RV Rental Secrets

In this episode of RV Rental Secrets, co-hosts Garr Russell and Stacy catch up from Bryce Canyon, Utah, as they discuss the importance of strategic planning for RV owners at the end of the season. With most RV businesses winding down after peak summer months, this is the perfect time to look ahead to 2025. Garr and Stacy dive into key actions, such as increasing nightly minimums, adjusting pricing, and focusing on maximizing time efficiency. They share insights on how to reduce workload while maintaining profitability, drawing from their personal experiences in the RV rental business. Whether you're a solo RV owner or managing multiple units, this episode provides practical tips to streamline operations, minimize unnecessary effort, and plan for a more profitable next season. They also emphasize the significance of valuing your time and setting up systems to achieve work-life balance. Don't miss this opportunity to set the stage for success in the upcoming year!
Tune in and take away actionable advice to improve your RV rental business while ensuring you get the most out of your time with family and friends.

In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets podcast, co-hosts Garr and Stacy come together to discuss how to navigate uncertainty with confidence and purpose, drawing on personal experiences from the road and their entrepreneurial journeys. Stacy joins from Utah, where she and her family are traveling the country, having already visited states like Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Texas, and Colorado. Meanwhile, Garr shares his recent experiences in Florida, including his encounter with a hurricane.
The conversation dives into the importance of taking action, especially during unpredictable times. Garr shares scripture from Ephesians and Proverbs that has been guiding him through current challenges, while Stacy reflects on how their industry thrived during the pandemic despite the uncertainty. They both emphasize the power of moving forward, making decisions, and embracing action, even when fear and doubt arise.
Throughout the episode, the duo offers insights into entrepreneurship, highlighting that success comes from continuous effort and learning from failures. Garr reminds listeners that "all work works," encouraging them to take massive action, even when the outcome is unknown. Stacy shares her own growth, from overcoming the fear of launching the podcast to pushing her limits with adventurous activities like whitewater rafting.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on the importance of having a definiteness of purpose in both life and business. Stacy and Garr stress that knowing your purpose will guide you through the uncertainty, and staying focused on your goals will keep you on the right path, regardless of external circumstances.
Tune in to this inspiring conversation to learn how to take action, push past fear, and keep moving forward on your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, co-hosts Garr and Stacy are joined by a special guest, Maddie from RV Share. The episode kicks off with Garr introducing Stacy with a new nickname, "Stacy, the Marketing Master Maxson," and welcoming Maddie to the show. Maddie, Senior Director of Communications at RVShare, shares her extensive experience, having been with the company for almost six years. She explains her role in managing RV Share’s brand and marketing efforts, which include increasing awareness about RV rentals and supporting RV owners by driving traffic to the platform.
Maddie also highlights her personal experience as a frequent traveler, having taken over 20 RV trips across the U.S., including Hawaii. This sets the stage for an engaging conversation as the trio dives into both the perks and challenges of RV travel.
Garr lightens the mood with a humorous and memorable story about a previous RV rental experience involving bed bugs, where RV Share stepped in as the hero. The story showcases RV Share's excellent customer support, with Maddie and the team going above and beyond to resolve the situation.
Stacy jumps in with a more business-focused question, asking Maddie about trends in the RV rental industry. Maddie notes several key trends, including an increase in RV rentals for events such as music festivals, sporting events like NASCAR, and unique hobby events. She also touches on the growing popularity of RV delivery services, with over 60% of RV Share owners now offering this feature. Another notable trend is the rise in "shoulder season" travel, particularly in warmer states like Florida, where RV demand is increasing in the spring and fall.
The discussion then shifts to the consignment trend, where RV owners look for professional management to rent out their RVs year-round, including moving their units to warmer destinations during the off-season.
Garr chimes in, expressing his enthusiasm for what he calls "wheel estate" – the versatility of RVs beyond traditional camping. He shares his excitement about creating themed events like daddy-daughter weekends or corporate retreats, emphasizing how RVs can be set up anywhere and for any purpose.
The episode wraps up with Maddie explaining how RVShare supports its owners by marketing their RVs to a wide audience and helping integrate RV rentals into the broader travel market. It’s an informative episode full of insights for both RV rental business owners and those looking to explore the RV lifestyle.

