How To Earn Money Renting Your RV On Outdoorsy

06 Monday Jul 2020

Posted by Coach-Net in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

Tags

Earning Money, Outdoorsy, Renting, rv rental, RV Renting, RV Vacation, Vacation

If you’ve spent any time traveling, you know how difficult it can be to find the perfect vehicle for your adventure.

Outdoorsy, a peer-to-peer marketplace that connects RV renters with RV owners, takes all of the pain away from both sides of the equation. (Think of them like the Airbnb of RVs.)

Got an RV, campervan, or travel trailer that’s not getting much use? Want to share your love for the open road with other like-minded adventurers? Here’s why (and how) you should list your rig on Outdoorsy.

What to consider as an RV owner

We know, we know. That rig is your baby. You spend so much time washing, waxing, and tweaking onboard systems—all in an effort to keep everything in tip-top shape. The thing is though, it hasn’t left your driveway more than once this year.

What if your adventure vehicle could work for you? What if you could make enough passive income from renting your RV that you could quit your day job, pay for your son or daughter’s college education, or fund your retirement?

Here are some stats to consider:

30 percent of RV owners are upside down on their payments. By listing on Outdoorsy, you can turn that into cash flowing into your wallet instead of out of it. If you only rent out your rig once or twice a year, you could offset the cost of owning your RV. Sounds pretty good, right?
Nearly 10.5 million RVs in the U.S. will go unused for 11 months of the year. Pair that figure with 45.6 million campers looking for their next adventure, and you can see there is an incredible amount of potential to rent out your RV to just the right folks—people, just like yourself, who want to do some traveling.
Earn up to $86K or more annually by listing your RV on Outdoorsy. (Use this handy calculator to see how much you could make). The demand is there, and many renters are interested in doing more than just one trip throughout the year. Weekend camping at the nearby state park, road trips along scenic highways, and week-long—or longer—trips on the open road. They are all here, on Outdoorsy, looking for the perfect adventure travel companion.

Right from the Owner Dashboard, you, the owner, are in total control of your rig’s availability, nightly pricing, and who you want to rent your RV to. You can read reviews, set renter requirements, and chat with potential guests ahead of time. When you’re comfortable, lock it in and start figuring out what you’re going to do with that extra cash.

Let’s recap:

5 reasons to list your RV with Outdoorsy

You can make extra income. If you are like most RV owners, your RV only gets used for one or two weeks out of the year. So why not put it to work for you by renting it out the other 50 weeks of the year?
You’ll build your own business. Renting out your RV through Outdoorsy will assist you in building a side business, creating passive income to subsidize your other dreams—be that taking a destination vacation or putting a down payment on a house.
You’ll introduce new campers to the benefits of RVing. As an owner, you’ll walk renters through your rig, and in doing so, you have the opportunity to pass on your love of camping and road trips to new prospects. Give them a list of your favorite RV resorts or boondocking spots. Tell them where the best fishing holes are, and let them hear about your past family vacations.
You’ll keep your RV systems healthy with more consistent use. Let’s face it, if your RV sits for any extended length of time, its components begin to deteriorate. Tires rot in the sun, batteries drain, electrical systems short out. Keep your motorhome or trailer active and healthy. More consistent use through renting gives it a renewed sense of life.
Outdoorsy will take care of the details. List your RV for rent and let Outdoorsy handle the rest. Outdoorsy does extensive driver checks on all renters, they carry a $1 million insurance coverage policy, have 24/7 renters roadside assistance, and they handle all payment processing.

Diane T. ~ “The service was great quick with fantastic communication through the entire process, call, and service. The service provider was knowledgeable and professional.“

Reducing Travel Stress

07 Thursday Nov 2019

Posted by Coach-Net in Healthy Lifestyle, Tips & Tricks

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Relax, roadtrip planing, RV planning, RV tire safety, RV travel, RV Vacation, Travel Stress, trip planning

Seeing the country in an RV is an absolute blast the vast majority of the time. There’s really no arguing with that fact. However, many people find those travel days are pretty stressful, which can, unfortunately, take some of the fun out of RVing, especially for the more anxious among us.

In fact, if you find yourself stressing out about driving your RV anywhere, you might even choose not to go anywhere at all, meaning you and your family miss out on all the awesome adventures they could be having.

