Community Forums

Jnish · 03-27-2023, 08:00 PM

Hello all! I am a new member but have been an owner of a 34" bumper pull and since 2013, a 40" 5th wheel. We have gotten to the point where we rarely use the trailer anymore but still owe on it. We are considering renting it out. We would deliver to a campground nearby (less than 2 hours from the Great Smokie Mountain NP!), then pick up after the arranged guest stay. Anyone on here done this with their 5th wheels? If so, how was the experience, pros and cons. Thanks in advance!

Old-Biscuit · 03-27-2023, 08:06 PM

Check with your:
Lender
Insurance Coverage

*You are creating a 'business'

Ggeoff91 · 03-27-2023, 08:26 PM

Go to Outdoorsy and sign up. They have the best rental information and anyone renting through them has to be certified and carry insurance through them. We rent out our Class A and feel very comfortable using them.

Jnish · 03-27-2023, 08:27 PM

Old-Biscuit : Ah yes, we still need to make that call. Thanks for the reminder.

Jnish · 03-27-2023, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ggeoff91

Go to Outdoorsy and sign up. They have the best rental information and anyone renting through them has to be certified and carry insurance through them. We rent out our Class A and feel very comfortable using them.

Outdoorsy would be my first choice. Thank you!

MSHappyCampers · 03-28-2023, 09:18 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We’re sure glad you joined the gang here!

No experience renting so can't help with that! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Forza Bill · 03-28-2023, 10:11 AM

Talk with the RV grounds directly, go visit them and see if there is a business model, I"ll asssume they already have a local group, or groups doing this, but you never know. Cozy up to the Mngt there and get your foot in the door, the old fashioned way! Add a golf cart or two for rent, and now you really have a small business started! But the downside is that you will also be in the constant repair business as well!

AllegroD · 03-28-2023, 10:57 AM

Are you going to create an LLC, separate the 5vr business from personal assets?

Dutch Star Don · 03-28-2023, 11:20 AM

If you can make it work and help defray the cost of your payment, go for it. However, there are two things, one, you need to make sure everything works properly, you can't rent junk, and be thick skinned when it comes back damaged. If you think you can handle that, go for it.

Jnish · 03-28-2023, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllegroD

Are you going to create an LLC, separate the 5vr business from personal assets?

This is all new to me. Is the LLC necessary?

Jnish · 03-28-2023, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

If you can make it work and help defray the cost of your payment, go for it. However, there are two things, one, you need to make sure everything works properly, you can't rent junk, and be thick skinned when it comes back damaged. If you think you can handle that, go for it.

I appreciate your comments. Yes, our biggest concern is damage. Really exploring options right now. We just don’t use it enough and trade or resale just cuts us short. Such is the life of the casual rv owner!

Gary RVRoamer · 03-28-2023, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jnish

This is all new to me. Is the LLC necessary?

It's a risk management thing, so maybe a good idea but not a strict necessity. It separates your personal assets from the business, so useful if you get sued over something. Even then, as the sole owner of the LLC you may not be shielded, so you might want to consult an attorney on the liability question. The more often you rent and the more services you provide (like the golf cart somebody mentioned), the greater the potential for a disgruntled or injured customer to sue over something. This is a much greater worry now than say 20 years ago.

If you are planning on rentals nearly every week during your summer camping season, it's going to be more than a trivial amount of work and the likelihood of breakdowns (and refunds!) or injury (somebody trips on those tall 5w steps) increases. Remember you have to clean it between uses, make needed repairs, and do that 4 hour round trip every time. Or leave the trailer in the site and do the work there. Have you considered a season site? And does the park allow rentals?

Lot's of questions and what-ifs to be addressed. I think it's all doable, but it's not just easy money.