In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, co-hosts Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon dive deep into the power of collaboration and the importance of creating demand in the RV rental business. They start off with a light-hearted conversation about Gar’s love for alliterations, but quickly shift focus to a practical discussion on how to keep business flowing, especially during slower seasons like fall.
Garr and Stacy address a recent query from one of their franchisees, reflecting the common challenge of business slowing down once summer ends and school begins. They emphasize the importance of actively generating demand through creative collaborations, citing real-world examples from their own experiences. Stacey recalls how reaching out to local businesses, campgrounds, and other community organizations was critical to her success in the early days of her RV rental business. Garr elaborates on how partnerships, like those with event organizers and local vendors, can open doors to new opportunities, and even cites a successful example involving one of their franchisees, Dathan, who secured lucrative partnerships with events like NASCAR and Bonnaroo.
The hosts delve into how partnerships can evolve into long-term, mutually beneficial relationships, and they encourage listeners to think outside the box. Garr shares a story from the book The Pumpkin Plan, demonstrating how nurturing a single relationship can lead to exponential growth. They also touch on unconventional marketing ideas, like mailing watermelons to catch attention and create memorable impressions, urging listeners to be bold in their approach to networking and business-building.
Stacey adds further value by suggesting seasonal marketing tactics, such as collaborating with local businesses on fall-themed events like scavenger hunts or bucket lists, where each business can promote the others, amplifying exposure for everyone involved. Garr praises the idea, noting how partnerships can create demand by leveraging the networks and contacts of other businesses.
As the episode wraps up, Garr reminds listeners to take massive action, echoing advice from his mentors Tony Robbins and Jim Rohn. He encourages RV entrepreneurs to face rejection head-on, knowing that persistence will eventually lead to success. The closing message is clear: get out there, collaborate, create demand, and don’t be afraid to hustle for opportunities, because one solid partnership could change the trajectory of your business.
Overall, this episode is packed with actionable advice on building and sustaining an RV rental business through networking, creativity, and relentless effort.
 

Welcome back to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast! In today's episode, your hosts, Stacy Maxon and Garr Russell, share some exciting updates and valuable insights into the world of RV rentals. Stacy kicks off with some personal news—her family's upcoming full-time RV travel adventure across 15 states in their newly wrapped Fireside fifth wheel. If you spot them on the road, feel free to stop and say hello!
The episode takes a significant turn when Garr announces that three Fireside franchises have joined forces to acquire a major competitor, securing the deal with zero out-of-pocket costs and zero percent interest. This leads to a discussion on the importance of delegation and scaling strategies in business. They highlight key lessons, including avoiding burnout through proper delegation and the advantages of leveraging Other People's RVs (OPRV) to maintain a low-overhead, recession-proof business model.
Stacy and Garr also touch on the power of creative financing, sharing lessons learned from personal experiences and their mastermind groups. They discuss the risks of owning too much inventory, especially when competitors are collapsing under high overhead costs. They emphasize the importance of exit strategies, keeping overhead low, and how businesses can protect themselves by using smart purchasing strategies.
The episode wraps up with Garr encouraging listeners to stay alert to opportunities during uncertain times, urging them to take bold actions to scale their businesses despite external fears. Both hosts provide actionable tips for managing an RV rental business successfully while building long-term value through smart financial decisions.
Join us for this engaging discussion filled with practical insights, real-life examples, and inspiring words to help you build your RV rental empire.
 
 

In this comprehensive episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, co-hosts Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon sit down with Troy Snyder, the VP of Product at RV Trader, to explore the latest trends in the RV industry and provide invaluable advice for RV owners looking to sell their vehicles. Troy brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience at RV Trader, offering listeners a deep dive into both the current state of the RV market and the tools available to optimize RV sales.
The episode begins with Troy discussing recent market trends, including a significant 21% year-over-year decline in new RV registrations and a 9% drop in retail selling prices. Despite these challenges, Troy highlights a bright spot: an increase in the value of pre-owned RVs. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class A RVs, camping trailers, and truck campers have all seen valuation gains, which Troy explains could indicate a shift back to a more favorable market for consumers. This is particularly relevant for those who bought RVs during the COVID-19 pandemic and may now be looking to sell or refinance.
Garr and Stacy talk about the implications of these trends for RV rentals and sales, particularly the rising demand for fifth wheels and luxury RVs, which could influence future rental market dynamics. The conversation then shifts to the tools and technology RV Trader offers to simplify the selling process. Troy introduces RV Trader’s latest innovations, including AI-powered features that streamline listing creation, from automatically populating vehicle specs to generating detailed descriptions. These advancements not only save sellers time but also help ensure their listings stand out in a competitive market.
Troy also addresses the importance of online safety and fraud prevention, detailing the steps RV Trader takes to protect both buyers and sellers. With fraud becoming increasingly sophisticated, RV Trader is incorporating AI and other technologies to detect and block fraudulent activity. Additionally, Troy discusses future enhancements like vehicle history reports and VIN validation, which will add further layers of security to the buying and selling process.
Stacy and Garr share their experiences with selling RVs and provide practical tips for creating effective listings. They emphasize the importance of knowing your RV’s value before listing it, using detailed descriptions to attract buyers, and investing in exposure through premium listing packages on platforms like RV Trader. Stacy also touches on the differences between listing an RV on RV Trader versus more general marketplaces like Facebook, highlighting the benefits of working with a platform that specializes in RV sales.
Towards the end of the episode, the conversation expands to future developments in the RV marketplace, including the potential for fully digital transactions, encompassing financing, payments, and DMV documentation. Troy hints at exciting new features that will make RV Trader even more robust and user-friendly, setting it apart from other online marketplaces.
The episode concludes with some final advice from Troy on how to get the most out of your RV listing, including best practices for pricing, description writing, and using RV Trader’s tools to enhance your selling experience. Whether you’re an RV owner looking to sell, an industry professional, or simply interested in the latest market trends, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed in the RV market.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the RV industry and learn how to navigate the selling process with confidence, backed by the expertise of one of the leading figures in the RV marketplace.
Interested in selling your RV?  List it on RVtrader, the #1 Marketplace for RV sales
 

