle inspections, and customer communication, to enhance efficiency and minimize wait times.
Employee Turnover Management: Develop strategies to reduce employee turnover , such as competitive compensation, ongoing training, and recognition programs, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.
Continuous Improvement: Solicit feedback from customers and employees to identify areas for improvement and implement changes to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
Adaptability: Remain adaptable to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and industry trends, adjusting business strategies and offerings as needed to stay competitive and relevant.
Financial Management: Monitor financial performance closely, regularly reviewing expenses, revenue, and profitability metrics to identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue growth.

Making Your RV Rental Business Stand Out

Ideas to Make an RV Rental Business Stand Out:

Unique Vehicle Selection: Offer a diverse range of RVs, including luxury models, eco-friendly options, and themed vehicles, catering to different customer preferences.
Exceptional Customer Service: Provide personalized assistance, prompt responses to inquiries, and attentive support throughout the rental process to exceed customer expectations.
Convenient Booking Process: Streamline the reservation process with online booking platforms, mobile apps, and self-service kiosks for seamless and efficient transactions.
Flexible Rental Options: Offer flexible rental durations, such as hourly, daily, weekly, or long-term rentals, to accommodate various travel plans and budgets.
Value-Added Services: Provide complimentary services like campground recommendations, travel itineraries, and RV orientation sessions to enhance the overall customer experience.
Themed Packages: Create themed rental packages, such as adventure seekers, family-friendly, or pet-friendly options, to cater to specific customer demographics and interests.
Enhanced Amenities: Equip RVs with premium amenities, such as gourmet kitchens, entertainment systems, and outdoor living spaces, for a luxurious and comfortable travel experience.
Community Engagement: Host RV owner meetups, travel workshops, and educational events to foster a sense of community among renters and enthusiasts.
Green Initiatives: Implement eco-friendly practices, such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and waste recycling programs, to appeal to environmentally conscious customers.
Social Media Presence: Utilize social media platforms to showcase RV rentals, share customer testimonials, and engage with followers to build brand awareness and loyalty.

Ideas for Add-ons for an RV Rental Business:

WiFi Hotspot: Offer optional WiFi hotspot devices for renters to stay connected during their travels, enhancing convenience and comfort on the road.
Outdoor Equipment Rentals: Provide add-on options for outdoor equipment, such as camping chairs, grills, and bicycles, to enhance the camping experience for renters.
Pet-Friendly Accessories: Offer pet-friendly add-ons, including pet beds, bowls, and leash tie-outs, for customers traveling with their furry companions.
RV Insurance Coverage: Provide additional insurance coverage options for renters to ensure peace of mind and protection against unforeseen incidents during their trip.
GPS Navigation System: Offer GPS navigation systems as add-on rentals to help customers navigate unfamiliar routes and destinations with ease.
RV Delivery and Setup: Provide a delivery and setup service for renters who prefer to have their RVs delivered to their desired campground or location, saving time and effort.
Concierge Services: Offer concierge services, such as grocery delivery, RV park reservations, and itinerary planning, to assist renters in organizing their travel logistics.
Adventure Packages: Create adventure packages that include add-ons such as kayaks, paddleboards, and hiking gear for renters looking to explore outdoor activities during their RV trip.
Entertainment Bundles: Offer entertainment bundles with options for DVD players, board games, and outdoor movie projectors to enhance the leisure experience for renters.
Cleaning Services: Provide optional cleaning services for renters upon return, ensuring the RV is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized for the next customer’s use.

Hours of Operation:

Office Hours: Typically, standard business hours for customer inquiries, reservations, and administrative tasks, such as Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Rental Pickup and Return Hours: Flexible hours to accommodate customer schedules, often including evenings and weekends for convenience.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Scheduled during off-peak hours to avoid disrupting customer rentals, often performed early mornings or late evenings.
Administrative Tasks: Completed outside of peak rental times to ensure full attention to customer needs during business hours.

Buyer Guides

Buyer guides provide insights from a customer’s perspective, offering valuable information for RV rental businesses.

They may reveal details or considerations previously overlooked, enhancing understanding and improving services for customers.

See the latest search results for RV buyer guides.

Focusing on your skill set is crucial for success in running an RV rental business. Evaluate whether you possess essential skills needed for various aspects, such as customer service, marketing, financial management, and maintenance.

If lacking, consider learning or hiring individuals with expertise in those areas to ensure smooth operations.

Essential Skills for an RV Rental Business Owner:

Customer Service: Ability to provide excellent customer service, address inquiries and concerns promptly, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Marketing: Proficiency in marketing strategies to attract customers, promote services through various channels, and maintain a strong online presence.
Financial Management: Understanding of financial concepts, budgeting, and accounting principles to manage revenue, expenses, and profitability effectively.
Operations Management: Skills in overseeing day-to-day operations, including scheduling rentals, managing reservations, and maintaining inventory.
Vehicle Maintenance: Knowledge of RV maintenance and repair procedures to ensure fleet safety, reliability, and compliance with regulations.
Communication: Strong communication skills to interact effectively with customers, employees, and business partners, both verbally and in writing.
Problem-Solving : Ability to identify issues, analyze situations, and implement solutions promptly to address challenges and optimize business performance.
Adaptability: Capacity to adapt to changing market trends, customer preferences, and industry regulations to stay competitive and resilient.
Negotiation: Proficiency in negotiation techniques to secure favorable rental agreements, supplier contracts, and business partnerships.
Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate employees , delegate tasks effectively, and foster a positive work culture to drive business success.

By possessing and continuously honing these essential skills, RV rental business owners can navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and build a successful and sustainable venture.

For more, see The Essential Skills To Run a Business

Considering an RV Rental Business For Sale

Benefits of Buying an Established RV Rental Business:

Immediate Revenue Generation: Taking over an existing RV rental business allows you to start earning revenue from day one, bypassing the time-consuming startup phase.
Elimination of Startup Risks: By purchasing an established business, you avoid the uncertainties and risks associated with launching a new venture, such as market validation and operational challenges.
Predefined Financial Performance: You have access to comprehensive financial records, including revenue, profit, and expenses, providing clarity on the business’s financial health and potential profitability.
Existing Customer Base: An established RV rental business typically comes with a loyal customer base, providing a steady stream of revenue and potential for growth through customer retention and referrals.
Established Reputation: The business has already built a reputation within the industry, potentially leading to increased trust and credibility among customers and suppliers.

Disadvantages of Buying an Established RV Rental Business:

Higher Acquisition Cost: The purchase price of an established business is often higher due to the value of its goodwill, including its customer base, brand reputation, and operational history.
Resistance to Change: Implementing significant changes to the business’s operations or offerings may face resistance from existing customers, potentially leading to customer attrition and revenue loss.
Inherited Reputation: Acquiring an existing business means inheriting its reputation, whether positive or negative. Managing and improving upon the existing reputation can be challenging and require careful strategic planning.

Exploring the option of purchasing an existing RV rental business provides several advantages and considerations compared to starting from scratch.

It’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence and analysis to assess the viability and fit of the business before making a purchase decision.

The latest search results for an RV rental business for sale and others in the same category.

See our article on performing due diligence for buying a business if you find something promising.

Franchise Opportunities Related to an RV Rental Business

Pros of Owning a Franchise:

Proven Business Model: Franchises offer a tested and refined business model, providing a roadmap for success established by the corporate office.
Benefit from Brand Reputation: Access to an established brand’s reputation and marketing efforts can jumpstart your RV rental business’s visibility and credibility.
Comprehensive Training: Franchise owners receive thorough training and support, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate the business effectively.
Corporate Support: Franchisees receive ongoing support from the corporate office, including assistance with marketing, operations, and troubleshooting.

Cons of Owning a Franchise:

High Initial Investment: Franchise ownership typically involves significant upfront costs, including franchise fees, equipment purchases, and other expenses.
Limited Autonomy: Franchise owners have limited freedom to make significant changes or innovations without approval from the corporate headquarters.
Restrictions on Products and Services: Franchise agreements often dictate the specific products and services that can be offered, limiting flexibility and creativity.
Operational Constraints: Franchisees must adhere strictly to the operational guidelines outlined in the franchise agreement, leaving little room for deviation.
Ongoing Fees: Franchisees are required to pay ongoing fees to the franchisor, which may include royalties, marketing contributions, and other expenses.

Exploring franchise opportunities can provide valuable insights and resources for launching an RV rental business.

Even if an exact match isn’t available, related industries or concepts may offer valuable inspiration or insights for your venture.

See the latest search results for franchise opportunities related to this industry.

Knowledge Is Power if You Use It!

There are many sources of information that you may not have considered to increase your knowledge for starting and running an RV rental business.

The good news is that the sections below cover a lot of material, and I have made it easy for you by providing links to search results.

You don’t have to focus on what to look for; instead, click the links that interest you and explore the search results.

You can explore now or bookmark this page to return another time.

Terminology

Being familiar with the terminology in your industry is a must. You can pick it up as you gain more experience.

For now, you can see the list below to get you started.

RV (Recreational Vehicle): A motor vehicle or trailer equipped with living space and amenities for temporary accommodation.
Rental Agreement: A legal document outlining terms and conditions of the rental transaction between the RV owner and renter.
Class A Motorhome: Large, luxurious motorhomes built on heavy-duty chassis, providing ample living space and amenities.
Class B Motorhome (Camper Van): Compact motorhomes built on standard van chassis, offering basic amenities in a smaller footprint.
Class C Motorhome: Mid-sized motorhomes built on truck chassis, featuring a distinctive overcab sleeping area and various amenities.
Travel Trailer: Non-motorized trailers towed by a vehicle, available in various sizes and configurations.
Fifth Wheel Trailer: Large trailers designed to be towed by pickup trucks with a specialized hitch, offering spacious interiors.
Pop-Up Camper (Folding Camping Trailer): Lightweight trailers with collapsible walls and roof, providing compact living space.
Campervan: Smaller, self-contained vans converted for camping, offering basic amenities for travel and accommodation.
Dry Camping (Boondocking): Camping without hookups to external water, electric, or sewer services.
Full Hookup: Campsite with access to water, electric, and sewer connections for RVs.
Dump Station: Facility for emptying RV waste holding tanks, including gray and black water.
Generator: Equipment used to produce electricity for powering appliances and amenities in the RV.
Slide-Out: Mechanism allowing expansion of interior living space in RVs, typically extending from the sidewall.
Awning: Retractable canopy attached to the exterior of an RV, providing shade and shelter.
Shore Power: Electrical connection to external power sources, allowing RVs to operate appliances without using internal batteries or generators.
Holding Tanks: Tanks within RVs for storing freshwater, gray water (from sinks and showers), and black water (from toilets).
Boondocking: Camping in remote or undeveloped areas without access to traditional amenities or facilities.
Dumping Station: A facility equipped with dumping facilities for emptying RV waste tanks.
Campground: A designated area for setting up temporary accommodation with facilities such as restrooms, showers, and recreation areas.

Trends and Statistics

Analyzing industry trends and statistics for an RV rental business offers insights into customer preferences, market demand, and competitor strategies.

This data informs decision-making, helps identify growth opportunities, and ensures alignment with market dynamics for sustained success.

See the latest search results for trends and statistics related to the RV rental industry.

Associations

Trade associations provide benefits such as industry news updates and networking opportunities, aiding in staying informed and connected within the field.

See the search results for associations for an RV rental business and the benefits of Joining the Chamber of Commerce.

The Top RV Rental Businesses

Analyzing established RV rental businesses offers insights for innovation, identifying gaps for competitive advantage, and recognizing overlooked services. It’s crucial for shaping strategies and ensuring a unique value proposition in the market.

See the latest search results for the top RV rental businesses.

Customer Expectations

Examining search results for customer expectations on RV rentals offers valuable insights into meeting and surpassing customer needs. It allows businesses to anticipate potential issues and ensure comprehensive coverage, enhancing customer satisfaction and overall service quality.

See the search results related to customer expectations for RV rentals.

Tips For RV Rental Business

Examining tips for RV rental businesses enhances skill sets for both experts and novices. Experts may discover streamlined approaches or fresh perspectives, while novices gain valuable insights to improve skills and knowledge in the industry.

See the latest search results for RV rental business to gain tips and insights.

Tips for Running an RV Rental Business

Exploring tips and insights for managing an RV rental business can spark innovative ideas and enhance knowledge. Additionally, discovering advice on avoiding common issues proves invaluable for smoother operations.

See the latest search results about insights into running an RV rental business.

What To Avoid When Running an RV Rental Business

Learn from others’ mistakes to avoid pitfalls in your RV rental business. Utilize the provided link to discover valuable insights on what to avoid, minimizing risks and maximizing success in your operations.

See the latest search results about mistakes to avoid in your RV rental business.

Interviews With RV Rental Business Owners

Interviews with experienced RV rental business owners provide valuable insights and tips for industry success.

Learn from their experiences to expand your knowledge and gain practical ideas for effective strategies and pitfalls to avoid, enhancing your business operations.

See the latest search results for interviews with RV rental business owners.

Publications offer tips and insights about RV rental, serving as valuable resources for industry knowledge. Explore articles and guides to enhance your understanding and efficiency in managing your RV rental business.

See the search results for RV rental books.

Discussion Forums

Engaging in RV rental forums fosters dialogue and networking within the industry. Participate to gain insights into customer viewpoints, aiding in business improvement strategies.

See the latest search results related to RV rental discussion forums.

Online or local courses provide valuable learning opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge for managing your RV rental business effectively.

Consider enrolling to improve operations and stay competitive in the industry.

See the latest courses that could benefit an RV rental business owner . Also, see our management articles for tips and insights for managing your business.

Subscribing to leading RV rental blogs provides industry insights and updates.

Subscribe to relevant blogs, and assess for value and currency. This curation ensures a valuable resource of up-to-date information for your RV rental endeavors.

Look at the latest search results for top RV rental blogs to follow.

Service Based Business Tips

Analyzing data within the service sector aids in efficiently managing and enhancing your RV rental business.

Consistent review enables strategic adjustments for sustainable success and long-term viability.

Look at the latest search results for service tips and insights to follow.

Utilize news outlets to stay informed about RV rental trends and developments covered by the media.

Articles and reports can offer insights into industry changes, regulations, and popular destinations. Stay updated to make well-informed decisions regarding your RV rental plans.

See the latest results for RV rental news.

YouTube serves as a valuable resource for learning about RV rentals. While watching, explore related videos for additional insights and tips you might have overlooked.

These videos often provide diverse perspectives and practical advice to enhance your RV rental experience.

YouTube videos related to RV rentals.

Privacy Overview

Start an RV Rental Business

Why Starting an RV Rental Business is Your Road to Freedom and Success

white and brown van on road during daytime

RV RENTAL BUSINESS

Related business ideas, discover your perfect domain, rv rental mini business plan, business idea: rv rental business, expected percent margin:, earnings expectations:, actions to hit those numbers:, inventory management:, marketing and customer acquisition:, quality customer service:, seasonality:, not what you had in mind here are more ideas, grab your business website name, step 1: determine if the business is right for you, breakdown of startup expenses, breakdown of ongoing expenses, examples of ways to make money, step 2: name the business, step 3: obtain necessary licenses and permits, step 4: find a suitable location, step 5: purchase rvs, step 5: purchase an rv, step 6: establish an online presence, step 7: market the business, step 8: set up a booking system, step 9: hire employees, explore more categories, take the next steps.

5 Steps to starting your rental business and camping adventure

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 .

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.

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.

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

Common RV Renter Questions

Who cleans the rv after an rv rental.

The RV Owner is responsible for sterilization, following CDC guidelines for sanitizing after use. The RV owner or rental company is also responsible for the quality and functionality of the RV that they are renting out to guests.

Why do I need RVPlusYou, why not just book direct with the RV owner?

RVPlusYou holds payment for the RV rental, thereby making sure that both parties get what they expect. Payment to the owner of the RV does NOT happen until after check out. Booking through RVPlusYou means a reliable RV rental is delivered when it’s supposed to be, and payment for services is paid on time to RV owners. RVPlusYou provides marketing, advertising, reservation and booking software, as well as a $5,000 liability and $300,000 Protection Policy designed to protect both parties.

NOTE: Only fraudsters and scammers will request payment outside of the RVPlusYou booking system. If the RV owner requests information or payment outside of the platform, do not proceed with the booking!

What costs can I expect when I rent an RV from RVPlusYou

Rates and fees are determined by each individual RV owner. Owners publish a nightly rate, a delivery and set up rate, cleaning fees, and will list other fees that may apply, including extra mileage fees. Fees that RV owners charge may vary depending on the season, special event, etc.

RVPlusYou collects a nominal booking fee (8% to 17%) from renters. This amount is clearly outlined for you when you check availability and make a booking inquiry to an RV owner. For more information, see RV Rental Cost. For information on payments, see our Renter Payment Policy .

Does RVPlusYou deliver the RV or does the RV owner deliver and set up

RVPlusYou does not get involved in the delivery of the RV. The logistics of the RV rental delivery and set up is arranged by the owner. The RV is usually delivered by the RV owner, RV Vacation Rental manager, or a contracted RV Transport company.

Do I need to make a separate campsite reservation

Yes, you almost always need to find your own campsite reservation, but that can be negotiated with the RV owner. The campsite fee is paid separately from your RV rental through RVPlusYou unless you have made arrangements with the RV host. Some campgrounds are first-come, first-serve and your RV host can advise you how to best to secure those sites. Other campgrounds book up months in advance and require reservations well in advance.

Do I have to drive a big RV to my campsite and then set it up myself

No. RVPlusYou is different than other RV rental companies. Our RV owners will deliver, and set up the RV for you at an agreed destination—RV resorts, campgrounds, special events, farms, even private homes. You never have to drive the RV. You simply drive up to the location and begin enjoying your RV accommodations. At the end of your stay, you check out and drive away.

What is a Trust Platform

RVPlusYou is built on a trust platform, meaning that each party is verified by phone number, email, and social media (if available). Each party creates a profile that includes a full name, descriptive personal bio, and photos. We encourage users to get to know each other through our messaging system. Renters and RV owners are rated and reviewed by each other for past transactions. This builds value for RV Owners and peace of mind for RV renters. Remember, when in doubt, ask questions! Reach out to multiple RV owners. If you′re not getting the answers you need, consider booking with another RV owner.

