How to start a business in your RV
Have a business plan and set your goals
First, you will need to decide on a business idea that is suitable for your lifestyle. Some popular options include: food trucks, mobile bars, mobile fashion stores, spa trucks, or a mobile masseuse.
We live in an area (Niagara, ON) that hosts many events each year, so an events focused business made the most sense to us. We also love being outside, so having a business that encourages people to host their important celebrations outdoors made perfect sense to us.
Once you have your idea, research the markets you want to operate in and create a business plan. Consider your startup costs, target audience, location and marketing strategy.
Remember, it’s okay for your goals to differ from a more traditional business model. Are you hoping for more flexibility and freedom for taking time off? Are you looking for a business that allows you to explore new places? Having clear goals will help navigate any obstacles your business may face.
Choose the right RV for your business
This is such a crucial step! If you plan on inviting customers inside your RV, you may need something larger such as a trailer, but if you’re planning to serve food or coffee, then a camper may be sufficient. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment and technology for your business, such as a reliable internet connection and a comfortable workspace.
When we were starting our business, we faced the choice of using an Airstream or another type of trailer. Airstreams come at a higher price point, but we decided that the aesthetic was important for the types of events we planned to work. Their overall durability was also important, seeing heavy use during the summer months.
Don’t be afraid of DIY’ing your RV
If you’re looking for an older style RV, take some time to research what to look for when inspecting these vehicles before you purchase. Our Airstreams are 57 and 61 years old with plenty of miles in the tires which we took into consideration when calculating the overall cost and time needed to repair and/or upgrade. Many vehicles will also require modifications.
It is often difficult to find tradesmen who have the skills or patience to work on older RV’s such as Airstreams so it pays to be willing to try doing your own repairs – you may surprise yourself, and even enjoy it! It may seem out of your comfort zone or even capabilities, but there are many resources online to guide you (YouTube is a great starting point).
The most obvious modifications we made to our trailers are the serving windows, which were installed by a professional metal fabricator. Both have new axles installed, one has had two(!) bar fitouts, while one required an entire new end cap on the inside, which we took on ourselves.
Flexibility is key
More flexibility is a primary reason we chose an RV, and it is also the thing that’s helped us through some of the challenges that come from being a small business. The pandemic in 2020 halted our ability to operate our business the way we originally planned, so we shifted our focus to running smaller, more intimate outdoor events. Once life opened up again, we enjoyed a flood of inquiries and were one of the first businesses that could resume normal operations.
Starting an RV business can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to live life on your own terms. With careful planning and a passion for entrepreneurship, setting up a mobile business can allow you to achieve success and both physical and financial freedom, while exploring the beautiful country we call home. We are planning our next trip in “Popeye” during the Fall and can’t wait to go RVing again!
