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Wheels of Fortune: 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 August 2, 2024

Wheels of Fortune: How to Start an RV Rental Business

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

Consider these crucial factors when launching your RV rental business:

  • Purchasing RVs — Invest in a variety of high-quality RVs to meet different customer needs. Consider factors such as size, amenities, fuel efficiency, and maintenance costs.
  • Maintenance schedule — Implement a regular maintenance schedule for your RVs to ensure they remain in good working condition and comply with safety regulations. Keep detailed records of all maintenance and repairs.
  • Commercial vehicle insurance — Get commercial vehicle insurance to cover your RVs in case of accidents, theft, or damages. This should include liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
  • Rental management software — Invest in rental management software to streamline bookings, track inventory, and manage customer relationships. Options include software like RV Rental Manager eXpress, RentWorks, or custom solutions.
  • GPS tracking — Equip your RVs with GPS tracking systems to monitor their location, manage routes, and enhance security.
  • 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 on the market.
  • Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN .
  • Pricing strategy — Set competitive prices based on market research, cost analysis, and desired profit margins. Consider offering seasonal rates or discounts for long-term rentals.

You May Also Wonder:

Is an RV rental business profitable?

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.

How can I differentiate my RV rental business from competitors in the market?

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. 

How do I handle maintenance and repairs for the rental RVs?

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. 

What steps should I take to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the rental RVs?

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.

Can I offer additional services or packages with the RV rentals?

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

Can I start RV rental on the side?

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.

rv rental business idea rating

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.

rv rental 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

RV rental 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

rv rental industry 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.

Start-up CostsBallpark RangeAverage
Setting up a business name and corporation$150 - $200$175
Business licenses and permits$100 - $300$200
Insurance$100-$300$200
Business cards and brochures$200 - $300$250
Website setup$1,000 - $3,000$2,000
Down payment on two RVs$20,000 - $30,000$25,000
Storage space lease$2,500 - $5,000$3,750
Total$24,050 - $39,100$31,575

How much can you earn from an RV rental business?

RV rental business earnings forecast

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.

motorhome rental business plan

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

Powered by GoDaddy.com

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:

what to include in 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:

types of business structures

  • 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

motorhome rental business plan

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.

motorhome rental business plan

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:

types of business financing

  • 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:

types of business insurance

  • 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 proposition

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.

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  • Decide if the Business Is Right for You
  • Refine Your RV Rental Business Concept
  • Brainstorm an RV Rental Business Name
  • Create a Business Plan
  • Register Your Business
  • Register for Taxes
  • Fund your Business
  • Apply for Licenses/Permits
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get Business Insurance
  • Prepare to Launch
  • Build Your Team
  • Start Making Money!

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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.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee. Northwest ($29 + State Fees) DIY: How to Start an LLC

RV Rental Business Image

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.

Find a Domain Now

Powered by godaddy.com, 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

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your rv rental business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they're a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business's debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business's liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your rv rental business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We've negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

Form Your LLC Now

Note: If you're interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

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

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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.

start-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!

Make anything rentable in just a few clicks.

motorhome rental business plan

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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RV Rental Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

RV Park Business Plan Template

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.

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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.

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The Wandering RV

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

  • Bill Widmer
  • Updated: June 14, 2023

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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!

Table of Contents

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!

Outdoorsy

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!

Camper van overlooking grand canyon

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.

Roamerica 4x4 camper van rental

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:

Great interior photo

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?

Rv rental listings on outdoorsy

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.

Rv rental listing description

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!

Outdoorsy rv rental listing example

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.

Scott rapid dissolving rv toilet paper

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 mechanic

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!

Rv rental fleet

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

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The best off-road campers under 5,000 lbs: for the adventure-ready traveler, rv extended warranties in 2024 — are they worth it everything you need to know, the wandering rv product review: venustas heated gloves.

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How to start a motorhome rental business

Motorhome holiday UK

Our experts

Written and reviewed by:.

The popularity of motorhome rental boomed in 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed overseas travel and the privacy and freedom of motorhomes was more attractive than ever before. Now, amid a recession, continued airport chaos and tightening consumer budgets, motorhomes remain an attractive holiday option for UK travellers fancying a good value staycation.

Even before the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, trends were looking positive for the motorhome rental sector. The Centre for Economic and Business Research predicting back in 2017 that the number of caravans and motorhomes on the road would surge from 755,000 to 889,000 by 2030.

And with motorhomes becoming increasingly luxurious and resembling hotels on wheels, this is the perfect time to start your own motorhome rental business.

At Startups.co.uk, we’re here to help small UK businesses to get started, grow and succeed. We have helpful resources for helping new businesses get off the ground – you can use the tool below to get started today.

What Does Your Business Need Help With?

This guide will give you all the essential info, including how much you can expect to spend on a motorhome, the insurance you need to have, peak booking periods, and the crucial kit your customers will expect you to have.

1. Market research

2. equipment, software and costs.

3. Making an income from motorhome rental

4. Regulations, licences and insurance

5. find customers.

  • What's next?

As with any new business, you’ll first need to carry out market research. This will give you a clear overview of the market you’ll be operating in and will help you to decide whether or not it makes financial sense for you to go ahead with the business.

To get started, compile a list of the motorhome hire and campervan businesses operating in your area. These will be your competitors. Try to find out:

  • How much they charge. As well as giving you an idea of how much you might potentially earn from your business, this will also help you when it comes to deciding on your prices.
  • How busy they are. How many vehicles are they managing? Do they always have vans going spare or are they having to turn bookings away? This should give you an insight into how much demand there’ll be for your vehicles.
  • What exactly they offer. Whether it’s a slightly lower price, a freeview connected TV, a quirkily-decorated vehicle or something else, offering a benefit that your competitors don’t will help you to stand out from them.

Finding the right location

While it’s easy to assume that setting up in a holiday hotspot like Cornwall or Cumbria will mean instant success, you’re actually more likely to find eager customers in the towns and cities holidaymakers live in , rather than those that they’re travelling to.

This is because it’s standard practice for customers to travel to you, pick up their van, take it home to load up, and then journey on to their holiday destination from there.

Of course, just because someone lives by the seaside doesn’t mean they won’t want to take a motorhome holiday elsewhere – so you should use your market research to evaluate the level of demand in your chosen area.

Potentially, you could start a motorhome rental company anywhere in the UK. The key is to be accessible .

And there’s more good news: it’s perfectly possible (and advisable) to start your rental business at home . All you’ll need is your own driveway, garage or designated parking space for storing your mobile home and – if they’ve driven over to you – a spot to keep your customers’ car safe while they’re on holiday with your van.

If you grow and decide to acquire more vehicles to rent out, you might need to hire a larger space , complete with power and shelter, where you can keep your vehicles while they’re not in use.

Sorting this out can be as simple as doing a Google search for mobile home storage facilities near you, or even getting in touch with local farmers to find out whether you can rent any spare barns.

When running a motorhome rental business, getting your hands on the equipment and digital systems you’ll need to run the business will be your primary outlay.

First and foremost, you’ll need…

A motorhome to rent out

It definitely goes without saying, but if you don’t already own a caravan, motorhome or campervan, this is the first thing you should look to get.

The cost of a mobile home can vary hugely depending on its model, the berth (how many people it can sleep), how big it is, the facilities it contains, and whether or not you’re buying it second-hand.

Generally, prices tend to start at around £5,000 , with top of the range, spacious models costing as much as £300,000 or more – so it really does depend on your budget, and what you’re looking to offer to your customers. On average, you can expect to pay around £25,000 to £70,000 .

NB: While opting for a cheaper second hand motorhome will seem a more cost-effective choice than buying new, it may lead to problems down the line – for example, finding the right replacement parts for your older model might be a struggle.

