Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I have a van conversion I was thinking about listing on one of those sites. Its an older van but low miles and in good shape. People list 25 year old camper vans on Outdoorsy. Wondering if people actually pay $80 a day or so for an older camper van? Wondering how big a demand there is for RV rentals from these sites.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,690 posts, read 57,994,855 times
Reputation: 46171
I you never intended on using it again yourself, renting might be a way to capture revenue rather than selling.
Insurance, Maint. and cleaning... would be expensive. Then there is the Breakdowns! Be sure you don't have to provide a replacement vehicle or reimbursement for lost time!!!RV equipment... Spendy. Probably on the order of 4x more expensive and risky than a home / Air B&B.
I planned to rent a fleet of Sprinter RV vans when I retired, then I investigated others who had done so. I did not find any 'Rosy' stories. I'm sure there are some.
Van / RV sharing would be a way to reduce capital investment (such as private airplane shared ownership), but... making money with an RV seems elusive. (Unless you have a fleet)
I would think if you price it correctly you'll get some traffic. I've looked at RV rental many times but ultimately it's always too expensive for me. In general, if I can find a hotel for cheaper, why bother with an RV?
If the van is sitting around, you could run it up the flagpole and see what people think. IMHO people are looking for ways to get away that can be socially distant from others so this spring might be a good time to try it. What have you got to lose?
I would think if you price it correctly you'll get some traffic. I've looked at RV rental many times but ultimately it's always too expensive for me. In general, if I can find a hotel for cheaper, why bother with an RV?
If the van is sitting around, you could run it up the flagpole and see what people think. IMHO people are looking for ways to get away that can be socially distant from others so this spring might be a good time to try it. What have you got to lose?
What I have read is some people rent different RV's to get an idea of what to purchase. And I suppose if someone is planning on making a major purchase on a motor home trying out different ones might be worth the money.
I you never intended on using it again yourself, renting might be a way to capture revenue rather than selling.
Insurance, Maint. and cleaning... would be expensive. Then there is the Breakdowns! Be sure you don't have to provide a replacement vehicle or reimbursement for lost time!!!RV equipment... Spendy. Probably on the order of 4x more expensive and risky than a home / Air B&B.
I planned to rent a fleet of Sprinter RV vans when I retired, then I investigated others who had done so. I did not find any 'Rosy' stories. I'm sure there are some.
Van / RV sharing would be a way to reduce capital investment (such as private airplane shared ownership), but... making money with an RV seems elusive. (Unless you have a fleet)
There is risk. I have bought three vans so far and converted them into mini motorhomes. Sold the first two and sitting on #3. If all goes well it could be a good thing. But if someone blows the engine or something it would be a total nightmare.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,690 posts, read 57,994,855 times
Reputation: 46171
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oklazona Bound
There is risk. I have bought three vans so far and converted them into mini motorhomes. Sold the first two and sitting on #3. If all goes well it could be a good thing. But if someone blows the engine or something it would be a total nightmare.
I would add engine safety devices that shut it down if it goes over temp or low oil pressure, and limit rpm and speed. (Trucking companies use these safety devices)
But.... In USA, accidents and liability will be a huge financial risk. Make sure this vehicle is in a solo LLC., And never co-mingle funds, and never take personal use of this asset.
I would only rent to international visitors, but.... They can be a risk of falling asleep driving long distances, as they are not used to it, except those from Australia. Friends from Singapore, fell asleep driving across Arizona, and 3 of family were killed while driving a borrowed minivan. Trip of a lifetime to see SW National Parks. This was on their second day in USA.
I would add engine safety devices that shut it down if it goes over temp or low oil pressure, and limit rpm and speed. (Trucking companies use these safety devices)
But.... In USA, accidents and liability will be a huge financial risk. Make sure this vehicle is in a solo LLC., And never co-mingle funds, and never take personal use of this asset.
I would only rent to international visitors, but.... They can be a risk of falling asleep driving long distances, as they are not used to it, except those from Australia. Friends from Singapore, fell asleep driving across Arizona, and 3 of family were killed while driving a borrowed minivan. Trip of a lifetime to see SW National Parks. This was on their second day in USA.
Very good points thank you. On the surface it seems interesting but there is a lot of risk. I noticed in Los Angeles there is a guy renting out very old looking motorhomes from the 70's and 80's. Not hooked up to electricity, no water with solar panels and power port to plug in your phone and perhaps a flat screen. And he wants up to $600 or more a month. Its one step above living in your car.
I would add engine safety devices that shut it down if it goes over temp or low oil pressure, and limit rpm and speed. (Trucking companies use these safety devices)
But.... In USA, accidents and liability will be a huge financial risk. Make sure this vehicle is in a solo LLC., And never co-mingle funds, and never take personal use of this asset.
I would only rent to international visitors, but.... They can be a risk of falling asleep driving long distances, as they are not used to it, except those from Australia. Friends from Singapore, fell asleep driving across Arizona, and 3 of family were killed while driving a borrowed minivan. Trip of a lifetime to see SW National Parks. This was on their second day in USA.
Very good points thank you. On the surface it seems interesting but there is a lot of risk. I noticed in Los Angeles there is a guy renting out very old looking motorhomes from the 70's and 80's. Not hooked up to electricity, no water with solar panels and power port to plug in your phone and perhaps a flat screen. And he wants up to $600 or more a month. Its one step above living in your car. I think they are stationary.
I rented from RV Share last Winter, Feb 2020 and it was a positive experience.
I flew in from Alaska to San Diego and picked up a 19' diesel sprinter. The owner was very accommodating with pick up and drop off.
I drove through the desert with stops including Joshua Tree, several places around Tucson and Death Valley.
I traveled solo and got in a lot of desert hiking which gave me a nice break from my Alaskan Winter.
I looked for a small class B, I appreciated the gas mileage of the diesel and the owners mileage allotment of 200 miles per day included in the price.
The mandatory insurance purchase through RV share was the biggest add on to the price.
I enjoyed it enough to where I'm thinking of doing it again although this year is kind of nuts with COVID restrictions applying to some campgrounds.
It is possible to message the owners on RV Share and maybe you could pick one with a good feedback rating and ask what they think about renting their vehicle.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