Welcome back to another episode of the RV Rental Secrets podcast! This week, Stacy and Garr dig deep into the world of homeschooling, particularly how it integrates with the entrepreneurial lifestyle. As seasoned homeschoolers and successful business owners, Garr and Stacy bring unique perspectives on how to educate children in the home and on the road.
Garr kicks off the conversation by sharing his experience of homeschooling his four children, who range in age from 7 to 15. He talks about how homeschooling has always been a part of their family dynamic and how it has allowed his kids to develop essential life skills, from financial literacy to running a small business. Garr's 13-year-old son, for example, manages a subscription-based egg business, teaching him valuable lessons in sales, customer service, and handling rejection.
Stacy shares her excitement about returning to homeschooling as her family prepares to travel full-time in their RV. She discusses her plans to take a more experiential approach to education by incorporating visits to national parks and museums, turning the world into her children’s classroom. Stacy also reflects on the challenges her oldest son faced in traditional schooling and how homeschooling will allow for a more personalized, hands-on learning experience.
The episode also explores how homeschooling nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset in children. Gar and Stacy discuss how their kids are learning practical skills that go beyond standard academics, such as balancing a budget, understanding investments, and handling real-life challenges. They emphasize the importance of letting kids fail and learn from their mistakes, a critical part of both the entrepreneurial journey and personal growth.
Stacy and Gar wrap up the episode with tips for other parents who may be considering homeschooling or looking to incorporate entrepreneurial lessons into their children’s education. They encourage parents to slow down, be deliberate in their teaching, and make space for creativity and independence in their kids' lives.
Whether you’re an RV enthusiast, a homeschooling parent, or an entrepreneur looking to pass on your skills to the next generation, this episode offers a wealth of insights and practical advice. Tune in to learn how you can combine education, entrepreneurship, and travel into a rewarding and enriching experience for your family.
Key Takeaways:
The benefits of homeschooling in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.
How to integrate practical life skills into your child’s education.
The value of experiential learning through travel and real-world experiences.
Tips for balancing technology and encouraging creativity in homeschooling.
Encouragement for parents to consider homeschooling or roadschooling as a viable option for their families.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode filled with stories, tips, and encouragement for homeschooling and entrepreneurial families!
 

In this episode of RV Rental Secrets, co-hosts Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon dive into the critical difference between working on your business versus working in your business. As summer winds down and things start to calm down, it's the perfect time to shift focus from the daily grind to big-picture strategies that will help grow your business sustainably.
Key Discussion Points:
The Importance of Auditing Your Business:
Stacy and Garr discuss how, after a busy summer season, it's essential to take a step back and audit your business. This involves identifying areas where you can increase revenue, reduce stress, and streamline operations. They emphasize the importance of making strategic changes that will set your business up for long-term success.
Delegation is Key:
Stacy and Garr share their experiences of learning to delegate tasks. They stress the value of finding someone who can do a task at least 80% as well as you can and handing it off. This is crucial for business owners who want to scale their operations or simply avoid burnout.
Building and Documenting Processes:
The duo talks about the significance of documenting your business processes. Whether it's cleaning RVs or managing social media, creating clear, replicable systems is key to maintaining quality while freeing up your time. Stacy shares practical tips, like using Loom videos and AI tools to create training materials efficiently.
Avoiding the Race to the Bottom:
They discuss the common pitfall of trying to compete on price alone. Instead, Stacy and Garr advocate for adding value to your offerings, such as creating an inclusive, luxury experience for renters, which allows you to charge premium prices and attract the right customers.
The Value of Industry Events and Mentorship:
Stacy emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal development. Attending industry events, seeking out mentors, and investing in business courses can provide new perspectives and strategies that help you work on your business rather than getting bogged down in daily tasks.
Special Giveaway:
As a thank you to their listeners, Garr and Stacy are offering their Firestarter Course for free to anyone who leaves a review for the podcast. This course, which previously sold for $1,000, teaches you how to start and operate an RV rental business. Listeners who leave a review and send a screenshot to [email protected] will receive the course at no cost.
Call to Action: Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity! Leave a review, email your screenshot to [email protected], and get access to the Firestarter Course for free. Plus, listen in for more tips on how to elevate your RV rental business by focusing on the big picture.
Join the Conversation: Do you have tips or questions about working on your business? Share them with us in the comments or email us. We love hearing from our listeners and helping you succeed in the RV rental industry.
Tune In Next Time: Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll discuss innovative ways to enhance your customer experience and stand out in the competitive RV rental market.