rv rental business plan template

How to Start an RV Rental Business

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

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

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

Start an rv rental business by following these 10 steps:

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

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

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

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

What will you name your business?

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

How much can you charge customers?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want some help naming your rv rental business?

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

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

What are the ongoing expenses for an rv rental business?

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

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

Who is the target market?

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

How does an rv rental business make money?

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

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

How much profit can an rv rental business make?

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

How can you make your business more profitable?

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

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

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

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

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

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

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

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

STEP 3: Register for taxes

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

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

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

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

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

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

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

Open a business bank account

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

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

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

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

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

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

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

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

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

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

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

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

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

Certificate of Occupancy

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

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

STEP 7: Get business insurance

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

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

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

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

STEP 8: Define your brand

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

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

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

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

How to promote & market an rv rental business

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

How to keep customers coming back

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

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

STEP 9: Create your business website

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

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

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

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

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

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

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

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

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

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

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

Is this Business Right For You?

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

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

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

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

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

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

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

What is the growth potential for an rv rental business?

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

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

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

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

Learn from other business owners

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

Resources to Help Women in Business

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

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

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

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

How and when to build a team

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

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• RV Rental Business Trends

Real World Examples

• Hallmac RV Rentals
• Cruise America Mesa, AZ

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

We earn commissions if you shop through the links below.  Read more

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 March 13, 2024

Investment range

$24,050 - $39,100

Revenue potential

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

Time to build

1 – 3 months

Profit potential

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

Industry trend

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

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

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

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

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

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

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

RV rental industry trends

Industry size and growth.

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

Trends and challenges

Trends in the RV rental industry include:

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

Challenges in the RV rental industry include:

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

Consumer spending

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

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

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

How much can you earn from an RV rental business?

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

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

What barriers to entry are there?

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

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

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Step 2: refine your rv rental business concept.

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

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

Why? Identify an opportunity

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

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

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

What? Determine your RV rental services

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

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

How much should you charge for RV rental?

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

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

Who? Identify your target market

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

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

Where? Choose a location for your RV rental business

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

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

Step 3: Brainstorm an RV Rental Business Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

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”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step Business Name Generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

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

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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

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

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

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

Step 5: Register Your Business

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

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

Choose where to register your company

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

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

Choose your business structure

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

Here are the main options:

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

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

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

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

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

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

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

Step 7: Fund your Business

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

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

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

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

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

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

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

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

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

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

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

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

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

Essential software and tools

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

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

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

Develop your website

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

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

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

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

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

Focus on USPs

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

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

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

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

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

Step 12: Build Your Team

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

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

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

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

Step 13: Start Making Money!

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

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

• RV Rental Business FAQs

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

Prices will depend on the types of RVs you rent and could be up to $275 per night for a class A RV. Even class B and C RVs can go up to $200 per night. Check market prices to make sure you’re competitive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Start an RV Rental Business

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

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

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

Here’s how to start an RV rental business: 

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Step #1: Create Your RV Rental Business Plan

First, let’s start with your business plan.

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

• Acquiring your RVs
• RV maintenance
• Communications

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

Within your business plan, make sure to include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step #3: acquire your rvs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should You Purchase Pre-Owned?

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

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

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

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

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

Is It Better to Buy or Finance an RV?

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

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

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

Step #4: Prepare Your RVs for Renting

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

This includes two main tasks:

• Preventative maintenance and a full inspection
• And cleaning + furnishing

Let’s break each down individually:

Maintenance + Inspection

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

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

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

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

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

Cleaning + Furnishing

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

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

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

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

Step #5: List and Market Your RVs for Rent

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

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

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

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

Tips for Jumpstart Your RV Rental Advertising

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start Your RV Rental Business Right

Ready to start your own RV rental business? 

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

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

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

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

Want to make finding RV storage simple and easy? 

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

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Published on Aug 10, 2023

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

14 min read

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

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

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

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

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

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

Create an RV rental business plan

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

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

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

Market research and competitor analysis

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

Identify your target audience

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

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

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

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

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

Millennials are the most significant growth market

RV deliveries are becoming increasingly popular

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

Perform a competitor analysis

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

What are your competitor's rental fees?

What services do they offer?

How many campervans do they have?

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

What areas do they service?

What are their pickup and collection policies?

Do they deliver RVs? 

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

Evaluate seasonality

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

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

Business planning

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

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

Define your value proposition

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

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

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

Describe your business model

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

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

Project your finances

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

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

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

Startup costs:

Downpayment for your RV fleet

Rental facility

Permits and licenses

Accounting and legal advice

Business and admin tools

Ongoing expenses:

Maintenance

Credit card fees

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

Create a marketing plan

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

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

Establish a legal entity for your RV rental business

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

Choose a name for your business

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

Form a business entity

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

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

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

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

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

Register for taxes

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

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

Set up a business bank account

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

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

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

Legal and regulatory considerations

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

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

Insurance coverage

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

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

Property insurance for your RV rental premises

Business property insurance for your RVs and equipment

Commercial auto insurance for your company vehicles

RV breakdown insurance

Professional liability insurance

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

Rental contract and waiver policies

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

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

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

Inventory management

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

Here are a few things you need to consider.

Sourcing RVs and equipment

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

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

Tips for maintaining and organizing inventory

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

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

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

Marketing and customer acquisition

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

Identifying your target market

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

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

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

Build a memorable brand for your business

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

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

Effective marketing strategies for an RV rental business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operations and customer service

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

Managing daily operations

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

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

Delivering excellent customer service

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

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

Growth and expansion

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

Key Performance Indicators to monitor

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

RV fleet utilization = # days rented / # days available

Rental rate = total rental revenue / # of rental contracts

Capital utilization = annual rental revenue/cost of acquisition

Average order value = total revenue/# of bookings placed

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

Strategies for growing the business

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

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

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

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

Potential challenges and how to overcome them

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article written by Akseli L.

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

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How To Write a Business Plan for RV in 9 Steps: Checklist

By henry sheykin, resources on rv.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Are you considering starting a business in the RV industry? With the rising popularity of RV travel and outdoor recreation, there has never been a better time to enter this market. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), the RV rental market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a 500% increase in bookings since 2016. In fact, the demand for RV rentals is expected to continue rising, making it a promising and lucrative business opportunity.

To ensure the success of your RV rental or leasing business, it's crucial to have a well-crafted business plan in place. A comprehensive business plan will guide you through the process of setting up and operating your RV business, helping you make informed decisions and attract potential investors.

So, how do you write a business plan for your RV venture? We've prepared a step-by-step checklist that covers all the essential components of a successful business plan. By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the process and lay a solid foundation for your RV rental or leasing business.

First and foremost, conducting market research is essential. Understanding the current state of the RV rental market, customer demands, and industry trends will give you valuable insights into potential opportunities and challenges. Identifying your target market and analyzing your competitors will further help you position your business for success.

Next, it's crucial to define your unique selling proposition. What sets your RV rental or leasing business apart from others in the market? Whether it's offering exceptional customer service, a diverse fleet of vehicles, or additional services like delivery and cleaning, your unique selling proposition will attract and retain customers.

Of course, assessing the financial requirements of your business is a crucial step. Determine how much capital you'll need to start and operate your RV rental or leasing business, taking into account expenses such as vehicle purchase or leasing costs, maintenance, insurance, marketing, staffing, permits, and licenses.

Developing a pricing strategy that aligns with market demand and covers your costs is essential to ensure profitability. Consider factors such as rental duration, vehicle type, amenities, and seasonal fluctuations when determining your pricing structure.

Additionally, identifying the necessary permits and licenses required for operating an RV rental or leasing business is vital. Research the local, state, and federal regulations that apply to your specific location and ensure that you comply with all legal requirements.

A well-crafted operational plan will detail how you will manage the day-to-day operations of your RV business, including inventory management, customer bookings, vehicle maintenance, and employee responsibilities.

Finally, assembling a skilled and dedicated team is crucial to the success of your RV rental or leasing business. Determine the key roles and responsibilities needed to operate your business effectively, and seek individuals with relevant experience and a passion for the RV industry.

By following these nine steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a comprehensive and effective business plan for your RV rental or leasing venture. With the soaring demand for RV travel, an engaging business model, and a strategic approach, your business can thrive in this thriving industry.

Conduct Market Research

Conducting thorough market research is an essential step in developing a successful business plan for your RV rental and leasing service. By understanding the market dynamics, customer preferences, and industry trends, you can make informed decisions that will give your business a competitive edge.

Here are the key aspects to consider during your market research:

• Customer demand: Identify your target audience and gain insights into their needs and preferences. Understand the reasons why people choose to rent RVs, such as cost savings, convenience, or the desire for a unique travel experience.
• Competition analysis: Research other RV rental and leasing companies in your area or operating in the same market. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, pricing strategies, and services offered. This will help you identify gaps in the market and develop a unique selling proposition.
• Market size and growth potential: Determine the size of the RV rental and leasing market and its growth rate. Look for trends and forecasts that indicate the market's potential for future success. This information will be essential in estimating your business's revenue potential and setting realistic goals.
• Industry regulations: Familiarize yourself with the various permits and licenses required to operate an RV rental and leasing business in your area. Understand the legal and regulatory requirements specific to your industry, such as insurance coverage, safety standards, and any zoning restrictions.