Plus, new motorhomes come with warranties and, often, access to Europe-wide breakdown recovery services, which will prove invaluable if your customers have any incidents on the road.

You’ll also need…

Vehicle cleaning products and basic repair equipment

You’ll need to give each vehicle a thorough, professional-standard clean when it comes back to you. You might also need to make small repairs here and there; although if you don’t have the necessary skills it’ll be safer to have a professional do this.

Supplies for your customers

To ensure your customers have a carefree holiday, you’ll also want to stock your mobile home up with a few essentials. Consider buying:

  • Kitchen equipment such as pots and pans, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates, bowls, cups and mugs (bear in mind that you’ll have to replace these items if they go missing or start to look well-worn)
  • Bed sheets, pillows and duvets
  • Cleaning products and equipment such as washing up liquid, surface cleaner (make sure these are kept stocked up between customers), dishcloths, sponges and a dustpan and brush
  • Maps of the local area, and/or a GPS system such as SatNav
  • A TV with a DVD/BluRay player and a radio
  • A bike rack
  • A first aid kit
  • A fire extinguisher
  • Levelling blocks
  • Gas containers
  • Electric cables and adaptors for hooking up to mains electricity

If you expect your customers to take your motorhome into continental Europe, you should also supply European travel kits and European electrical adaptors.

Booking capabilities

Obviously it’s crucial that customers have an easy way to make enquiries and book with you. If you’re keen to deal with customers first-hand, you’ll need a reliable telephone and a professional email address so that they can get in touch with you.

For a more modern approach, you might find that kitting out your website (more on that in section five) with online booking software – which enables customers to view your motorhomes’ availability and make booking enquiries easily online – proves a real time-saver for you. Not to mention that your customers will appreciate the smoother, simpler user experience afforded by these platforms.

A vehicle tracking system

Available to businesses of all shapes and sizes, a vehicle tracking system collects location data and uses it to pinpoint where your motorhomes are at all times; giving you peace of mind while people you don’t know are out making memories with them.

Certainly, vehicle tracking will help mitigate the small risk of theft – so if someone does decide to take your motorhome “off road”, you’ll know exactly where it’s being whisked away to and can get the authorities involved ASAP.

With upfront costs ranging from £50 to £300 – or leasing starting at £9.99 per month if you don’t want to pay for a system outright – you can compare the best vehicle tracking systems and prices for your business using our free comparison form .

So, how much can you earn from renting out a motorhome? The answer, of course, depends on your prices , the expenses you pay out to maintain your vehicles and run your business, and how often your motorhome is rented out.

It’s likely that you’ll be making a profit on each hire from the get go, however, your income will usually be seasonal.

In particular, UK Google searches for motorhome rental and campervan hire spike dramatically from April to September as British families and couples look to take their summer holidays. You might find that there’s also high demand over Christmas and the New Year .

Festivals too can prove a lucrative opportunity, with plenty of festival goers keen to enjoy a little luxury (read: a comfortable bed, private space and their own toilet) during the event instead of a stay in a tent. It’s worth pulling together a tailored festival package to make the most of this.

Due to this seasonality, it’s a good idea to keep your day job and start the business as a part-time venture. As demand for your motorhomes grows, however, and you find yourself making more steady money, there’s plenty of potential to go full-time with this business.

Setting a pricing structure

When choosing your prices, you’ll need to consider:

  • The motorhome you’re renting out. How big is it? How many people does it sleep? How new is it? Does it have a USP? (It may be reasonable to charge more for vehicles which offer something unique or quirky.) Remember, if you have a collection of different mobile homes you don’t have to charge the same for each one.
  • Your competitors’ prices. Investigate the motorhome rental companies in your region and find out how much they’re charging for similar vehicles to yours; use this as a benchmark for your pricing – though offering lower prices can give you a competitive edge.
  • Your expenses. You want your business to be profitable, so make sure your prices cover what you pay for each time you rent the vehicle out – including the cost of insurance, stocking up supplies, subscriptions for booking and vehicle tracking software, et cetera.
  • The time of year. As a rule of thumb, it’s best not to stick to the same prices all year round – lower them for out of season periods to make the hire a more attractive proposition during these times.

✓ Get the necessary business licenses

The licenses you need to operate your business legally can vary from council to council – so get in touch with your local authority to find out what you’re required to have.

✓ Get self-drive hire insurance

If you’re providing customers with a motorhome under a rental contract, self-drive hire insurance is a legal requirement ; covering both the driver and the vehicle during each hire in case of theft and other issues.

Most providers will offer cover on a pay-as-you-go basis, so you pay for the cover each time your vehicle is rented out, while others will offer it on an annual basis.

Bear in mind that if you opt for pay-as-you-go, you’ll be paying a different amount for each hire depending on who your hirer is. Someone who’s been driving for a while and holds a spotless license will be cheaper for you to insure than a freshly P-plated student, for instance.

You’ll need to shop around to find the provider that best suits your needs and budget.

✓ Prepare to accept payments

In order to run your business smoothly, you’ll need to be able to accept digital, credit and debit card payments. To do so you’ll need to set up a business banking account (you can’t simply use your personal account to accept business payments) and a merchant account.

After a payment is made, the money is stored in your merchant account while your customer’s bank approves the payment; so it’s crucial that you have one.

Of course, your business won’t be a success if nobody knows it exists so, once it’s ready to go, you’ll need to get the word out.

You’ll find that you secure most of your summer bookings during the out of season months, so you should be working to advertise your business all year round. Marketing will take up most of the time you have to spend on your business.

As a starting point, try the following:

  • Launch a website. It’s absolutely crucial that you’re visible online, as Google is often the first place potential customers will look for you. Your website should be professional, modern and easy to navigate – so it’ll be worth your while to either hire a web designer or invest in a website building tool. Make sure that you display your contact details on your site, and that it’s optimised for SEO; meaning it will appear high up on the search results page when people look up local motorhome rental providers.
  • Place adverts in local newspapers – just make sure that your advert is sleek, professional-looking and shows all your contact details. If you’re not really one for design, consider hiring a freelance designer to work on these with you.
  • Carry out leaflet drops – in other words, design and print leaflets and pop them through the letterboxes of local homes. While this sounds invasive, it’s actually a standard marketing technique – think how many takeaway menus and local business adverts have appeared through your door.
  • Print posters and ask if you can place them in the windows of local shops and businesses.
  • Signwrite your motorhomes. This involves sticking your business name and contact details on each of your motorhomes, getting your rental service in front of countless people as your motorhomes trawl the country. It doesn’t have to be ostentatious – you can simply have ‘On hire from [business name], [business website]’ stuck to the back of each vehicle.

What’s next?

Using the tips and advice in this guide, we hope that you feel confident that you can start up your own motorhome rental business and achieve great results.

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re keen to provide excellent holidays while earning some money, put that unused motorhome to good use – or start looking to invest in a shiny new one – today!

  • Getting Started

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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.

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How to start an RV rental business in 7 easy steps.

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How to Start an RV Rental Business: 7 easy steps!

The RV rental industry has seen a significant surge in popularity as more people seek the freedom and flexibility of traveling the open roads without the commitment of owning an RV. Starting an RV rental business can be a lucrative venture for entrepreneurs looking to tap into this growing market. This comprehensive guide outlines the 7 essential steps to start an RV rental business, ensuring you're well-equipped to embark on this exciting journey.

Step 1: Conduct Thorough Market Research

Begin by researching the RV rental market in your area to understand the demand, competition, and pricing. Identify your target market, whether it's families, couples, or adventure seekers, and consider what types of RVs are most in demand. Understanding your market and competition will help you differentiate your business and meet the needs of your customers more effectively. Are you close to any campgrounds or national parks? If so, call them and understand the demographic in order to help you select the right RVs for your rental fleet.

