RV Rental Secrets

Garr Russell & Stacy Maxon
  • 4.6 (8)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The ultimate podcast for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn how to successfully launch, grow, and manage a profitable RV rental business.

  1. 4D AGO

    How to Prepare Your RV Rental Business for a Record-Breaking Summer

    In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets, Stacy Maxon and Garr Russell dive into practical strategies RV owners can still implement as the busy summer rental season begins ramping up. From de-winterizing RVs and reviewing pricing structures to increasing profitability through prep fees and smarter booking strategies, this episode is packed with actionable advice for both first-time RV owners and experienced operators. They discuss why patience is critical early in the season, how avoiding the “race to the bottom” on pricing can actually lead to larger bookings, and why adding value is often better than offering discounts. Stacy and Garr also share real-life stories from their early years in the RV rental business, including how last-minute bookings turned into six-figure summers. They explain how longer minimum stays can create better opportunities, why guest experience matters so much for repeat business, and how simple touches like follow-up texts, added amenities, or rebooking guests during their vacation can dramatically increase future reservations. The episode wraps up with encouragement for RV owners who may be considering turning their rentals into a larger business opportunity through the Fireside RV Rental franchise model.

    16 min

  2. MAY 11

    Know Your Numbers: The Hidden Profit Killers in Your RV Rental Business

    In this insight-packed episode of RV Rental Secrets, Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon pull back the curtain on a reality many business owners face but few want to confront—what your numbers are actually telling you. After a tough morning reviewing budgets, missed opportunities, and shifting projections, they use that real-life experience to emphasize why avoiding your financials can quietly derail your growth. Instead of guessing or hoping things will improve, they challenge RV rental owners to lean into the data, even when it’s uncomfortable, because that’s where real decision-making power comes from. A major focus of the episode is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes in the RV rental space: underpricing delivery and setup fees. Garr and Stacy break down why offers like $50 delivery for long distances—or even free delivery—are not just unsustainable, but damaging to the industry as a whole. They walk through the true cost structure behind every delivery, including fuel, mileage, wear and tear on both the RV and tow vehicle, labor, and platform commissions. When these factors aren’t accounted for, what looks like profit quickly disappears. They also explain how failing to price correctly today leads to long-term losses through depreciation and burnout. Beyond delivery pricing, the conversation expands into other overlooked revenue opportunities, like prep fees. Cleaning, propane refills, water usage, electricity, and general turnaround costs all add up over time, and if they’re not built into your pricing model, you’re essentially absorbing those expenses yourself. The hosts reinforce a simple but powerful mindset shift: you didn’t get into RV rentals just to let others use your camper—you got into it to generate income. Pricing should reflect that. They also share tactical strategies that franchisees and independent owners alike can implement immediately. One key tip is to “start high and adjust down”—build quotes that include all add-ons and services upfront, then remove items if needed, rather than trying to increase pricing later. They discuss using split testing to gauge what your market will bear and how small adjustments can significantly impact profitability. Additionally, they touch on creating standardized pricing models, such as base delivery fees plus per-mile rates, to ensure consistency and scalability in your business. This episode is a reminder that staying busy doesn’t always mean being profitable. Without a clear understanding of your numbers, it’s easy to operate at a loss without realizing it. Garr and Stacy encourage listeners to regularly review their financials, understand their true costs, and make data-driven adjustments to protect both their time and their assets. If you’ve ever questioned your pricing, felt unsure about your margins, or avoided looking too closely at your numbers, this episode will give you both the clarity and the push you need to take control of your business finances. And don’t miss what’s coming next—they hint at a future episode where they’ll reveal how they’re using AI to streamline operations and uncover even more growth opportunities in the RV rental space.

    11 min

  3. MAY 4

    The Gap vs. The Gain: How to Stay Motivated and Measure Real Progress in Your RV Rental Business

    In this mindset-shifting episode of RV Rental Secrets, Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon dive into a powerful concept from Benjamin Hardy—the difference between living in “the gap” versus “the gain.” As entrepreneurs juggling endless tasks, it’s easy to focus on what didn’t get done rather than recognizing the massive progress you’re actually making. Garr and Stacy open up about their own daily struggles with this, sharing how even highly productive days can feel unaccomplished when you measure yourself against unrealistic expectations instead of real results. Throughout the episode, they explore how shifting your perspective from measuring forward (what’s left to do) to measuring backward (what you’ve already achieved) can dramatically improve your mindset, confidence, and momentum. Stacy shares a relatable example of feeling behind—only to realize she had completed dozens of meaningful tasks that day. They also highlight a powerful story from a franchisee who went from zero bookings to multiple units and reservations in just one year, illustrating how looking back reveals growth you might otherwise overlook. Garr introduces the concept of “starting at the finish line,” encouraging listeners to clearly define their goals and visualize success in vivid detail. By imagining what life looks and feels like once you’ve reached your goals—financially, personally, and professionally—you create clarity and motivation that fuels intentional action. This ties into the idea of having a “best yes,” where every opportunity is filtered through whether it aligns with your long-term vision. They also share simple but impactful daily practices, like mentally reviewing accomplishments before bed, focusing on gratitude, and setting intentions for the next day. These habits help rewire your thinking, reduce overwhelm, and keep you grounded in progress rather than pressure. Whether you’re building an RV rental business, scaling a franchise, or simply trying to stay motivated in the day-to-day grind, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you measure success—and help you move forward with more clarity, confidence, and purpose.

