Needing thoughts on Airstream rental

[truxpin]

After almost 8 years Full-timing (stationary) we've decided to call it quits. (for now!) The need/necessity for more space is winning the battle. We're based in sunny Tucson, AZ. in a retirement community made up of mostly snowbirds and came across a deal we couldn't refuse on a decent park model that will fill our growing needs (for the time being anyways)
In a nutshell, we really don't want to sell the Airstream (or store in on our land in N. Arizona) and we REALLY like the lot it's on in the park and have built a great shed & patio area around it. (our new park model is only 6 lots away, so we're close!)
I'm debating on paying another year of lot rent (aprox. $6K) and setting it up as a rental with weekly minimums through November and then open it up to monthly rentals during the prime season here in Southern AZ. ( typically Dec.- March) or maybe a full season price if there's interest?
We'll be leaving it fully furnished ( minus food, drink & our clothes!) and of course there will be no option to "hook-up" and go anywhere with it.
I'm wondering what the forum members think of this idea??

Would a "turn key" stationary Airstream rental in an active retirement community be a viable option? Here's my thoughts on potential clients.....

People who want to come visit friends/family that are in the park and don't want to stay outside the park ( hotel, motel, etc...)

Airstream fans who don't own one & want to "test drive" habitating in one.

or maybe just budget minded people who would rather "glamp" in style than fork out $2800/month for a park model. ( our rate will be almost half that? )

Our other option would be to haul it up to Show Low and park it on our land, dis-assemble the shed & patio area and haul that stuff up north as well....
While the Airstream would get used a few times a year up there, mostly it's just gonna sit mothballed AND unattended. ( I'm not thrilled with the idea)

So? Does this sound like a really bad idea or maybe just a marginally bad idea? LOL!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

No matter *what* you are renting out, there are risks. First thing to do it check your insurance and make sure that *it* covers you in a "rent out" situation.

There is also a bit of work involved. You can pay an agency to find customers and set up schedules. You can also pay them to do the "deep clean" when one crew leaves and another is waiting in the parking lot to get in.

Next up, there will be damage / stuff lost and a need for repairs. Somebody's kid jumps on the steps for 10 hours and a week later they break off the trailer. You will need to have a way to get these things taken care of quickly.

Do not expect your beautiful *anything* to be what it "once was" after a year or three of being rented out. Accept that there will be an impact and move on.

Bob

[Minno]

Does the park it's in allow for that kind of rental?

Kay

[truxpin]

Originally Posted by Minno

Does the park it's in allow for that kind of rental?

Kay

Thanks Kay..... That is a GREAT place to start! LOL! I didn't even think about that avenue!

[Bill M.]

One huge problem with renting the stationary Airstream will be managing the waste water tanks. Do you want to be a slave to the dumping schedule and fishing out what the renters manage to drop into it? A park model makes more sense as a rental because of the flush toilet and the fact that you can call a plumber. Not so with an Airstream.

The park we are in in Fl does not allow that sort of ownership and rental.

I understand you are a little stuck in the transition between your new unit and having an Airstream but really I would pay for storage for a year before I would take the chance on the rental and the $6000 lot fee. And at some point it sounds like you just need to cut the cord however that happens. Is it possible to just sell it on site? That happens a lot in our park. People buy the trailer to be able to take over the lease on the lot since there is a waiting list to get in.

Having to deal with getting rid of the Airstream is one thing that has kept me from looking at park models so it is something that I have thought about a lot. And I have come up with no solution other than to sell it, probably at low dollar to a flipper. We are only snowbirds, not full time, so we do okay with the space we have.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I'd take a close look at the "virus news" before I went into *any* business startup right now. There is a very real chance that you will be all set up and ready to go with zero customers to serve. (Yes, this might be a great time for that hand sanitizer startup .... )

Bob