Step 2: Develop a Business Plan

A well-crafted business plan is crucial for the success of any venture. Your RV rental business plan should outline your business objectives, strategies for achieving them, market analysis, funding requirements, and financial projections. This document will serve as a roadmap for your business and can be essential for securing financing or investors. Also, it's good to think about why you want to start a business in the first place. Seek out a mentor or other expert in the field to help with your planning. RV Management USA can help to offer advice.

Step 3: Register Your Business as an LLC

Choose a business structure (e.g., LLC, corporation) that provides you with the right balance of legal protections and benefits. For an RV rental business you will probably want to use an LLC. Register your business name and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Requirements can vary by state and locality, so it's important to research the specific requirements in your area. You can register for minimal cost on sites like Legal Zoom.

Step 4: Secure Your RV Fleet using RV Management USA

Deciding whether to buy or lease your RVs is a critical decision. Purchasing RVs requires more upfront capital but gives you full control over your fleet. Alternatively, using RV Management USA to bring you the RVs you need could be a great first step when starting an RV rental business. RV Management USA will find consignment RVs for your fleet so that you can get started without having to buy RVs yourself. Using consignment RVs to start an RV rental business will reduce initial costs and allow for more variety in your fleet. Consider starting with a small fleet and expanding as your business grows. Ensure your RVs are well-maintained, clean, and equipped with essential amenities to attract renters. RV Management USA can help to bring you the exact RVs you need for your business so that you can get started with minimal upfront costs. Reach out to RV Management USA today to learn more.

Step 5: Get a website set up or utilize a peer-to-peer platform to get started.

An efficient booking system is vital for an RV rental business. Getting your own website set up will help your brand and allow you to drive your own traffic. Another alternative that many first time RV rental business owners use is the Peer-to-peer RV platforms like RVShare Outdoorsy, or RVezy. If you have your own website, Outdoorsy offers a plug in online reservation system called Wheelbase Pro that allows customers to easily browse your RVs, book their rental, and make payments via the Outdoorsy platform.

Step 6: Market Your RV Rental Business

Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to attract customers to your business. This includes creating a professional website optimized for search engines (SEO) to ensure potential customers can find you online. Utilize social media platforms to engage with your target audience, share enticing content about RV travel, and offer promotions. Partnering with local businesses and tourism boards can also help increase your visibility.

Step 7: Focus on Exceptional Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is key to retaining customers and encouraging word-of-mouth referrals. Offer thorough orientations for renters, provide a guidebook with FAQs and travel tips, and be available to answer any questions during their rental period. Collecting feedback and reviews will also help you improve your service and build a positive reputation.

Starting an RV rental business requires careful planning, dedication, and a focus on customer experience. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to launching a successful RV rental business that capitalizes on the growing trend of RV travel. Using RV Management USA will allow you to grow your fleet fast with consignment RV. Remember, the key to success lies in understanding your market, offering high-quality and well-maintained RVs, and providing exceptional service that exceeds your customers' expectations. Embark on this exciting venture and turn your passion for travel and adventure into a thriving RV rental business. Reach out to RV Management USA to learn more! 

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

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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).

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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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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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  • Resources for Entrepreneurs > Starting a Business > Business Startup Ideas

How to Start a RV & Camper Rental Business

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Business Startup Ideas

Starting a RV and camper rental business is an excellent entrepreneurial opportunity but it's important to plan out the business in detail before you start. This article contains a friendly, comprehensive guide that instructs you on how to start your business.

Wondering how to start a RV and camper rental business? We take you step-by-step from start to success.

Successful Business Plans for RV & Camper Rental Businesses

An effective business plan is your RV and camper rental business's stepping stone to profitability and long-term success.

Although there are a lot of tasks screaming for your attention, cutting corners on your business plan can be a precursor to disaster. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the fact that your startup can't achieve long-term success without an accurate business plan .

As a rule, don't exit the business planning process until you are completely satisfied with the scope and content of your business plan.

Evaluate Competitors

Well in advance of opening a RV and camper rental business in your town, it's essential to see how strong the competition is. Try our link below to find competitors in your area. Simply enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of RV and camper rental businesses in your town.

  • Find Competing RV & Camper Rental Businesses

Prior to opening your doors for business, be sure you fully understand the competitive landscape and where your new business will fit in.

Turning Competitors Into Collaborators

Once you've finished assessing the competion, it's a wise move to speak with somebody who is already in the business. It's very unlikely that the local competition will talk to you. The last thing they want to do is help you to be a better competitor.

However, an entrepreneur who owns a RV and camper rental business outside of your community may be more than happy to give you a few tips, given that you don't compete with them in their area. In that case, the business owner may be more than happy to discuss the industry with you. In my experience, you may have to call ten business owners in order to find one who is willing to share his wisdom with you.

How does one go about finding a RV and camper rental business founder in a different locale who can assist you?

It's easy. Here's a link you can use to find a mentor outside of your area.

  • Find RV & Camper Rental Business Owners Who Might Advise You

Business Brokerage for RV & Camper Rental Business Entrepreneurs

Business owners are decision makers. And the first decision you'll need to make is between a RV and camper rental business startup and an acquisition. Unless you have specific business objectives that require a startup approach, you're probably better off trying to buy an established RV and camper rental business.

A qualified business brokers can provide a range of services designed to ease your transition into business ownership.

The best business brokers will ensure that you get the right business for the right price, and will help you avoid common RV and camper rental business acquisition mistakes.

Don't Rule Out Franchising

Recognize that your chances of becoming a successful entrepreneur are greatly increased when you franchise in lieu of doing everything yourself.

If your goal is to start a RV and camper rental business, you ought to check out whether there are good franchise opportunities available that might help you on your entrepreneurial journey.

The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.

  • What's the Best Franchise for You?

More Advice for Startups

These additional resources regarding starting a business may be of interest to you.

What Business Should I Start?

How to Find Angel Investors

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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

RV Rental set up at beach

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.

RV Rental trailer

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 .

RV rental kitchen

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.

Living area of recreational vehicle

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.

RV rental search listings bar

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.

RV Rental Message box

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.

motorhome rental business plan

  • 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.

motorhome rental business plan

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.

Sign up form for RV Plus You

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.

motorhome rental business plan

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.

motorhome rental business plan

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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The questions to ask to reserve the perfect RV campsite.

Is Renting out Your RV Really Profitable? (My Personal Experience)

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.   More information: disclosure page .

You may be skeptical that renting out your RV is profitable. In the right situation renting out your RV can be worth it. However, you need to make sure to avoid common pitfalls of the RV rental business… which don’t worry I will get to here. To get an idea of how much you can actually make I talk about our personal experience and dip into the expertise of over 40,000 other RV owners.

Let’s get started.  So, Is renting out your RV profitable?

You make between $1000 and $3500 a month renting out your RV in the camping season.   Many owners pay off their rigs in an average of three years. The rest is profit after that.

My family loves taking trips in our RV travel trailer. The freedom and flexibility it offers are second-to-none, especially with a large family like ours. The memories we have of past trips and our dreams for future trips truly keep us inspired.

So, I decided to try renting out our travel trailer on Outdoorsy and RVezy .  Since then, I have learned so much about the RV rental business. 

I am an active member of a huge RV owners’ group online. With over 11,000 members, it is a robust source of support and education. It was there that I learned how to run the most profitable RV rental business and avoid the downfalls. 

What are the most profitable RVs to rent out?

Camper vans, Class C motorhomes, and small to medium-sized travel trailers that are 2 to 10 years old make the most money.