    13 min

  4. APR 27

    Should You Rent Your RV or Let Someone Else Do It?

    Episode Overview In this episode, Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon break down RV Rental Management—the perfect solution for RV owners who want the income… without the hassle. If you’ve ever thought: “I don’t have time to manage rentals” “I don’t want to deal with renters” “I’m thinking about selling my RV…” This episode walks you through a hands-off way to turn your RV into income while someone else handles everything. What Is RV Rental Management? RV rental management is similar to Airbnb property management. A company (like Fireside RV Rental) will: List your RV on rental platforms Handle bookings, communication, and customer screening Manage delivery, setup, and cleaning Take care of insurance, claims, and logistics 👉 You earn income without doing the day-to-day work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How RV rental management actually works The top questions RV owners ask before getting started How insurance and liability are handled What kind of income you can realistically expect Tax advantages of renting your RV Who is a good fit (and who is NOT) for this model How to avoid working with the wrong company How Much Can You Earn? Nightly rates typically range from $100–$300+ Average reservation: ~6 days Average booking: ~$1,600 total Owners typically earn around 45% of nightly rental revenue 👉 Plus potential tax benefits like: Depreciation Expense write-offs (maintenance, storage, interest) Insurance & Protection One of the biggest concerns—and the most important to understand. Renters purchase insurance through platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy Security deposits are collected to cover deductibles Management companies handle: Claims Disputes Screening renters to avoid high-risk bookings 👉 Bonus: If something gets damaged, it’s often covered—sometimes resulting in upgrades or replacements at no cost to you. Who Is a Good Fit? RV rental management is ideal for: Owners who don’t have time to manage rentals People who want passive income RV owners who: Are in the military (deployment) Travel frequently Only use their RV occasionally Owners who owe more than their RV is worth and want to offset costs Investors looking for tax advantages + income Who Is NOT a Good Fit? This may not be for you if: You use your RV frequently You’re emotionally attached to your RV You’re uncomfortable with wear and tear (even with insurance) You’re unwilling to place your RV in a managed location You expect guaranteed income without market variability Pro Tips Before Getting Started Work with a reputable company with proven systems Ask for: Owner references Historical performance data Make sure they have: Proper contracts Insurance processes Claims handling systems ⚠️ Not all operators are created equal—doing your research matters. Bonus Insight: Location Matters Some markets perform better than others (e.g., Florida, Arizona, California) RVs can sometimes be relocated to higher-performing areas for better income potential Drivable RVs and bunkhouse models tend to perform best Key Takeaway You don’t have to choose between using your RV and making money—you just need the right strategy. RV rental management gives you the opportunity to: Offset costs Generate income Reduce stress All while someone else handles the operations. Want to Learn More? If you're interested in RV rental management, check the links in the description to: Calculate your RV’s earning potential Learn about Fireside’s program Get connected with a location near you

    15 min

  5. APR 20

    5 Simple Ways to Use AI in Your RV Rental Business Today

    Welcome to Season 4 of RV Rental Secrets! In this episode, Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon dive into one of the biggest shifts happening in business right now—Artificial Intelligence—and how it’s transforming the RV rental industry. From automating daily tasks to scaling faster than ever before, they break down real, practical ways you can start using AI today—whether you have one RV or a growing fleet. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How AI is changing the speed of business (and why you can’t ignore it) Real examples of how Fireside is using AI to save time and scale faster Simple ways to start using AI—even if you're a beginner How AI can help you increase bookings, improve customer experience, and streamline operations Why embracing AI now gives you a competitive advantage The balance between automation and maintaining personal connection How AI will actually increase demand for RV travel and outdoor experiences Key Takeaways AI is not replacing you—it’s empowering you. Use it to eliminate repetitive tasks so you can focus on growth and relationships. Speed wins. What used to take months can now be done in days (or hours). Don’t get left behind. Just like Blockbuster ignored Netflix, businesses that ignore AI risk falling behind fast. Start simple. You don’t need complex systems—just begin with tools like ChatGPT. Practical Ways to Use AI in Your RV Rental Business Writing listing descriptions for RVshare, Outdoorsy, or Wheelbase Responding to customer inquiries and complaints professionally Automating review requests and follow-ups Creating social media content and marketing plans Building systems for lead tracking and follow-up Streamlining onboarding and customer communication Pro Tips Upgrade to a paid AI tool (like ChatGPT) to unlock memory + better outputs Use clear prompts (tell AI who it is and what you want) Consider building custom GPTs trained on your business voice Don’t try it once and quit—AI improves the more you use it Industry Insight As AI handles more of the workload, people will have more time for travel, experiences, and family—which means the RV rental industry is positioned to grow even more in the coming years. What’s Coming Next 🚐 RV Rental Summit (Coming Soon!) Learn from top industry leaders, ask questions, and grow your business faster. 👉 Stay tuned for the waitlist! Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share with another RV owner or entrepreneur 🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next