Tips for conducting market research:

• Use online resources such as industry reports, market surveys, and trade publications to gather relevant market data.
• Consider conducting focus groups or online surveys to gather insights directly from potential customers.
• Visit RV trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences to network with industry professionals and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations.
• Take advantage of online tools and platforms that provide market research data, competitor analysis, and customer demographics.
• Seek professional assistance from market research firms or consultants if necessary, to ensure you obtain accurate and comprehensive information.

By conducting market research, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and understanding needed to make informed decisions throughout your business planning process. It will help you identify potential challenges, refine your target market, and position your RV rental and leasing service for success in a competitive market.

Determine Target Market

When starting an RV rental and leasing business, it is crucial to determine your target market. This step involves identifying the specific group of customers you will be catering to with your services. Understanding your target market will enable you to tailor your offerings and marketing strategies to suit their needs and preferences.

In the case of RV rental and leasing services, your target market could be diverse and encompass different demographic and psychographic segments. Consider factors such as age, income level, travel preferences, and interests to narrow down your target market.

Here are a few key points to consider when determining your target market for an RV rental and leasing business:

• Demographics: Analyze the age range, income level, geographic location, and family size of potential customers who are likely to rent or lease an RV. This information will help you design marketing campaigns and tailor your services to attract customers within these demographics.
• Psychographics: Understand the interests, values, and lifestyle choices of your target market. Are they outdoor enthusiasts, families on vacation, or retirees seeking adventure? Identifying their psychographic characteristics will assist you in creating marketing messages that resonate with their preferences.
• Market Segmentation: Consider segmenting your target market based on specific needs or preferences. For example, you might cater to families with young children, solo travelers, or individuals who want a luxury RV experience. This segmentation will help you tailor your services to meet the unique requirements of each group.
• Customer Behavior: Research customer behavior within the RV rental and leasing industry. Look for patterns in terms of rental duration, booking preferences, and popular destinations. This information will guide your decision-making process and help you design packages and services that align with customer preferences and market trends.

Tips for Determining Your Target Market:

• Conduct surveys or interviews to gather feedback from potential customers and gain insights into their preferences and needs.
• Study industry reports and market research to identify emerging trends and areas of growth within the RV rental and leasing industry.
• Consider partnering with travel agencies, campgrounds, or online platforms to reach a wider audience and gain access to their customer base.
• Monitor and analyze customer reviews and feedback about existing RV rental and leasing services to identify gaps in the market and areas for improvement.

Analyze Competitors

Before starting a business in the RV rental and leasing industry, it is crucial to analyze your competitors to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and potential opportunities for your own business. This information will help you differentiate yourself in the market and develop effective strategies to attract customers.

Here are some key steps to analyze your competitors:

• Identify your main competitors: Begin by compiling a list of RV rental and leasing companies that operate in your target market. Consider both local and national competitors to get a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
• Research their offerings: Study the types of RVs they offer, their rental durations, pricing structures, and additional services they provide. This will help you understand the market trends and ensure your offerings align with customer expectations.
• Assess their customer experience: Look into customer reviews, testimonials, and online ratings for your competitors. This will provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses in terms of customer service, maintenance, and overall satisfaction.
• Analyze their marketing strategies: Evaluate how your competitors market their services. Look at their website, social media presence, advertising campaigns, and any unique promotions or partnerships they have. This will give you ideas on how to effectively promote your own business.
• Identify gaps and opportunities: Based on your research, identify any gaps or untapped opportunities in the market. This could be targeting a specific customer segment that your competitors are not catering to, offering different rental durations or pricing packages, or providing additional value-added services.

Tips for competitor analysis:

• Take note of your competitors' pricing strategies and determine how you can offer competitive rates without compromising profitability.
• Visit your competitors' physical locations if possible to get a firsthand experience of their facilities and customer service.
• Stay updated on industry news and trends to have a better understanding of what your competitors are doing and how you can stay ahead.
• Continuously monitor your competitors' activities and adapt your strategies accordingly to stay competitive in the market.

By thoroughly analyzing your competitors, you will gain valuable insights into the RV rental and leasing industry and be able to position your business effectively. This step is essential in creating a successful business plan that stands out in the market.

Define Unique Selling Proposition

In order to effectively differentiate your RV rental and leasing business from competitors in the market, it is crucial to define your unique selling proposition (USP). Your USP is what sets your business apart and makes it appealing to your target customers.

Firstly, determine what makes your RV rental and leasing services unique. Consider what specific features or benefits you offer that others do not. This could include:

• A wide range of RV options to suit different preferences and group sizes
• High-quality vehicles that are well-maintained and reliable
• Add-on services such as delivery, setup, and cleaning to provide a convenient and hassle-free experience
• Flexible rental options, including shorter or longer-term rentals
• Exceptional customer service and support

Your USP should clearly communicate these unique aspects to your target market. It should emphasize the value and benefits that customers will gain by choosing your RV rental and leasing services over alternatives.

Tips for Defining Your Unique Selling Proposition:

• Consider conducting surveys or interviews with potential customers to understand their needs and preferences.
• Research your competitors' offerings to identify gaps in the market that you can fill with your USP.
• Highlight the advantages of renting an RV rather than purchasing one, such as cost savings, convenience, and flexibility.
• Focus on the unique features and benefits of your RV fleet, such as luxury amenities, fuel efficiency, or accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• Showcase testimonials and reviews from satisfied customers to build credibility and trust in your USP.

By defining a compelling USP for your RV rental and leasing business, you can attract customers, build brand loyalty, and ultimately succeed in the competitive market.

Assess Financial Requirements

Before embarking on any business venture, it is crucial to assess the financial requirements and ensure you have the necessary funding to bring your business plan to life. Analyzing your financial needs will help you determine the start-up costs, operating expenses, and potential revenue streams for your RV rental and leasing business.

Here are some important factors to consider when assessing your financial requirements:

• Start-up Costs: Determine the initial investment needed to launch your RV rental and leasing business. This might include purchasing or leasing RVs, setting up an office or rental location, acquiring necessary equipment, and marketing expenses.
• Operating Expenses: Estimate the ongoing costs associated with running your business, such as insurance, maintenance and repair costs, advertising and marketing expenses, employee salaries, and administrative expenses.
• Revenue Projections: Conduct market research and analyze the demand for RV rentals and leasing services in your target market. Use this information to project your potential revenue streams and assess the profitability of your business.
• Capital and Financing: Determine whether you have sufficient personal savings or if you need to seek external financing options to cover your financial requirements. This could include applying for a business loan, seeking investors, or exploring grants and funding opportunities specifically available for small businesses in the RV industry.

Tips for Assessing Financial Requirements:

• Consult with an accountant or financial advisor to ensure you have accurate estimations and projections for your financial requirements.
• Consider creating a detailed budget that encompasses both fixed and variable expenses to provide a clear overview of your financial needs.
• Research and compare different financing options available to you, as well as their terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions.
• Stay informed about the ongoing costs and financial obligations associated with maintaining and servicing your RV fleet.

By thoroughly assessing your financial requirements, you will be equipped with the necessary information to make informed decisions and secure the funding needed to start and sustain a successful RV rental and leasing business.

Develop A Pricing Strategy

A well-thought-out pricing strategy is essential for the success of your RV rental and leasing business. It not only determines your profitability but also plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers. Here are some important factors to consider when developing your pricing strategy:

• Know your costs: Begin by evaluating your expenses, including RV acquisition and maintenance costs, insurance, staff salaries, marketing expenses, and overhead costs. Understanding your fixed and variable costs will help you determine a baseline for setting your prices.
• Consider competition: Research how your competitors in the RV rental and leasing industry price their services. Take note of any unique value-added services they offer and how they justify their pricing. This information will provide insights into how you can position your prices competitively.
• Segment your market: Analyze your target market and identify different customer segments based on their preferences, needs, and budgets. Create pricing tiers that cater to different segments, offering options for both budget-conscious customers and those seeking premium amenities.
• Optimize utilization: Determine how many days per year you expect each RV to be rented. Consider high-demand seasons, holidays, and weekends when pricing your services. Offering discounted rates during slower periods can help maximize utilization and generate consistent revenue.
• Account for additional services: If you plan to offer add-on services such as delivery, setup, and cleaning, determine separate fees for these services. Ensure that the pricing adequately covers the costs associated with providing these extras.
• Consider implementing dynamic pricing, which allows you to adjust prices based on factors like demand, availability, and seasonality. This flexibility can help you optimize revenue during peak times and attract customers during slower periods.
• Regularly monitor and analyze your pricing strategy to identify opportunities for adjustments and improvements. Stay updated on market trends and customer feedback to ensure your prices remain competitive and appealing.
• Offer promotions and discounts strategically to attract new customers and encourage repeat business. Design loyalty programs that reward frequent renters with special rates or perks to foster customer loyalty.

By carefully considering these factors and tailoring your pricing strategy to meet the needs of your target market, you can position your RV rental and leasing services competitively and maximize your profitability.

