Full-time pilots put $150,000 into an RV side hustle. They explain how it generates revenue and share unexpected challenges.
Two airline pilots have launched a successful RV rental side hustle, managing a fleet of seven vehicles through the platform Outdoorsy. They share insights on the operational challenges of the business, noting that longer rentals are more profitable than short-term trips.
Why it matters
It provides a practical case study on the 'gig economy' and side-hustle management for professionals approaching retirement.
The Smiths named each of their first seven RVs after one of their seven children. Courtesy of Carrie and Brian Smith Airline pilots Carrie and Brian Smith launched an RV rental business as a side hustle. They liken the business to "Airbnb on wheels," and list their vehicles on a platform called Outdoorsy. They open up about the challenges of running a side hustle, including juggling busy schedules. After their own mediocre RV rental experience, Carrie and Brian Smith saw a business opportunity: offer travelers a more polished version of RV living. The Dallas-based couple, both full-time airline pilots, had already been exploring side-hustle ideas as they approached the industry's mandatory retirement age of 65. At the end of 2023, they purchased seven RVs for about $782,000 , putting down about $127,000 and financing the rest.
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