If this sounds like you, it might be time to find some ways to take some of the stress out of RV travel days. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to do just that, so you can continue on your wanderings and have a blast doing so.

Carry Quality Route-Planning Tools

The first thing to consider is how you will get from point A to point B. Having only a vague idea of what your path will be can be highly stressful. Additionally, running into obstacles such as low bridges and steep grades can be both dangerous and anxiety-inducing.

For this reason, we highly recommend investing in an RV-specific GPS, as well as a Trucker’s Atlas. Together, these tools will help you navigate across the US with confidence, ensuring you never run into these kinds of issues.

Take Your Time and Plan for Stops

Traveling too quickly is another way to add stress to your travel days. If at all possible, slow your travel down, allowing yourself a few days to meander to your final destination. This will make the whole experience more relaxing and will allow for impromptu detours to see cool roadside attractions, as well as plenty of stops to stretch your legs, get a bite to eat, and use the restroom.

Care for Your Vehicle and Tires

Being stuck on the side of the road isn’t anyone’s idea of a great travel day. Obviously, this isn’t something you can always avoid. However, there are steps you can take to help prevent breakdowns and tire blowouts.

Before every trip, make sure to check your fluid levels and schedule tune-ups on your motorhome or tow vehicle at least twice a year, just to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.

Walk around and check your tires before hitting the road as well, making sure to look for bubbling, uneven wear, worn tread, and other such issues. Inflate the tires to the proper pressure while you’re at it, and be sure to replace your tires when they begin to wear out—or every five years, whichever comes first.

Budget Wisely

When issues do arise, not having the money to deal with them can be a huge stressor. For this reason, it is very important to budget wisely, making sure to account for every expense and budgeting in plenty of emergency money.

Having an emergency fund will make problems along the way much more manageable and will remove a huge amount of anxiety.

Keep a Toolkit on Hand

Another way to remove anxiety when issues arrive is to ensure you have the tools to deal with the problem. Keep a toolkit in your vehicle as well as in your RV. An emergency kit is always a good idea as well, and having charged cell phones can be a lifesaver.

Invest in Roadside Assistance and Insurance

Last but definitely not least, you will want to make sure you have excellent roadside assistance and insurance before any RV trip. Knowing there are people who have your back no matter what may happen will definitely help you relax, and if an issue should occur, the whole experience will be much more pleasant if you have some great companies to lean on.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

William M. ~ “What I loved about Coach-Net’s service is that they kept calling us back to check and see how we were, giving us regular updates until the service provider arrived. I would highly recommend Coach-Net to anyone with an RV!”

Camping In Texas State Parks

23 Tuesday Jul 2019

Posted by Coach-Net in RV Information

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Dinosaur Valley, RV, RV travel, RV Vacation, Summer Travel, Texas, Texas State Park, Travel Destination

Looking for an awesome place to take your RV this summer? Why not head down to Texas? Texas is an amazing place to explore, and because it’s so big, there is a lot to see and do. One of the best ways to experience Texas in an RV is by camping your way through the state’s incredible state parks.

Texas has some of the best state parks around, offering guests amazing views, awesome recreation opportunities, and even surprisingly clean bathrooms. Not only that, these parks are also incredibly diverse, featuring everything from mountains to beaches, as well as some seriously awesome caves (among other things).

Still not convinced? Read on to learn more about these state parks and why you simply must visit them.

Texas State Parks We Love

Let’s begin by discussing some of the parks we’ve visited and fallen in love with. These particular parks were simply outstanding, and we 100% recommend them to anyone with the time to work them into their travel schedule.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Located in Glen Rose, TX, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a dino-lover’s dream come true. Here, visitors can see actual dinosaur tracks and walk in the footsteps of these amazing creatures.

Summer is the best time to visit, as the tracks can be covered by water during other times of year, so be sure to plan accordingly. Additionally, you will want to make sure to bring good hiking gear, as some of the tracks can be a bit difficult to reach.

Galveston Island State Park

Everyone loves a good old-fashioned beach day. What if you could spend several days in a row on the beach? At Galveston Island State Park you can do exactly that.

While several of the park’s campsites are located across the road and about a mile and a half from the beach, there are a few sites that are sitting right by the water and a quick two-minute walk will have you at the beach and ready to play. What could be better than that?

Just be aware that this park does book up quickly in the summer!