Identify Necessary Permits and Licenses

When starting an RV rental and leasing business, it is crucial to understand the legal requirements and obtain the necessary permits and licenses. This ensures that you are operating within the boundaries of the law and can provide your services without any legal complications. Here are some key permits and licenses you should consider:

• Business License: Obtain a general business license from your local government or municipality. This license allows you to legally operate your RV rental and leasing business within the designated area.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL): If you plan to provide delivery services or have employees who will drive the RVs, ensure they have the appropriate CDL with the required endorsements for operating commercial vehicles.
• Vehicle Registration and Insurance: Each RV in your fleet should have proper registration and insurance coverage. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn more about the specific requirements for commercial vehicles in your area.
• Special Use Permits: Depending on your location, you may need special permits to operate your RV rental and leasing business in certain areas, such as national parks or recreational areas. Research the regulations and requirements for any specific locations you plan to operate in.
• Health and Safety Permits: In some regions, health and safety permits may be necessary if you offer additional services like RV cleaning, waste removal, or food provisioning. Contact your local health department to understand the requirements for these permits.
• Research local regulations: Each state, county, and city may have different regulations and licensing requirements for RV rental and leasing businesses. Ensure that you thoroughly research and comply with all applicable regulations to avoid penalties and legal issues.
• Consult an attorney: If you are unsure about the permits and licenses needed, it is advised to consult with an attorney specializing in business law. They can guide you through the process and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
• Stay updated on permit renewals: Some permits and licenses may have expiration dates. Make sure you keep track of these and renew them in a timely manner to maintain compliance.

Create An Operational Plan

An operational plan is a detailed document that outlines how your RV rental and leasing business will operate on a day-to-day basis. It includes information about the processes, systems, and resources needed to run the business efficiently and effectively. Creating an operational plan is important because it helps you ensure that all aspects of your business are well-organized and can run smoothly.

When creating your operational plan, it's important to consider the following:

• Location: Decide on the physical location of your business. This could be a dedicated office space or a shared workspace, depending on your budget and needs.
• Facilities: Determine the facilities and infrastructure required to store and maintain your fleet of RVs. This includes parking space, maintenance area, and storage facilities for equipment and supplies.
• Inventory Management: Develop a system to manage your fleet of RVs effectively. This includes tracking availability, scheduling routine maintenance, and managing rentals and returns.
• Customer Service: Define your customer service standards and establish protocols for responding to inquiries, handling complaints, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Staffing: Determine the number of employees required to run your business efficiently. Define their roles and responsibilities, and create a staffing plan to recruit and train personnel.
• Processes and Procedures: Document the step-by-step processes and procedures for all key aspects of your business, including rental agreements, maintenance procedures, and administrative tasks.
• Supplier Relationships: Identify and establish relationships with suppliers for RV accessories, maintenance services, and other operational needs.
• Technology: Determine the technology systems and tools you will use to streamline operations, such as rental management software, online booking platforms, and communication tools.
• Health and Safety: Develop policies and procedures to ensure the health and safety of your customers, staff, and any third parties involved in your operations.
• Regularly review and update your operational plan to reflect any changes in your business or industry.
• Seek input from your team when creating the operational plan to ensure all perspectives are considered.
• Efficiently managing your fleet of RVs is crucial for the success of your business. Consider implementing a fleet management system to track vehicle condition, maintenance, and availability.

Assemble A Team

Building a strong and capable team is crucial for the success of your RV rental and leasing business. By bringing together skilled and motivated individuals, you can ensure that your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Here are some important factors to consider when assembling your team:

• Identify key roles: Determine the specific positions you need to fill, such as rental agents, mechanics, customer service representatives, and administrative staff. Clearly define the responsibilities and expectations for each role.
• Recruit qualified individuals: Look for individuals with experience in the rental or customer service industry, and who have a good understanding of RVs. Seek candidates who are reliable, responsible, and have strong communication skills.
• Provide training: Once you have hired your team, invest in their development by providing comprehensive training. This will help them become familiar with your business processes, understand your customer base, and handle any challenges they may encounter.
• Promote teamwork: Encourage collaboration and open communication among team members. Foster a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
• Set clear goals and expectations: Clearly communicate your business goals and expectations to your team. This will help them understand what needs to be achieved and motivate them to work towards success.
• Build a diverse team with individuals who have different skill sets and backgrounds. This can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to your business.
• Consider hiring part-time or seasonal employees to handle peak demand periods.
• Regularly assess the performance of your team members and provide constructive feedback to help them improve.
• Create an inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
• Offer competitive compensation packages and incentives to attract and retain top talent.

By assembling a dedicated and knowledgeable team, you can ensure that your RV rental and leasing business is well-equipped to meet the needs and expectations of your customers. Remember, teamwork is the foundation for success in any business venture.

Writing a business plan for a RV rental and leasing service involves several important steps that are crucial for success in this industry. By conducting market research, defining your target market, analyzing competitors, and determining a unique selling proposition, you can position your business for success. Additionally, assessing financial requirements, developing a pricing strategy, identifying necessary permits and licenses, creating an operational plan, and assembling a team are essential components of a comprehensive business plan.

By following this checklist and taking the time to carefully plan your business, you can increase your chances of creating a thriving RV rental and leasing service. With the growing demand for RV travel and outdoor recreation, there is ample opportunity for success in this industry.

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How to open an RV rental company?

Are you keen to open an RV rental company but don't know where to begin? Then you're in luck because this guide will lead you through all the steps required to check if your business idea can be profitable and, if so, turn it into a reality. 

Our guide is for prospective entrepreneurs who are thinking about starting an RV rental company no matter how far they are in their journey - whether you’re just thinking about it or in the middle of market research this guide will be useful to you.

Think of this as your blueprint: we cover everything you need to know about opening an RV rental company and what key decisions you’ll need to make along the way.

Ready? Let’s get started!

In this guide:

• Understanding how an RV rental company works
• Assembling your RV rental company's founding team
• Conducting market research for an RV rental company
• Choosing the right concept and positioning for your RV rental company
• Deciding where to base your RV rental company
• Choosing your RV rental company's legal form
• Calculating the budget to open an RV rental company

Creating a sales & marketing plan for your RV rental company

• Building your RV rental company's financial forecast

Finding a name and registering your RV rental company

Deciding upon the corporate identity of your rv rental company.

• Understanding the legal and regulatory steps involved in opening an RV rental company

Writing a business plan for your RV rental company

• Financing the launch of your RV rental company
• Launching your RV rental company and monitoring progress against your forecast

Key takeaways

Learn how an rv rental company works.

Before you can start an RV rental company, you need to have a solid understanding of how the business works and what are its main revenue streams.

This will give you a glimpse into the profitability potential of your venture, whilst allowing you to decide whether or not it is a good fit for your situation (current skill set, savings and capital available to start the business, and family responsibilities).

It may be that creating an RV rental company is an excellent idea, but just not the right one for you.

Before starting their own company, successful entrepreneurs typically:

• Consult with and take advice from experienced RV rental company owners 
• Acquire hands-on experience by working in an operational RV rental company

Take relevant training courses

Let's explore each option in a bit more detail.

Consulting with and taking advice from experienced RV rental company owners

Having "seen it all", established business owners can offer valuable insights and hands-on advice drawn from their own experiences.

This is because, through both successes and failures, they've gained a more informed and practical understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a successful RV rental company over the long term.

Acquiring hands-on experience by working in an operational RV rental company

If you want to open an RV rental company, having industry-specific experience is imperative because it equips you with the knowledge, network, and acumen necessary to navigate challenges and make informed decisions critical to the success of your future business.

You'll also be able to judge whether or not this business idea is suitable for you or if there might be conflicts of interest with your personal life (for example, long working hours could be incompatible with raising young children).

This work experience will also help you to make contacts in the industry and familiarise yourself with customers and their expectations, which will prove invaluable when you set up your RV rental company.

Taking a training course is another way of familiarising yourself with the business model of your future activity before you decide to make the jump.

You may choose to complete a training course to obtain a certificate or degree, or just take online courses to acquire practical skills.

Before going any further in setting up your venture

Before you go any further with your plans to open an RV rental company, make sure you have a clear vision of what it will take in terms of:

• What skills are needed to run the business successfully (do you have some or all of these skills?)
• What a standard working week looks like (does it suit your personal commitments?)
• What sales potential and long-term growth prospects the RV rental company has (compare this with your level of ambition)
• What options you'll have once you decide to retire (or move on and inevitably sell the company)

This analysis of the business model and the constraints of the business should help you to check that your idea of launching an RV rental company fits your entrepreneurial profile.

If there is a match, it will then be time to look at assembling the founding team of your business.

Create your business plan online!

Think your business idea could be profitable? Find out how with a business plan

What is the ideal founding team for my RV rental company?

The next step to opening your RV rental company, is to decide whether to assemble an ideal team or venture solo.

The failure rate for business start-ups is high: almost half don't make it past the five-year mark, and setting up an RV rental company is no exception.

Starting with a group of co-founders helps reduce this risk as each of you brings complementary skills and enables the financial risk to be spread on multiple shoulders.

However, managing a business with multiple partners comes with its own set of challenges. Disagreements among co-founders are quite prevalent, and they can pose risks to the business. That's why it's essential to carefully weigh all aspects before launching a business.

To help you think things through, we recommend that you ask yourself the following questions:

Do you need more co-founders for this venture?

Do you share the same vision and ambition as your potential partners for this project, what is your plan b.

Let's look at these issues in more detail.

To answer this question you will need to consider the following:

• Are there any key skills missing for which you would rather have a business partner than recruit an employee?
• Do we have enough equity? Would the company benefit from more capital at the outset?
• Will the proposed number of founders make it easy to make decisions (an odd number of partners, or a majority partner, is generally recommended to avoid deadlock)?

In simple terms, co-founders bring skills, money, or both to the table. Having more partners is beneficial when there's a lack of either of these resources.