How Payment for RV Rental Works

How does the payment process work and what are the payment options.

The RV owner must accept your reservation request for the dates and pricing you have agreed to in order for you to see the “Book It” button where you can pay.

You must click on the shopping cart to pay and confirm your reservation. Accepted payments include Visa, MasterCard and American Express which is process via Stripe . When you reach the payment window, enter your billing information first, then click ‘Continue’. You will see the option to pay by credit card on the next screen. Click for details on How to Book.

I’m ready to check out and pay for my RV rental. How can I pay by credit card?

After clicking on the “Book It” button, follow instructions to add a credit card and pay for your RV rental.

If you’ve navigated away from the payment instructions, you can find your booking in your shopping cart. Click on your name at the top of the page to find your cart and RV rental booking ready for payment.

Fill out the contact information required, accept the terms and conditins, and then click ‘Continue’. Click for More Payment Information .

How to Book an RV Rental

Step 1 – search rv rentals near your destination.

Enter your destination: Where you want the RV delivered; you will be sent to a search results page listing all RV rentals that deliver to that destination.

In most cases, this is a campground where you have reservations, or an event, a private home, or work site.
Most RV owners will deliver within 60 to 100 miles of their location for a set fee. Others will charge extra mileage fee for distances outside of their delivery area.
Contact several RV owners to insure you have options for your trip.
Note : Most RV owners require that you make campground reservations , unless your RV rental will be delivered to a private residence or event.

Step 2 – Sign Up and then Contact the RV Owner

Once you find an RV rental that works for you, contact the owner and check availability.

First you must sign up and become a member. It’s free and easy to do.

Photo of RV host and check availability button

Step 3 – Contact Multiple RV Owners – Ask Questions

The best way to find the right RV for you and your family, is to ask questions of multiple RV owners. Remember:

It doesn’t obligate you to “Check Availability” and ask questions.
If the RV listing doesn’t provide the necessary information or photos that help you make a decision, just ask: “Will you please upload a photo of the bathroom? Does your RV rental include camp chairs?”
Use the ‘Click to Call’ button to speak directly to the RV owner.

Step 4 – Pay for your RV Rental

Only after the RV owner has approved your request can you book your RV rental. Make sure you “request to book”. Note : RV owners also have the option to send a custom quote for a special offer. See payment policy for details.

Important : Once the RV owner accepts your request to book their RV, or sends a special offer, you will receive a message. Follow the prompts to your message inbox to book your rental.

You may now book and pay for your rental, cancel the request, or send a message to the RV owner.

How to List Your RV For Rent

Step 1 – click on the list your rv button – top right of page.

By clicking on “ List your RV ” you will start a process that first requires you to sign up or log in if you haven’t already.

Step 2 – Enter Information About Your RV

Make sure to choose a title that will be searched. Example : “RV Rental Sleeps 8 Delivered to Houston Area Campgrounds”
What should renters expect when they arrive?
What condition is your RV?
What sets you apart?
Note : The more relevant, detailed, and useful information you provide, the better your chances are of booking the rental request.

Questions an RV Owner might have

What about insurance.

RVPlusYou provides a Rental Protection Policy , that is included in our service fees. However, this damage and liability policy only applies when the RV is rented through this website, and within the contracted rental period. The RV is NOT covered while the RV is moving . Coverage applies only after the RV is set up at the destination, NOT while moving.

Note: The renter is always responsible for damages and the security deposit will always apply. Our rental protection plan is supplemental.

Most auto policies cover RV trailer towing, as well as your motorhome while you’re driving it to the campground destination, but check with your agent to be sure your RV is covered for commercial operations. Insurance is always a question that should be discussed with your insurance professional.

What happens if my renter cancels?

If your renter cancels their reservation, your cancellation policy will be employed and you will be paid accordingly.

Note: Your renter must click the cancellation button to officially cancel. Please advise your renter that they responsible for the Guest Fees, whether or not you cancel, or they cancel. Only if you cancel will they be free from paying the Guest Fees. If you, the RV owner cancels, you will be responsible to pay the Guest Fees on behalf of the renter.

Check to be sure your RV listing is displaying the correct policy.

Can I let the RV renter drive or tow my RV

Yes, you may let the RV renter book through the RVPlusYou platform and drive or tow your rental. It is your decision, however there are two issues to address:

The RVPlusYou Rental Protection policy does not apply to moving RV rentals. Make sure to obtain a rider from the renter’s auto policy to cover your RV.
The RVPlusYou terms and conditions apply to delivered RV rentals, not driving or towing rentals. Make sure to obtain a supplemental RV rental agreement that covers you for driving RV rentals.

Note : Most damage as well as excess miles on your RV will happen when you let others drive or tow. If you want to limit damage and maintain resell value, your focus should be on delivered RV rentals.

What are the RVPlusYou fees? What will renters be charged? What will owners be paid?

RVPlusYou will process the rental transaction on behalf of the RV owner and charge 3% of the total rental fees charged by the RV owner. Once the rental is complete, RVPlusYou releases the credit card deposit hold from the renter and pays the RV owner their portion of the rental fees (97%) within 72 hours.

Note: The 3% transaction fee charged to the RV owner is based on what the RV owner charges. In addition, RVPlusYou charges a guest booking fee of 8% to 17% to the renter.

On the day of check out, the RV Owner will receive an automated email asking about any issues or damage. RV owners should simply reply to that email. Tell the support team that there was no damage. Payment can usually be expedited and released the same or next business day. The credit card token for the renter’s damage deposit will also be released.

See Damage Policy if the RV incurred damage. Note that renters are responsible for any damage caused.

Who lists their RV on RVPlusYou

RV rental companies and individual RV owners typically list their RV’s for rent on the RVPlusYou peer to peer platform. For information on how much can be earned, see average cost to rent an RV.

RV owners can offset the high cost of owning an RV, expenses such as loan payments, insurance, maintenance and storage. RV rental companies can fill out the corners of their season by listing their RV’s. RVPlusYou returns 97% of the rental fees to the owners and rental companies.

How will RVPlusYou Pay me

RVPlusYou will send payment to your Stripe Express account, or by check. You must first set up your Stripe account and update your ‘Payout Preference’ in your ‘Account’ setting.

RVPlusYou Rental Protection Policy

Who pays for the rental protection benefit.

The RVPlusYou liability and damage policy “ Protection Policy ” is paid by RVPlusYou and included in the service fees paid by guest and RV owner.

How would the RVPlusYou Protection Program respond where a guest slips on Member Host property and sues

The RVPlusYou Protection Program liability coverage protects RVPlusYou recreational vehicle owners in the event that someone is injured on your recreational or you are deemed responsible for personal injury or property damage through negligence, in every case solely associated with a RVPlusYou booking. The program will also defend any claims against RVPlusYou recreational vehicle owners and pay for reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to the program limit regardless of who was at fault.

Website Help & Trouble Shooting

How does the click to call feature work.

The feature is only available to Gold Hosts and for those users with an updated and verified mobile phone number. To Opt Out of the feature, edit your profile and untick the box marked, “Share this number”.

Why can’t I use the ‘Click to Call’ feature that allows live phone calls between RV renter and RV Owner?

Second, both renters and RV owners must have verified their mobile phone accessed through the edit profile section. By verifying your mobile phone, you qualify for “Click to Call”.

How to verify your phone:

Click on your dashboard and find your profile.
Click on “edit profile” and scroll to the alerts section. Follow instructions to verify your mobile phone.
Be sure you tick ‘Yes’ to accept phone calls.

You are now set up for “Click to Call” and may call a Gold Host RV owner. If you are an RV owner, you must be a Gold Host in order to use this feature and contact renters prior to booking.

Note : Once you book and pay for a rental, both parties can see contact information whether they are a Gold Host or not.

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Renting Out Their RV Went From Side Hustle to Full-On Business That's Brought in $25,000 in One Month. Here's How. Four owners explain how their side hustles took off when the RV rental business started booming.

By Jessica Thomas May 24, 2021

The lure of the great American road trip has never been stronger than in the past year. Wide open roads, thousands of acres of national parks to explore — what more could you ask for from a pandemic-era vacation?

When hordes of people suddenly decided they wanted to road trip last summer, demand for the greatest road trip vehicle of all — the RV — skyrocketed. But not everyone wants to actually own an RV, so platforms for renting them were suddenly the hottest business in town.

A recent owners report from peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace RVshare found that 75% of the owners on its platform reported making more money in 2020 than 2019, and 50% of those owners were able to fully cover the cost of their RV with rental income. The average owner on RVshare brings in $16,000 a year, and more people are jumping on the bandwagon every day: 20% of the owners on RVshare joined in 2020, and 14% purchased an RV in 2020 for the express purpose of renting it out.

Outdoorsy , another peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, hit $1 billion in revenue last year, and it saw a 400% increase in bookings on some holiday weekends in 2020. For some of the owners on its platform, what started as a side hustle has enabled them to quit their full-time job or purchase more RVs to rent out. Below, read how four RV owners from across the U.S. who use Outdoorsy have turned a pandemic into a serious business opportunity.

Answers have been edited and condensed.

Brooke and Rob Lykins

Torrance, California

When did you buy your first RV?

We bought our first RV in 2017. Rob has always looked for adventure and thought an RV road trip would be fun. Brooke heard "RV" and thought dingy, old, brown, dirty. But after conquering a home addition and remodel together, we decided we could make a dingy RV just as beautiful to travel in. Thus, a new adventure began.

When did you start thinking about renting it out?

We had made this old RV so pretty and fun that friends and neighbors asked if they could rent it from us. Rob, being in the insurance industry, was not interested in this without finding a service that could provide short-term rental insurance for it. Brooke kept on bringing up the opportunity to make a little extra money.

When did you realize you could make serious money doing this?

Within a week of listing our RV, we got a rental. Then we got rentals continuously. We were making a consistent $2,500-plus a month on a 25-year-old RV that we had updated and owned free and clear. For us, this meant not going deeper into the debt hole every month and starting to keep our heads above water. It was a big deal. We bought two more newer RVs and renovated them.

After fees, how much money are you bringing in per month? Was it enough to enable you to quit your full-time job, or do you plan on keeping this as a side hustle permanently?

Our business has grown and changed a lot over the past year. In the last few months our income has seemed a little unbelievable. In the last 30 days we've made nearly $25,000 and about $15,000 the month before that. Neither of us have quit our regular jobs yet. We plan to keep this and grow it and see what happens. We currently have five RVs on the platform and before summer will have two more, at least.

Ryan Goodman

Wimberley, Texas

We bought our first RV in December of 2017. It was a 2018 Palomino Puma 32RBFQ. We bought that RV for the purpose of living in it after selling our house in Smithville, Texas. We were at a point in our lives where we needed to decrease our expenses, and our house was our biggest expense. That combined with the realization that we only used half the house, if that, and we liked the idea of moving to a minimalist lifestyle.

Then you bought another RV and started renting it out. When did you realize you could make serious money doing this?

I realized we could make some serious money in May 2020 when we had every weekend booked, netting us nearly $1,000. After a few months, we started wondering how we were going to acquire more RVs. More RVs equals more money.

We got the idea to rent out other people's RVs on their behalf — RV rental consignment. Simply put, we'll take possession, insure and manage the private owner's RV as a rental, and in return, we split the nightly rental amount 50/50. It took a while to get off the ground, and I had a few stumbles in building up my credibility proving this concept for us. Since September of 2020, we've acquired seven consignments that we rent out through our LLC, acquired a commercial auto policy, created a website and have completed nearly 60 rentals, totaling more than 300 nights rented.

This has given me the opportunity to build a business, something I've always wanted to do, create my own hours, and spend literally every day with my son.

Any fun customer stories?

We rented to a man named Cayce Rivers and his wife. They spent eight nights in Big Bend for her birthday. Cayce is a local CEO of a meadery called Meridian Hive here in Austin. We ended up connecting after their rental and stayed in contact for a while. I was at the start of actually running an LLC, and I needed some guidance. Cayce was kind enough to mentor me, and the connection made was incredible for me.

What's a lesson you've learned along the way that you wish you knew when you were starting out?

This isn't really something I learned renting RVs, but my previous job in sales taught me the key to sales is to genuinely, wholeheartedly want the best for your customer, even if that isn't you. When you can look at a potential customer and advise them that you are not the best option or fit for what they are looking for, genuinely caring about their well-being instead of a sale, then you will feel the happiness that comes with helping someone.

Alex Lindamood

Washington, D.C.

I bought my first RV in June 2020. I like the RV lifestyle in that RVs are quite versatile. They can be used for road trips, camping trips, a picnic day at the park, tailgating, hiking trips — so many options.

When did you decide to rent it out?

I first decided that I would start an RV business in September 2019. I was planning my own RV trip, and I realized that the numbers looked very good as a side business were I to take that venture. It has changed my life. I was able to exit my prior career field — I spent 16 years in hotel management and was ready for a change. This made it possible.

How much time does it take per week to run this business?

I have several vehicles in my fleet, but right now I am spending about 20 hours per week on it. As noted, I worked in hotel management my whole career — I am taking care of the same demographic and same customer types I've dealt with throughout my career — it's just that they are renting an RV rather than a hotel room in this case.

What's something you'd tell other RV owners who are interested in doing this?

I caught on pretty quickly with my prior career background, but I will tell you that almost every RV renter is ecstatic about the idea of an RV vacation — but they aren't confident in it. If you want to be successful as an RV owner, you have to be a "coach" with the renter. Help them be 100% confident that they can do this. They need help understanding how to do everything before they go. This is new to them.

Paresh Patel

Austin, Texas

Why did you buy your RV?

I'm cheap! The prospect of committing to another year of expensive Austin rent pushed me towards the idea of getting an RV, getting some land, building a tiny home while living in the RV and pursuing other dreams (furniture-making) somewhere within an hour of Austin.

Why did you decide to rent it out?

My father passed away three months later, so the pursuit of these dreams got put on hold. I went back to domesticated life — I leased an apartment in central Austin and had to figure out what to do with this RV that I had just bought. So I did some searching and found out about the main RV sharing platforms.

What's the time commitment like?

The amount of time really depends on the number of turnovers that occur. I have a small fleet of four vehicles and run this operation solo. Depending on how busy things are, it can be as little as 10 hours a week to as much as 60 hours a week. Having never managed rentals before, I was naively optimistic about how much time things can take. Things often do take longer than I expect as with everything in life, but you develop SOPs and get more efficient with time.

I had an interesting experience helping an awesome couple from New Jersey drive their newly adopted son from Port Aransas back home. This was within the past year, during the pandemic, so this mode of transportation was a good option. I drove from Austin to Port Aransas to deliver the RV to the couple, found my way back to Austin, flew to New Jersey (where I'm originally from and where my mom still lives), picked up the RV, stuffed the RV with my mom's cooking, and then drove back to Austin, where I ate well for about a month before going back to a diet of processed food.

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RV Rental Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Automotive Industry » Car Rental

In the past few years, the market for RV rental businesses in the United States has continued to rise. The increasing appeal of road trips along with outdoor activities has been an important variable influencing that advancement.

Folks are increasingly opting to travel by RV because it makes it possible to take in the natural world in a simpler and more enjoyable manner. Several RV rental businesses provide a variety of automobiles to accommodate a variety of spending plans and tastes.

Furthermore, the ability to pick up and drop off RVs in various places offers greater flexibility in travel arrangements. As people look for different methods to get around while discovering the outdoors, the market for RV rental businesses within the United States is projected to increase.

Steps on How to Write an RV Rental Business Plan

Executive summary.

Rove On Wheels serves as an RV rental company in Orange City, Florida. It offers a superior traveling experience for clients looking for excitement as well as comfort. The fleet we operate includes a variety of motorhomes, and campervans, along with travel trailers that are all maintained properly and outfitted with cutting-edge features to guarantee a relaxing and stress-free trip.

We strive to offer cost-effective rates for rentals as well as accommodate rental periods, thereby making it less difficult for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida. We aim to be the preferred choice for RV lovers, offering an enjoyable and thrilling way to experience the Sunshine State.

2. Company Profile

A. our products and services.

Rove on Wheels RV provides a variety of offerings and amenities for clients in order to give them a comprehensive and seamless getaway. Our services and products include:

RV Rental : We rent out a variety of RVs, which include campers, motorhomes, as well as travel trailers. You will find air conditioning systems; cozy bedding, kitchenware, and multimedia equipment are all standard features in our vehicles.
Delivery and Setup : We provide delivery as well as set up to clients who would rather not drive. Note that we will be bringing as well as setting up the RV at a predetermined location, guaranteeing it is geared up for the customer’s arrival.
RV Accessories : We also provide a variety of accessories to improve the client experience, such as camping seats, grills, and chillers.
Roadside Assistance : Our vehicles include 24-hour roadside assistance to give clients peace of mind while traveling.
Cleaning and Maintenance : before every single rental, we guarantee that our entire RVs remain pristine and tidy. Cleaning and maintenance offerings are additionally available to clients who need them throughout the rental period.
Travel Planning : To guarantee clients get the greatest value out of their expedition, our crew of professionals can assist them with trip preparation advice, which includes suggested routes and locations.

b. Nature of the Business (Business Model)

Rove on Wheels RV is a rental-based enterprise that provides a variety of RVs for rent for people looking for a pleasant and practical form of travel. We make money via fees for rental, and we strive to offer inexpensive prices and accommodate rental periods that are appealing to a broad spectrum of clients.

To offer all-encompassing and effortless encounters, we also provide additional amenities including delivery and set up, RV accessories, as well as travel planning. We put first client fulfillment and strive to develop lasting connections with those we serve in order to bring in more business as well as referrals.

c. The Industry You are in

Rove on Wheels will operate in the recreational vehicle rental industry, which is a well-regarded subset of the larger travel and tourism industry that has somewhat contributed significantly to the global economy.

d. Mission Statement

Rove on Wheels’ mission is to supply customers interested in discovering the stunning scenery of Florida’s outdoors with an extraordinary and seamless RV rental experience.

To meet the demands of those who rent from us, we strive to provide an extensive selection of impeccable RVs with contemporary features, reasonable rental prices, as well as accommodating rental periods. Our intention is to establish lasting connections with our clients, staff members, and the community by demonstrating honesty, integrity, competence, and dignity.

e. Vision Statement

Rove on Wheels’ vision will become Florida’s leading RV rental business, with a reputation for offering outstanding client service along with an easy renting process for people looking for outdoor adventures.

