Rental Concept B&B Idea... Opinions

[John&Vicki]

Originally Posted by Fly at Night

My Take: Even if you can obtain a fairly new Airstream (sub-leased) it isn't going to make the cut with these types.

Why? Because you're confronted with a stereotype, even if it is an Airstream. You know....the trailer trash thing. Disguising it would be even more of an affront to the creative class with cash, i.e. we're sleeping in a sorta-new trailer and gawd forbid, someone else's trailer at that. (BTW, Airstream mattresses are also notoriously uncomfortable).

These types do not accept a "doctoring-up" or a false front when it comes to their hard-earned recreating. They convet two things: the authentic experience or a parody. So, instead of offering them someone else's "sorta-new" Airstream, play up the trailer-trash angle to the hilt, Hicksville Trailer Palace style. As you can see, this place is a hit.
Hicksville Trailer Palace - Campground Reviews, Deals - Joshua Tree, CA - TripAdvisor

This would entail the purchase and/or remodel of some vintage trailers. Is it worth the financial risk? You need to research your market. (The nostalgic appeal of a vintage trailer would attract the boomers - a retiring demographic with more disposable cash). Any trailer can be a real PITA to maintain in the winter. I doubt if winter trailering would hold much market appeal. Can you manage the financial risk of a seasonal venture?

Another option would be the that authentic experience via glam-tenting. I do not mean a nylon WalMart tent. I mean a whimsical, canvas, log-pole tent with all the conveniences of a likewise whimsical shower or bathtub (Hicksville utilized a metal horse trough) gourmet meals delivered to the tent, a nightly S'moresgasbord etc...
S'moresgasboard

These places have nailed the glam-tenting experience to a "T"....
Glamping Sites - Luxury Sites for Camping - Country Living

But then again, the tenting option would be seasonal.

You also mentioned an existing B & B? That may carry the seasonal aspect.

Good-luck!

Fantastically spot-on. FAN is *tuned* to your proposed customer base. Heed this words and make camping camp. You would pay big bucks for this input from a paid consultant.

Next time I have an idea I'm going to run it by FAN.

Poppy

[Ljsydney]

Have you seen Kate Pierson's (of B-52's fame) Airstream resort out here in the desert?

Kate's Lazy Meadow - KateLazy Desert

She bought and renovated (with various themes) about six Airstreams…and it seems to work for her.

You could do the same…then rent them out in winter down south…easy peasy…well, maybe not.

[Fly at Night]

Originally Posted by Birdmaestro

Fantastically spot-on. FAN is *tuned* to your proposed customer base. Heed this words and make camping camp. You would pay big bucks for this input from a paid consultant.

Next time I have an idea I'm going to run it by FAN.

Poppy

Poppy, thanks. But I'll have to charge you now.

[wigwag]

I feel terrible now because I DO rent out my Airstream! Couldn't afford my restorations and property tax if I didn't. You'll find a number of them, including mine, on Air BnB. I've also been approached by two different "glamping" sites in the past month, asking me to list with them. I've said "no".
Of course, my sweet 64 Overlander is not "pristine". It's 95% original but I try to be relaxed about it. Air BnB lets owners do a fair bit of research into potential renters, and has an excellent feedback system.
As for who my Airstream attracts... my first summer was all-American (my AS is in Nova Scotia), and all but one couple were under the age of 40, and "artistic" types. I had no problems whatsoever. I have a local manager and repair guy...
I took last summer off as I was doing work on stuff, but am almost fully booked for this coming July and August.
Of course, your location is really important!
Anyhow, hope I haven't jinxed myself... Here's my listing, if you're curious:
https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/289001

[mojo]

Wow! what a location. I think I might be inclined to leave my AS at home and just fly in to enjoy yours!

[Erik Olson]

It is a good idea. I don't believe you'll find private owners willing to loan their trailers without a great many hurdles being introduced (e.g., maintenance and improvements agreement; insurance requirements; percentage of rentals).

My trailer is very active during the summer peak, then largely down from late fall through early spring for maintenance and improvements. For example, it is getting a new refrigerator, brake work and so on. Last year was a major plumbing upfit with new pump to restore boondocking capability.

What you might be able to do is secure a lease through an equipment finance lender, where you could purchase five or more pieces of rolling stock. If you purchase a used 1960s - 1980s Airstream trailer, you can count on $5500 - $15K purchase price each and I'd conservatively allow for $2,500 - $7000 for improvements (mechanicals, polishing, re-upholster, appliance service and replacement as necessary). So, figure an average of $15,000 for a refurbished used trailer (perhaps not road-worthy, but more and suitable for permanently-situated use), and up to $100K for brand-new rolling stock (which, of course would be entirely road-worthy).

Add to that the cost of 2 - 5 acres of choice land acquisition, site preparation and construction of a shop / manager's facility and you could handily be in the $500K - $1M range, all-in. Then you have your ongoing costs from there.

As has been said by others, location and siting definitely matters for the viability of a facility like this. Conveniently located in the heart of a tourism-rich destination or in close proximity to an urban center, you might be able to command room rates over the $150 mark per night and week rates approaching $1200.

[Stefrobrts]

Originally Posted by wigwag

I feel terrible now because I DO rent out my Airstream! Couldn't afford my restorations and property tax if I didn't. You'll find a number of them, including mine, on Air BnB. I've also been approached by two different "glamping" sites in the past month, asking me to list with them. I've said "no".
Of course, my sweet 64 Overlander is not "pristine". It's 95% original but I try to be relaxed about it. Air BnB lets owners do a fair bit of research into potential renters, and has an excellent feedback system.
As for who my Airstream attracts... my first summer was all-American (my AS is in Nova Scotia), and all but one couple were under the age of 40, and "artistic" types. I had no problems whatsoever. I have a local manager and repair guy...
I took last summer off as I was doing work on stuff, but am almost fully booked for this coming July and August.
Of course, your location is really important!
Anyhow, hope I haven't jinxed myself... Here's my listing, if you're curious:
https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/289001

Very interesting, but I have to think your relationship with your AS is very different than ours. For example, you are booked out far ahead and cannot use your AS at a moment's notice on a spur of the moment trip, but there's nothing wrong with that if that's how you like to use it. Getting $600+ a week for it when you otherwise would not be using it anyway seems like a pretty good exchange for the inconvenience! It looks like a spectacular location, I'll bet you do get a lot of interest