One of the main sources of conflict between co-founders comes from a lack of alignment on the long-term vision.

To avoid any risk of disagreement, it is advisable to agree on ambitions from the outset and to provide an exit mechanism for one of the partners in the event of disagreement.

We hope your RV rental company takes off and thrives, but it's smart to have a "plan B" just in case things don't go as expected.

How you tackle potential failure can vary broadly depending on the type of co-founders (close friend, spouse, ex-colleague, etc.) and the personal circumstances of each of them. 

For example, launching a family business with your spouse might seem exciting, but if it fails, you risk losing all of your household income at once, which might be stressful.

Likewise, starting a business with a friend might strain the friendship if things go wrong or if tough decisions need to be made.

Before diving in, make sure to thoroughly think about your choices. This way, you'll be ready for whatever might come your way when starting up.

Is there room for another RV rental company on the market?

The next step in starting an RV rental company is to undertake market research. Now, let's delve into what this entails.

The objectives of market research

The goal here is straightforward: evaluate the demand for your business and determine if there's an opportunity to be seized.

One of the key points of your market analysis will be to ensure that the market is not saturated by competing offers.

The market research to open your RV rental company will also help you to define a concept and market positioning likely to appeal to your target clientele.

Finally, your analysis will provide you with the data you need to assess the revenue potential of your future business.

Let's take a look at how to carry out your market research.

Evaluating key trends in the sector

Market research for an RV rental company usually begins with an analysis of the sector in order to develop a solid understanding of its key players, and recent trends.

Assessing the demand

After the sector analysis comes demand analysis. Demand for an RV rental company refers to customers likely to consume the products and services offered by your company or its competitors.

Looking at the demand will enable you to gain insights into the desires and needs expressed by your future customers and their observed purchasing habits.

To be relevant, your demand analysis must be targeted to the geographic area(s) served by your company.

Your demand analysis should highlight the following points:

• Who buys the type of products and services you sell?
• How many potential customers are there in the geographical area(s) targeted by your company?
• What are their needs and expectations?
• What are their purchasing habits?
• How much do they spend on average?
• What are the main customer segments and their characteristics?
• How to communicate and promote the company's offer to reach each segment?

Analyzing demand helps pinpoint customer segments your RV rental company could target and determines the products or services that will meet their expectations.

Assessing the supply

Once you have a clear vision of who your potential customers are and what they want, the next step is to look at your competitors.

Amongst other things, you’ll need to ask yourself:

• What brands are competing directly/indirectly against your RV rental company?
• How many competitors are there in the market?
• Where are they located in relation to your company's location?
• What will be the balance of power between you and your competitors?
• What types of services and products do they offer? At what price?
• Are they targeting the same customers as you?
• How do they promote themselves? 
• Which concepts seem to appeal most to customers?
• Which competitors seem to be doing best?

The aim of your competitive analysis will be to identify who is likely to overshadow you, and to find a way to differentiate yourself (more on this see below).

Regulations

Market research is also an opportunity to look at the regulations and conditions required to do business.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you need a special degree to open an RV rental company?
• Are there necessary licences or permits?
• What are the main laws applicable to your future business?

At this stage, your analysis of the regulations should be carried out at a high level, to familiarize yourself with any rules and procedures, and above all to ensure that you meet the necessary conditions for carrying out the activity before going any further.

You will have the opportunity to come back to the regulation afterwards with your lawyer when your project is at a more advanced stage.

Take stock of the lessons learned from your market analysis

Market research should give you a definitive idea of your business idea's chances of commercial success.

Ideally, the conclusion is that there is a market opportunity because one or more customer segments are currently underserved by the competition.

On the other hand, the conclusion may be that the market is already taken. In this case, don't panic: the first piece of good news is that you're not going to spend several years working hard on a project that has no chance of succeeding. The second is that there's no shortage of ideas out there: at The Business Plan Shop, we've identified over 1,300 business start-up ideas, so you're bound to find something that will work.

How should I position my RV rental company on the market?

The next step to start your RV rental company is to define precisely the market positioning your company will adopt in order to capitalise on the opportunity identified during your market research.

Market positioning refers to the place your product and service offering occupies in customers' minds and how they differ from the competition. Being perceived as a low-cost solution, for example.

To find a concept and a market positioning that will resonate with your customers, you need to address the following issues: 

How can you differentiate yourself from your competitors?

Is it better to start or buy an rv rental company already in operation, how will you validate your concept and market positioning before investing in the business.

Let's look at these aspects in more detail.

Opening an RV rental company means starting with a major disadvantage compared with competitors already active on the market. 

While you will have to create everything from scratch, your competitors already have everything in place.

Your competitors' teams know the business well, whereas yours has only just been recruited, their customers are loyal and they benefit from word of mouth that you don't yet have.

So you're going to need a solid plan to succeed in taking market share from your competitors and making your mark.

There are a number of aspects to consider in order to try to avoid direct confrontation if possible: 

• Can you target a different customer base than your competitors?
• Can you offer products or services that are different from or complementary to what your competitors already sell?
• How will your competitors react to your RV rental company entering their market?
• Can you build a sustainable competitive advantage that will enable you to compete with your current and future competitors?

The alternative to setting up a new independent business is to buy out and take over an RV rental company already in operation. 

A takeover is a good way of reducing the risk of your project compared with a pure start-up.

Taking over a business has two enormous advantages over setting up a new one: you start out on an equal footing with your competitors since you take over the team and the customer base, and you don't increase the supply on the market enabling you to maintain the existing balance on the market where the business operates.

However, the capital requirements for a takeover are higher because the business will have to be bought from its previous owners.

However you decide to set up your business, you will need to ensure that there is a good fit between what you sell and what customers are looking to buy.

To do this, you'll need to meet your target customers to present your products or services and check that they meet their expectations.

Explore the ideal location to start your RV rental company

The next stage in our guide on how to start an RV rental company: choosing where to set up shop.

Setting up your business in the right location will have a direct impact on your chances of success, so it's a good idea to think things through before you launch.

To help you decide where to set up your business, we recommend considering the following factors:

• Visibility and foot traffic: This is important for any business as it increases the chances of attracting potential customers. For an RV rental company, a visible location with high foot traffic would make it easier for people to see the RVs and inquire about rental options.
• Parking space, road and public transport accessibility: As RVs require a lot of space for parking, it is important for the location to have ample parking space. Additionally, easy accessibility to main roads and public transport would make it easier for customers to pick up and drop off the RVs.
• Proximity to target customers: An ideal location for an RV rental company would be close to popular camping sites, national parks, or tourist attractions. This would make it convenient for customers to rent an RV for their trip.
• Competitor presence: It is important to consider the presence of other RV rental companies in the area. A location with high competition may make it challenging to attract customers.

These criteria will need to be refined according to the specific features of your project.

After weighing the factors mentioned earlier, it's crucial to focus on your startup's budget. Look for a location that suits your business needs while being affordable, especially in the short term.

One of the issues that will also come up is the long-term future of your location, particularly if you opt to rent your premises rather than buy. In this case, you will need to consider the conditions for renewing the lease (duration, rent increases, etc.).

Lease agreements vary widely from country to country, so make sure you check the terms applicable to your situation and have your lawyer review your lease before you sign.

Decide on a legal form for your RV rental company

It's now time to think about the legal structure for your RV rental company.

The legal form of a business simply means the legal structure it operates under. This structure outlines how the business is set up and defines its legal obligations and responsibilities.

What are the most common legal structures?

Naturally, the names and intricacies of business structures differ by country. However, they typically fit into two main categories:

Individual businesses

Individual businesses are usually a good fit for self-employed individuals and freelancers who want limited administrative work. These types of entrepreneurs are commonly referred to as sole traders or sole proprietorships.

As mentioned above, the main benefit of being a sole trader is that minimal paperwork is required to launch and operate the business. Tax calculations are also relatively simple and annual accounts are not always required (and when they are, usually don't need to be audited) which saves a bit of time and money on bookkeeping and accounting fees.

Decision-making is also easy as the final decision is fully dependent on the sole trader (even if employees are hired).

However, being a sole trader also has drawbacks. The main disadvantage is that there is no separation between the individual running day-to-day operations and the business.

This means that if the business were to file for bankruptcy or legal disputes were to arise, the individual would be liable for any debts and their personal assets subsequently at risk. In essence, sole traders have unlimited liability.

This also means that profits earned by the business are usually taxed under the personal income tax category of the sole trader.

Another drawback is that sole traders might find it harder to finance their business. Debt (bank loan for example) is likely to be the only source of external financing given that the business doesn't have a share capital (effectively preventing equity investors from investing in their business).

Companies are more flexible and more robust than individual businesses. They are suitable for projects of all sizes and can be formed by one or more individuals, working on their own or with employees.

Unlike individual businesses, companies are recognised as distinct entities that have their own legal personality. Usually, there is also a limited liability which means that founders and investors cannot lose more than the capital they have invested into the business.

This means that there is a clear legal separation between the company and its owners (co-founders and investors), which protects the latter's personal assets in the event of legal disputes or bankruptcy.

Entrepreneurs using companies also gain the advantage of being able to attract equity investment by selling shares in the business.

As you can see companies offer better protection and more financing options, but this comes at a trade-off in terms of red-tape and complexity.

From a taxation perspective, companies are usually liable for corporation tax on their profits, and the income received by the owners running the business is taxed separately (like normal employees).