To satisfy the ever-evolving demands of our clients, we strive to constantly grow our fleet with the most recent RV models and cutting-edge features. Our ambition is to establish ourselves as a reliable and identifiable brand in the RV rental sector, associated with excellence, affordability, and adventure.

f. Tagline or Slogan

Rove on Wheels – “Discover Florida on the Open Road”

g. Legal Structure of the Business

Because of its adaptable nature, security against liability, as well as tax benefits, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most appropriate legal framework for Rove on Wheels. An LLC allows the company to differentiate personal and business liabilities, protecting our owners from personal monetary damages.

Aside from that, it provides tax flexibility by enabling Rove on Wheels to choose whether to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S-corporation, or C-corporation.

h. Organizational Structure

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Operations Manager
Sales and Marketing Manager
Customer Service Representative
RV Technicians
Delivery and Setup Crew
Administrative Assistant
Travel Planner
Part-Time or Seasonal Staff

i. Ownership/Shareholder Structure and Board Members

Mathon and Sarah Wilder are the only owners of Rove on Wheels LLC which gives them equal managerial and ownership privileges.

They have invested capital in the company and share revenues and expenses in accordance with their ownership percentage. The precise ownership and shareholding arrangement is going to be specified in the LLC’s operating agreement.

SWOT Analysis

A. strengths.

A large selection of RVs with cutting-edge features and low rental rates are available.
Client fulfillment is prioritized in all aspects of customer service.
An accessible location in an increasingly popular tourist area.
Brand awareness and an excellent track record for quality and dependability.
Powerful staff members with RV rental industry experience.

b. Weaknesses

RV rentals within Florida are subject to seasonal demand.
Outside of Florida, there is limited geographical coverage.
Financial crises as well as shifts in client travel choices make the company vulnerable.
RV inventory is dependent on only a handful of suppliers.

c. Opportunities

Expanding into fresh market locations as well as renting out luxury RVs.
Diversifying into complementary businesses, for instance, RV sales as well as travel planning services.
Collaborations with nearby attractions and travel agencies to provide package deals and discounts
A financial commitment to technological advances as well as internet marketing to increase the number of clients and operational effectiveness.

i. How Big is the Industry?

The recreational vehicle rental market in the United States was $530.5 million in 2019 and is expected to surpass $1.5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.5% between 2020 and 2027.

ii. Is the Industry Growing or Declining?

Reports have it that the recreational vehicle rental industry in the United States will grow at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2020 to 2027, and this goes to show an important upward pattern in the industry. Owing to that, the industry may be said to be expanding.

iii. What are the Future Trends in the Industry

The recreational vehicle rental industry’s future prospects consist of a greater emphasis on environmental responsibility and environmentally friendly habits, the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies including self-driving vehicles along with intelligent home systems, as well as the creation of more individualized and tailored rental encounters that respond to various needs of customers.

Furthermore, the industry anticipates an increase in demand for less lengthy rental days as well as smaller, more environmentally friendly RVs.

iv. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

Luxury RV Rentals
Adventure RV Rentals
Pet-friendly RV Rentals
Vintage RV Rentals
Camper Van Rentals
One-Way RV Rentals
Festival RV Rentals
Budget RV Rentals

v. Can You Sell a Franchise of Your Business in the Future?

We have no plans to sell a franchise in the future at Rove on Wheels. Even though we plan on expanding to other prevalent and potential tourist destinations in the United States, all our locations will be wholly owned and operated by the company.

Competition comes from both established RV rentals as well as freshly arrived entrants.
Modifications in rules and licensing necessities for RV rental enterprises.
Supply chain disruption caused by catastrophic events, unrest in politics, or additional variables.
Concerns regarding the environment as well as rules that may have an impact on the growing acceptance of RV travel.

i. Who are the Major Competitors?

Cruise America RV Rental
El Monte RV
Road Bear RV Rental
Apollo RV Rentals
Sun Cruisin’ RV Rentals
Escape Campervans
USA RV Rentals
Allstar Coaches LLC
Florida Camper Rental

ii. Is There a Franchise for RV Rental Business?

Cruise America: $3,658,750 to $4,617,750
El Monte RV: $1,282,980 to $3,517,740
Road Bear RV: $1,000,000 to $2,000,000
Apollo Motorhome Holidays: $750,000 to $1,500,000
Star RV: $750,000 to $1,500,000
Escape Campervans: $500,000 to $1,000,000
Jucy RV Rentals: $400,000 to $800,000
Outdoorsy: $200,000 to $510,000
RV Rental Outlet: $150,000 to $350,000
Adventure Touring: $150,000 to $300,000
Allstar Coaches: $125,000 to $250,000
Best Time RV: $125,000 to $250,000
Greenberg Rent A Camper: $100,000 to $250,000
Cruise Canada: $75,000 to $150,000
Class C Rentals: $50,000 to $100,000
RV Rental of Sanford: $50,000 to $100,000
RVPlusYou : $50,000 to $100,000
My RV Hub: $25,000 to $75,000
RVshare: $25,000 to $75,000
RV Trailers Plus: $25,000 to $75,000

iii. Are There Policies, Regulations, or Zoning Laws Affecting the RV Rental Business?

Indeed, there are several policies, regulations, as well as zoning laws in the United States that directly impact the RV rental industry.

The legislation in question can differ by state and city and may contain barriers regarding where RVs are permitted to be parked or utilized for outdoor activities, permit and licensing requirements, RV security regulations, as well as rental income taxes.

Furthermore, RV rental companies have to adhere to federal guidelines, including those established by the Department of Transportation for the secure operation of commercial automobiles. To avert legal troubles and consequences, RV rental companies must thoroughly investigate and adhere to every regulation and law that applies.

Marketing Plan

A. target audience.

Rove on Wheels’ intended customer base consists mostly of families and individuals who are keen on checking out the state of Florida in the warmth and ease of an RV rental. Travelers, who want to take advantage of the natural environment, look into new areas, go to ceremonies or events, or just enjoy an opportunity to unwind fall into this category.

Rove on Wheels could also appeal to consumers who require short-term lodging or accommodation while traveling for business trips or events. The company’s adaptive rental possibilities as well as an extensive selection of RVs match a broad spectrum of clients, from experienced RVers to inaugural renters.

i. Age range

Rove on Wheels’ the intended demographic is bound to be diverse in age, as RV travel may be attractive to people of all ages. Nevertheless, the company intends to concentrate on adults between 25 to 65 who possess money and an appetite to take trips to unfamiliar places.

Note that this comprises households with kids, married individuals, and elderly people who want to enjoy the liberty and versatility that RV travel offers. Aside from that, the company could be targeting younger adults in the early stages of their lives who have an appetite for thrilling adventures and looking for an affordable substitute to conventional vacation options.

Finally, the age spectrum of Rove on Wheels’ intended demographic might differ depending on factors like travel pursuits, earnings, and lifestyle choices.

ii. Level of Educational

The target audience’s level of education is not defined because it might differ greatly among people who are intrigued by RV rentals.

iii. Income Level

Rove on Wheels’ target audience is likely to be middle- to upper-class people who are capable of covering the price of renting an RV along with any connected costs associated with traveling. This may consist of households, elderly people, and adventurers of various income levels.

iv. Ethnicity

The ethnicity of Rove on Wheels’ intended demographic cannot be determined because folks who are interested in RV rentals are likely to be wide-ranging in their backgrounds.

v. Language

There are no language restrictions at Rove on Wheels.

vi. Geographical Location

Rove on Wheels’ target audience consists of people who live in or intend to visit Florida, especially the Orange City area.

vii. Lifestyle

Rove on Wheels’ target audience consists of people who delight in outdoor adventures and outdoor activities and want adaptable and simple travel options.

b. Advertising and Promotion Strategies

Social media advertising
Email marketing
Referral program
Event Sponsorship
Content marketing
SEO optimization

i. Traditional Marketing Strategies

Direct mail
Radio advertising
Vehicle wraps
Trade shows

ii. Digital Marketing Strategies

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)
Social Media Marketing
Content Marketing
Email Marketing
Online Reputation Management
Influencer Marketing

iii. Social Media Marketing Plan

Consistent Content Creation
Visual Content
User-Generated Content
Influencer Partnerships
Social Media Advertising
Customer Support

c. Pricing Strategy

Rove on Wheels uses a flexible pricing technique that fluctuates based on vehicle type, rental time frame, as well as peak travel times. The company strives to provide affordable rates whilst guaranteeing the rental fee encompasses every expenditure, such as repair, maintenance, and insurance.

Sales and Distribution Plan

A. sales channels.

Rove on Wheels incorporates both online as well as offline sales channels. The company markets its RV rental solutions via its official website, social networking platforms, and online travel booking sites, along with partnerships with nearby tourist businesses and promotion at meetings and trade shows.

b. Inventory Strategy

Rove on Wheels maintains an extensive inventory that comprises a variety of RV varieties, models, and shapes. The company refreshes its vehicle inventory on an ongoing basis and guarantees that all its RVs are furnished with the finest and most up-to-date features.

c. Payment Options for Customers

Below are the payment options Rove on Wheels intend to make available to our clients;

Payment via bank transfer
Payment with cash
Payment via credit cards
Payment via online bank transfer
Payment via check
Payment via mobile money transfer

d. Return Policy, Incentives, and Guarantees

Rove on Wheels is equipped with an accommodating return policy that permits clients to bring back their RV rental ahead of time and receive a calculated refund, dependent on the rental agreement conditions of use.

In addition, the company provides a variety of incentives, such as discounts for returning consumers and suggestions, along with advertising opportunities throughout off-peak periods. Rove on Wheels guarantees the high standards of its automobiles and solutions, making sure of a pleasant and effortless travel experience for clients.

In the event of a problem or an emergency, the company offers 24-hour roadside assistance as well as support to guarantee that clients are able to relish their journey with confidence.

e. Customer Support Strategy

The customer support strategy at Rove on Wheels focuses on delivering outstanding service to clients. The company provides electronic reservation and payment, straightforward interaction routes, as well as 24/7 roadside assistance.

Operational Plan

A. what happens during a typical day at an rv rental business.

Replying to client queries and bookings, prepping automobiles for rental, carrying out security inspections and servicing, and overseeing paperwork and monetary transactions are all part of an ordinary day at an RV rental company.

Staff members can additionally be in charge of cleaning as well as replenishing rental units, helping clients with inquiries and worries, making suggestions, and offering directions for tourist attractions.

Have it in mind that employees might additionally participate in promotional and outreach activities including developing promotional initiatives and getting involved with industry conferences and partnerships. In the long run, working at an RV rental company is an exciting and fast-paced encounter that necessitates a blend of administrative, social, and technical expertise.

b. Production Process

There is no production process at Rove on Wheels.

c. Service Procedure

Rove on Wheels’ service procedure is simple and relatively easy in order to provide its clients with a relaxing rental experience.

The initial phase is to explore the company’s website or come to their rental office to choose an ideal RV model, look at availability, and then schedule a booking. Customers have to present an active driver’s license along with proof of insurance, as well as spend the cost of the rental and security deposit.

The Rove on Wheels team will proceed to examine the vehicle thoroughly while offering an in-depth introduction in order to guarantee that the client is acquainted with every one of the characteristics along with security procedures.

When the client is ready to go, they are able to relish the trip while returning the RV at the scheduled date and time, after which the Rove on Wheels squad will perform another inspection and begin processing the security deposit refund.

d. The Supply Chain

Rove on Wheels’ supply chain as an RV rental company is made up of different elements that are critical to ensuring the affordability and high standards of its rental fleet. The company obtains its automobiles from trustworthy producers and dealers, and it maintains and improves its fleet on an ongoing basis to guarantee the best possible standards of reliability and security.

Rove on Wheels additionally collaborates with suppliers of furnishings and other necessities including sleeping arrangements, cooking supplies, and sanitation items in order to provide its clientele with an all-encompassing and pleasant travel experience.

Furthermore, the company cooperates with neighborhood businesses for maintenance, repair, and storage to keep its vehicles in excellent working order and available for rental.

e. Sources of Income

Rove on Wheels makes the majority of its money from RV rentals. The company provides an extensive selection of RV models at reasonable prices, with charges determined by variables including vehicle size, rental duration, as well as peak season demand.

Rove on Wheels might also earn money from ancillary services that involve RV delivery or pickup, pet charges, or late return fees.

Also, have it in mind that clients that need extra safety measures or amenities may be offered additional bundles or insurance choices by the company. For the purpose of earning additional revenue, Rove on Wheels may enter into advertising agreements or affiliate programs, such as advertising nearby sights or trading branded products.

Financial Plan

A. amount needed to start your rv rental business.

The costs of starting Rove on Wheels may differ from $50,000 to $500,000 or even more. Ideally, costs will have to include the acquisition or lease of RVs, insurance coverage, licenses and authorizations, advertising, wages, upkeep and fixing expenditures, taxes, along with additional operating expenses.

b. What are the Costs Involved?

Purchase or lease of RVs: $10,000 – $22,000
Insurance: $2000
Permits and licenses: $1200
Marketing: $900 – $4000
Salaries: $12,000 – $26,000
Maintenance and repair expenses: $490 – $3600
Taxes: Varies

c. Do You Need to Build a Facility?

Yes, RV rental companies usually need a place to keep their recreational vehicles. The facility could be a business premise or an individual’s property that complies with zoning as well as security regulations and has enough space for RV parking.

The cost of constructing a facility that houses an RV rental company may differ based on elements including facility dimensions, geographic location, building supplies as well as labor expenses. According to industry estimates, the cost may vary from $10,000 to $150,000 or some more.

d. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running an RV Rental Business?

Maintenance and repairs
Salaries and wages
Rent or mortgage payments

e. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO): $79,850
Operations Manager: $62,510
Sales and Marketing Manager: $59,700
Customer Service Representative: $34,000
RV Technicians: $41,880
Delivery and Setup Crew: $28,940
Administrative Assistant: $33,561
Bookkeeper: $31,000
Travel Planner: $46,279
Part-Time or Seasonal Staff: Varies

f. How Do You Get Funding to Start an RV Rental Business

Source money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.

Financial Projection

A. how much should you charge for your product/service.

The exact amount Rove on Wheels’ RV charges for rental facilities will vary depending on a number of variables, such as the kind of RV selected, the length of the rental, as well as the period of year. As a rule of thumb, we intend to charge reasonable prices that demonstrate the high standards of the company’s RVs.

Rove on Wheels will strive to figure out an equitable and economically viable pricing approach that resonates with our target clients while staying economically viable by carrying out market studies and assessing the expenses we incur for operations.

b. Sales Forecast?

First Fiscal Year (FY1): $250,000
Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $700,000
Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $1.3 million

c. Estimated Profit You Will Make a Year?

First Fiscal Year (FY1): $85,000 (35% of revenue generated)
Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $240,000 (45% of revenue generated)
Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $610,000 (55% of revenue generated)

d. Profit Margin of an RV Rental Business

Profit margins in the RV rental industry could vary greatly based on the setting, the seasons, as well as competitors; however, an adequate margin of profit typically ranges from 10% to 30%.

Growth Plan

A. how do you intend to grow and expand.

The particular expansion and development strategy for Rove on Wheels will be determined by a number of variables such as consumer preference, rivals, as well as the resources that are accessible. Nevertheless, one possible strategy for expansion could be to open extra retail locations/offices.

We intend to boost our scope and magnitude by broadening the number of branches in key markets while retaining our devotion to exceptional RVs and excellent customer service. To guarantee long-term achievement and profitable development, deciding to go after growth via opening additional retail retailers/offices will necessitate extensive evaluation and strategic planning.

b. Where do you intend to expand to and why?

San Francisco, CA.
San Antonio, TX
Chicago, IL.
Atlanta, GA.
Austin, TX.
New York, NY.
Houston, TX.

Based on the results obtained from our in-depth investigation, we feel confident that these municipalities will soon become the basis of the tourism and RV rental industries. Aside from that, we believe they will offer a solid foundation for us to build our brand in the future.

Exit Strategy

We consider family succession as a potential business exit strategy that could be beneficial to our brand. This is mainly because, unlike other business exit strategies, our exit strategy does not necessitate the involvement of third parties. Furthermore, when done correctly, it is one of the simplest and easiest options, and we intend to put thorough strategies in place to guarantee its success.

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How To Start A Rv Rental Business

When it comes to starting a RV rental business, you may find yourself in a place where you have to make some big decisions.

You may be asking yourself:

What's the first step in establishing my business?
How much will it cost to start my RV rental business?
How do I price my RV rental business?
How do I market my RV rental business?
... so much more!

We walk you through all of the steps; from idea → starting → launching → growing → running your business.

The purpose of this guide is to act as an outline for the steps you'll need to take to get your business running successfully!

Start A Rv Rental Business ➜ avg revenue (monthly) $80K see all RV rental businesses ➜ starting costs $37.9K see all costs ➜ gross margin 20% time to build 240 days average product price $315 growth channels Organic social media business model Subscriptions best tools Adobe Suite, Quickbooks, LinkedIn time investment Full time pros & cons 32 Pros & Cons see all ➜ tips 7 Tips see all ➜

💡 Introduction To Starting A Rv Rental Business

Is starting a rv rental business right for you.

There are many factors to consider when starting a RV rental business.

We put together the main pros and cons for you here:

Pros of starting a RV rental business

• Flexibility

You can put as much time into the business as you'd like. If you like the work and have some initial experience, you can start small and manage all aspects of the business on your own.

• Meaningful business connections

You never know who you will meet as a RV rental business. This could be the start of an incredible business opportunity!

• High customer retention rates

Once a customer invests in your product, they've invested their time and energy to utilize your product/service which is highly valuable to them. Typically, your product or service becomes indispensable to your customer.

• Pick & choose the clients you work with

Rv Rental Businesses have the ability to choose the clients they work with. You have the freedom to work with only a few loyal clients or with hundreds of clients!

• Unlimited income potential

With starting a RV rental business there is no cap as to how much income you can make. The stronger your business skills and the more energy/time you put into your career, the more you'll make.

• Amazing perks and discounts

Working in the RV rental business comes with its perks! As a seller for these products/services, you typically also get to enjoy industry perks and discounts.