McKinney Falls State Park

The location of this park simply couldn’t be better. McKinney Falls State Park is located within Austin city limits, meaning you can easily drive into the city during your stay and experience all the music, barbecue, and fun Austin has to offer.

That said, the park is secluded from all this hustle and bustle, and gives campers a great place to escape at the end of a long day of exploring. Hiking is a wonderful way to spend a day in this park, and the gorgeous falls are wonderful to look at. Best of all, the water in this park is nice and cool—perfect for swimming on a hot Texas summer day.

Other Bucket-List State Parks in Texas

While we have seen quite a few of the Texas state parks, we have yet to visit them all. For that reason, a few of these parks are still sitting on our bucket list. These are parks that we’ve heard about from traveling friends, and based on what we’ve heard, we highly recommend you add them to your list of things to see as well:

Big Bend Ranch State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park Colorado Bend State Park
Longhorn Cavern State Park

Saving Money While Camping in Texas State Parks

One of the very best things about using Texas state park campgrounds is the fact that these campsites are so well kept, yet so inexpensive. We’ve visited state parks all over the country, and feel these parks are far better than most—and yet in our experience, their rates range from only $18–$25 a night.

That said, the parks do charge campers their day-use fee on top of the camping fees. This can add up quickly, especially if you take your whole family camping, and will easily eat up any savings you may have had by staying in a state park over a private park. Luckily, there is a way around this issue.

The Texas State Parks Pass is an annual membership that allows you free entry to all of the parks, as well as waived day-use fees when camping. On top of that, those who own a Texas State Park Pass will receive half-off their second night of camping, saving you even more money.

We think this pass is well worth the $70 investment, and found it paid for itself in almost no time. Therefore, it is definitely something you’ll want to look into if you plan to camp in these parks often.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Kari W. ~ “We were locked out of our vehicle with groceries. The service provider was quicker than the quoted arrival time and we were on our way in seconds. Just sign and drive which makes me happy and my husband was relieved I purchased Coach-Net, because yes ….these things happen.”

5 Days You Can Visit National Parks Free of Charge

06 Wednesday Mar 2019

Posted by Coach-Net in National Parks

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

free camping, free RV camping, Glacier National Park, National Park, planning, RV, RV Vacation, trip planning

National park entrance fees go up nearly every year, but the price of admission shouldn’t deter you from visiting. Every year you have five days to visit national parks free of charge, wherever you want to roam.

The Five Days You Can Get into Parks Free

National park vacation costs are still less expensive than a family trip to Disneyland. But between entry fees, camping charges and additional excursions costs, a simple trip to the Grand Canyon could send anyone to the poorhouse. The good news is that if you plan your next national park adventure properly, you can save on the entry fees many parks charge visitors.

According to the U.S. Parks Service, 115 of the 418 parks managed by the National Park Service charge entrance fees. Those fees range anywhere from $5 a day to $35 a week. This allows visitors to come and go from the park as they please, sometimes for up to two weeks in many locations. The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or fees that quickly add up, like camping, boat launches, transportation, or special park activities.

Thankfully, each year, national park visitors’ wallets get a break on five designated “fee holidays.” If you time your visit to arrive on of the free national park days, you can stay for as long as the usual entry fee allows – sometimes up to two weeks in places like Texas’ Big Bend National Park. The cost of a park’s entry fee may not be enough money to fill up your fuel tank, but for many campers, the lure of a “free” visit makes the journey even more appealing.

The U.S. National Park Free Days happen on the same five calendar dates every year. Start planning your national park visits around the following dates:

Monday, January 21 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Saturday, April 20 – First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day

Sunday, August 25 – National Park Service Anniversary

Saturday, September 28 – National Public Lands Day

Monday, November 11 – Veterans Day

Once you decide to go, keep in mind that you aren’t the only RVer who loves a good deal at the national parks. You’ll have lots of company with other frugal campers, so prepare for busier attendance. Campgrounds in and around the park are guaranteed to fill up faster than usual on those free days, so make your campsite reservations as far ahead as possible to ensure you have a place to camp. Plan any tours in advance, and create a “Plan B” for alternate activities should your first choices be unavailable.

If your schedule won’t allow you to take advantage of those free national park days, you may be able to get in free using other methods, such as camping with a friend family member who qualifies for a free yearly U.S. National Parks pass. These designated groups of campers include disabled persons, current military members, and young children who qualify for the free annual pass just for fourth grade students.