Normally, companies also have to produce annual accounts, which might have to be audited, and hold general assemblies, among other formalities.

How should I choose my RV rental company's legal setup?

Choosing the right legal setup is often simple once you figure out things like how many partners you'll have, if you hire employees, and how much money you expect to make.

Remember, a great business idea can work well no matter which legal structure you pick. Tax laws change often, so you shouldn't rely too much on getting specific tax benefits from a certain structure when getting started.

You could start by looking at the legal structures most commonly utilised by your competitors. As your idea evolves and you're ready to officially register your business, it's a good idea to confirm your choice using inputs from a lawyer and an accountant.

Can I switch my RV rental company's legal structure if I get it wrong?

Yes, you have the flexibility to change your legal setup later, which might include selling the existing one and adopting a new structure in certain situations. Keep in mind, though, that this restructuring comes with additional expenses, so making the right choice from the start is usually more cost-effective.

How much money do I need to start an RV rental company?

To answer this key question, we first need to look at the resources you'll need to launch your RV rental company and keep it running on a daily basis. Let's take a look at what that entails.

Since each venture is distinct, providing an average budget for starting an RV rental company is impossible.

We strongly advise careful consideration when reading estimates on the web. It’s best to ask yourself the following questions:

• Is my project similar (location, concept, planned size, etc.)?
• Can I trust where this information is coming from?
• Is the data fresh or stale?

Your thinking behind the investments and human resources required to launch and operate the business will then enable you to cost each item and include them in your financial forecast (which we'll look at later in this guide).

Once complete, the forecast will give you a precise idea of the initial investment required and profitability potential for your business idea.

Startup costs and investments to start an RV rental company

Let's start with the investments. To set up an RV rental company, initial working capital and investments can include the following items:

• RV Fleet - This includes the purchase or lease of RVs to be used for rental purposes. These can range from basic models to luxury motorhomes, each with different costs and potential resale value.
• Maintenance and Repairs - As RVs are used frequently and exposed to various road conditions, regular maintenance and repairs are necessary to keep them in good working condition. This includes costs for routine inspections, oil changes, and more extensive repairs.
• Storage Facility - A secure and spacious storage facility is essential for an RV rental company to store their fleet when not in use. This can include the cost of purchasing or leasing a facility, as well as ongoing maintenance and security measures.
• Technology and Software - In today's digital age, having the right technology and software is crucial for the smooth operation of an RV rental company. This can include the purchase of reservation and booking systems, as well as maintenance and upgrades.
• Office Equipment and Supplies - An RV rental company will also require basic office equipment and supplies such as computers, printers, office furniture, and other necessary supplies. These can be significant capital expenditures, especially for start-up companies.

Of course, you will need to adapt this list to your company's specific needs.

Staffing requirements to operate an RV rental company

You'll also need to think about the staff required to run the business on a day-to-day basis.

The human resources required will vary according to the size of your company.

Once again, this list is only indicative and will need to be adjusted according to the specifics of your RV rental company.

Operating expenses of an RV rental company

The final point to consider when analyzing the resources required is the question of operating costs.

Operating expenses for an RV rental company may include:

• Staff Costs: This includes the salaries and wages for your employees who will be involved in the day-to-day operations of your RV rental company, such as rental agents, mechanics, and cleaning staff.
• Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs: As an RV rental company, it is essential to keep your vehicles in top condition to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your customers. This expense includes regular maintenance, repairs, and any unexpected breakdowns.
• Fuel Costs: Your RVs will need to be fueled up regularly, which can be a significant expense, especially if you have a large fleet of vehicles. This expense also includes the cost of propane for cooking and heating.
• Accountancy Fees: It is crucial to keep accurate financial records for your RV rental company, and hiring an accountant to handle this can save you time and ensure compliance with tax laws.
• Insurance Costs: As with any business, insurance is essential to protect your assets and cover any potential liabilities. As an RV rental company, you will need to have commercial auto insurance, liability insurance, and possibly rental insurance for your customers.
• Marketing and Advertising: To attract customers to your RV rental business, you will need to invest in marketing and advertising efforts, such as creating a website, social media presence, and paid advertising.
• Software Licenses: To manage your reservations, customer information, and financial records efficiently, you may need to invest in software specifically designed for RV rental companies.
• Banking Fees: As a business, you will have various banking needs, such as a business checking account, credit card processing, and wire transfers, which can all incur fees.
• Office Supplies: To run your RV rental company, you will need basic office supplies such as paper, pens, printer ink, and other necessary items.
• Rent/Lease Payments: If you are operating out of a physical location, you will have rent or lease payments to make each month.
• Utilities: As a business, you will have to cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, and water for your office space.
• Taxes and Licenses: You will need to pay various taxes and obtain licenses to operate your RV rental company legally.
• Vehicle Registration and Permits: As an RV rental company, you will need to register your vehicles and obtain permits to operate them legally.
• Cleaning and Sanitization Supplies: With the current focus on hygiene and safety, it is essential to keep your RVs clean and sanitized between rentals, which will require purchasing cleaning supplies.
• Customer Service Expenses: Providing excellent customer service is crucial for the success of your RV rental company. This expense includes training for your staff, customer support software, and any other related costs.

Here also, this list will need to be tailored to the specifics of your RV rental company but should be a good starting point for your budget.

The next step to start an RV rental company is to think about how you are going to attract and retain customers.

You need to ask yourself the following questions: 

• What actions can be leveraged to attract as many customers as possible?
• How will you then retain customers?
• What resources do you need to allocate for each initiative (human and financial)?
• How many sales and what turnover can you expect to generate in return?

How you will attract and retain customers depends on your ambition, the size of your startup and the nature of your exact concept, but you could consider the following initiatives.

Your sales forecast may also be influenced by seasonality related to your business type, such as fluctuations during busy holiday periods, and your competitive environment.

Build your RV rental company's financial forecast

The next step to start your RV rental company: putting your financial projections together.

What is the financial forecast for an RV rental company?

A forecast is a quantified decision-making document that shows the initial investment required to open an RV rental company and the company's potential profitability and cash flow generation over the next 3 to 5 years.

As you think about your RV rental company idea, the main role of financial projections will be to help you decide whether it makes sense to create the company.

Building a financial forecast helps determine the amount of initial financing required to start your RV rental company.

In fact, creating financial projections is the only way to assess the amount of initial financing you'll need to open your RV rental company, and to make sure your project makes economic and financial sense.

Keep in mind that very few business ideas are financially viable. At The Business Plan Shop, we've seen nearly a million business start-up ideas, and we estimate that less than one in four is economically viable.

Your forecast will therefore require your full attention and constant revision, as your project matures. It's also a good idea to simulate different scenarios to anticipate several possibilities (what happens if your sales take longer than expected to ramp up, for example), so you're ready for all eventualities.

When seeking financing, your forecast will be incorporated into your business plan, which is the document you will use to present your business idea to financial partners. We'll come back to the business plan in more detail later in this guide.

Creating and updating your RV rental company's forecast is an ongoing process. Indeed, having up-to-date financial projections is the only way to maintain visibility over your company's future cash flow and cash position.

Forecasting is, therefore, the financial management tool that will be with you throughout the life of your company. Once you've started trading, you'll need to regularly compare the difference between your actual accounts and your forecasts, and then adjust them to maintain visibility over your future cash flows.

What does a financial forecast look like?

Once ready, your RV rental company forecast will be presented using the financial tables below.

The forecasted profit & loss statement

The profit & loss forecast gives you a clear picture of your business’ expected growth over the first three to five years, and whether it’s likely to be profitable or not.

The projected balance sheet

Your RV rental company's forecasted balance sheet enables you to assess your financial structure and working capital requirements.

The projected cash flow statement

A projected cash flow statement to start an RV rental company is used to show how much cash the business is expected to generate or consume over the first three years.

What is the best financial forecasting tool for starting your RV rental company?

The simplest and easiest way to create your RV rental company's projections is to use professional online financial forecasting software such as the one we offer at The Business Plan Shop.

There are several advantages to using specialised software:

• You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
• You have access to complete financial forecast templates
• You get a complete financial forecast ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• The software helps you identify and correct any inconsistencies in your figures
• You can create scenarios to stress-test your forecast's main assumptions to stress-test the robustness of your business model
• After you start trading, you can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast, and recalibrate your forecast to maintain visibility on your future cash flows
• You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you are interested in this type of solution, you can try our forecasting software for free by signing up here .

The next step in starting an RV rental company is to decide on a name for your entity. 

For starters, you cannot take a name similar to a name already registered by a competitor or protected by a trademark without inevitably risking getting sued. So you’ll need to find a name available, and reserve it before others can.

In addition, you will probably want to use the same name for:

• Your company’s legal name - Example LTD or Example Inc
• Your trading name - Example
• A trademark - Example ® 
• Your company’s domain name - Example.com

The issue is that you’ll need to register your name in three different places almost simultaneously, but with each place having its own timeframes:

• Registering a domain name is instantaneous
• Registering a trademark takes at least 3 months (if your application is accepted)
• Registering a company depends on the country, but it's generally fairly quick

You will therefore be faced with the choice of either registering everything at once in the hope that your name will be accepted everywhere, or proceeding step by step in order to minimise costs, but taking the risk that someone else will register one of the names you wanted in the meantime.