• Predictable income stream

Your businesses income stream tends to be predictable based on the number of customers you have signed up. This makes financial planning and outlooks much more seamless!

• Higher likelihood of getting referrals

This business is all about referrals, which can be a a very impactful way to attract and retain customers. It's critical that you have a great referral program in place that incentivizes your customers to tell their friends about your product.

• Simple business model

A RV rental business has the advantage of a simple business model, which makes launching and building the business more seamless.

• Greater Income Potential

With this business, the sky is the limit in regards to your income potential.

• You can decide who you work with

Gone are the days of working in a toxic work environment with employees that you may not vibe with. As a small business owner, you get to decide who you work and surround yourself with.

• You establish yourself as an expert

With starting a RV rental business, you establish yourself as an expert in your niche, which builds your credibility. In return, customers are more likely to trust you and refer you to other friends and family.

• Can build solid foundation of clients

It's unlikely you will have one-off customers as a RV rental business. Typically, you have a solid foundation of clients that use your product and services regularly.

• Results and revenue happen quickly!

Unlike other businesses, it can be relatively quick to start seeing results and revenue. As long as you follow all the steps to validate your idea before launch, you are likely to see quick results and ROI.

Cons of starting a RV rental business

• Motivation of employees

If you plan to have a sales/content team on board, finding creative ways to motivate them can be a challenge. It's important that you're able to offer great incentives and a good work environment for your employees.

• Longer Sales Process

A RV rental business can be a big time and money investment for your customer, so it's important you plan and predict a longer conversion funnel and stay in communication with potential customers.

• Low margins

The gross margins for your RV rental business are typically around 20%, which can make it more challenging to incur new expenses and maintain profitability.

• High employee turnover

In the RV rental business, employee turnover is often high, which can be quite costly and time consuming for your business. It's important to try and avoid this as much as possible by offering competitive pay, benefits, and a positive work environment.

As a RV rental business, you typically pay self-employment taxes which can be quite high. It's important to understand what you will be paying in taxes each year so you can determine if the work you're taking on is worth it.

• Niche Market

A niche business is not necessarily a bad thing, in fact, it can be the key to your success. However, it can be more challenging and time consuming to find the perfect niche market and target audience.

• High overhead expenses

With starting a RV rental business, there are overhead expenses that come with selling a physical product. You will want to make sure you strategically budget for these overhead costs. We discuss this more in the startup costs section below.

• Time commitment

With starting a RV rental business, all responsibilities and decisions are in your hands. Although this is not necessarily a negative thing, work life can take over at times. This can place a strain on friends and family and add to the pressure of launching a new business.

• Difficult to build trust with your customer

With starting a RV rental business, there can be minimal face-to-face interaction, which means it can be a lot more difficult to establish trust with your customers. You'll need to go the extra mile with your customer to grab their attention and business.

• Impatient customers

You may offer an engaging user experience for your customer, but customers expect a lot and may be impatient if they aren't pleased with your product or service.

• Be prepared to get out of your comfort zone!

Although this is exciting for some entrepreneurs, it can be a big challenge for others! You may find yourself in uncomfortable social and business situations, jumping into tasks and responsibilities you aren't familiar with, and pushing yourself as far as you can go!

• You might struggle financially (at first)!

If you bootstrap your business or choose not to pay yourself (or pay yourself less than you were making at your corporate job), this can be financially taxing. It's important to adjust your lifestyle and set a plan for yourself so you don't find yourself in a stressful situation.

• Difficult to scale

With a RV rental business, it can be challenging to find ways to scale. Check out this article that discusses scaling your business and the challenges that come with it.

• Learning Curve

When you start your own business, you no longer have upper management to provide you with a playbook for your roles and responsibilities. You should know the ins and outs of every aspect of your business, as every decision will come down to you.

• Equipment Breakdowns

Over the years, your equipment can get damaged, break down, and may need repairs which can be expensive. It's important you prepare for these expenses and try to avoid damages/wear & tear as much as possible.

• Answering Phones

The RV rental business is still considered a traditional business, which means answering phones is a big part of the job. If you or your team miss phone calls, you could be missing out on potential revenue opportunities. If you are unable to attend to your phone throughout the day, it would be in your best interest to hire a call center or an employee dedicated to this.

• Technical issues can be frustrating

Technical issues are common in this business. If you struggle with the technical side of things, you may want to consider outsourcing this responsibility to save yourself the time and frustration.

• More challenging to earn passive income

It can be more of a challenge to make passive income in this business. Often times, the amount of revenue you bring in is limited by the amount of time you have in the day.

Big Players

RVshare (21.3K Alexa Ranking)
Outdoorsy (21.4K Alexa Ranking)
America's RV Rental Experts (70.4K Alexa Ranking)
Motorhome Republic (175K Alexa Ranking)
El Monte RV (221K Alexa Ranking)

Small Players

NW Adventure Rentals - Revenue $250K/month
Fireside RV Rental - Revenue $150K/month
ROAMERICA - Revenue $10K/month
Dry Camp - Revenue $2K/month

Search Interest

Let's take a look at the search trends for rv rental over the last year:

How To Name Your Rv Rental Business

It's important to find a catchy name for your RV rental business so that you can stand out in your space.

Here are some general tips to consider when naming your RV rental business

Avoid hard to spell names: you want something easy to remember and easy to spell for your customers
Conduct a search to see if others in the space have the same name
Try not to pick a name that limits growth opportunities for your business (ie. if you decide to expand into other product lines)
As soon as you have an idea (or ideas) of a few names that you love, register the domain name(s) as soon as possible!

Why is naming your RV rental business so important?

The name of your business will forever play a role in:

Your customers first impression
Your businesses identity
The power behind the type of customer your brand attracts
If you're memorable or not

It's important to verify that the domain name is available for your RV rental business.

You can search domain availability here:

Find a domain starting at $0.88

Although .com names are the most common and easiest to remember, there are other options if your .com domain name is not available. Depending on your audience, it may not matter as much as you think.

It's also important to thoroughly check if social media handles are available.

As soon as you resonate with a name (or names), secure the domain and SM handles as soon as possible to ensure they don't get taken.

Here's some inspiration for naming your RV rental business:

Road to Happiness check availability
All Aboard RV check availability
Rolling Along check availability
Road Warriors check availability
Ocean Breeze RV check availability
Globe Rental check availability
Complete RV check availability
Wheels Up check availability
Keystone RV check availability
Checkmate RV check availability
Classy Chic RV check availability
RVaza check availability
Camping Out RV check availability
RV Ventures Co. check availability
Freely RVs check availability
Mobile RVer check availability
Ironhorse RV check availability
RVorama check availability
Easy Trailers check availability
Breath Deep RV check availability
Encore Motors check availability
Happy Camper check availability
RV Campground check availability
RV Connections check availability
Legend Trailers check availability
Around the RV check availability
Acumen RV check availability
RVlada check availability
Caravan Parks RV check availability
Wild West RV check availability
Across the Road RV check availability
RV Buddies check availability
Estate RV check availability
Outdoorsy check availability
Star View RVs check availability
Eagle Nest RV check availability
Wild Road Trip check availability
Traveller Liberty check availability
Rock Solid RV check availability
Path RV check availability
RVio check availability
All Coast RV check availability
Ample RV check availability
Task Rental check availability
Road Ryder check availability
Fun Holiday RVs check availability
Adventure Bound check availability
Secure RV check availability
Rentnetic check availability
RV Freedom check availability
RVnest check availability
New Moon RV check availability
Road Trippers RV check availability
Atlas RV check availability
Holiday Fun RV check availability
American Way RV check availability
Alpine Escape RV check availability
Cool Rides RV check availability
Autocamping RV check availability
Big Red RV check availability
Rentarc check availability
Get Moving RV check availability
Acorn RV check availability
Luxury Bliss check availability
Up to Speed RV check availability
Easy Life RV check availability
Eagle RV check availability
Control Rental check availability
Electric RV check availability
RVgenix check availability
Our Camper check availability
Rolling RV check availability
Go Camping check availability
Camping in Style check availability
Camping Fun Ride check availability
Closed Suv Spot check availability
Willem Caravan check availability
Camp Co check availability
Tank car Camper check availability
Big Avant Garde check availability
Fellow Trailer check availability
MobileVan check availability
Denier Vanguard check availability
The Celebrated check availability
The Little check availability
Battered Minivan check availability
The Denier Caravan check availability
BatteredCamper check availability
Bus Spot check availability
The Ordinary Trailer check availability
Camp Place check availability
Dear Caravan Pro check availability
DutchVan check availability
Red Car Trading Co check availability
SeniorCamper check availability
Camper Collective check availability
Hungry Motor Home Place check availability
Stolen Avant Garde check availability
Van Spot check availability
Injured Camping Bus Co check availability
The Plain Minivan check availability
Celebrated Cabin check availability
Catalogus Bus Place check availability
IndividualCamper check availability
Ordinary check availability
The Inexperienced check availability
Motor check availability
Hungry Van Place check availability
The Direct Vehicle check availability
The Green Avant Garde check availability
AlaskanCamper check availability
Vehicle Pro check availability
Luggage Bus Group check availability
Typical check availability
Time Camping check availability
Celebrated Camping Bus Place check availability

Read our full guide on naming your RV rental business ➜

How To Create A Slogan For Your Rv Rental Business:

Slogans are a critical piece of your marketing and advertising strategy.

The role of your slogan is to help your customer understand the benefits of your product/service - so it's important to find a catchy and effective slogan name.

Often times, your slogan can even be more important than the name of your brand.

Here are 6 tips for creating a catchy slogan for your RV rental business:

1. Keep it short, simple and avoid difficult words

A great rule of thumb is that your slogan should be under 10 words. This will make it easy for your customer to understand and remember.

2. Tell what you do and focus on what makes you different

There are a few different ways you can incorporate what makes your business special in your slogan:

Explain the target customer you are catering your services towards
What problem do you solve?
How do you make other people, clients, or your employer look good?
Do you make people more successful? How?

3. Be consistent

Chances are, if you're coming up with a slogan, you may already have your business name, logo, mission, branding etc.

It's important to create a slogan that is consistent with all of the above.

4. Ensure the longevity of your slogan

Times are changing quickly, and so are businesses.

When coming up with your slogan, you may want to consider creating something that is timeless and won't just fade with new trends.

5. Consider your audience

When finding a catchy slogan name, you'll want to make sure that this resonates across your entire audience.

It's possible that your slogan could make complete sense to your audience in Europe, but may not resonate with your US audience.

6. Get feedback!

This is one of the easiest ways to know if your slogan will be perceived well, and a step that a lot of brands drop the ball on.

Ask friends, family, strangers, and most importantly, those that are considered to be in your target market.

Here's some inspiration for coming up with a slogan for your RV rental business:

Weak Sport Utilities Are What We Do
You'll Look A Little Lovelier Each Day With Fabulous Pink Rv.
Because Camper Can't Drive.
I Like The Van In You.
America's Most Trusted Van.
Break Through With Van.
Vans With Water
You Can't Beat Van.
Camper Will Get You More Girls.
Van Is Everything You Need.
The Wonder Has A Name: Van.
Commit Of The Campsite
Live In Your Van, Play In Ours.
Inspired By Van.
Van, Not That Other Crap.
Did Somebody Say Van?
Site Of The Bod
Put Of The Avant Garde
There's A Bit Of Van In All Of Us.
You Can't Stop Rv.
Rv's Got It All!
Camper For When It's Quitting Time.
Van, One For All.
Australians Wouldn't Give A Camper For Anything Else.
Good Camper, Let's Start Today!
For The Camper You Don't Yet Know.
The Joy Of Van.
Camper Is What We Do
Young Minivan, Happy Outfit
Van Keeps Them Coming Back
Individual Tenters Are What We Do
Camper Makes Your Day.
Absolut Rv.
Lay Of The Aa
That's Handy, Harry! Stick It In The Van.
Individual Canoers Are What We Do
America's Most Trusted Camper.
Camper Is Forever.
Average Airstream, Average Airstream
Ding-Dong! Camper Calling!
Bedroom Is What We Do
Kills All Known Van - Dead.
From Macroscopic To Moderate
I Lost Weight With Rv.
Van, Where Success Is At Home.
What's In Your Rv?
Datsun Is What We Do
Gives A Meal Camper-Appeal.
Ding-Dong! Van Calling!
Vans With Vegetable
The Ultimate Rv Machine.
Set Of The Camping
What Can Camper Do For You?
And On The Eighth Day, God Created Van.
Van - You See This Name, You Think Dirty.
The President Buys Van.
Home Of The Suv
Cruiser Is What We Do
Camper Know-How.

The Brick & Mortar Business Model

When deciding whether or not to start a RV rental business, it's important to first decide what type of business model you want (brick and mortar, eCommerce, or both)!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering a Brick & Mortar store:

If you do plan to open a physical store, it's important that you find a spot in a high-traffic area. This is a great way to gain exposure for your business and also get new customers.

It's also important to consider the higher costs associated with operating a physical store (ie - employees, rent, utilities, etc) and the long days/hours associated with running a store.

The main benefit, however, is that customers love being able to see products in person. It's important to recognize that although some people enjoy shopping online, there will always be the shopper persona that likes to touch, feel, and see the product they're buying.

Learn more about starting a RV rental business :

Where to start?

-> How much does it cost to start a RV rental business? -> Pros and cons of a RV rental business

Need inspiration?

-> Other RV rental business success stories -> Examples of established RV rental business -> Marketing ideas for a RV rental business -> Rv rental business names

Other resources

-> Rv rental business tips -> Blog post ideas for a RV rental business

🎬 How To Start A Rv Rental Business

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Rv Rental Business

If you are planning to start a RV rental business, the costs are relatively low. This, of course, depends on if you decide to start the business with lean expenses or bringing in a large team and spending more money.

We’ve outlined two common scenarios for “pre-opening” costs of starting a RV rental business and outline the costs you should expect for each:

The estimated minimum starting cost = $62
The estimated maximum starting cost = $75,701

Raising Money For Your Rv Rental Business

Here are the most common ways to raise money for your RV rental business:

Bootstrapping

You may not need funding for your RV rental business.

In fact, many entrepreneurs take this approach when starting their own business, whether they have a little amount of cash or a substantial amount to get started.

So what exactly does the term "bootstrapping" mean?

This method essentially refers to self-funding your business without external help or capital and reinvesting your earnings back into the business**

Bootstrapping means building your company from the ground up with your own, or your loved ones, personal savings and reinvesting all earnings back into the business

Here are some tips to consider when bootstrapping your business :

Use your savings as your capital - one of the best ways to bootstrap your business is to collect your savings and use them as startup capital. This will also help you avoid using your personal or business credit cards when getting started.
Determine exactly how much capital you need and how much capital you have to get your business off the ground. Generally, when bootstrapping your business, you may want to consider starting a business that involves less startup capital.
Consider starting a business that will generate immediate returns so you can put money back into the business
Be as lean as possible - this refers to cutting down expenses as much as possible, such as payroll, fancy software tools, unnecessary travel, renting an office, etc
Consider outsourcing instead of hiring - in the beginning, you may not need to hire someone permanently to help run your business. It tends to be much less expensive to outsource work to a freelancer and hire someone permanently down the road!

Want to learn more about bootstrapping your business? Check out this article

VC funding is a traditional and long process, but an effective way to raise money for your business.

The term "VC funding" refers to venture capital firms investing in businesses in exchange for equity.

The VC's (venture capitalists) are an individual or small group investing in your business and typically require substantial ownership of the business, with the hope of seeing a return on their investment.

VC's are typically the best approach for businesses with high startup costs - where it would be very difficult to raise the money on your own or through a loan.

When deciding whether to take this approach, it's important that you have a few things in place first, and know what you're getting yourself into:

Determine if your business is ready

Having an idea is not enough to get VC funding.

Typically, VC's will check to make sure you have these things in place prior to closing any deal:

An MVP (Minimal Viable Product)
A founding team with all proper documents in place (articles of organization, business formation)
A validated idea with actual customers buying your product/service

Get everything in place and build a pitch deck

A VC individual or firm will be expecting a fine-tuned presentation that gives an overview of your business.

Here's what you should consider including in your pitch deck:

Management team, their previous experience + current roles in the business
Market challenge and solution
Company financials - including a P&L statement, cash flow statement, and projections
Company progress
Investment amount - how much do you need and why?

Research the right VC to fund your business

Research the types of VC investors out there and what niche they focus on.

Then, put together a list of target VC's you want to approach and your strategy around setting up meetings.

Be sure you have everything in place (as discussed above) before setting up any meeting!

Make sure the terms and expectations are right for your business

Committing to VC funding is a big deal and a decision that should not be made lightly.

Although the money and experience from VC's can help your business quickly grow, you are also giving away a stake in the company, and the money comes with strings attached.

Be sure you do your due diligence in finding the right investor - one that truly believes in the growth and success of your business.

What Skills Do I Need To Succeed In Starting A Rv Rental Business?

As a RV rental business, there are several essential skills and characteristics that are important to identify prior to starting your business.

Let’s look at these skills in more detail so you can identify what you need to succeed in your day-to-day business operations:

Self Motivation Skills

Self motivation and discipline skills are critical in order to become successful in this field.

It's likely that you will find yourself starting and running your RV rental business from home, which could mean there are more distractions for you.

Here are the basic skills needed for self motivation & discipline:

Becoming a self starter: It's important that you are capable of independently completing a task without the help or direction of anyone else
Listening and following directions : When you are given direction by others, it's critical that you are able to follow directions and ask the right questions in order to get your job done
Taking the initiative in problem solving: Instead of taking the easy route, you'll need to learn to troubleshoot issues on your own as much as possible.

Customer Service Skills

Friendly communication with customers and the ability to address service issues is a critical part of the job.