My 35-foot bunkhouse travel trailer sleeps nine. I purchased it for $14,000 and it rents for $125 a night from early spring to late fall. On average, I have bookings for 10-20 days per month. I can tell you – that an extra $1,250 to $2,500 every month is always welcome. 

motorhome rental business plan

I have heard from many other RV owners that they enjoyed the easy income potential of renting their RV so much that they added two or three new rigs to their fleet!

In fact, we gathered information from RV owners renting on the peer-to-peer network Outdoorsy and RVezy to find out how much you could make with each type of RV.  In addition, I interviewed RVe z y to get the best tips for making the most money renting out your RV. 

Are you ready to get started? Stick with us for information about the most profitable RVs to rent out, the average income you can expect, and some pitfalls of renting out your personal RV. And of course, we’ll answer the biggest question you may have about renting out your RV – how and where to list it.

What is the Most Profitable RV To Rent Out?

A 20 – 30 foot Class C motorhome or travel trailer that sleeps 4 to 8 people, is in excellent condition and 5 to 10 years old is the most lucrative RV rental for you as an owner. A camper that is a couple of years old has already lost value due to depreciation but still has low maintenance costs. 

Having a type and style of RV that is in demand will make your new business profitable very quickly. Just by chance, my travel trailer happened to be very popular. The nice amenities, the bunkhouse in the back, and the separate room are features that many renters seek. 

Here are the best RVs that will rent out all summer long.

Class C Motorhome

Class C motorhomes are the basic RV that you think about when renting an RV. Average length, 25 – 30 foot Class C motorhomes rent extremely well. The size is short enough to maneuver and fit in many campsites but large enough for a family to be very comfortable.

Camper vans are in high demand because they are built on a van chassis and are by far the easiest RV to drive. These are perfect for couples and small families that want flexibility during their road trips.

Camper vans are also quite popular due to their coolness factor. People are just excited to experience #VanLife!

Small or Mini Travel Trailers

Small R-Pods, pop-ups, and other lightweight towable travel trailers are all the rage. Since the small RVs can be towed with an SUV or light truck, they are highly desirable. People also like that they can have and use their own vehicle for side trips once they arrive at the campsite.

The benefit to you, the owner, of renting out a travel trailer is that there is no vehicle maintenance and no depreciation due to mileage. They are also much cheaper to purchase. You can buy a travel trailer at a fraction of the cost of a motorhome but still rent it out for over $100 a night.

Of course, the downside is the risk of an inexperienced driver towing your vehicle. You can avoid this issue by offering delivery and set up (and make extra money in the process!)

Bunkhouse Travel Trailers

Larger travel trailers are rented frequently by families and groups that want to camp together. The lighter travel trailers that can be towed by a half-ton truck will rent the best. However, I can say that my 35-foot travel trailer requires more than a half-ton truck, it is still quite popular.

For people who rent out a large camper, an additional service you might consider offering is delivery to the campsite. I have received requests to deliver all over the state of Colorado.

These RVs Should Never Be Used as Rentals

There are some types of RVs that make poor rentals. This can be due to a high purchase price vs low-income potential or to a greater potential for damage. After connecting with thousands of RV business owners and getting input on the best and worst RV rentals, here is what I’ve learned about RVs to avoid if you plan to do rentals.

Expandable RVs and Travel Trailers with Canvas Sides

motorhome rental business plan

Travel trailers that expand with canvas sides are popular rentals. However, the canvas is very expensive to repair when damaged. The units are relatively cheap to buy but the maintenance could be very high.

I regularly see folks ask on the RV forum if they should add a pop-up to their RV fleet – and the answer is always a resounding no.

New Luxurious Motorhomes

A brand new motorhome depreciates quickly due to mileage. Although some people will be willing to pay a premium to take a vacation in a luxurious motorhome, this will not be a popular model. People who don’t regularly drive an RV don’t usually want to practice on one that’s quite so pricey.

Old Motorhomes

People generally want to rent the nicest thing they can afford and an older motorhome with a broken and worn-out interior will get negative reviews. In fact, some RV rental platforms only insure RVs up to 10 years old.  On Outdoorsy, If your RV is older than 10 years, you must secure your own commercial insurance . RVezy adds an additional layer of screening for RVs older than 20 years.  

Where to List Your RV for Rent

The easiest way to get started in the RV rental business is to list your RV on a sharing economy website.   I have experience using Outdoorsy , RVShare, and RVEzy .   All are free to list your RV and you do not have to commit to renting to anyone you do not approve.  So I keep an active listing on all 3 platforms.

Related Content:  How to Make Money Renting Out your RV (The Smart Way)

I suggest listing on either RVEzy or Outdoorsy first to get set up.  Download our swipe file here for instructions on getting your listing up quickly so you can start bringing in customers.

I have found that Outdoorsy is the best and easiest site to use for my RV rental business.   You will get a welcome package and can schedule a coaching session with them.

motorhome rental business plan

I like Outdoorsy because it is super intuitive to use and you don’t have to commit to a big business venture. You could try renting out your RV once and see how it goes. This is how I got started, and how I became convinced that the effort of renting out my RV is totally worth the reward.

  • Listings are free; you pay a 15% commission to the site when your vehicle is rented.
  • Liability insurance with Liberty Mutual for up to $1 million is automatically provided on rentals (but vehicles must be less than 10 years old).
  • Every renter must pass a driving history check.
  • You always get the final say on who rents your RV.
  • Payments are deposited directly into your bank account within 24-48 hours after your rig leaves your driveway.
  • New owner training and personal business coach available

RVEzy is by far the best if you are in Canada and is quickly gaining popularity in the US.  They make the process as easy as possible and have in-house customer service and insurance.  So, when you call for help, you get a real live person, sitting in an office in Canada, complete with a Canadian accent.

  • Listings are free; you pay a 20% commission fee to the site when your RV is rented.
  • In-house insurance up to $1 million is required to be paid for by the renter
  • You can interview and choose which renters to accept
  • Payments are deposited directly into your bank account. 50% after departure and 50% after the RV is returned to you. 
  • New owner training and welcome package.  They will even notice and call to help you if your rig is underperforming.

See how much you will make with their income calculator on RVezy here.

Let us help you get up and running the easy way.  Bookmark our Ultimate Guide to Getting Started Renting out Your RV (the smart way).

More Tips for Making the Most Money Renting Out Your RV

Use eye-catching pictures.

The profile picture of your RV listing should be shot somewhere scenic that the renter can imagine themselves camping and having a great time. Many people use a picture of their own family at a campground to add that personal touch. A great picture can be inspiring. 

But because potential renters are also looking to inspect the merchandise, it’s helpful to include the entire outside of your camper in the image. Then, add additional pictures of your RV from the inside to highlight all of the listed features.

Use an Enticing Description

A picture is worth a thousand words, but the words in your listing are what close the deal after the pictures hook a potential customer. Aim for a description that is interesting and unique yet also includes all of the amenities and features of your RV. This will help to catch people’s attention. Your description should allow them to see themselves having a great time on their vacation. 

To help you get started with your description, you can download our free swipe file here. Simply make a copy of this file and fill in the blanks, then upload it to your rental profile.

Offer Delivery and Set Up

Delivery and setup is a great service to offer because many people want the exciting experience of camping without all of the work. When I first listed my trailer for rent, I had 10 requests for delivery within the first month.

If you’re willing to put in the time and effort to deliver and set up your RV, you will get more renters, earn more money, and reduce the risk of an inexperienced driver damaging your camper.

Many people charge a flat delivery fee of $50-$100 within 25 to 100 miles. You could also charge by the mile at a rate of $1 to $3 a mile.  