Our advice is to discuss the strategy with your legal counsel (see further down in this guide) and to give priority to your domain names and your registered trademark. You'll always have the option of using a trading name that's different from your company's legal name, and that's not a big deal.  

To check that the name you want is not already in use, you should consult:

• Your country's business register
• The register of trademarks where you wish to obtain protection
• Your preferred search engine
• A domain name reservation company (such as GoDaddy)

If the name you want is available, you can go ahead and register it.

The next step in opening an RV rental company is to look at your company's visual identity. 

Your company's “visual identity” plays a crucial role in shaping your brand image. It helps you to be recognizable and to stand out from your competitors. 

Although you can define your visual identity yourself, it is generally advisable to call on the services of a designer or marketing agency to achieve a professional result.

At a minimum, you will need to define the following elements: 

Brand guidelines

Business cards, website theme.

Your RV rental company's logo allows others to quickly identify your company. It will be used on all your communication media (website, social networks, business cards, etc.) and official documents (invoices, contracts, etc.).

In addition to its design, it's important that your logo is available in a variety of colors, so that it can be seen on all media (white, dark background, etc.).

Having brand guidelines enables you to maintain consistency in formatting across all your communications media and official documents. 

Brand guidelines define the font (family and size), design and colours used by your brand. 

In terms of fonts, for example, you may use Roboto in size 20 for your titles and Lato in size 14 for your texts. 

The colours used to represent your brand should generally be limited to five: 

• The main colour, 
• A secondary colour (the accent),
• A dark background colour (blue or black),
• A grey background colour (to vary from white),
• Possibly another secondary colour.

Designing business cards for your RV rental company is a must, as they will allow you to communicate your contact details to your customers, suppliers, partners, potential recruits, etc. 

In principle, they will include your logo and the brand guidelines that we mentioned above.

In the same way, the theme of your RV rental company website will be based on your logo and the brand guidelines we mentioned above.

This involves defining the look and feel of your site's main graphic elements:

What legal steps are needed to start an RV rental company?

The next step in opening an RV rental company is to look in detail at the legal and regulatory formalities.

Although it is possible to do the formalities yourself and draft some of the documents detailed here, The Business Plan Shop recommends that you seek advice on these aspects from a law firm.

Registering a trademark and protecting the intellectual property of your RV rental company

One of the first things you need to do here is to protect your company's current and future intellectual property.

One way of doing this is to register a trade mark, as mentioned earlier in this guide. Your lawyer will be in a position to do the formalities for you and to help you select the classes (economic activities) and jurisdictions in which you have an interest in obtaining protection.

Your law firm can also advise you on other ways of protecting your company's intellectual property.

Preparing the legal documents for your RV rental company

Your RV rental company will need a set of legal and contractual documents to operate on a daily basis. 

Your exact needs in this respect will depend on the country in which you are launching your RV rental company and the size and legal form envisaged for the company. Once again, we highly recommend having these documents prepared by your lawyer.

As a minimum, we recommend that you have the following documents prepared: 

• Employment contracts 
• General terms and conditions of sale
• General terms and conditions of use for your website
• Privacy Policy for your website
• Cookie Policy for your website

Applying for licences and permits and registering for various taxes

Here too, the list of licences and business permits required for your business to operate legally will depend on the country in which you have decided to start your RV rental company.

Your law firm will be able to advise you on all the regulations applicable to your business.

Likewise, your accountant will be able to assist you and take care of the formalities involved in complying with the tax authorities.

The next step in opening an RV rental company is to draw up your business plan.

What is a RV rental company's business plan?

A business plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap outlining the objectives, strategies, and key components of your venture. 

There are two essential parts to a business plan:

• A numerical part, the financial forecast we mentioned earlier in this guide, which highlights the amount of initial financing needed to launch the business and its potential profitability over the next 3 to 5 years,
• A written part, which presents in detail the project of creating an RV rental company and provides the necessary context to enable the reader of the business plan to judge the relevance and coherence of the figures included in the forecast.

Your business plan helps guide decision-making by showcasing your vision and financial potential in a coherent manner.

Your business plan will also be essential when you're looking for financing, as your financial partners will ask you for it when deciding whether or not to finance your project to open an RV rental company. So it's best to produce a professional, reliable, and error-free business plan.

In essence, your business plan is the blueprint to turn your idea into a successful reality. 

What tool should you use to create your RV rental company business plan?

If you want to write a convincing business plan quickly and efficiently, a good solution is to use an online business plan software for business start-ups like the one we offer at The Business Plan Shop.

Using The Business Plan Shop to create a business plan for an RV rental company has several advantages :

• You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
• You can access a library of dozens of complete startup business plan samples and templates for inspiration
• You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
• You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast by importing accounting data
• You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows

If you're interested in using our solution, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

How to raise finance for my RV rental company?

Once your business plan has been drafted, you’ll need to think about how you might secure the financing necessary to open your RV rental company.

The amount of initial financing required will obviously depend on the size of your RV rental company and the country in which you wish to set up.

Businesses have access to two main categories of financing: equity and debt. Let's take a closer look at how they work and what sources are available.

Equity funding

At a high level, the equity of your RV rental company will consist of the money that founders and potential investors will invest to launch the company.

Equity is indispensable as it provides the company with a source of long-term (often permanent) financing and demonstrates the founders' conviction in the company's chances of success, since their investments would be lost in the event of bankruptcy.

Equity investors can generate a return on their investment through dividends (which can only be paid out if the company is profitable) or capital gains on the resale of their shares (if the company is attractive enough to attract a buyer).

As you can see, the equity investors' position is extremely risky, since their capital is at risk and can be lost in the event of bankruptcy, and the company must be profitable or resellable before they can hope to generate a return on their investment.

On the other hand, the return on investment that equity investors can expect to generate by investing in an RV rental company can be very substantial if the company is successful.

This is why equity investors look for start-up ideas with very high growth or profitability potential, in order to offset their risk with a high potential return on investment.

In technical terms, equity includes:

• Share capital and premiums: which represent the amount invested by the shareholders. This capital is considered permanent as it is non-refundable. In return for their investment, shareholders receive shares that entitle them to information, decision-making power (voting in general assembly), and the potential to receive a portion of any dividends distributed by the company.
• Director loans: these are examples of non-permanent capital advanced to the company by the shareholders. This is a more flexible way of injecting some liquidity into your company than doing so as you can repay director loans at any time.
• Reserves: these represent the share of profits set aside to strengthen the company's equity. Allocating a percentage of your profits to the reserves can be mandatory in certain cases (legal or statutory requirement depending on the legal form of your company). Once allocated in reserves, these profits can no longer be distributed as dividends.
• Investment grants: these represent any non-refundable amounts received by the company to help it invest in long-term assets.
• Other equity: which includes the equity items which don't fit in the other categories. Mostly convertible or derivative instruments. For a small business, it is likely that you won't have any other equity items.

The main sources of equity are as follows:

• Money put into the business from the founders' personal savings.
• Money invested by private individuals, which can include business angels, friends, and family members.
• Funds raised through crowdfunding, which can take the form of either equity or donations (often in exchange for a reward).
• Government support to start-ups, for example, loans on favourable terms to help founders build up their start-up capital.

Debt funding

The other way to finance your RV rental company is to borrow. From a financial point of view, the risk/return profile of debt is the opposite of that of equity: lenders' return on investment is guaranteed, but limited.

When it borrows, your company makes a contractual commitment to pay the lenders by interest, and to repay the capital borrowed according to a pre-agreed schedule.

As you can see, the lenders' return on investment is independent of whether or not the company is profitable. In fact, the only risk taken by lenders is the risk of the company going bankrupt.

To avoid this risk, lenders are very cautious, only agreeing to finance when they are convinced that the borrowing company will be able to repay them without problems.

From the point of view of the company and its stakeholders (workforce, customers, suppliers, etc.), debt increases the risk of the venture, since the company is committed to repaying the capital whether or not it is profitable. So there's a certain distrust towards heavily indebted companies.

Companies borrow in two ways:

• Against their assets: this is the most common way of borrowing. The bank finances a percentage of the price of an asset (a vehicle or a building, for example) and takes the asset as collateral. If the company cannot repay, the bank seizes the asset and sells it to limit its losses.
• Against their future cash flows: the bank reviews the company's financial forecast to estimate how much the company can comfortably borrow and repay, and what terms (amount, interest rate, term, etc.) the bank is prepared to offer given the credit risk posed by the company.

When creating an RV rental company, the first option is often the only one available, as lenders are often reluctant to lend on the basis of future cash flows to a structure that has no track record.

The type of assets that can be financed using the first method is also limited. Lenders will want to be sure that they can dispose of foreclosed assets if needed, so they need to be assets that have an established second-hand market.

That being said, terms and conditions also depend on the lender: some banks are prepared to finance riskier projects, and not all have the same view of your company's credit risk. It also depends on the collateral you can offer to reduce risk, and on your relationship with the bank.

In terms of possible sources of borrowing, the main sources here are banks and credit institutions.

In some countries, it's also possible to borrow from private investors (directly or via crowdlending platforms) or other companies, but not everywhere.

Takeaways on how to finance an RV rental company

Multiple options are available to help you raise the initial financing you need to launch your RV rental company.

There are two types of financing available to companies. To open an RV rental company, an equity investment will be required and may be supplemented by bank financing.

What to do after launching my RV rental company?