Here are some customer service skills you may want to consider prior to starting a RV rental business:

Professionalism: The way you act, present yourself, and respond to situations all leave an impression on your customer. It's important to stay professional at all times when handling customer requests or issues.
Problem-solving: When issues arise, it's important that you are able to think quick on your feet and address the situation with a calm and clear solution
Friendly-manner: This is an obvious one, but customers truly appreciate someone that can respond in a quick, efficient, and friendly manner.
Proficient in writing: These skills include the ability to write well-crafted emails, service tickets, and any other programs used by the business (ie. chat functions, SMS texting)

Business Savvy Skills

When starting a RV rental business, there are a few fundamental business skills you will want to learn in order to be successful:

Leadership and training skills: A great team starts with YOU. Make sure you have all company policies and training procedures in place prior to hiring your team
Decisive and self-confident: Over the course of your career, you will need decisions that could impact your business significantly. It's important you are able to think clearly and rationally about these decisions.
Ability to understand the financials : You don't need to be an accountant, but it is important that you are able to clearly understand and define metrics such as expenses, revenue, profit, margins, COGS, etc.
Strategic Thinking : Setting clear goals and benchmarks, identifying opportunities, risks. Ability to effectively communicate these insights to your team.

These are a few of many business savvy skills you should have (or work on) when starting a RV rental business.

For a full list, check out this article here .

Advice For Starting A Rv Rental Business

We've interviewed thousands of successful founders at Starter Story and asked what advice they would give to entrepreneurs who are just getting started.

Here's the best advice we discovered for starting a RV rental business:

Gretchen Bayless and Taylor Hood, founder of ROAMERICA ($10K/month):

If you throw in the towel when it's tough, you’d never know if success was right around the corner.

Read the full interview ➜

It’s okay to have big dreams and strive for them to come true but it’s also necessary to make progress, one step at a time.

Garr Russell, founder of Fireside RV Rental ($150K/month):

The greatest asset you have as a business owner is your employees first in your database second.

You have to play the long game, and during that game you will most likely be close to broke, SO YOU MUST LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO CARRY YOU THROUGH THOSE HARD TIMES. The ones who press on and don’t quit, are the ones who reap the rewards.

Write a Business Plan

Writing a business plan from the start is critical for the success of your RV rental business.

Because this allows you to roadmap exactly what you do, what your overall structure will look like, and where you want to be in the future.

For many entrepreneurs, writing out the business plan helps validate their idea and decide whether or not they should move forward with starting the business.

You may want to consider expanding upon these sections in your business plan:

Executive Summary : Brief outline of your product, the market, and growth opportunities
Overviews and Objectives : Overview of your business, target customers, and what you need to run your business
Products and Services : Specifics on the products and services your business will provide
Market Opportunities : Analysis of customer demographics, buyer habits and if your product is in demand
Marketing : Outline of your marketing plan and how you plan to differentiate yourself from other customers
Competitive analysis : Analysis of your competition and the strengths and weaknesses therein
Operations : Hierarchal structure of the company and what it will take to run the business on the day-to-day
Leadership Team : Detailing roles and responsibilities of each manager based on their specific skill-set
Financial Analysis Understanding of all expenses, operating budgets, and projections for the future.

Learn more about how to write a business plan here

Determine Which Business Bank Account You Need

There are hundreds of banks out there, and it can be overwhelming to find one that's right for your business.

Here are some factors you may want to consider:

Location - Is your bank close enough that you can easily make deposits or get cash?
Low Fees - Make sure to understand any and all fees associated with setting up and maintaining your bank account. Ask for a list - banks usually try to keep this hidden and in the fine print.
Online Banking Services - Make sure you can easily navigate through your online portal and you have easy access to everything you need.
Line of Credit - What do your options look like (even if you don't need this now, you may need this down the road).
Every bank has something that differentiates them from the rest, so make sure whatever that is applied to your needs and values.

Check out this list of the 13 Best Banks for Small Business in 2020 and what makes them so unique.

Setting Up Your Rv Rental Business (Formation and Legal)

When it comes to setting up your business, you may find yourself in a place where you have to make some financial and legal decisions.

The first thing you'll want to decide on is whether you want to be an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp.

These three options are found to be the most common when starting a small business, and all serve to protect your personal assets and also provide you with certain tax benefits.

LLC : All income and expenses from the business are reported on the LLC personal income tax return.
S corp : Owners pay themselves salaries + receive dividends from profits.
C Corp : C Corps are separately taxable entities that file a corporate tax return (Form 1120). No income tax is paid at the corporate level and any tax due is paid at the owners individual expense.

Depending on where you're conducting business, you'll also want to consider securing the proper permits, licenses and liability insurance.

Learn more about securing the right permits and licenses ➜

Need to start an LLC? Create an LLC in minutes with ZenBusiness .

How Do I Pay Myself As A Small Business Owner?

Most entrepreneurs start a business to do something they love- but at the end of the day, you still have bills to pay (maybe now more than ever).

But it's important to strike the right balance - if you pay yourself too much, you could be putting your business at risk.

There are two common ways to pay yourself as a business owner:

1. Owner's Draw

Many entrepreneurs pay themselves through an owner's draw. This means that you are technically sean as "self-employed" through the eyes of the IRS and are not paid through regular wages.

At the point that you collect money from the draw, taxes typically are not taken out - so make sure you are prepared to pay these taxes once you file your individual return.

As an owner who takes a draw, you can legally take out as much as you want from your equity.

This type of compensation is suited for Sole props, LLCs, and partnerships. If you’re an S corp, you can pay yourself through both a salary and draw if you choose.

If you decide to pay yourself a salary, you will receive a set and recurring amount. This will be taxed by the federal government and the state you reside in.

The reality is that it can be really complicated to set your own salary, so we have some tips for you to consider:

Take out a reasonable amount that allows you to live comfortably but also sets your business up for success
Consider the number of hours you are working weekly + the type of duties you are performing.
Set your salary based on your industry-standard, location, and profits (or projected profits)
Look at your P&L statement : Deduct your own pay from that amount. This is important so you can first tackle important business expenses, and then pay yourself from the amount leftover.
Pick a payroll schedule (and stick to it)! In the US, it's most common to pay yourself and employees twice a month.

To learn more about how to pay yourself and what is a reasonable amount, check out this article .

How To Price Your Rv Rental

One of the most challenging aspects to starting a RV rental business is determining how much to charge for your rv rental.

When businesses under-price their product, this can be extremely detrimental to their bottom line and reputation.

Often times, businesses under-price their products to drive demand and volume, but that last thing you want is for customers to view your product/service as "cheap." Additionally, this can have a big impact on the type of customer you attract, which can be difficult to recover from.

On the other hand, when businesses over-price , this tends to be just as damaging to the business.

When customers buy, it's likely that they will explore the internet and look at other competitors to ensure they're getting the best value + deal. This is why it's so important that you research your competition and understand where you land in the marketplace.

Here are some factors to consider when pricing your product:

Understand your customer

It's important that out of the gates, you identify the type of customer you want to attract and how much they're willing to pay for your service. One great way to do this is by surveying your customers. Here are some important items you'll want to takeaway:

Customer demographic: Age, gender, location, etc.
Buying habits of your customer: What they buy + when they buy
Level of price sensitivity with your customer

All of these segments will help you identify the type of customer you're attracting and how to price your product accordingly.

Understand your costs

When pricing your rv rental, it's critical that you first identify all of your costs and consequently mark up your rv rental so you can factor in a profit.

The actual cost of your rv rental may include things like:

The actual cost to make the product (ie. raw materials, supplies, manufacturer).
Shipping + overhead fees
Operating costs to run your business

You may want to consider creating a spreadsheet with every single expense involved in operating/owning your business. This will give you an idea as to what you need to generate in order to at the very least, break-even and will help you price your products to factor in a profit.

Create revenue goals

When determining the price of your rv rental, you'll want to create goals for revenue + how much profit you want your RV rental business to make.

This process is simpler than you may think:

Think about your breakeven cost (by completing the above step).
Create a revenue goal based on your break-even cost
Evaluate the # of items you plan to sell in a given period (make sure this is a realistic number)
Divide your revenue goal by the number of items you plan to sell

This figure will help determine your estimated price per product in order to meet your revenue goals.

Evaluate your competition

The last piece in determining how to price your rv rental is by simply looking at your competition.

The best way to do this is by finding like-minded businesses that offer product(s) with similar perceived value. Then, you can compare prices of the different businesses and determine where your rv rental fits best in the marketplace.

All of these factors play an equal part in pricing your rv rental, so it's important you evaluate each one individually to come up with an accurate price that will help optimize your business from the start.

Understanding Your Costs

Example from Ishan, founder of Ugly Duckling

First objective: profitability

Our profitability is OK at this point but definitely not where it should be yet. To this day I have not paid myself a regular salary yet...and it’s been 4 years!

The problem is not the cost of goods which are well under 20% of sales, which is good by any standard. The problem is fulfillment costs. In 2018 we transitioned from our first fulfillment company to a much bigger company. We did this because we wanted to provide faster shipment speeds and a better quality of packaging. In hindsight, we chose a company which would have been more suitable for a larger company with bigger volumes. We ended up being tied in with some pretty large minimum monthly payments. So currently fulfillment costs are currently around 45% of sales...way too high.

We are now looking to transit to another fulfillment center. Our target is to get our fulfillment costs down to around 30% of sales which I believe from what I have researched, is possible.

Just to be clear, when I say fulfillment that includes transportation costs also - FedEx, USPS, etc. Not just storage, picking, and packing. I am pretty sure that it is possible to get fulfillment costs down even lower, and I suspect that some large pro sellers on amazon.com work with around 20-25% of sales.

So our target P+L for 2020 looks something like this:

Cost of goods, including inbound freight and clearance - around 22% of sales.
Fulfillment - around 30% of sales.
Digital Advertising & Promotion - around 15% of sales.
Other marketing and office costs, including salary costs - around 10% of sales.
That would leave us around 23% of sales - enough to pay me a liveable salary and for the company to make a profit and finance future growth.

That's the first objective for 2020: to right-size the P+L so that we are profitable at our current sales level

Gross Margin Calculator: How to Calculate The Gross Margin For Your Rv Rental

Our calculator is designed to be simple and easy to use.

The goal is to help you set realistic expectations and understand what is considered a healthy gross margin for your RV rental business.

Calculate your gross margin and profit margin here .

What Type Of Customers Will Buy Your Rv Rental

It's important to first establish who you will be selling to, whether it's to businesses or consumers.

Typically, in this industry, products are sold to B2C markets (business-to-consumer).

Let's take a look at what this means for your RV rental business:

B2C (or business to consumer) is a transaction where businesses sell their products or services to the consumer directly.

In this market, consumer behavior is the primary driver for your business decisions - so it's important that you truly identify who your customer is, and what their buyer habits are when building your product/service.

The advantage

B2C is that you are able to cast a very wide net when targeting your customers. Your product may interest a large number of consumers or a specific niche.

The disadvantage

B2C is that consumers hold all the power - so if your website is not the most user friendly, or does not rank in the top search results on Google, chances are, your customer is going to shop elsewhere.

When building your RV rental business, it's critical that you hone in on who your target audience is, and why they need your product over your competition.

Here are some items to consider when identifying your buyer persona:

Design A Prototype

Turning your idea into a reality can feel like a daunting task - but it's critical that you have an idea of what your product will look like (even if it's just a sketch) prior to finding a manufacturer.

Here are some common ways you can design your prototype:

Draw Your Initial Design on Paper
Form pieces of fabric together
Consider Taking A Generic Product And Putting Your Own Brand On It
Try Making the Product Yourself
Consider Building A Prototype With A 3D Printer

To learn more about how to design and prototype a product, check out our latest guide here .

Paul Schauer, founder of Dry Camp dives deep into the process of designing and prototyping their product:

Manufacturing a product is actually quite harder than you would expect. You have to do your research on what materials you want to use and where they would be coming from. We sought to build a brand with great quality that offered more product for the price and a great warranty behind it.

This meant we were going to have to compare manufacturer ratings and prices, all while creating a relationship that could last our company’s lifetime. We wanted to offer a lifetime replacement warranty on our products - so to do that, we needed to find a reputable manufacturer.

There are great sources for finding manufacturers for goods, but you want to be sure you are finding the right one for you. We searched Google high and low to see what we could stumble upon, beyond what places we already knew of. Then you start by submitting each manufacturer a request for quotation, where you can receive an estimated price for what you are looking to have made or sent to you.

I would highly recommend creating a list of these quotes and the following process to anyone who has a unique design, product or invention that they want to build.

Here are steps of the process we heeded:

Go to Google and search for manufacturers, whether by typing that in the search bar or looking through sites such as Amazon to get a feel for what products come from where. Check to see if they offer the goods you are looking for and/or comparable materials that you may want a sample of to test out. Do your research on the differences of these - and always take notes!

Be sure to look for ratings that are higher on the given scale, read reviews (which are always a must!), and check to see if they come with any assurance policies that will guarantee your products to arrive safe and sound. Make certain you take a look at the number of sales they do and their supply capacity. Begin making a list of the ones you want to contact with space for commentary.

Contact the suppliers with a message explaining exactly what you are looking for, including how many items you want as this can change their estimation on pricing dramatically. Then, ask if you can be sent a sample, either of their materials or the finished product. Be sure to be very thorough in the description of the product you are looking for, and I would suggest sending along a drawing even to help. Some manufacturers will work with you while alter your design, but some will not, so be sure to tell them that you want to wait to order when you have had time to properly review the samples.

When your samples arrive, make notes of your thoughts, test them out and show them off to get feedback from potential customers and/or people that will give you an objective review. This really helped us when we designed our products, and actually resulted us in having to go back to the drawing board to maintain the quality of our designs while ensuring comfort.

Talk to the manufacturer about packaging and anything you need and want to be included, including UPC’s, warning labels, and any other printed material. This will help you to know whether you have to look elsewhere or if the pricing and time frame needs to be adjusted.

Double and triple check your order before completing and sending through to the manufacturer. Remain in constant and quick contact as to ensure a smooth process and build upon your business relationship with the manufacturer for possible future purchases. Always remember to keep your options open though - for pricing is always ever-changing to meet your needs.

As mentioned many times above, be very thorough with what manufacturer you go with. You’ll notice they may change their pricing on you, so be sure to ask if they can send you an itemized bill. We had to search through many manufacturers until we found one we could trust, that had consistent communication, and exactly what we were looking for.

How To Find A Supplier For Your Rv Rental Business

Here are the steps to consider when finding a supplier/manufacturer:

Know your design

One very critical step to finding the right supplier is having an initial idea of what your design/product will look like.

Sketching is one of the most simple ways to get started in the design phase.

What's great about sketching is that you can practically do this anytime, anywhere - even on the back of a napkin.

To get started, all you need to do is pick up a pen and paper and start drawing - or if you are working on a virtual/software product this can be a diagram that outlines the user interface or experience.

Decide your supplier type

You'll want to identify the type of supplier you are looking for.

Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself prior to searching for a supplier

Are you looking for a manufacturer to produce your product idea ?
Do you want to find a supplier that can simply purchase existing products for you ?
Do you want a drop-shipper to supply and fulfill orders?
Do you want a domestic supplier or an overseas supplier? Read more about the pros and cons of each here

Where to start your search

Once you have an understanding of what type of manufacturer/supplier will be best to bring your idea to life, there are several areas you can start your search:

Domestic Suppliers

Overseas Suppliers

Manufacturing Your Product In House

It's also very common to manufacture your rv rental on your own - either from your home or in a commercial space.

In order to get the product right, you may want to consider experimenting with different designs and recipes until you find the perfect one.

Some founders choose to manufacture their product in-house so that they can control quality, manage costs, and easily handle production/logistics.

Down the road, you can always choose to outsource your rv rental.

Leslie Eisen, founder of AlmondClear discusses how to manufacture products in house

If you want to start a line of unique products, then you have two basic options: you can make them yourself, or you can find a manufacturer to work with that creates custom formulations for their clients.

I knew that I was trying to build a larger-scale business and that the home-made model wasn’t right for me, so I had to find the right manufacturing partner. It took a lot of research, phone calls, and emails before I found the laboratory that met my needs.

I wanted to create unique products (as opposed to private label), so I worked with the manufacturer’s chemist who specializes in skin care formulations. This process takes some time!

First, you have to tell the chemist what kind of product you’re looking for , the ingredients that you want to include or leave out, and what you want the final product to look like/feel like/smell like, etc.

Then, the manufacturer sends you the first sample , you try it out or give it to others to try, and then provide feedback for revisions. In my case, the first two products came together fairly easily because I only needed to make small changes to stock formulations.

There are many, many rules and regulations around cosmetics and skin care products. If you want to sell products that contain FDA regulated ingredients then you have to register and get a permit.

My products aren’t FDA regulated, so I didn’t have to go through this step, but I did have to be aware of the many guidelines and standards around labeling and safety warnings. Some people hire a lawyer to help them through this process, but my manufacturer was able to guide me through the regulatory process.

The entire process, from researching labs to work with to having the first finished products shipped out to me, took around six months.

Purchasing Inventory For Your Rv Rental Business

When first starting out, it's important to start small with your overhead to get a gauge for what people want.

Just remember - if you order a line of items that don't sell, it's nearly impossible to recoup the money lost.

Buying the right inventory takes research and planning in order to get it right.

Identify your target audience : Identify the age, gender, annual income that you will be selling to. This is a defining factor in ordering the right inventory that will sell.
Research your competition : Conduct market research and identify the different types of styles, price points, and materials being used. This will help you see what's trending and ways that you can improve/stay ahead of the competition.
Create an inventory wishlist : Identify what you need for the launch of your business and create a budget that you will stay within. Remember, it's okay to start small.
Find a supplier Make sure to first compare prices and analyze different options.
Delivery timing : Schedule the inventory delivery to match with seasonality and trending buying seasons

Pro-tip: It's easy to become biased based on your own fashion preferences on what types of shoes/apparel to purchase. This is where a lot of fashion businesses go wrong. It's important to base purchase decisions on current buyer behavior, trends in the market, and specific to your niche.

Erin Hooley, founder of Bailey's Blossoms tells us how poor inventory projections led her to lose over $2M

When we first launched Peyton Bre we did so in a social or direct sales model.

Through poor inventory projections we were forced to change models but only after losing $2 million dollars.

It was a devastating time for us and one we were not sure we could survive.

I have since become very intentional about the way that we project our inventory needs and we continue to refine that quarterly and even monthly. We have created a KPI for the cost of goods sold to help us hold ourselves accountable.

Ultimately, the better we manage our inventory the less we have need to discount and the healthier our profit margin becomes.

This is, of course, a very high-level overview of the importance of inventory control.

To see the full breakdown on how to manage inventory, check out my guide over on my blog. .