One tip that Matt at RVEzy gave me about delivery is to make sure that the commercial insurance covers your delivering the trailer.  Your personal insurance may not cover your RV if you are delivering it for a rental purpose.   RVezy insurance will cover you the owner, during delivery in case you were to get in an accident. 

These are only a few of my top tips for renting out your RV. I have also written a comprehensive list of tips and tricks for making the most money renting out your RV, which you can read here.

Final Thoughts on Whether an RV Rental Business Is Profitable

An RV rental business is lucrative, and starting one is quick and easy. I have found this to be a much better side hustle than flipping campers. 

If you are looking for an RV for sale or already own one, renting it out can help you make your payments and even bring in some extra income. Most people earn between $1000 and $3000 a month in peak season. I have been able to make at least $1500 a month on an older travel trailer.

RV Rental Is a Business That Can Grow

Signing up on Outdoorsy and listing your RV there is the quickest and easiest way to get started – and to keep growing. When you use a reputable listing service for your RV rental business profit comes securely and predictably.

RVEzy is the next place you should list your RV. They are so beginner-friendly they will help you through the entire process. They will even notice if your RV is not getting enough bookings and a coach will reach out to your personally. Sign up with RVezy here.

Some people find that renting out their personal RV is so profitable that they decide to add one or two more RVs to their fleet. The business is easily scalable and doesn’t require an expensive storefront to run. You just have to have the space to park your RV when it’s home!

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Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever.  We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug!  I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.

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Thanks for the information. I’m looking to get into the RV rental business just for passive income. I have experience in RV so your article was very informative. I ready run a IT consulting business so adding this later will create another income stream.

Where is the best place to buy the RV? I don’t have a place for storage. Any advice on this?

I have found it’s best to buy a used RV for renting out. You can look on Facebook groups, Craigslist and local newspapers. You can find a storage lot near you that allows RVs and boats.

Where are you located? I am in Chicago and wondering if buying a campervan would be a good idea. I am concerned that during the winter I wont get any traction. I am looking to make side income. Do you know how I can learn what the demand in my city would be? I tried looking at the calendar of other camper vans but saw a wide difference in bookings. Any suggestions on determining the demand in my area? Thanks

I am in Colorado. In the Western states, campervans are very popular. You could contact Outdoorsy customer service and ask them the most popular RV for your area.

You say that vintage rentals are a good investment, but then that your rv shouldn’t be over 10 years old. Can you explain?

Vintage rentals have an appeal to some but they must be in great condition and a type in demand, such as airstream. If you have a vintage camper, Outdoorsy or RVezy offer insurance. However, for most new business owners, the best approach is to have an RV under 10 years old.

Me and my wife are thinking about keeping our old travel trailer when we soon upgrade to a bigger one. Do you think this could be profitable as we would have to keep it at a storage unit, and do you think it would be hard to be able to deliver it for customers while also working a full time job? We would love to connect with you if possible!

Christian & Anna

Yes, I think it would be profitable depending on the storage costs but you would need to look at all the costs associated with keeping the RV. Used RVs tend to have a poor trade-in value, so renting out is a good option. The delivery of your RV would depend on your work schedule. You could offer delivery in the afternoon when you are off work.

Are there any revenue streams for the winter months?

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ProfitableVenture

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.

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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.

Trailer Valet

How to Start an RV Rental Business

how you can finance your dream rv rental business

Here's How You Can Finance Your Dream RV Rental Business

How much you can earn from an rv rental business, think of other costs.

  • Remove unnecessary expenses from your monthly budget. You can do so by ditching your daily coffee run or refraining from eating out. You can also cut-off unnecessary subscriptions to cable and magazines. These small adjustments will all be worth it once you earn money from your RV rental business.
  • Set up a garage sale. Look for things that you no longer use and sell them to your family, friends, neighbors, and even online. Make sure that the things you sell are still usable.
  • Look for a part-time job where you can work at least an hour a day. The added work might be hard, but the added income will help in financing your rental business. 

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Suncoast RV Rental

Suncoast RV Rental offers St. Petersburg RV Rentals

Rent an rv in st. petersburg for your next vacation. there’s no better way to try before you buy than by renting an rv many people rent rvs from simply for a change of pace by taking an rv trip to a special event or destination. you can rent near home in st. petersburg and journey to your final destination, or fly and pick up your rv at the other end. suncoast rv rental offers airport pickup in st. petersburg for an additional fee., suncoast rv rental is the starting point of your journey. with st. petersburg rv rentals, let the expertise of our family help guide you in your quest for adventure  our team cares, and we show it.  from booking to return, st. petersburg rv rentals are a great starting place to make the best of your journey  and it all starts with suncoast rv rental and st. petersburg rv rentals. we give you the option of picking up your rv at our tampa location or we can deliver it to you in st. petersburg for an additional fee and even set it up at the campsite to make your vacation even easier, they say it’s all about the journey…, and with st. petersburg rv rentals, ‘they’ couldn’t be more correct with your own st. petersburg rv rental from suncoast rv, the world is your oyster.  explore. make stops. smell the flowers along the way (watch out for the gators)  whether you are a family looking to see nature, racefans ready to see a race in sebring or daytona, or even charlotte, north carolina, we have the perfect st. petersburg rv for you renting an rv or motorhome is a lot more practical and inexpensive than you might think our competitive rates and late model rvs and motorhomes in st. petersburg are available on a first come, first serve basis.  book early so we can get you on the road, suncoast rv rental: a family owned & operated rv rental company, even with gas prices on the rise, renting an rv still make good cents the money you save on hotels and dining more than make up for the money you spend on gas. and the itinerary is totally up to you  with features like sliders and awnings, our st. petersburg rv rentals make your rv into a home… you can treat your st. petersburg rv rental like a rental car. make sure to follow the directions of the rental operator to avoid any excess charges for damages or cleanup, etc., where can you go with your st. petersburg rv rental where can’t you go, with state of the art equipment onboard our rvs, it’s never been simpler to sign, drive and enjoy suncoast rv rental and st. petersburg rv rentals has a wide selection of rvs to choose from and often times with you can opt for the latest models. these have features that will enhance your travel experience.  call suncoast rv rental in st. petersburg and ask about the inventory we have for that special holiday time you want to rent., public campground usage and st. petersburg rv rental, you’ll find that in florida, you’ll need a permit in order to camp legally on public grounds. this includes all national parks, designated campgrounds and specially marked parks. if you have a destination in mind, you might want to check with a park authority to see if you can put an rv there overnight. you can apply for a permit online. depending on where you go, you might be able to get a temporary permit at the location. plan ahead with your itinerary and make the calls before you travel., use this checklist for understanding what you need in terms of services and facilities., is there a method for sewage disposal, or do you have to dispose elsewhere, is there are a source of 30 or 50 amp electrical services, or will you have to use a battery, do you have to observe campground rules on food to prevent wild animals from causing problems, is there a restriction on light pollution after dark, go online to the site you want to travel to.  most all of that information is posted on the website.  if not, call to make sure…, want to travel the road more traveled and get more amenities, st. petersburg rv rentals and suncoast rv recommends rv resorts. they are the ‘step above’ campgrounds and parks. with amenities that include recreational areas, electric, sewer hookups and pools, you can find several in the st. peterburg . some boast entertainment and although the cost may be higher, you’re living the life, your personalized itinerary, plan ahead for your st. petersburg rv rental.  as you travel, make sure you make note of anything that might go wrong on the rv.  pictures help, so feel free to take as many pictures as you like check out all the fantastic places you might want to travel to, and make a map, complete with time frames, so you make the best use of your time.  whether you are with your family or just in it for the ride, planning will take away the worry associated with finding the right place to stay for a day or two. learn some basic repairs and operational guidelines before you get on the road so you’re prepared in case anything goes wrong.  treat your rv like a rental car  return it in the same condition as when it left our lot  we don’t want to charge you extra.  we want your journey to be a happy one, and we stand by our st. peterburg rv rental vehicles 100%., suncoast rv rental is standing by for your phone call, text, email or chat with us online.  no matter if you are in tampa , orlando, daytona, sebring, clearwater, st. petersburg, on the spacecoast or in south florida, in sarasota, fort meyers, lakeland, port charlotte or ocala, we have you covered. we want to help you make memories. and we do it, one trip at a time.

motorhome rental business plan

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  • List Your RV

RV Rental St Petersburg, FL

32' Bunkhouse  - Your Home Away From Home

2018 Class C Motor Home

Thor motor coach freedom elite 30fe.