If you aren’t lucky enough to camp with someone who possesses a free annual pass, you can get in free to parks any day of the year by volunteering your time with the six federal agencies participating in the “Interagency Pass Program.” Log 250 or more volunteer service hours with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and you will receive a free annual entry pass.

Of course if you have the cash and you know several national park visits are coming up this year, it pays to spend $80 annually on the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. By paying ahead, you can enjoy year-round, unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. Plus you’ll feel good about helping out the parks with your cash. And perhaps the best reason to buy an America the Beautiful Pass is that you won’t have to limit your RV trips around those five free days in the national parks when everyone else plans on doing the same.

About the author: Rene Agredano

Rene Agredano, a Coach-Net member since 2015, is a self-employed full-time RVer who enjoys writing, jewelry design and animal advocacy. Her adventures with a three-legged dog and husband Jim are chronicled at LiveWorkDream.com

Donald C. ~ “Very happy with the service AND the results. Lots of follow up! Thank you for making sure we were taken care of!”

4 Must See Destinations in Washington State

06 Wednesday Feb 2019

Posted by Coach-Net in National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Cape Flattery, Coach-Net, Mt. Ranier, Mt. St. Helens, Must See Destinations, Roadtrip, roadtrip planing, RV travel, RV Vacation, Summer Travel

Dubbed “the Evergreen State”, Washington has no shortage of natural wonders that will take your breath away. While many travelers head to the Pacific Northwest to visit downtown Seattle, there’s good reason to be drawn to the diverse natural areas this beautiful state has to offer. Whether you prefer long days on challenging trails or a relaxed stroll through the rainforest, Washington has something to offer.

Here are four amazing natural sites you can’t miss on your visit to Washington State.

Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument has a way of making you feel humble. For several decades, Mount St. Helens was a popular destination for summit-seeking mountaineers, much like Mount Rainier is today. However, all that changed on May 18, 1980, when a huge earthquake caused the entire north face of the mountain to slide off in a massive avalanche, releasing the pressurized volcanic gasses and the famous eruption.

The eruption of Mount St. Helens is a notable chapter in North America’s recent natural history, and walking the site today is sure to be an unforgettable experience for any nature enthusiast. Though nearly 150 square miles of forest were destroyed following the eruption, the monument site is now home to some spectacular primary succession and wildlife viewing. The Monument and surrounding National Forest lands offer plenty of spectacular hiking opportunities, making this a must for your tour of Washington State.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is the symbol of Washington State, and it’s well-earned. Mount Rainier is a spectacular site, visible on a clear day from many peaks in the Cascade mountains. Much like Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier is a volcano, though tourists can rest easy knowing it is at no present risk of eruption. The volcanic nature of Mount Rainier gives it a notable pyramidal shape, and it towers high above lesser mountains in the region.

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most spectacular offerings in Washington State. Anybody inclined towards outdoor recreation will have a ball camping out and exploring the many trails the Park as to offer. There are many opportunities to camp in and near the park. The best time to visit in July through August, during peak wildflower season, when the trails are most accessible. Not to mention, the views of the subalpine meadow will be unforgettable.

Cape Flattery

Make your way across the Olympic Peninsula and reach the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States: Cape Flattery. The Olympic Peninsula offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe than the Seattle area, and the scenery is a unique marriage between maritime ports and dense rainforest.

Cape Flattery, with its dense forests and sea-battered coves, recalls the coasts of Maine and Ireland. Featuring a short, family-friendly hiking trail, it’s a worthy pilgrimage to make during your trip to Washington State.

Hoh Rainforest

The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most magical places in the United States. Deep within the Olympic Mountains, this temperate rainforest is lush beyond imagining and certain to capture your imagination. If you’re eager to see some of the most unique nature Washington has to offer, then head on over to Forks, Washington, and make your way into Olympic National Park. This point is a bit out of the way, but it’s many people’s favorite spot for a reason.

Make the Most of Your Time in Washington

Washington State is an unusually spectacular place. You could easily spend years there exploring the amazing hiking trails and natural sites that state has to offer. However, if you’re only coming for a short visit, it makes sense to focus on the highlights. You can’t go wrong with any of these four.

Sharon D. ~ “Excellent response and great follow up. I used another roadside provider for many years and never got that kind of service from them.”

Coach-Net

~ Travel and Adventure Blog

Tag Archives: RV Vacation