🚀 How To Launch Your Rv Rental Business

Build A Website

Building a website is imperative when launching your business, and with the right tools in place, this can be a simple task to check off the list (without having to hire someone).

Pick a domain name that's easy to remember and easy to type
Choose a Web Hosting Plan (ie. Shopify, Squarespace)
Make sure you choose the right theme and design
Implement the proper page structure (ie. about page, contact page, pricing etc)

To learn more about how to build a stellar website with little stress, we give you all the details on this step-by-step guide .

Once you have chosen the domain, web hosting, and platform, it's time to get started with the design phase.

Themes are a great way to produce the fundamental style and identity of your website - this includes everything from your font design to your blog post styles.

One of the best ways to get started is to simply explore the various themes (free or paid depending on what you're looking for) and test them on your site.

If web-design really isn't in the cards for you, you may want to consider outsourcing a web designer to help bring your vision and brand to life.

Launch Strategies For Your Rv Rental Business

There are various different ways you can launch your RV rental business successfully.

Here are a few different strategies to get customers excited about your RV rental business.

Build hype with a landing page : you can effectively do this through waiting lists, discounts, countdown timer etc
Create a teaser video : even just a 30 second video is a great way to exposure for your RV rental business, and possibly even go viral
Reach out to influencers : The right influencer for your product has the ability to reach your audience with just one post, and because of their loyal following, this could lead to a big return for you.
Get Press : Whether you plan a PR stunt or get exposure through a popular news outlet, this is a great way to attract initial customers
Launch on popular sites : A great way to get buzz about your RV rental business is to submit your launch to popular startup sites.

Here are a few popular sites to launch on:

ProductHunt
Hacker News

Learn more about how to launch your business successfully ➜ here

Gretchen Bayless and Taylor Hood, founder of ROAMERICA dives deep into the process of launching the business:

We knew the website and branding needed to make an impact. Luckily we had the background and passion to create that. We also knew SEO would play a huge role. What’s the point of putting an awesome website out there amongst millions, if no one can find it.

So for about 6 months prior to ‘launching’ the website, we were building the brand and working on the SEO. This meant, designing our own logo and website. We knew how important these would be in the success of the initial launch. So we did a lot of research on keywords and what people were interested in learning about when searching for road trips or campervan rentals. We took what we learned and added it to our website.

We learned people wanted information on Oregon and for the process to be easy. So our website was super simple and resourceful. We also did a few road trips in our own van to test out our process, to make sure it was actually easy for customers. This was in November of 2015, so it was cold and wet but almost perfect. We did make one major change, we knew built-in heaters would be a must!

Crater Lake National Park - November 2015

Oakridge - 2015

We started the typical social media channels as well, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Luckily, we didn’t have to shell out a ton of money for the website since the business was 100% bootstrapped. Again, Taylor and I were both working full time jobs and operating ROAMERICA out of our home. Luckily, we received a super low interest rate for that 1st van so our overhead was really low. This first van was completely converted too so that saved us time. It was a 1998 Ford Econoline Sportsmobile. We didn’t have any employees either and neither of us took money out of the business to ‘pay ourselves’. We originally talked with a few banks about a business loan so we could buy a van but we were a pretty unique business and banks wanted 2 years of financial history on the business before they would even sit down and talk to us. So with our own savings to get the business up and running, we got to work. Between getting the van ready for the road, updating the ‘look’ of the van, building the site, brand, etc. we were busy...but really excited.

Our first van , ALPHA - We removed teal and purple pin stripes, removed the running boards, upgraded the tires to BF Goodrich All Terrains and added a 2” lift.

Prior to launching, we also did a lot of research about pricing. There weren’t any other campervan companies in Oregon offering what we were going to offer. So between, AirBnB, hotels, car rentals, etc we came to the decision of pricing the campervan to compete with what it would cost a person to rent a car and hotel. Our goal was to rent the van for 3 days a month. We far exceeded this goal, which meant we were prices too low. Our first customers were nice enough to tell us this as well:). So we increased our pricing and offered more in terms of gear and customer service.

Looking back, our launch was pretty amateur. We literally posted something on Facebook, no promotion or boost or anything, letting the ‘world’ know we started a business and had a website.

However, luck was on our side, we received a phone call that week to rent one of our Roof Top Tents (which we hadn’t even purchased yet!) for that weekend. This customer happened to be a photographer, so we offered the RTT to him at no cost in trade for images.

After his trip, he posted some pictures on his social media and tagged us. We did this once more with the van that May. We posted these images on our Facebook and Instagram and it helped a ton. Prior to these images we were just taking our own (not great at all!) so having these professional images at no cost to us, really helped propel our brand.

We pushed our website live in May of 2016 and by early June we were booked for the summer.

One of our own photos, early Instagram days: 28 likes, 2 comments.

Working with professional photographers helped propel our online brand.

Working with @taylersteven for photos of the RTT: 205 likes, 11 comments

Working with @kylesipple for photos of the campervan: 123 likes, 18 comments

Make Sure You Get The Package Design Right

The way you package your RV rental business is often the first impression your customer has - so it's important to get it right.

You may want to ask yourself these questions:

If my product is on a shelf next to hundreds of other similar products:

Will my RV rental business stand out?
Will the branding/packaging create a connection with my customer, and hence, lead them to buy?

There are hundreds of tools you can use to help with packaging and design:

Canva - Allows non-designers to create beautiful Instagram/Pinterest posts, flyers, business cards, etc.
Stickermule - High quality custom stickers you can include on or in your packaging.
Noissue - Custom tissue paper and compostable mailers
Rollo Label Printer - A great tool to print all shipping labels at home

Sheets & Giggles explains the motive behind their "Premium Unboxing Experience"

I had a particular vision for our packaging centered around one goal: because we were a DTC company and wouldn’t do physical retail in year 1, we needed to focus entirely on an incredible unboxing experience that made the product feel as premium as possible.

Outside: a white box, nice wax coating, logo front and center with no other copy, easy to open, nice and sturdy.

Inside: make people smile from the get-go, have a social call-to-action, include free extra surprises (a knapsack that wraps the sheets and an eye mask), put funny copy all over the place, and add a donation bag that people could use to donate their now-defunct cotton sheets (sheets & blankets are the #2-most-requested item at shelters behind socks).

Get Press Coverage For Your Rv Rental Business

The more buzz around your brand - the more the phones ring, the more traffic to your website, and the more customers as a result.

Here are a few ways you can get press for your business:

Press releases:

Press releases are a great way to share big announcements or news, but in order to get any traction, you'll need to find a way to make your press release stand out amongst others.

Try to convey a story that really matters, not just to you, but to the reporter and to their audience.

Here are some things to consider when submitting a press release:

Craft a catchy subject (keep it short and sweet).
Acknowledge the journalist's past work and interests - this is key!
Include the main point of the story in the first paragraph, heck, even the first sentence. Reporters want to hear the juice first and foremost.
Focus on the facts and try to limit the amount of jargon used.
Pitch yourself! Help them put a face to the story.
Make sure your topic is newsworthy. If it's not, find a way to!
Try not to include any attachments of your release!

Email is one of the most effective and preferred way to send your press release, so as long as you keep your pitch brief, interesting and personalized (no cold emails), you should stand a chance!

Get Press Using HARO

HARO, otherwise known as "Help a Reporter Out" is an outlet for journalists to source upcoming stories and opportunities for media coverage.

The best part is, HARO is free to use! There are, of course, premium versions you can purchase, but the free version is still an accessible way to get press.

Once you set up an account, HARO essentially will email you based on stories (that are relevant to you) that need to be covered where you will then have a chance to essentially "bid on the story."

Here are some tips when crafting your pitch:

Discuss your experience and expertise in the space. Make sure it's obvious why you're relevant to this story.
Answer the question in 3-4 sentences. Try and be as direct as possible
Offer to provide the reporter with more information and make sure to give them your contact info

Plan a Publicity Stunt

Planning a publicity stunt is an effective and quick way to raise awareness for your brand and gain some traction from the press.

If you're looking to plan a stunt, the objective should be to be bold and create something memorable

However, being bold has a fine line - it's important that you consider the timing of your stunt to ensure you don't come off insensitive or unethical. For example, timing may not be in your favor if you plan something during the general election, or in most recent cases, a global pandemic.

In order to measure the success of your stunt, it's important that you first determine your end goal, for example:

Is the stunt aimed to raise money for your business or a particular organization?
Is the stunt aimed to drive more traffic to your website?
Is the stunt aimed to get more followers and engagement on Instagram?

Here are a few tips for creating a great publicity stunt:

Research to ensure that there haven't been similar stunts done in the past by other businesses - this could easily turn off journalists and your audience.
Make sure you can explain the stunt in one headline - this will help grab the media's attention. In other words, simplify!
The stunt should be related to the product you are promoting. Even if the stunt is a success in terms of viewers, but it doesn't tie back to your original goal, then it's not useful.
Keep the stunt visual with videos/images.
Leverage the internet and social media platforms for your stunt by sharing your message across a variety of audiences. This will help with word of mouth and the overall success of your event.

To learn other strategies on how to get press, check out our full guide here .

🌱 How To Grow Your Rv Rental Business

Consider Selling On Amazon

In addition to selling your products directly on your site, you may want to consider selling on Amazon to reach a wider audience and attract new customers.

Here are some pros and cons of selling on amazon:

Easy and seamless process to get your product listed on Amazon
There are roughly 100 million thoroughly committed prime customers, so you're bound to tap into new business
Can help grow your business exponentially and reach new audiences
You may encounter some "copycats" and counterfeit products
Amazon owns the relationship with the customer (you lose control over product reviews + customer service)
If you already have a low-markup, amazon may not wrth your while and you could end up losing money
Commissions and listing fees are high - it's easy to lose control of your offering

Follow these instructions to get your product listed on Amazon or check out the video below on how to get started:

Cory Stout, founder of Woodies ($250K/mo) provides us with specifics on how to rank better on amazon:

Our main product is walnut wood sunglasses that I sell for $25 on Amazon and Woodies.com.

I dedicated myself to becoming an Amazon expert. I listened to all the podcasts and read all the blog posts I could find. Shoutout EcomCrew I took the basic fundamentals that are out there and I added a couple of my own twists.

Amazon brings me, 100 brand new customers, every day for very little acquisition cost. If I tried that on my own, it would take a TON of work and it wouldn’t be nearly as effective as Amazon, so I took the easy road on this one.

Here's an article I wrote on how to rank better on amazon (30+ Tips):

5/5: ESSENTIAL

Beautiful images (minimum 5 images) especially lifestyle images I use UpgradedImages.com for product photography (hey Ken!)
Keywords in your title (but it still needs to sound human)
Competitive price (contributes to high conversion rate)
NOT having 1-star reviews
DON'T STOCKOUT: it's such a killer and if you DO stockout, definitely DON'T raise your price right before you do, if anything LOWER your price for the last 10-20 units before you stockout, each ASIN has a 'memory' for when you do get back in stock so that will help you regain ranking quickly
DON'T VIOLATE AMAZON TOS: just don't
Perform QC on your stock before you send it in (I sent in a wrong box once and I had to 'remove' over 3,000 pieces so I could sift through them and remove the 150 contaminated pieces 0/7 would not recommend

4/5: Pretty Friggin Important

Minimum 10 5-star reviews (do this before you do anything below this)
Well optimized PPC campaigns (could do a whole post on this, keep ACOS under 40%) here's a screenshot of some of my campaigns I use a combination of manual campaigns with exact phrases and high bids...and auto campaigns with a broad range of products and very low bids
Turning on FeedbackGenius for auto review requests (it's not as good as it used to be, but it's still worth it)
Get a trademark and get Brand Registry, this protects you from hijackers and other unscrupulous sellers
Quick response to customer messages (under 12 hours) here are my stats my mom does all my customer service "Employee of the Year" status
Drive outside traffic (amazon loves outside traffic because they don't have to spend so much to acquire customers) Facebook, Instagram, and Google Adwords are the usual suspects
Use ocean shipping to save mucho $$$ on unit costs (use flexport)

Consider Working With Instagram Influencers

Partnering with like-minded influencers (within your industry) is one of the most effective ways to grow your social media organically.

Industry influencers already have an established and loyal following. With one post, your product immediately establishes a connection with a brand new audience. It's that powerful.

When finding influencers to promote your product, do your research and make sure that their following will actually be interested in your product.

It's easy to be blinded by any influencer with a huge following, but if those followers don't resonate with your product, there may not be any value there... so make sure you do your research!

Evan Marshall, founder of Plain Jane discusses how "micro-influencers" have impacted his business:

Influencer marketing has been huge for us. Our approach is pretty simple. We give out samples of our products and ask people to post about us on social media aka a micro-influencer strategy.

We really like this approach because we get authentic stories and content. We cannot really control the messaging so the product has to speak for itself. We don’t really take product photos at all. Our customers take the photos and we ask to reuse them.

With any influencer strategy, you have to be very sure you’re targeting the right people and engaging with them. You can make sure you’re targeting the right influencers by looking through their posts and then looking through the profiles of their engaged followers.

It takes more time per influencer but the payoff is certainly worth it. Make sure their followers look like your existing customers.

It takes a ton of time and work to grow a social media following this way but it’s worth it. Other accounts have tried to grow themselves through botting or other manipulations. As a CBD company, we didn’t want to give Instagram any reason to shutdown our account so we’ve done everything through content and real engagement. It’s not magic to make this happen. You just have to post consistently and then reply or like every single comment you get. It takes months but it works

Improve your SEO

SEO is not just about driving traffic to your site, it's about driving the RIGHT traffic to your site , and ultimately, converting leads into customers.

One of the most important aspects of SEO is understanding what your customers are searching for, otherwise known as "keyword research."

Here are some tools that can help you choose the right keywords for your RV rental business.

Google Ads Keyword Planner invaluable for discovering search trends.
Google Search Console is very helpful once your website is up as it shows you what words/phrases are generating traffic.
Ahrefs and SEMRush are paid tools that allow you to look at results of your competitor's website.

Publish Great Content

Finding keywords is an important piece of the puzzle, but Google also ranks your site based on the actual content you produce, as this is what your customers are reading and engaging with.

There are various different "forms" of content that you may want to consider diversifying on your sites, such as blog posts, articles, studies, and videos.

So let's discuss what google considers "good content:"

Length - This will vary depending on the page, however, generally having a sufficient amount of content helps search engines recognize that your site is a good source for a specific topic
Engagement - The longer people stay on your website to read your content, the higher Google will rank your website. It's important to have informative and "thick" content that keeps people reading
Avoid Duplicating Content - Google will recognize this and may consider your content to have low value
Ensure pages load quickly - This will also help with engagement and time spent on your website
Shareability - Create content that people want to share, and is easy for them to share, especially to their social media accounts (ie. "click to tweet" is a great example of this).

Another element of creating good content is creating consistent content.

If (and hopefully you are) publishing content frequently, it's important to stick to a schedule - this helps build brand trust and easy user experience with your customers.

Planning out your content with a content calendar is key to staying consistent.

Here are a few great content calendar tools that can help you:

If you prefer to keep it simple, your average spreadsheet is just as useful!

Backlinks are an important piece to SEO, as they allow for other websites to link to your content.

Search engines recognize that other sites are essentially "verifying" your content and essentially rank you higher because of this.

Of course, some links are more valuable than others and can affect your site in different ways.

For example, if a highly valuable and credible site like the New York Times links to a page on your website, this could be remarkable from an SEO perspective.

Aside from organically getting mentioned from other sites, there are other ways that you can increase and earn backlinks:

Create infographics with relevant data that people want to share
Promote your content on different sites/look into "guest blogging"
Contact influencers/journalists/bloggers and ask them to mention you!
Write testimonials for other sites in exchange for a backlink
Leverage existing business relationships

Learn more about the fundamentals of SEO ➜ here and check out Neil Patel's 3 Powerful SEO Tips below

Build A Blog

One of the most effective ways to build brand awareness and grow your business is through consistently blogging.

We've outlined some useful tips for you to consider when creating content:

Consistency and Quantity

Quality is important, but it should be the standard for any content you publish.

What’s more important is consistency and quantity.

Consistency is as simple as committing to publishing and sharing a certain number of posts per week. For me, that’s three per week right now.

This kind of commitment is key, because one day, a random post will blow up, and you will have never expected it.

Oversaturation

The easiest mind trap is to think "I’m posting too much", and “I need to give my readers/audience/this platform a break”.

This is nonsense.

There is no such thing as oversaturation. Well, there is, but it is just someone else’s opinion.

For every person that tells you you are posting too much, there is another person that wants even more of your content.

You should ignore people’s opinions on how much you post.

Patience & Persistence

Keep posting, keep trying, and keep putting out good content on the regular. Your time will come, and when it does, it will change everything.

The only thing you have control over is your content.

You can’t control how people will react to it. You can’t control pageviews, likes, or shares.

So the only metric you should focus on is how much content you can put out in a week, month, etc.

Where to share your blog content

Mailing List

I know it sounds obvious, but the best places to share your content is on your mailing list. It is guaranteed traffic and it is a great way to get rapid feedback from your most loyal readers.

Send newsletters often. I have done once a week since starting, and I’m moving to twice a week soon.

Work on increasing your mailing list as well. Look into ways to increase your conversion rate to your mailing list. I added a flyout popup thing to my site and now I’m collecting ~30 emails per day.

An email newsletter is one of the most powerful assets you can have and it is worth its weight in gold.

Reddit is one of my favorite places to promote content.

It is a very scary place because you will often get banned or heckled, but it can really pay off.

Create social media accounts for your blog, the main ones I use:

Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Set up Buffer and share all of your blog posts to all of your accounts. All of these little shares really do add up.

Automate this as much as possible. I automated all of my social media for Starter Story.

Facebook Groups

When I started out, I put together a spreadsheet of relevant Facebook groups for my niche, and I would post to these groups whenever I had a big story I wanted to share.

Grow Your Email List

The more engaged list of emails, the more engaged customers, which ultimately leads to more sales.

One of the best ways to start growing your list is by providing your customer with something free (or discounted) in return.

This could also be anything from:

Fascinating case study
Video series
Free week of the product
Discount on the product

Learn more about how to grow your email list and improve email marketing ➜ here .