    21 min

  6. 09/22/2025

    The Power of Imagination in Business and Life

    In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, Stacy Maxon and Garr Russell dive into the power of imagination and how it impacts both life and business. Fresh from the Hershey RV Show, Stacy shares the excitement of connecting with new franchisees and witnessing how vision and faith fuel their entrepreneurial journeys. Together, she and Garr unpack the idea that imagination isn’t just for kids—it’s something we use daily, whether we realize it or not. They highlight how imagination often defaults to fear and negativity, but with intention, it can be trained to create hope, vision, and solutions that move us forward. Drawing on biblical principles, practical business examples, and personal experiences, they encourage listeners to shift from “what if it fails?” to “what if it succeeds?” and to see how this mindset shift opens the door to new opportunities and resources. The conversation also touches on the importance of partnerships, complementary skillsets, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community. With practical takeaways like focusing on daily wins, journaling, and reframing challenges, this episode reminds listeners that imagination is the starting point for growth—in business, family, and faith.

    19 min

  7. 08/31/2025

    Why Your First Year is All About Doing the Work

    In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, Garr Russell, Stacy Maxon, and special guest Ben Kiser dive into the reality of what it takes to build and sustain an RV rental business. Too often, new owners jump in thinking they’re just offsetting payments—but the truth is, the moment you rent out your RV, you’re running a business. That means learning to deal with renters, managing repairs, hiring drivers and cleaners, keeping books, and most importantly—doing the work. Ben shares his streamlined process at his Gulf Shores location, from booking through Fireside Plus to managing his bullpen of drivers and cleaners. Stacy and Garr pull back the curtain on their early struggles, hard lessons, and how pressing into the “pain” ultimately created systems and freedom down the road. 💡 Key Topics Covered: Why the first year of business is about “doing the work” How Ben simplified his day-to-day rental process The importance of knowing your why and pushing through discouragement Practical tips for finding drivers and cleaners through networking When to outsource and pay more to gain back your time How to turn hard moments into systems that free you up long-term 📌 Quote to Remember: “In all labor there is profit.” — Proverbs 14:23 Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your fleet, this episode will inspire you to embrace the grind, stay focused on your why, and build a business that gives you freedom and fulfillment.

    14 min

  8. 08/17/2025

    Don’t Wait for Next Year—Optimize Your RV Business Now

    In this episode of RV Rental Secrets, co-hosts Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon talk about how the seasonal shift from summer camping to back-to-school is the perfect time to reassess your RV rental business. They share updates from their own homeschooling routines, including Gar’s family working at their newly purchased diner and Stacy’s search for new curriculum for her high schooler. Then they dive into actionable strategies to help RV rental owners prepare for the next season: Price Check: Why now is the time to evaluate your nightly rates, delivery fees, and event pricing to ensure you’re covering wear, tear, and your valuable time. Event Strategy: How to maximize revenue during high-demand events, from raising rates to adding event fees—and making sure you’re compensated for delivery delays and extra effort. Inventory Expansion Hack: A behind-the-scenes Fireside tip on leveraging other owners’ RVs for big events without buying depreciating assets. Booking Trends: Using past booking data to decide whether to focus on high-performing campgrounds or diversify your delivery locations. Proactive Planning: Setting 7-night minimums for peak summer weeks, preloading event pricing, and locking in additional inventory now for next year. Garr and Stacy also pull back the curtain on their own marketing review process, explaining how they track ad spend, KPIs, and conversion metrics—and how this podcast plays a role in educating and attracting future franchisees. Links & Resources: 🎯 Free RV Rental Course – Learn how to make money renting out your RV (a $1,000 value, now free!) Watch FREE webinar, 3 Secrets to Scale Your RV Rental Business Using Other People's RVs 🔗 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for Q&A sessions, tips, and insider strategies

    18 min
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4.6
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The ultimate podcast for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn how to successfully launch, grow, and manage a profitable RV rental business.

Information

  • Creator
    Garr Russell & Stacy Maxon
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Contact us at Stacy@rvrentalsecrets.com
  • Show Website
    RV Rental Secrets

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