Launching your RV rental company is the beginning of an exciting entrepreneurial adventure, and the culmination of your efforts to turn your idea into a reality. But this is also when the real work begins.

As you know, nearly half of all new businesses fail, so you'll need to do everything you can to make your business sustainable right from the start.

Estimating the future financial performance of an RV rental company inevitably involves a degree of uncertainty. That's why we recommend simulating several scenarios: a central case with the most likely scenario, an optimistic case, and a pessimistic case designed to test the limits of your business model.

Normally, your company's actual financial performance, observed after you start trading, should fall somewhere between your pessimistic and optimistic cases.

The important thing will be to quickly measure and compare this actual performance with the figures in your forecast to see where you stand, then update the forecast to re-estimate the future cash flows and cash position of your RV rental company.

This forward-looking financial management exercise is the only way to know where you stand and where you're going. And, when your figures fall short of expectations, to quickly implement actions to turn things around before the company runs out of cash.

There's nothing more dangerous than waiting until you have your accounts, which takes up to nine months after the end of your financial year (if you are in the UK, abroad your mileage will vary), to then realize that you're not on the right track and that your RV rental company won't have enough cash to operate over the next twelve months.

This is where using a forecasting solution that integrates actuals vs. forecast tracking, like The Business Plan Shop's financial dashboards do, can simplify the financial management of your business and help reduce the risk associated with your start-up project.

• To open an RV rental company you need to go through each of the 15 steps we have outlined in this guide.
• The financial forecast is the tool that will enable you to check that your project can be profitable and to estimate the investment and initial financing requirements.
• The business plan is the document that your financial partners will ask you to produce when seeking finance.
• Once you have started trading, it will be essential to keep your financial forecasts up to date in order to maintain visibility of the future cash flow of your RV rental company.
• Leveraging a financial planning and analysis platform that seamlessly integrates forecasts, business plans, and real-time performance monitoring — like The Business Plan Shop — simplifies the process and mitigates risks associated with launching a business.

We hope this practical guide has given you a better understanding of how to open an RV rental company. Please do not hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions or if you would like to share your experience of setting up your own business.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• Start-up business plan templates

Do you know someone who is thinking about opening an RV rental company? Share our guide with them!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Set Up Your RV Rental Business

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

The steps are:

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

Let’s break it down.

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

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

Here are some places to look for a used RV:

• RV section of Auto Trader
• Classifieds

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

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

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

Here are some tips for getting the best pictures possible :

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

Here are some examples of great RV photos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Steps for Staying Legal & Organized

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Tips for Running a Profitable RV Rental Business

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

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

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

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

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

Some options include Wheelbase  and Sirvoy .

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

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

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

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

Related Reading:   Can you rent an RV from Costco?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• List on Outdoorsy
• List on RVezy
• List on RVshare

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How To Write an RV Park Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for RV park businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every RV park business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate RV Park Business Plan Template

What is an RV Park Business Plan?

An RV park business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write an RV Park Business Plan?

An RV park business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective RV Park Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful RV park business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of an RV park business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your RV park company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your RV park business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your RV park, mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of an RV park business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the RV park industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, RV park customers may include families with children, retirees, and business travelers.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or RV park services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your RV park business may have:

• Lower prices than traditional hotels
• Amenities such as pools, playgrounds, and BBQ areas
• Onsite laundry facilities
• Pet-friendly policies
• Easy access to major highways

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or, you may promote your RV park business via word-of-mouth marketing.

Operations Plan

This part of your RV park business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for an RV park business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include expanding to a second location, developing a new service, or hiring additional staff.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific RV park industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup RV Park

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup RV Park

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup RV park business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup RV Park

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your RV park company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is an essential tool for any RV park owner. In this article, we’ve outlined the key components of a successful business plan and shared a template that you can use to create your own.  

Finish Your RV Park Business Plan in 1 Day!

Wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your RV park business plan?

With our Ultimate RV Park Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Boat and RV Storage Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Boat and RV Storage Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their boat and RV storage businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a boat and RV storage business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Boat and RV Storage Business Plan?

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

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Boat and RV Storage Facility

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

Sources of Funding for Boat and RV Storage Facilities

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a storage facility are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. With regards 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 confirm 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 assets and bank loans are the most common funding paths for storage businesses.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a boat and rv storage facility.

If you want to start a boat and RV storage business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below are links to each section of your boat and RV storage 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 type of storage facility you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a storage business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of storage facilities?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the storage industry. Discuss the type of RV and boat storage facility you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of boat and RV storage businesses:

• Canopy Style Storage : this type of business provides storage space with an overhead canopy to protect from sun exposure.
• Manger Style Storage: this type of storage business provides covered three-sided storage (sides and a back wall) for more protection from wind and snow.
• Enclosed Individual Storage: this type of facility provides fully enclosed units to offer the most protection from weather, as well as to offer the most security.

In addition to explaining the type of business you will operate, the Company Analysis section needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question 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, number of positive reviews, total number of spaces occupied, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the storage industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

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

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

The third reason for market research 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:

• How big is the boat and RV storage 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 market for your storage 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 plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments : boat owners, RV owners, young professionals, families, and retirees.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of business you operate. Clearly, a young professional boat owner would respond to different marketing promotions than retired RV owners, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most boat and RV storage facilities primarily serve customers living in the same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

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

Finish Your Boat RV Storage Business Plan in 1 Day!

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

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

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 boat and RV storage facilities.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes boat and RV rental companies as well as empty lot rentals. You need to mention such competition as well.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other RV and boat storage businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be RV and boat storage facilities located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses 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 types of storage units do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards 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 better storage services and security?
• Will you provide services that your competitors don’t offer?
• 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. Your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of RV and boat storage facility that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to RV and boat storage, will you provide pull-through access, utilities such as water and electricity, or other services including a dump station, wash station, or propane station?

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

Place : Place refers to the location of your RV and boat storage facility. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your storage facility located in a freeway-accessible area or large residential area, etc. Discuss how your location might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local websites
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your 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 business, including billing customers, speaking with potential customers, giving potential customers facility tours, and maintaining the storage units.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to rent your 50th unit, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your storage business to a new location or city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your business’ ability 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 storage facilities. 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 boat and RV storage businesses or successfully running small businesses.  

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 revenues 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 rent one new unit per day or per week? 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 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 bank 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 make sure 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.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets it should include how much it costs to start or grow an RV storage or boat storage business:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment, supplies and maintenance
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

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 storage location lease or blueprints of enclosed storage units you are working on.  

Putting together a business plan for your boat and RV business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert and know how to start a boat storage business. You will really understand the storage industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful RV and boat storage business.  

Boat and RV Storage Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my boat and rv storage business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Boat and RV Storage Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of boat and RV storage business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a boat and RV storage business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of boat and RV storage businesses?

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

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

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

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

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RV Park Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

RV Park Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your RV Park business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their RV Parks.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your RV Park business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Custer’s Best RV Park is a new RV park located in Custer, South Dakota. The company is founded by Charles Carter, an RV park and campground manager who has over ten years of experience working in the RV Park industry. Charles began his career working as a campground attendant and worked his way up to a management position in an RV park and campground near a busy national park. Now that Charles has garnered a positive reputation for exceptional customer service, management, and budgeting skills, he is ready to venture out and establish his own RV park business – Custer’s Best RV Park. Charles is confident that his ability to find and retain highly effective RV park staff, optimize the budget, and build positive customer relationships will quickly garner demand from RVers looking for the best RV park in South Dakota. Charles plans on recruiting a team of experienced and motivated professionals to help manage the day to day complexities of running an RV park – customer service, marketing, leasing and rent collection, budgeting and financial reporting, and cleaning and maintenance.

Custer’s Best RV Park will provide a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for RVers with an extensive list of amenities and services to go along with each rental. Custer’s Best will accommodate both short-term vacationers looking for a convenient spot near Custer’s Park and people seeking a full-time RV living space. Custer’s Best RV Park will be the ultimate choice in Custer for RVers while being the best-priced RV park in town.

Product Offering

The following are the amenities that Custer’s Best RV Park will provide:

• Full-hookup service (electricity, water, sewer, WiFi)
• Clubhouse with full kitchen, fitness room, showers, laundry, library, and game room
• Camp store (food, beverages, toiletries, emergency kits, cleaning supplies, games, etc.)
• Swimming pool
• Children’s playground
• Campground and picnic area
• Guided tours of Custer Park and surrounding areas

Customer Focus

Custer’s Best RV Park will target all campers, tourists, vacationers, seasonal RVers, and full-time RVers looking for the most fun and convenient spot near Custer Park, South Dakota. No matter the customer, Custer’s Best RV Park will deliver the best amenities, services, and all-around welcoming environment.

Management Team

Custer’s Best RV Park will be owned and operated by Charles Carter. He has recruited an experienced marketer, Sally Smith, to be his marketing director and handle all aspects of advertising, marketing, and promotions for the RV park.

Charles Carter is a graduate of the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has been working at a local RV park and campground for over a decade, beginning as a campground attendant and working his way up to campground manager. Charles’s organizational, problem solving, and communication skills have garnered him a reputation for being an effective manager.

Sally Smith has a Masters degree in Marketing from the University of South Dakota. Charles relies strongly on Sally’s sales and marketing expertise to promote the business and attract new customers. Sally has worked on multiple marketing campaigns for other recreation, campground, and RV Park businesses and will play an essential role in Custer’s Best RV Park management team.