Dylan Jacob, founder of Brumate states their email collection tactic that is proven to work:

We use Spin-a-Sale for this (you spin a wheel for a discount code in exchange for subscribing to our email list). This has been the best email-collecting tool we have found because the customer truly feels like they won a prize rather than just a coupon code.

Even if a customer doesn’t convert right away, if we have their email we have a 19% chance of converting them into a future customer whether that is through future promotions, new releases, or simply just sending an email at the right time for a purchase to finally make sense for them.

We also have a return customer rate of over 14%, so one out of every 6 people we convert will end up buying from us again with an average order value of over $60.00.

Add an exit-intent popup to your online store

A great way to double, or even triple, your email opt-in rate and to grow your list is to add an exit-intent popup to your site, and offering a discount or content upgrade for subscribers.

Here's an example of what that might look like:

One thing that I spent years NOT doing, that I now kick myself about, is adding an "exit intent pop-up" to our site, which lets people enter a sweepstakes to win a Xero Shoes gift certificate.

That one idea has added over 100,000 subscribers to our email list, which is one of our most effective marketing channels.

Improve Your Email Marketing

Different types of emails

Here are the most common types of email campaigns you can send to your customers and their benefits:

Welcome emails - the perfect way to provide information from the start with a clear CTA. Make sure to tell your customer everything they need to know about your product or service.
Newsletters - a great way to give customers updates or send out your latest content
Product launch emails - the quickest (and easiest) way to increase sales is by selling to current customers. Make sure they're the first on the list to know about your new product
Promotional emails - promote discounts, deals coupons etc. Try and make this feel exclusive and for a limited time only
Abandoned cart emails - give your customers a reason to complete their purchase!

Here's a great resource for finding curated email designs, for all types of email campaigns!

Abandonded Cart Flow

The abandoned cart workflow is one of the most effective strategies for turning your lead into a customer, and a powerful tool to have if you're an e-commerce business.

Think about all the times that you went on a shopping frenzy only to add items to your cart and then either forget or realize nows not the right time to pull the trigger.

Then, minutes later you receive an email saying "Hurry up! Your cart is waiting - and we want to provide you with 20% off your order."

Maybe that's the special touch (and discount) you needed to pull that trigger.

Implementing this workflow can automatically trigger this for your business every time a customer abandons their cart.

Here's a great example of an abandoned cart email from Brooklinen :

Things they do well:

Showcase 5-star reviews from other customers
Offer a small discount + free shipping
Great design + clear call to actions!

Experiment With Pay Per Click Ads (PPC)

Pay-per-click (PPC) is a performance-based marketing method that allows you to show specific ads for services or products oriented to a very defined target, with the goal that the user visits your website or landing page.

Here are some tips to consider:

Consider connecting the ad to your corresponding landing page so that the audience receives the necessary information after clicking on the ad.
Conversion Tracking: When running PPC campaigns, be sure to run the ads with conversion tracking.
Focus on quality keywords, even if there are few as this will save you time and money. When assessing the performance of a keyword, it's important to track the expense, conversion, and cost per conversion, as well as the ROI.

PPC advertising can be a very important lead generator as long as it's done properly. Your PPC campaign is intended to drive traffic to your website and help the business scale.

Additionally, if the campaign is not having the desired results, you can make the necessary changes immediately to improve them.

Ryan Schortmann, founder of Display Pros talks about their investment in PPC Ads:

My name is Ryan Schortmann and I’m the founder of Display Pros. We are a custom trade show display booth company offering easy to use portable display “kits” for small and medium businesses wanting to get into the trade show game.

It did not take long to come to the realization that to compete at any reasonable level, we were going to need to take the plunge and invest in Pay Per Click ads and display.

From experience, I know that it is important to give Google’s hivemind some time to settle in before each campaign starts seeing consistent results (this is largely dependent on budget).

A certain amount of PPC budget must be viewed as a “marketing research” expense and then you can look at the analytics data and make informed decisions on where to refine, tweak or plain scrap an idea.

Google Shopping was an entirely new concept for me. You can’t assign keywords to products so at first, I was asking myself “How the hell do you refine these?”. Then I found some good reading material and courses and learned of some advanced methods that the pros are using. It turns out you can utilize negative keyword lists combined with the priority setting on each shopping campaign to “shape” the keywords that are coming in and how much you are spending on them.

To learn more about PPC Ads and Google Shopping, check out this video to learn everything you need to know!

Social Media Advertising

Social Media Advertising is one of the leading ways to get the word out when it comes to RV rental business.

There are various different Social Media platforms available to you. Some may be more critical for your marketing efforts than others, however, it's important to have an understanding of what's out there and available to you.

Let's talk about a few of the main platforms and what makes them unique:

Facebook Advertising - more than 2 billion monthly users. Facebook is the best for lead generation + capturing email addresses for e-commerce businesses.
Instagram Advertising - approximately 500 million monthly users and has a higher audience engagement rate than any other platform. Instagram ads are best for linking to a product page or landing page and reaches the 18-29 age group most effectively.
Twitter Advertising - Small businesses typically use twitter ads to drive brand awareness, but the platform is meant more for organic engagement (and is not as heavily used for paid advertising)
Pinterest Advertising - 175 million monthly users and most effectively reaches the female audience. Pinterest is great for promoting products without "promoted". The promoted pins have a way of blending right in.
LinkedIn Advertising - 227 million monthly users and is geared towards the B2B market and generates the highest quality leads. Great platform for recruiters, high-end products and services that will help businesses

It's important to first define your goal/objective so that you don't waste time and money into the wrong platform:

Here are some different questions to ask yourself as it relates to your goals:

Do I want to simply drive brand awareness?
Do I want to drive users to my website to gather information?
Do I want to increase sales and get my customer to take action?

From there, choose the platform that targets your audience best and start experimenting!

Learn more about social media advertising ➜ here .

Founder Andy Hayes talks about mastering FB ads and the pixel:

The biggest bang for your buck will likely be mastering Facebook and it’s platform - which we all know is pay for play, so you’ll have to come up with a small amount of budget to start for marketing.

We’ve spent countless hours (and paid numerous coaches) before we cracked the code that works for us on Facebook, but it is working really well for us now.

Some of the most important things to know when it comes to FB Ads:

Start with retargeting (that’s showing ads to people who already know you but did not purchase). Master this - and start building information on your Facebook Pixel - before you do anything else
Once you have that down, try working with the 1% “Lookalike” audience to prospect for new customers. This may take awhile because your pixel audience is small, so try layering on interests - 1% Lookalike and your largest competitor, for example. Don’t use interest-only targeting until you master this.
Great photography and videography is key, as is smart copy. Research what’s out there in your industry and constantly test - what works for one company may not work for other people.
Make sure you have good offers. For example, we have a $5 trial for our subscription, which converts affordably - if we promoted our subscription with the standard $30 front charge, it wouldn’t be as cost-effective.

🏃🏼‍♀️ How To Run Your Rv Rental Business

How To Retain Customers For Your Rv Rental Business

Retaining customers is one of the most effective ways to grow your RV rental business.

Oftentimes, it's easy to find yourself focusing on generating new customers, vs retaining your current ones.

Look at it this way - you are 60-70% more likely to sell a new product to an existing customer than you are a new customer.

That's not to say that finding new customers and revenue streams is not important, however, the easiest (and most inexpensive) source of new revenue is right there in front of you.

Here are some ways you can retain customers for your RV rental business:

Responding to comments on social media
Send discounts (or freebies) to loyal customers
Provide valuable content, for free
Write a hand written thank you note
Provide awesome customer service and build relationships with customers

To find out more tips and tricks on retaining customers, check out this article ➜ here

Gretchen Bayless and Taylor Hood, founder of ROAMERICA dives deep into the process of attracting and retaining customers:

We are firm believers in ‘the more you give, the more you get’. We love helping people, offering advice, trip planning, van trip giveaways, etc. and our reward is seeing the smile on people’s faces. We develop a relationship with every customer and really get to know them. It’s a natural thing for us to do and it just so happens that it probably helps the business.

Another thing we believe in and has helped attract customers is to never pass up an opportunity. Always exceed expectations of the customer and always give before you take. You may be overworked, tired and have other responsibilities but if something presents itself and you know it may help the business or is super low risk, take that opportunity. Even if it means later nights and earlier mornings.

We haven’t come across the perfect formula to increase sales or traffic but we’re always tweaking and learning. We work a lot on SEO and our brand awareness. We work with a lot of companies with the same values and promote each other, which helps our reach.

In order to attract new customers and retain our customers, we really have to look at our website analytics. Most of our web traffic comes from organic Google searches which means we pay a lot of attention to SEO. That is our top priority.

Next, we focus our effort on social media and just staying present and keeping our brand fresh and inspiring. In order to stay present and in front of our customers and attract new customers, we look at our social media and website analytics every week. We use Iconosquare for social media analytics and Google Analytics for our website. It was pretty evident early on, that everyone LOVES pictures of the van. Specifically, exterior shots of the van set up in all its glory.

Our most ‘most liked’ post. Taken by @spreadsheetqueen.

We are a small business, just the two of us and we don’t outsource any marketing which is why we don’t do much in comparison to other brands. However, this also gives us complete control of what we put out there because we personally have created it.

In order to stay relevant, we send out an e-newsletter once a month and have a sign up on our website. We use MailChimp to design and schedule our newsletters and MailMunch for the pop up form on our website.

We also ask for emails at events or to sign up for our annual giveaway. We just added this newsletter January of this year, 2019. We had been wanting to do this since we started but we just couldn’t find the time. We still don’t have the time but we know how important it is to stay in front of your customers and offer something to prospective customers. Our newsletter has travel tips, trip ideas and more. This is also how we notify our customers of announcements.

For example, we recently updated our logo and dog policy (we now allow dogs!). So we sent out a super simple and quick e-newsletter to let our subscriber list know! It’s actually quite fun to create every month! What we’ve come to realize is that our email list doesn’t expect a highly professional newsletter with in depth articles. They expect relevant information that is up to date and they just want to hear about the business. So we try to not analyze too much about what we ‘should’ put out every month. We just look at our most recent blog posts or social media and share the information. Then if we have exciting announcements to share, we’ll send those as well. We have a 34% open rate and great click through as well.

Another way to to market the business and attract new customers, was to create partnerships and be a part of events/raffles. We partake in events and causes like the Children’s Cancer Association annual auction and the annual auction for the Native Fish Society. We love giving van trips away to causes like these. Once a year, we hold a big contest where one winner can win a campervan trip and a pile of gear from our partners. This gets a lot of attention and is super fun for us too! We also have our vans in raffles for Patagonia Portland events, Royal Treatment Fly Fishing and others. In the end, this attracts new people to our brand and one day when they’re thinking about taking a road trip, hopefully they remember us!

Diversify Your Product Line

Adding new products to your business is a great way to expand into new markets and grow your business.

It's important to note that adding new products and diversifying may not be in the cards for you right this moment, and that's okay. You can always consider it down the road.

Here are some reasons you may want to considering adding/diversifying your product

Meeting the needs of your customers
Establish yourself as a top provider in your industry and stay ahead of the game with competition
Resistance to downturns/trends fading
Create new revenue streams

Provide Great Customer Service

Providing exceptional care and creating relationships with clients is a great way to build your reputation and retain customers.

Whether you are an online business or a physical business, it's highly important to communicate with customers and make them feel like they are the priority.

Just remember: customer service represents your brand, values, vision and YOU as a person.

Authenticity

As a brand, you want to deliver an experience that authentic, honest and transparent.

Don't make the mistake of giving your audience less credit than they deserve.

Be Authentic

If you go around chasing every trend and only focused on yourself and money, you’re going to lose very quickly.

There have been many times where we have been tempted to do this but stayed true.

Sure we sacrificed sales, but we kept our integrity, played the long game and people saw and appreciated that, and really began emotionally investing in the brand.

Build a Referral Program

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get the word out about your business and acquire new customers. Especially when you are starting out, it’s important to build a solid referral program to encourage existing customers to help you find new ones.

A great way to do that is by offering a reward (ie. credit on your service or cash) to customers that refer you to their friends and family.

A fantastic referral program will help with clout, credibility, and establishing yourself in the space.

Word of Mouth

The most tried and true way to grow a RV rental business is through word of mouth - some entrepreneurs would say it's more important than all social media.

Why you should focus on word of mouth:

Consumers trust word of mouth above all other forms of marketing
92% of consumers believe recommendations from friends and family over all forms of advertising
64% of marketing executives indicated that they believe it is the most effective form of marketing

Learn more about word of mouth in our guide: 30 Ways Founders Grow Their Business ➜

How To Crush The Sales Process For Your Rv Rental Business

You may find yourself in a spot where you're ready to hire a few (or many) salespeople to support the sales conversion process.

Regardless if you have one or thirty salespeople, it's critical that you assign them specific roles and responsibilities to nurture the client and provide excellent support.

Mike Korba, co-founder of User.Com walks us through the entire sales process and which teams are responsible for what:

User.com Sales Process

Each user and account is qualified with a specialist. For business leads, they are handled by the sales team, and if they are qualified we give them a demo, more than often at the end of their fourteen-day trial. If they’re happy they’ll add a payment, and get an account manager, so a customer support and success team who will help implement the solution and to use the technology.

Sometimes, users will convert naturally on their own, after using the freemium product and finding it to be something that they will find beneficial.

After they convert, we help with onboarding , give them some personalized tips for their specific business or industry to grow plus all kinds of support, for whatever they need - something we take huge pride in.

The team is right now more than 30 people, with more than half working on the IT and product side, and the rest are in three teams: Support, Marketing, and Sales who all work together very closely.

We put together the best resources on the internet to help you start your RV rental business.

Platform tools such as Amazon or Canva
Email tools such as MailChimp or Constant Contact
Social media tools such as Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , YouTube , Pinterest or LinkedIn
Advertising tools such as Facebook Ads , Google Adwords or Google ads
Reviews tools such as YotPo , Judge.me , Yelp or Google My Business
Design tools such as Canva , Adobe Suite or HubSpot’s form builder
Analytics tools such as Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager
Productivity tools such as Google Suite , Dropbox , Slack , Microsoft Office 365 or pCLoud
Payments tools such as Square
Blog tools such as WordPress
Accounting tools such as Quickbooks
Crm tools such as Hubspot
Freelance tools such as Fiverr
Affiliate tools such as Refersion or Amazon Associates
Sales tools such as ClickFunnels
Stock images tools such as Unsplash , Pixabay , Shutterstock or Istockphoto
Seo tools such as Ahrefs
Web hosting tools such as WP Engine or Kinsta
Payroll tools such as TSheets or Intuit
How To Buy, Sell And Operate Rv Parks And Campgrounds

The Complete Guide To Renting An Rv

The Narrow Road: A Brief Guide to the Getting of Money

The Richest Man in Babylon

Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose

Web Resources

How To Start Your Own Rv Rental Business
How To Start An Rv Rental Business
Rv Rental School - How To Start An Rv Rental Business - Rv Sharing
Rv Rental Business (Unedited) 10,000 Profit First Season

Case Studies

Starting a Casual Camping Brand and Growing To $2,000/month
How We Started A Camper Van Rental Business and Quit Our Full Time Jobs
This Founder Turned His Part Time Gig Into A $3M RV Rental Business
How I Started A $1.8M/Year RV Rental Franchise Across 24 Locations
44 Trending Rv Rental Businesses [2024] 1 of 8
How Much Does It Cost To Start A Rv Rental Business? (In 2024) 2 of 8
80+ Best RV Blog Post Ideas To Inspire You [2024] 3 of 8
1,000+ Clever RV Rental Business Names 4 of 8
32 Pros & Cons Of Starting A Rv Rental Business (2024) 5 of 8
7 Tips For Starting A Successful Rv Rental Business (2024) 6 of 8
6 Rv Rental Business Success Stories [2024] 7 of 8
55 Marketing Ideas For A Rv Rental Business (2024) 8 of 8

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The Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

By Jesse & Rachael Lyons

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground . Fort Wilderness is one of the original Walt Disney World resorts—it opened just 1 month after Magic Kingdom Park in 1971. More than 1,200 campsites and cabins sprawl across 750 wooded acres, located less than 4 miles from Cinderella Castle. Fort Wilderness may be one of the most expensive campgrounds in the U.S., but it offers exceptional amenities. It’s also one of the most economical ways to book a dream Walt Disney World vacation.

Despite the high nightly rate, this campground is a must-experience for Disney fans. We booked our Fort Wilderness campsite the day after we purchased our fifth wheel. We were Disney fans prior to RV life, but RVing has added a lot of pixie dust to our Walt Disney World vacations. Full-time RVing has even allowed us to become Florida residents and Disney Annual Passholders.

Fort Wilderness has its own brand of Disney culture. It’s central to many vacation traditions, especially around the holidays. Many visitors return year after year, or book long stays. There are many reasons to RV, and some choose the lifestyle specifically to live at or near Walt Disney World part of the year. Whether you’re just stopping by to visit Mickey, or planning a longer escape to the vacation kingdom, you can’t miss the magic of this resort.

"Welcome to Fort Wilderness" wood sign under a large tree with hanging Spanish moss.

Photo by: Jesse & Rachael Lyons

How to Book

High nightly rates don’t deter this campground’s popularity. Reservations can be made up to 499 days in advance, and campers who want longer stays or popular dates should book that early. The earlier you can reserve your campsite, the better—but it’s possible to pick up a less popular date or cancellation with shorter notice. There are three ways to book your campsite.

Online at disneyworld.go.com: This is the most straightforward way to book, especially if you already have travel dates in mind.

Calling Disney at (407) 939-1936: Hold times are long, but once you get on the line with a Disney cast member, they can often wave a magic wand. Call if you can’t find availability online, but have flexible travel dates. Disney reservation services will work with you to find available dates for your vacation.

Book with a Disney Travel Agent: This is the best way to book, especially if you’re trying to find a cancellation for a specific date, or if you’re planning a full Walt Disney World vacation. A Disney travel agent is like a Disney vacation FASTPASS, and often comes at no additional cost. Our go-to Disney travel agent is Christine Wilson at Two Ears East , because she’s an RVer who specializes in Fort Wilderness.

Blacktop road leading through an RV park with rigs parked on either side.

Types of Campsites

Fort Wilderness offers a range of accommodations for any type of camper. Rates change frequently and vary by season. Here’s what to expect based on the 2021 season.