Day Tripper RV Rental

2017 Travel Trailer

Jayco hummingbird 17fd.

motorhome rental business plan

2020 Class C Motor Home

Thor motor coach four winds 31e.

"As New" immaculately kept clean & spacious.

Forest River RV Sunseeker MBS 2400W

Sun Kissed camping rental

2019 Travel Trailer

Grand design imagine 3170bh.

2023 Winnebago Solis, Fully OFF Grid Capable!

2023 Class B Camping Van

Winnebago solis 59px.

Forest River Forester

2014 Class C Motor Home

Forest river rv forester le 2251le chevy.

2017 Thor Motor Palazzo  36.1 Family Vacationer!

2017 Class A Motor Home

Thor motor coach palazzo 36.1.

Pet Friendly Adventure Van

2019 Class B Camping Van

Custom ram promaster.

Salem | Insurance Included | Driftwood Vacation

2023 Travel Trailer

Forest river rv salem cruise lite 28vbxl.

OFF-Grid Bliss, 2024 Nexus Triumph 24T - Sleeps 6!

2024 Class C Motor Home

Nexus rv triumph 24t.

Disney Ft. Wilderness! Let's go camping!

2020 Travel Trailer

Grand design transcend xplor 261bh.

Road Ready The 23 Winnebago Travato, Off Grid A/C!

Winnebago Travato 59G

“The Jenny” is a 2023 Forest River RV Solera 32DSK

2023 Class C Motor Home

Forest river rv solera 32dsk.

Fun in the Sun - Easy to Drive Mercedes Benz

Coachmen RV Prism Select 24DSS

2019 30'Coachman Catalina, Discover Your Adventure

Coachmen RV Catalina SBX 261BHS

motorhome rental business plan

Palomino Puma 28-FQDB

Spacious 2024 Thor Sequence! Off-Grid Ready, A/C!

Thor Sequence 20K

32' Bunkhouse w/WiFi - Your Home Away From Home

Coachmen RV Freelander 31BH Ford 450

The Avanger!! Disney delivery and more!

Prime Time RV Avenger LT 16BH

Top camper van rv rentals.

Winnebago Solis 59PX

2023 / Class B Camping Van

Winnebago Travato 59G

Thor Motor Coach Scope 18M

2022 / class b camping van.

Pleasure-Way Tofino Std. Model

Pleasure-Way Tofino Std. Model

Pet friendly rv rentals in st petersburg, fl.

Forest River RV Sunseeker MBS 2400W

2020 / Class C Motor Home

Jayco Hummingbird 17FD

2017 / Travel Trailer

Forest River RV Cherokee Grey Wolf 27RR

Forest River RV Cherokee Grey Wolf 27RR

2022 / toy hauler.

Coachmen RV Prism Select 24DSS

2023 / Class C Motor Home

Top travel trailer rv rentals.

Keystone RV Springdale Mini 1760BH

Keystone RV Springdale Mini 1760BH

2024 / travel trailer.

Forest River RV R Pod RP-193

Forest River RV R Pod RP-193

2021 / travel trailer.

Forest River RV Wildwood Heritage Glen Hyper-Lyte 29XBHL

Forest River RV Wildwood Heritage Glen Hyper-Lyte 29XBHL

Budget friendly rv rentals in st petersburg, fl.

NeXus RV Triumph 32T

NeXus RV Triumph 32T

2021 / class c motor home.

Grand Design Imagine 3170BH

2019 / Travel Trailer

Top motorhome rv rentals.

Thor Motor Coach Freedom Elite 30FE

2018 / Class C Motor Home

Winnebago Horizon 42Q

Winnebago Horizon 42Q

2020 / class a motor home, longer term rv rentals in st petersburg, fl, discover st petersburg, fl in an rv.

Visiting St Petersburg, FL in an RV is a wonderful way to explore! You can spend a day seeing the sights and learning about the area, and retire to your motorhome in the evening. After a day on the town, you can relax in your own space with your things and sleep in your own bed. You also have the freedom to adjust your trip to your wishes - if you’re in a place you’d like to spend more time, you can! If you’re ready to move on a little early, you have the flexibility to leave when you’d like.

If you don’t have your own motorhome, but are interested in taking a trip in one, RVshare can help. In fact, if you’re interested in purchasing a motorhome, renting one through RVshare first can be a great way to see if it’s a good fit for you. Whether you’re an RVing pro or this is your first trip, you can rent with RVshare knowing you’re in good hands. The 24-hour roadside assistance means that even if you don’t have a lot of experience with motorhomes, someone is on-hand at all times to answer any questions or help you with whatever you need.

With over 2000 rentals in St Petersburg, FL , you can also choose from a wide variety of campers, RVs, and trailers to take on your vacation. If you’re used to traveling with amenities like showers, laundry, and sometimes even fireplaces, a Class A motorhome is going to suit you well. If you want to travel lighter, and with just one or two other people, a Class B campervan might be more your style - the smaller size means it’s easier to maneuver and you can camp just about anywhere. A Class C camper is the perfect blend of both of those classes - larger than a campervan, but with some of the amenities of a Class A motorhome. RVshare also has 5th wheel trailers, teardrop campers, toy haulers, and a variety of campers and trailers to rent.

Also, when you’re planning your trip, it’s helpful to know that most owners offer lower nightly rates the longer you rent your RV. If you rent for a week, or a month, you may get a lower rate per day for your trip. You can see the discount by clicking on the vehicle you’re interested in and scrolling down to the price breakdown where it will give you weekly and monthly rates.

You can also search for an RV to rent using other indicators like size, type of vehicle, price, or even the year the camper was built. You can look for pet-friendly motorhomes, or for motorhomes to take one-way or round-trip.

Next, be sure to check out our recommendations on this page for things to do and other helpful tips. We share the closest national and state parks to visit, along with historic sites and places of interest you may enjoy. The Events & Entertainment section lists live music, festivals, sporting events and other things going on while you’ll be in town.

We’ve also rounded up practical tips on where to camp, available dump stations, and road trips you can take starting in St Petersburg, FL , all in one convenient spot! You’re sure to find something to do on your visit here.

Explore St Petersburg, FL

If you like shopping and spending time outside, you'll love John's Pass Village. There are over one hundred merchants with all sorts of shops and numerous dining options. When you've finished shopping, you can rent a boat, take a dolphin-watching or shelling tour, or try parasailing. You could even stroll down to the beach and catch some rays.

Art lovers will enjoy a trip to The Dali, which features an extensive collection of Salvadore Dali's work and frequently has exhibits showcasing other artists as well. Their exhibits change often, so call ahead to see what's on display during your vacation.

You won't want to miss the Mahaffey Theater at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts. They hold concerts by famous musical artists, including bands like Journey, Santana, and Incubus, and they're home to the Florida Orchestra. They also host other performers, like comedians and professional dancers. Call ahead to see what events are happening during your visit.

