2 pilots bought 7 RVs, and are turning their 'Airbnb on wheels' business into a retirement plan

Brian and Carrie Smith, both pilots for a major airline, have turned their side business of renting RVs into a retirement plan. Operating under the name Suite Glamping Adventures, the couple purchased seven Class C RVs in 2023, financed through various lenders. Their goal was to offer travelers a higher-quality experience than they found while participating in RAGBRAI, an annual bicycle ride across Iowa.

Relocating quickly from their idea to purchasing RVs, the Smiths stocked each vehicle with basics such as sheets, towels, kitchen supplies, toiletries, first-aid kits, and other amenities.

Initially, they encountered challenges, including damage to one of the vehicles and the need to winterize all seven RVs before the first winter. They later expanded their fleet to nine RVs, but struggled with storage and maintenance costs. To address these issues, the couple bought 2.5 acres of land where they could store and maintain the RVs, turning a recurring expense into a potential revenue stream by renting out covered storage space.

The business is managed through a platform called Wheelbase and listed on Outdoorsy, allowing the Smiths to centralize bookings and vehicle information.

While the business has not yet become profitable, the Smiths believe it could generate $150,000 to $250,000 in annual revenue as they refine their operations and secure more corporate and event bookings. Currently, they are relying on their airline salaries to cover the early costs, hoping that by retirement, the company will provide a steady income stream.