Tent or Pop-Up Sites ($73 to $179 per night): The Fort Wilderness tent sites are the best value stay in all of Walt Disney World, especially because up to 10 guests can stay in one site. Sites include a concrete pad for parking, water, and electric hookups. Pop-ups, truck campers, vans, small Class Cs, and tiny trailers can also take advantage of these sites, though there’s no access to sewer hookups.

RV Sites ($110 to $250 per night): Disney offers four levels of RV sites fit for royalty, dependent on the site size and location within the resort. All RV sites are spacious and include a concrete pad and full hookups.

RV Rentals (night rate, plus $750 and up): Many local third-party companies will deliver an RV rental straight to your Fort Wilderness campsite. You still have to reserve the campsite in advance. Disney has two official RV rental vendors —Luxurious Rentals and Meacham’s RV—but other rental companies are allowed to deliver directly to your campsite.

Cabins ($360 to $800): Fort Wilderness also offers themed cabin rentals, which are convenient for family members and friends who don’t own an RV.

Large white fifth-wheel parked on a concrete pad in the woods of an RV park.

Fort Wilderness allows all types of tents and RVs with sites large enough to accommodate big rigs, including long fifth wheels and Class As. Unlike some high-end resorts, Fort Wilderness doesn’t have rules about the age of your RV . All sites are back-in, but easily accessible. Fort Wilderness doesn’t offer a dump station as all RV sites have sewer hookups.

Camping With Kids

Disney’s Fort Wilderness is a true Neverland for kids of all ages. The campground is designed for families first, and offers countless activities before you even make it to the theme parks. Here are a few tips specifically for families:

Campsites near The Meadows offer easy access to the pool and playground.
The campground is massive for little legs, so consider renting a golf cart to return your family from the resort transportation.
Take advantage of the dozens of (often free) kids activities, and ask for an activities calendar at check-in.

The Disney Experience

Fort Wilderness is a beautiful campground, but the main reason to stay here is for the resort activities and proximity to the Disney theme parks.

Accessing the Park

Fort Wilderness is the only campground within Walt Disney World Resort. It’s less than 4 miles from Magic Kingdom, and less than a 15-minute drive from all four theme parks. It’s easy to visit the parks and return to your campsite for a midday break.

Free bus transportation, Disney’s Magical Express, is provided to all of the theme parks from the campground’s entrance. Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom is a special perk for Fort Wilderness guests—boats depart from Settlement at the back of the campground. All transportation arrives approximately every 20 minutes. Just remember to purchase park tickets and make park reservations before your visit.

Woman wearing a life vest paddling a canoe on a lake.

Fort Wilderness offers plenty of campground amenities, including:

Campsite grills
Cable connection
Clean bathhouses
Pool with a waterslide
Basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts
Playgrounds
Running trails
Onsite dining and shopping
Dozens of free and additional activities
Disney Resort guest perks

Tray of fried chicken, French bread, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes and gravy.

Looking for the best breakfast or fried chicken at Walt Disney World? You don’t even have to leave the campground.

Trail’s End: This homestyle breakfast and dinner restaurant is all-you-care-to-enjoy. We highly recommend fueling up on bacon, sausage, and Mickey waffles before you hit the parks.

P&J’s Southern Takeout: The family meals to go might just be the best value of all of Disney’s dining options. We always crave the delicious fried chicken.

Cockett’s Tavern: Sip some moonshine on the porch by this walk-up bar.

Meadow Snack Bar and Chuck Wagon: Grab some basic campground fare like hot dogs, Mickey pretzels, and ice cream bars at these snack locations near the pool.

Food Trucks: Fort Wilderness often hosts local Orlando food trucks. Ask about the schedule when you check in. Venture to the rest of the Disney resort to visit hundreds of unique dining options ranging from themed pizza to high-end signature restaurants.

Not only does Fort Wilderness offer impressive activities for any campground, they may take the prize for best activities of any Disney World Resort. You could enjoy a full vacation here without even visiting a theme park.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revenue ($66 to $74 for adults, $39 to $44 for kids): This rollicking Old West themed dinner show is an absolute hoot with a side of delicious fried chicken and cherry pie. Enjoy slapstick acts from exuberant performers alongside all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner and drinks. Put this at the top of your list and reserve in advance. The show hasn’t returned since the start of the pandemic, but rumor has it that it’ll be back in 2022.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long (Free): Roast marshmallows and sing Disney songs with the official mascots of Fort Wilderness, everyone’s favorite chipmunks, Chip and Dale. The characters aren’t currently meeting as the resort is still in the process of reinstating offerings. You’ll still find the nightly campfire, and Chip ‘n’ Dale will be back soon.

Horseback Riding ($55 per person), Pony Rides ($8 per person), and Carriage Rides (Call to book): The Tri Circle D Ranch, home to all Disney World horses, including Cinderella’s, is located at Fort Wilderness. Book horseback riding or pony rides, or just visit the ranch for free to see the horses. Carriage and wagon rides are also offered, including themed rides during the holidays.

Boat Rentals and Fishing ($8 to $90 per hour): From kayaks and canoes to fishing and pontoon boats, you can rent any kind of boat to float on the canals and lakes around the resort. You can even book a guided fishing tour or bring your own poles.

Archery ($45 per person): The budding Merida in your group can book an archery lesson.

Kids Activities (Mostly free): The rotating calendar of free or inexpensive kids activities include pool games, a nightly outdoor movie, arts and crafts, trivia, and more. Ask for the schedule at check-in.

Fireworks (Free): Enjoy a fantastic, crowdless view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks show right on the campground beach, no park ticket necessary. Stick around afterward, because the charming Electrical Water Pageant will float on by.

Holidays at Fort Wilderness (Free): Campers create their own magic around Halloween and the winter holiday season with all-out campsite decorations that rival the Griswold’s. Pour yourself a mug of cocoa and go for a dazzling nighttime walk around the campground.

50th Anniversary Celebrations: Both Fort Wilderness and Walt Disney World are celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year. Pick up some vintage-inspired merchandise at the Trading Post, and some of the exclusive treats on the Trail’s End and P&J menus. If you’re headed to the parks, don’t miss the sensational anniversary nighttime shows and “beacons of magic” lighting.

Man and dog standing in front of wooden dog park sign.

Insider Tips

Here are some tips from seasoned Fort Wilderness adventurers to make your trip more enjoyable:

Bring Your Dog: Fort Wilderness is the most dog-friendly Disney accommodation. There’s a $5 per night fee, but your dog is welcome around the campground and at the large dog park. If you don’t want to leave your dog in the RV while you enjoy the park, Best Friends Pet Hotel is nearby.

Bring a Golf Cart or Bike: The campground is massive, and after clocking thousands of steps at the theme parks, a mile walk to your campsite can be daunting. Most families bring golf carts or bikes to easily get to park transportation. Rentals are also available.

Visit Wilderness Lodge: The campground provides bus and boat transportation to the luxury rustic-chic hotel next door. For a relaxing evening, stroll the grand lobby and sip a craft cocktail at the Territory Lounge.

Visiting the Park Before and After Your Stay: On your check-in and check-out days, you can park your RV in the campground’s front lot, then catch a bus for a few more park hours. Note that the theme parks also offer RV parking.

Disney Resort Perks: Take advantage of the perks of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, including early and extended theme park hours, early booking access to dining reservations and Lighting Lane times, in-park merchandise delivery, and discounted Magic Bands.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness is a one-of-a-kind campground and a true resort. While it’s more expensive than your average campground or RV park, it’s a great value for a Disney World vacation. Be sure to plan at least one extra non-theme park day to enjoy everything Fort Wilderness has to offer.

Meet the Author

Jesse & Rachael Lyons

Jesse and Rachael are a married couple from Boston, Massachusetts. In 2018 they ditched their city apartment, became digital nomads, and hit the road to go on an adventure. Now, they travel full-time in their renovated Keystone Cougar fifth wheel, tasting local food and beer everywhere they go.

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Clackamas RV

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These guys are the best we had a water leak on our RV that we discovered a week before a week long family camping trip. I travel for work and was unable to take it to them, they made the time to travel to my house in south west Washington and repair it. The service was quick and professional, we were very happy with the whole experience. Thank you to Carli and his team. From the Steinbach's

We recently needed a repair for our RV, and the service we received from Clackamas RV was outstanding. The service technician arrived at our residence within 48 hours of our request. He was professional, efficient, and had us up and running in under an hour! We will continue to support Clackamas RV and highly recommend their services to others. Thank you for the exceptional service!

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Millennials have a fresh take on the FIRE movement, and it's less about taking it easy in retirement

At age 36, Jace Mattinson is already over retirement . Four years ago, he sold his lumber company for seven figures, and he had enough saved that he never needed to work again.

He said that was an enticing idea after five "extremely tough" years of owning a business. During that time, he was away from his home in Austin a few nights a week and hustling to run the 135-year-old company he'd acquired. After selling the company, he needed a long break from anything laborious.

"I was golfing three, four times a week. I was going to the lake. I was doing all my hobbies that I really cared about and enjoyed, ones that for the greater part of a decade I didn't have as much time to do," Mattinson told Business Insider.

But after eight months, he decided retirement was not nearly as fulfilling as he'd imagined. He returned to a job in lumber distribution and revived his financial podcast. He said he wanted to continue to model a good work ethic for his kids.

Mattinson has all the trappings of someone in the FIRE movement . The acronym, which stands for financial independence, retire early, was coined in the 1990s in the book "Your Money or Your Life" and popularized on blogs like Mr. Money Mustache and the investment site Motley Fool. The idea was to work hard, ideally with multiple income streams, live a life of austerity, invest prudently, and build a big enough nest egg to walk away from work well before the average retirement age of 64.

But millennials, including Mattinson, who finds himself happiest when he has a balance of work and leisure, said they're not as interested in early retirement — and are creating their own versions of life after work.

Millennials often want the FI without the RE

Devotees of the FIRE movement often save or invest the majority of their income . Some take on extra jobs or delay major life milestones like marriage or having kids.

It's an exclusive club, and many hungry millennials are eager to join it. ChooseFI's Facebook group has over 108,000 members, while the r/financialindependence subreddit has 2.2 million members. But for some FIRE wannabes, the "FI" part of the equation is the biggest focus, and the "RE" half seems to be less of a foregone conclusion.

A popular rule of thumb among this group is the "4% rule," which says you should aim to save 25 times your annual expenses so you can withdraw 4% of your funds each year after you quit working. Some FIRE participants told BI that their target savings goal is between $1.5 million and $2.5 million, though many are working toward more for even greater security.

To be sure, early retirees are a small slice of the population. According to Business Insider's analysis of American retirees, just 2.2% are 50 or younger. Less than 1% are below age 35. Just 0.75% of all Americans over 18 and under 50 are retired. Still, many BI spoke with retire unofficially or partially retire, taking on less responsibility at a company or moving to a lower-stakes position.

BI spoke to a dozen millennials who have achieved or are on track to achieve financial independence. While some have retired and told BI they're enjoying it, most feel retirement is pointless and still want to build their careers or give back to their communities.

"The thing I have noticed shift most is the emphasis on FI and less on RE," Scott Rieckens, the executive producer of the film " Playing With FIRE ," said. "I think it's awesome to see, as it signals that financial independence is the key motive, which it is, and that work and purpose are actually really important. Retiring early to nothing is a bad idea."

Brad Barrett, the host of the "ChooseFI" podcast, said "vanishingly few" people with the wherewithal to reach financial independence are retiring early. To him, reaching financial independence allows someone to live the life they want, but retiring early signifies turning away from everything you've worked toward.

For many, financial freedom goes beyond quitting a job you don't like. Some said it's the ability to spend on travel or leisure without much stress — which has become even more important after the pandemic's peak. Others said it helps them lead a life of purpose, whether that means educating people on a podcast or leading charity efforts.

The problem with retirement seems to be that people want to add value to their communities and within their own lives — and they believe work is the way to do that. As Bill Schaninger, a speaker, author, and thought leader on the future of work, found in research he conducted with Naina Dhingra for McKinsey , 70% of people who were surveyed said they define their purpose through work.

"Many people figured out one of the things that I get a lot of validation from is being clever, solving problems, participating, and working on something bigger than me," Schaninger told BI.

COVID-19 may have amplified this, he added. "The fragility of our condition, I think, was brought home in a way that maybe many of us had taken for granted," he said. "And so now it's like, 'Well, if I'm going to do this, it has to matter.'"

The millennial version of early retirement

Mitch, 37, said he is about to quit his high-stress job and take a mini-retirement — he has a 22-stop national parks trip planned this summer.

The Minnesota resident and vice president of a building-maintenance company, who asked that only his first name be used because of an ongoing job transition, has a net worth of about $2 million but said he's only planning to take a few months off before returning to the workforce in a lower-stress position. All the sources BI spoke with provided documentation of their net worth.

Mitch said he stumbled into the online personal-finance community in his early 30s, which inspired him and his wife to increase their savings to at least 75% of their income by avoiding spending on luxury items. He said even his high savings won't affect his decision to quit working.

"I think a lot of traditional retirees lack purpose — they take a year or two of retirement and hate it because they do whatever and lose purpose," Mitch said. "The ones that volunteer, continue to coach and consult, or do whatever it is to sharpen their brain and really have a purpose tend to be some of the happiest retirees."

Brian Luebben, a financially independent millennial , described having a panic attack shortly after he hit FI and quit his sales job.

"If you have anxiety, financial freedom is not going to solve it," he said. "If you have depression, financial freedom is not going to solve it. Be careful of the mountaintop moments. When you become a millionaire, when you become financially free, when you do all this stuff, no mariachi band follows you around and performs."

He argued that achieving financial independence and hitting a specific number is "the simplest part." After all, there's a playbook for wealth-building strategies like investing in real estate or building an e-commerce business.

"The most difficult part is figuring out what you do when you have nothing to do all day," he said. "What do you choose to work on?"

Luebben, who hosts a podcast and runs the entrepreneur resource The Action Academy to help other people achieve financial freedom, said people should think through four core questions before they're even close to achieving financial independence: "What does the perfect day look like? What does the perfect week look like? Who was with you? And where?"

Going through that exercise can help ensure that your identity doesn't become wrapped up in achieving FIRE, which is something that Grant Sabatier, who took a year and a half off from work after achieving financial independence, struggled with.

"I defined myself by the pursuit of financial independence," Sabatier, the author of " Financial Freedom ," said. "Then, once I reached it, it was like, now I no longer had to do that thing, so what am I going to do? I encourage people on the path to do that inner work. Don't delay figuring out what you really want, why you're pursuing financial independence, and what you want to do after."

Balancing work and fun

Instead of a traditional retirement, many financially independent millennials are finding a balance between work and leisure that works for them.

For Sabina Horrocks, 41, becoming a millionaire was "quite boring." She and her husband worked in six-figure managerial positions, recently achieving a net worth of about $2 million, then had a daughter in 2021. They "plowed money into investments early on," kept daily expenditures low, and purchased rental properties they eventually sold.

She quit her sales operations job but has no intention of stopping work. She's a stay-at-home mom and plans to continue her blog The Moneyaires ; she'd also like to become a financial coach or planner.

Blogging and coaching were common post-FI pursuits among the would-be early retirees BI spoke to. Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, 34, runs the blog Making Sense of Cents , and over the past decade, she and her husband have lived mostly in an RV or a sailboat.

By 2017, their blog, advertising sales, and a course they created called Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing had generated nearly $1.2 million in revenue. By 2018, they had achieved financial independence. After years of 100-hour workweeks, she now spends 10 hours a week on her business, which generates $600,000 a year.

"I'm able to travel whenever I want. I can work whenever I want. Nothing's really dependent on my work hours," she said. "My plan is pretty much to continue doing this while I like it and continue to make a little bit more money and save as much as I can."

Lauren and Steven Keys, who quit their full-time jobs in their 20s , have a similar outlook.

Steven does freelance work for his former employer but spends much of his time on an online-tutoring service called CramBetter that he cofounded in 2023. Lauren has one social-media client she works with a couple of hours a month. They also run a financial-independence blog, Trip of a Lifestyle , and earn rental income from a fully paid-off investment property.

"There's this misconception about early retirement that you'll never make another penny ever again and just sit on the beach all day for the rest of your life," Steven said. "We're never going to stop making any money whatsoever."

Are you part of the FIRE movement or living by some of its principles? Reach out these reporters at [email protected] or [email protected] .

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Fortunately, RVshare makes starting and managing an RV rental business a breeze, even for a newbie. To get started, simply follow the step-by-step instructions to create an owner account and list your rig on the RVshare website. Make sure you provide plenty of details about the rig, as well as some good photographs.
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In addition to the cost of your camper, you also have other ongoing expenses, such as: Vehicle maintenance costs: $500-$1,000 per year. Business start up costs (forming the company): $150-$500 one time. Recreational vehicle insurance: $800-$1,500 per year. Business insurance (general liability coverage): ~$500 per year.
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Step #5: List and Market Your RVs for Rent. Now that your business and RVs are all ready to go, the only thing left to do is list them on major rental sites and start marketing. How you market will mostly depend on your budget. But first things first, you'll need to get your website up and running.
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Business structures. There are various business structures to choose from: Sole proprietorship. Partnership. LLC. Corporation. Sole proprietorship. This is the easiest structure for an individual to form, and if you don't register as any other business, you're automatically categorized as such.
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RV RENTAL MINI BUSINESS PLAN. This a quick reality check to help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your business concept before you dive in. Business Idea: RV Rental Business Expected Percent Margin: Gross Margin: 35-45% (varies based on RV condition, age, and model) Net Profit Margin: 20-28%. Earnings Expectations:
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How to Start an RV Rental Business

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

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Why? Identify an opportunity

What? Determine your RV rental services

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Who? Identify your target market

Where? Choose a location for your RV rental business

Step 3: Brainstorm an RV Rental Business Name

Step 4: Create a Business Plan

Step 5: Register Your Business

Choose where to register your company

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How to Start an RV Rental Business

Start an rv rental business by following these 10 steps:

STEP 1: Plan your business

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STEP 2: Form a legal entity

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Open a business bank account

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STEP 5: Set up business accounting

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

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STEP 7: Get business insurance

STEP 8: Define your brand

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STEP 9: Create your business website

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