If you want to discover more things to do when you visit St. Petersburg, Florida, check out RVshare's local guide for some great suggestions.

Road Trips Starting from St Petersburg, FL

Tampa to Tallahassee

Best National Parks Near St Petersburg, FL

There aren't any national parks close to St. Petersburg, but if you're willing to drive a little longer, there are some breathtaking options all across Florida.

If you're interested in a day trip, the Everglades National Park lies about south of St. Petersburg and boasts an expansive 1.5 million acres of mangroves, marshes pine woods. It's the largest expanse of wilderness east of the Mississippi River and the largest tropical forest in the United States. This unique forest is home to many exotic animals, including alligators, manatees, and panthers. The Everglades is one of only three places in the world that is considered a national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the Ramsar Conventions's Wetlands of Importance. Visitors to the park can enjoy boating, hiking, biking, and bird watching. If you'd rather have a guided experience, you can take an airboat tour or participate in a ranger-led educational program to learn more about the history of the Everglades and its wildlife. There are plenty of spaces for boondocking in this massive park and two campsites that can accommodate RVs.

If you'd rather have a weekend adventure, the Dry Tortugas National Park is south of St. Petersburg. First, you'll drive down to Fort Myers Beach, hop a ferry at the Bight Ferry Terminal, transfer to the ferry at Fort Jefferson, and then take a boat or seaplane the rest of the way to Dry Tortugas. As soon as you catch a glimpse of the wildlife, the challenge of getting there will be well worth it. Its remote location means fewer people visit this park than many others, so its natural beauty is well preserved. While you're there, you can go snorkeling or diving to check out the coral reefs and swim among the sea turtles. They also have rental options for boats and other various water sports. Once you're back on land, you can explore Fort Jefferson and keep an eye on the sky to spot some of the migratory birds that often call the Dry Tortugas home. Since getting there is so tricky, you won't be able to take your RV, but there is plenty of space for tent camping.

Everglades National Park

Popular State Parks Near St Petersburg, FL

Fort De Soto State Park is a nearby park that has miles of sandy shores along the gulf, a historical fort, and natural hiking and biking trails. In fact, various media outlets, including Parents Magazine, have hailed Fort De Soto's North Beach as a perfect place for families. The park has top-notch fishing spots, a dog-friendly beach, and an off-leash dog park. If all those activities aren't enough, you can also catch a ferry to Egmont Key for excellent snorkeling opportunities and a small lighthouse to explore. Fort De Soto has a campground with 236 campsites, some of which can accommodate large RVs.

Little Manatee River State Park is about 35 miles from St. Petersburg. During your visit, you can enjoy various activities, like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and nature watching. If you want to get out on Little Manatee River but don't have your own boat, you can rent a kayak or canoe from the ranger station. Bird watchers will love trying to spot all the bird species that call this park home, including egrets, ospreys, owls, and herons. Animal enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the turtles lazing around on logs in the river, and if you look closely, you might even spy an alligator. There's a 30-site campground in Little Manatee State Park, and the sites can accommodate RVs.

Thirty-eight miles away from St. Petersburg lies Lake Manatee State Park . Visitors to this park can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, geocaching, and nature watching. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy seeing a variety of animals at Lake Manatee State Park, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, osprey, bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and alligators. There's also a 60-site camping area. Each site has electricity and can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet long.

Fort DeSoto State Park

Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near St Petersburg, FL

When you visit St. Petersburg, Florida, you'll want to make time to check out the De Soto National Memorial . This memorial offers lots of trails to hike on, beaches to relax, and a living history museum at Camp Uzita, where you can learn about the history of Fort De Soto. If you want to extend your visit, there's also an RV-friendly campground at Fort De Soto.

The Canaveral National Seashore is about 157 miles northeast of St. Petersburg. This 25-mile shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean is free of all developments, which makes it one of the most relaxing beaches in all of Florida. Visitors can enjoy walking along the beach or lounging on the sand. Other activities at this site include shelling, fishing, and boating. There are no RV-friendly campsites at Canaveral National Seashore, but there are 14 primitive backcountry sites on the Mosquito Lagoon Islands. Visitors can access the campsites by watercraft via the Intercoastal Waterway. If you'd like to take advantage of this adventure, rent a canoe at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center.

De Soto National Memorial

RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds

St. Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday is just minutes from beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, making it an excellent place to stay when you visit St. Petersburg, Florida. Resort amenities include two hot tubs, an outdoor heated pool, a volleyball court, a dog park, mini golf, and a rec room. You can also rent a kayak, take in an outdoor movie, or attend a yoga class. Each campsite includes 50-amp electricity, Wi-Fi, and a cable TV connection.

Robert's Mobile Home & RV Resort is a family-run RV park that's been in business for 60 years. This park is only 15 minutes from the beach and just a mile from Tampa. The resort features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, shuffleboard, billiard room and coin-operated laundromat. Each site has electricity and Wi-Fi, and they're all big enough to accommodate an RV.

Robert's Mobile Home & RV Resort in St. Petersburg has a dump station that's free to use when you stay there. It is also open for public use, but there is a fee.

Fort De Soto National Park has two dump stations on the main entry road. One is before the campground store, and the other is just past the store. These stations are free to use, but donations are accepted at the park office.

RV Rentals Near St Petersburg, FL

With a vast selection of all types of RVs, renting from RVshare will make planning your visit to St. Petersburg, Florida, a breeze. You can choose from a cozy camper van for two, a luxurious Class A motorhome that sleeps ten, or anything in between. When you travel in an RV, you can camp in the Tampa South RV Resort and wake up with a beautiful view of the Little Manatee River or have a boondocking adventure in the Ocala National Forest.

Renting an RV in St. Petersburg, Florida, will also give you the freedom to explore nearby attractions, like the De Soto National Memorial and the Big Cypress National Preserve. While you're in the area, don't forget to stop by the Sunken Gardens and The Dali Museum. Of course, no trip to St. Petersburg would be complete without spending the day soaking up the sun at St. Pete Beach.

If you're traveling with a large group or simply want to enjoy all the comforts of home during your RV adventures, a luxurious Class A motorhome or a fifth-wheel camper will be perfect. These large vehicles come equipped with a full kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and multiple flatscreen TVs so you can kick back and relax at the end of a long day of sightseeing. A Class B rig could be a better fit if you don't need all that space but still want the amenities. You'll still have luxury, but the Class B is more agile and consumes less gas. If you're traveling alone or in a smaller group and looking for a more affordable, rustic experience, you should check out a tow-behind pop-up camper or a camper van. Both of these options let you get into smaller areas, which is convenient for boondocking, and they're much easier on gas than the larger models.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Renting an RV Near St Petersburg, FL

Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in St Petersburg, FL, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.

Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in St Petersburg from RVshare.

Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.

Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.

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2715 17th Ave N, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL 33713

2715 17th Ave N , SAINT PETERSBURG , FL 33713

map-entry

About this home

EXPANSIVE TERRACE

PGT HURRICANE IMPACT WINDOWS

Under Construction. Nestled in the heart of St. Pete, this two-story home promises modern living with exquisite features. Boasting 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this home is thoughtfully designed with both style and comfort in mind. The main level welcomes you with an open floor plan, highlighted by luxury vinyl plank floors that extend throughout the home and PGT hurricane impact windows, which not only enhance the home's aesthetic appeal but also offer top-notch protection. The kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with custom-made solid wood cabinets, sleek granite countertops, and high-end stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom upstairs is a serene escape, complete with a spacious layout and a luxurious en-suite bathroom featuring modern fixtures. It has direct access to a private rear balcony, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The additional bedrooms are well-sized, offering ample closet space and easy access to a shared bathroom. The home also includes an EV charger, catering to the needs of electric vehicle owners. Lastly, don't forget about the expansive terrace at the front of the home, perfect for a relaxing evening. This home combines contemporary design with practical features, making it an ideal choice for a comfortable and stylish lifestyle. Don't miss this opportunity to own a modern masterpiece in a prime location! Call us for more details.

