Full-time pilots put $150,000 into an RV side hustle. They explain how it generates revenue and share unexpected challenges.
Full-time pilots Carrie and Brian Smiths learned early on that owning an RV fleet would not be "a cakewalk."
Carrie and Brian Smith, both full-time airline pilots, started an RV rental business called Suite Glamping Adventures as a side hustle. They compare their venture to Airbnb on wheels and list their vehicles on the Outdoorsy platform. The Smiths purchased seven RVs for approximately $782,000, financing the rest, and outfitted them with amenities in 2024.
They list rentals on Outdoorsy, offering trips ranging from three to several weeks, with longer trips being more profitable. The couple learned that larger RVs perform better than smaller ones, and spring break is their busiest season. They also discovered that hosting unique customers, like a Dutch broadcast crew covering the World Cup, can generate significant revenue.
Despite the challenges, such as freeze damage, maintenance, and demanding renters, the Smiths expect their RV rental business to generate at least $150,000 annually as they improve operations and secure more corporate and event bookings.
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