Success Factors

Custer’s Best RV Park will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of campground attendants available 24/7 to lead activities and tours, answer questions and provide information on the area, and perform cleanup and maintenance services when needed.
• Comprehensive list of amenities available to ensure campers feel welcome with all the conveniences of home.
• Custer’s Best RV Park offers the best pricing around. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Custer’s Best RV Park is seeking $220,000 in debt financing to launch its RV park business. The funding will be dedicated towards purchasing the land and building out the facilities. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, utilities, and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Purchase of the land: $90,000
• Build-out of the RV Park, campground, store, and clubhouse:  $100,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $110,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Custer’s Best RV Park.

Company Overview

Who is custer’s best rv park.

Custer’s Best RV Park is a newly established full-hookup RV park and campground in Custer, South Dakota. Custer State Park, a 71,000 acre expanse of spectacular terrain packed with recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife tours. Custer’s Best RV Park will provide the most amenities for the price, making it the first choice for campers in the area. Custer’s Best will provide a comprehensive list of amenities and services to suit both short-term vacationers and full-time RVers. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive set of property oversight, maintenance, guided tours, as well as a clubhouse with laundry facilities, fitness center, showers, kitchen, and game room for campers to enjoy.

Custer’s Best RV Park will be able to manage camper onboarding, site maintenance, guided tours, leasing and rent collection for long-term campers, and campground activities. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in RV park and campground management. Custer’s Best RV Park makes RV life convenient and enjoyable for its campers.

Custer’s Best RV Park History

Custer’s Best is owned and operated by Charles Carter, a former campground manager who has a Business Administration degree from the University of South Dakota. Charles has worked for an RV park and campground near a busy national park for over ten years. Charles’s tenure with the RV park and campground has given him the skills and knowledge required to start his own company. Charles has worked hard to grow a large network of industry professionals and RV enthusiasts ready to help promote the business to their friends and families.

Since incorporation, Custer’s Best RV Park has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Custer’s Best RV Park, LLC to transact business in the state of South Dakota.
• Has a land contract in place to purchase the property from the current owner.
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include RV park attendants, managers, and RV enthusiasts to spread the word about the upcoming RV park in Custer.
• Began recruiting a staff of campground attendants, maintenance technicians, and security personnel to work at Custer’s Best RV Park.

Custer’s Best RV Park Services

• Full hookups (electricity, water, sewer, WiFi)

Industry Analysis

The U.S. Campground and RV Parks industry is an estimated $6.2B market. Camping is a popular recreation activity in the United States, with approximately 41M Americans participating in this recreation activity each year. According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association there are approximately 30M RV enthusiasts, including RV renters, across the country, creating a niche market with an enthusiastic target audience. The RV industry continues to post increasing sales numbers year over year. According to Dun & Bradstreet, there are  over 4,000 RV parks across the nation, with combined annual revenue of $2.8B.

The U.S. RV Parks and Campground industry demand drivers include personal income and tourist travel. The industry is highly fragmented with 50 of the largest companies accounting for only around 30% of all industry revenue. Most RV park operators are privately held, single-location enterprises.

Profitability depends heavily on the occupancy rate and the effectiveness of the marketing campaign. RV park operators can gain a competitive advantage by offering diverse site offerings and amenities or by operating in desirable locations.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Custer’s Best RV Park will target all campers, tourists, vacationers, and full-time RVers looking for the most fun and convenient spot near Custer Park, South Dakota. No matter the customer, Custer’s Best RV Park will deliver the best amenities, services, and all-around welcoming environment.

The precise demographics for Custer, South Dakota are:

Customer Segmentation

Custer’s Best will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• In-state campers/vacationers looking for a place to stay near Custer State Park.
• Out-of-state tourists/vacationers looking for a place to stay near Custer State Park.
• RV enthusiasts/people looking for a semi-permanent/permanent residence for their RV.
• Seasonal RVers/people looking for a place to stay in Custer, South Dakota on a seasonal basis.

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Custer’s Best RV Park will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Kuster Kamps RV Park

Kuster Kamps RV Park provides full-hookup RV rentals. Located in Custer, the Kuster Kamps RV Park is able to provide a convenient location for campers headed to Custer State Park. Their list of services include full-hookup accommodations including utilities, water, sewer, and internet, a picnic area and campground, and a swimming pool.

Kuster Kamps’ promise is to deliver excellent customer service, amenities, and maintenance of the RV park and campground. The team of experienced RV park management professionals assures the park is run smoothly, freeing the campers to enjoy their stay.

SD RV Park is an Custer-based RV park that provides outstanding RV rental accommodations for campers. SD RV Park provides comprehensive services and amenities including full-hookup rental space, a communal kitchen and laundry, and campground activities scheduled throughout the week in peak seasons. The owners of SD RV Park are RV park and campground management professionals so they understand how an RV park should be operated, maintained, and marketed. Campers can depend on their 24/7 staff availability for any maintenance issues that come up. By choosing SD RV Park, RVers can rest assured they will have a relaxing vacation.

RecVe’s Park & Campground

RecVe’s Park & Campground is a trusted Custer RV park and campground that provides superior service to RV enthusiasts looking for both short-and-long-term rental space. They are able to provide a one-stop shop for campers in the Custer State Park recreation area. RecVe’s Park & Campground offers full-hookup rental spaces, a camp market, and guided tours. RecVe’s is the premium choice for full-time RVers with exceptional customer service and round the clock maintenance available.

Competitive Advantage

Custer’s Best RV Park will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of camp attendants onsite 24/7 to provide visitor information, emergency maintenance, and security.
• Comprehensive menu of services and amenities that provides campers with the greatest flexibility and most options as compared to the competition.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Custer’s Best RV Park will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled campground attendants that provide a comprehensive set of services (guided tours, campground activities, maintenance, cleanup, and round the clock security).
• Unbeatable pricing to its customers – Custer’s Best RV Park offers tiered pricing packages as well as a la carte options to give campers the flexibility to pay for what they need, and skip what they don’t.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Custer’s Best RV Park is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Charles Carter has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional RV park management and customer service. Many of these contacts have communicated to Charles that they kept renewing their contracts because they were happy with the service he was providing. Once Charles advised them he was leaving to open his own RV park, they signed commitments to follow him to the new park and help spread the word of Custer’s Best RV Park.

Professional Associations and Networking

Custer’s Best RV Park will become a member of professional associations such as the South Dakota Campground Owners Association and the National Association of RV Parks & Campground (ARVC). They will focus their networking efforts on expanding their customer network.

Print Advertising

Custer’s Best RV Park will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events and in local newspapers and magazines.

Website/SEO Marketing

Custer’s Best RV Park will utilize their in-house marketing director that designed their print ads to also design their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all their services and amenities that Custer’s Best is able to provide. The marketing director will also manage Custer’s Best’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Custer RV park” or “RV park near me”, Custer’s Best RV Park will be listed at the top of the search results.

Social Media Marketing

The marketing director will manage all of Custer’s Best RV Park’s social media marketing efforts including maintaining an active presence on various social media platforms and working with brand ambassadors and influencers to promote the RV park on their social media channels.

The pricing of Custer’s Best RV Park will be moderate with more flexibility in pricing packages than their competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Custer’s Best RV Park.

Operation Functions:

• Charles Carter will be the Owner and Campground Manager. He will oversee all staff and manage customer relations. Charles has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Sally Smith – Marketing Director who will execute on all marketing efforts for Custer’s Best.
• Jill Miller – Staff Accountant will provide all client accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• Marty Johnson – Maintenance Director who will provide all maintenance for the RV park.
• Joe Williams – Head Camp Attendant who will supervise all seasonal and hourly camp attendants for the RV park.

Milestones:

Custer’s Best RV Park will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

7/1/2022 – Finalize contract to purchase the land.

7/15/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts.

8/1/2022 – Begin build-out of Custer’s Best RV Park.

8/15/2022 – Begin marketing campaign and networking at industry events.

8/22/2022 – Finalize rental contracts with first customers.

9/1/2022 – Custer’s Best RV Park opens for business.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Custer’s Best RV Park are the RV park rental fees they will charge to the campers for renting a space. Custer’s Best will offer multiple pricing options to accommodate short-term and long-term rentals. Additional fees for RV park services and amenities will be charged on a per-use basis. Alternatively, customers may pay for a per-stay or a per-season pass to secure access to all amenities.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff the RV park. The expenses will be the payroll cost, utilities, supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

• Build-out of the RV Park, campground, store, and clubhouse: $100,000

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of occupied rentals per day: 10
• Average fees per month: $40,000
• Average expenses per year: $330,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, rv park business plan faqs, what is an rv park business plan.

An RV Park business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your RV park. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your RV park business plan using our RV Park Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of RV Parks?

There are a number of different kinds of trucking companies, some examples include: Traditional RV Parks and Glamping Resorts.

How Do You Get Funding for Your RV Park Business Plan?

RV parks are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. This is true for an RV Park business plan or business plan for campground.

What are the Steps To Start a RV Park Business?

Starting a RV park business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A RV Park Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed RV park business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your RV park business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your RV park business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your RV Park Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your RV park business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your RV park business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary RV Park Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your RV park business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your RV park business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

Learn more about how to start a successful RV park  business:

• How to Start an RV Park Business

Where can I get an RV Park Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free RV Park business plan template PDF here . This is an RV Park business plan template you can use in PDF format.