Additional resources

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Property details for 2715 17th Ave N

  • Garage Spaces: 1
  • Has Attached Garage
  • # of Bedrooms: 4
  • # of Full Baths (Total): 3
  • Laundry Features: Inside, Laundry Room
  • # of Rooms: 12
  • Heating Information: Central
  • Cooling Information: Central Air
  • Interior Features: Solid Wood Cabinets
  • Appliances: Other
  • Construction Materials: Block
  • New Construction
  • Roof: Shingle
  • Exterior Features: Balcony, Lighting
  • Universal Property Id: US-12103-N-143116017820060190-R-N
  • Waterfront Feet Total: 0
  • Water View Y/N: 0
  • Water Access Y/N: 0
  • Water Extras Y/N: 0
  • Projected Completion Date: 2024-09-30T00:00:00.000
  • Homestead Y/N: 0
  • Property Type: Residential
  • Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence
  • Property Condition: Under Construction
  • Total Acreage: 0 to less than 1/4
  • Lot Size Acres: 0.12
  • Road Surface Type: Asphalt
  • Lot Size Square Meters: 481
  • Permit Number: 23-11001014
  • Builder License Number: CBC1267002
  • MFR_BuildingAreaTotalSrchSqM: 315.78
  • Tax Annual Amount: $3,469
  • Tax Year: 2023
  • Water Source: Public
  • Sewer: Public Sewer
  • Utilities: Public
  • Unit Number YN: 0
  • MFR_Association2YN: 0
  • Elementary School: Woodlawn Elementary-PN
  • Middle Or Junior High School: John Hopkins Middle-PN
  • High School: St. Petersburg High-PN
  • Directions: Head west on 5th Ave N toward 31st St N. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto 31st St N. Turn right onto 9th Ave N. Turn left onto 28th St N. Turn right onto 17th Ave N. Destination will be on the left.

Public facts

  • Finished Sq. Ft.: —
  • Unfinished Sq. Ft.: —
  • Total Sq. Ft.: —
  • Lot Size: —
  • Style: Single Family Residential
  • Year Built: —
  • Year Renovated: —
  • County: Pinellas County
  • APN: 14-31-16-01782-006-0190
Zone nameNeighborhood Traditional Single Family
Zone typeResidential Single Family
Zone codeNT-1
Permitted: Single-Family
Multi-Family
ADU
Commercial
Industrial
Not Permitted: Two-Family
Short-Term Rentals
  • Accessory use and structure
  • Adaptive reuse
  • Home occupation
  • Accessory dwelling unit
  • Accessory living space
  • Community residential home 1 to 6 residents
  • Single family dwelling
  • Passive park
  • Public pre k through 12 governmental school
  • Family day care home
  • Recreation use accessory to residential use
  • Recreation use accessory to public park
  • Cemetery accessory to a house of worship
  • Large tract planned development
  • Bed and breakfast
  • Active park
  • Government building and use
  • House of worship
  • Meeting hall and other community assembly facility
  • Private pre k through 12 nongovernmental school
  • Post secondary school
  • Parking surface accessory
  • Utility substation utility storage tanks
  • Redevelopment of grandfathered uses
  • Accessory dwelling unit owner or manager
  • Accessory artist in residence
  • Assisted living facility
  • Community residential home 7 to 14 residents
  • Community residential home more than 14 residents
  • Live or work dwelling
  • Multifamily dwelling
  • Mobile home
  • Nursing home
  • Indoor pet care
  • Indoor or outdoor pet care
  • Bank without drive through
  • Bank with drive through
  • Neighborhood scale cafe
  • Car wash and detailing
  • Catering service or food service contractor
  • Drive thru facility or use with a drive through
  • Drug store or pharmacy
  • Gas or fueling station
  • Indoor urban vehicle sales
  • Microbrewery
  • Mixed use mixture of permitted and accessory uses
  • Motor vehicle service and repair
  • General office
  • Medical office
  • Temporary labor and day labor office
  • Veterinary office
  • Accessory use outdoor sales
  • Accessory use garden oriented outdoor sales
  • Principal use outdoor oriented goods outdoor sales
  • Outdoor sales principal use garden oriented
  • Accessory commercial outdoor storage
  • Brewpub restaurant and bar
  • Indoor restaurant and bar
  • Accessory outdoor area restaurant and bar
  • Indoor and outdoor restaurant and bar
  • Retail sales and service
  • Retail neighborhood scale
  • Service establishment
  • Fleet based service
  • Service office
  • Personal service
  • Construction establishment
  • Laboratories and research and development
  • Light manufacturing assembly and processing
  • Heavy manufacturing
  • Principal use outdoor storage
  • Accessory industrial outdoor storage
  • Publishing and printing
  • Recycling center
  • Salvage yard
  • Storage self or mini warehouse
  • Towing and freight trucking
  • Wholesale establishment
  • Adult use establishment
  • Adult use business
  • Club community service and fraternal
  • Indoor commercial recreation
  • Outdoor commercial recreation
  • Golf course or country club
  • Health club 5000 square feet or less
  • Health club more than 5000 square feet
  • Motion picture theater or cinema 500 seats or less
  • Motion picture theater or cinema more than 500 seats
  • Outdoor performing arts venue
  • Performing arts venue 500 seats or less
  • Performing arts venue more than 500 seats
  • Adult day care center
  • Birthing center
  • Child care facility
  • Crematorium
  • Funeral home mortuary or crematory
  • Probation or parole correction office
  • All others school
  • Social service agencies
  • Airports and air transportation
  • Heliport accessory
  • Mass transit center
  • Parking structured
  • Parking surface principal use
  • Wireless communication antennae
  • Wireless communication support facility
  • Utility plant and storage
  • Third Party YN: 0
  • Attribution Contact: 813-428-7480
  • Status Contractual Search Date: 2024-09-02
  • Calculated List Price By Calculated Sq Ft: 389.89
  • Direction Faces: North
  • Living Area: 2434
  • Living Area Units: Square Feet
  • Living Area Source: Builder
  • Living Area Meters: 226.13
  • Building Area Total: 3399
  • Building Area Units: Square Feet
  • Building Area Source: Builder
  • Foundation Details: Slab
  • Builder Name: Atlas Development Group
  • Builder Model: 17th
  • Levels: Two

Sale and tax history for 2715 17th Ave N

  • Sale History
  • Tax History

Public, PreK-5 • Assigned • 0.9mi

Public, 6-8 • Assigned • 2.0mi

Public, 9-12 • Assigned • 0.7mi

Around this home

Transportation near 2715 17th ave n, walk score ®, transit score ®, bike score ®.

5 groceries, 28 restaurants, 1 park

11, 20, 22, 34, 9

Climate risks

Most homes have some risk of natural disasters, and may be impacted by climate change due to rising temperatures and sea levels.

We’re working on getting current and accurate flood risk information for this home.

We’re working on getting current and accurate fire risk information for this home.

We’re working on getting current and accurate heat risk information for this home.

We’re working on getting current and accurate wind risk information for this home.

We’re working on getting current and accurate air risk information for this home.

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COMMENTS

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  24. 2715 17th Ave N, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL 33713

    For Sale: 4 beds, 3 baths ∙ 2434 sq. ft. ∙ 2715 17th Ave N, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL 33713 ∙ $949,000 ∙ MLS# U8252065 ∙ Under Construction. Nestled in the heart of St. Pete, this two-story home promise...