Buy a Motorhome and Start Earning

Key things to consider

Choose the right platform

There are now several online platforms available to list your vehicle for hire, which operate in a very similar way to AirBnB. You’ll add your motorhome to their system, set your rates and availability, and they’ll handle bookings and take a small percentage of the booking fee. Research each platform to find the one that best suits your needs. 

Camplify estimates potential annual earnings of around £10,000, with an average of £515 from the first booking.

Indie Campers notes that campervans often sit unused for 95% of their lifespan, highlighting the potential for more use and income.

Goboony shows that hiring out your vehicle can help cover yearly costs and even generate a profit, depending on usage.

Vehicle Availability & Pricing

When listing your vehicle on any platform, don’t forget to reserve some holiday dates for yourself throughout the peak summer season.  Consider what dates will be convenient for you to do turnarounds if there are hires booked back-to-back. Do you want to spend Saturdays cleaning vans, or would you prefer a Friday to Friday or Sunday to Sunday schedule?  

When it comes to pricing, do some research and see what others are charging for similar vehicles. Take into account your location and the hire durations. Certain dates may have premium rates and you may prefer to give your vehicle a rest over winter, rather than risk having it hired out in bad weather.

Insurance & Breakdown Cover

Most motorhome insurance for private use excludes self-drive hire, so you will need to obtain rental-specific cover.  If using a rental booking agent, many also offer their own hire insurance, but there are also companies such as Alan Boswell Group, Questor Insurance, and Sterling Insurance who provide separate hire insurance. Check whether the insurance includes breakdown assistance and overseas travel. Breakdown cover is essential and it’s best to ensure your vehicle can be towed to a garage of your choice. Whereas European cover for insurance and breakdown may be something you make available as an extra cost.

Maintenance

At the most basic level you should have a current habitation certificate, a Landlords Gas Safe certificate, an MOT and have had the base vehicle serviced in line with manufacturer recommendations.  These will all be things that can be checked in the event of an insurance claim.  In addition, you will need to undertake regular checks before and after hires, such as tyre tread depth/pressures, plus checking fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide alarms.  Document  your motorhome’s condition with a video and address any issues promptly. Highland Campervans NCC-approved workshop offers expert maintenance and advice to keep your vehicle in top shape. We can also arrange for Gas Safe certificates to be done at the same time as your habitation service.

Provide Instructions

Clear guidance for renters is crucial. Include instructions on using appliances, connecting utilities, and basic maintenance. You should also include driving tips and cover motorhome etiquette, such as pulling over regularly to let other vehicles past. Remember that you may be renting to someone who is completely new to the motor homing world and passing on the correct information such as waste disposal and overnight parking will help ensure a sustainable future for motorhome tourism.  Highland Campervans can help you create these guides and provide additional training to ensure a seamless experience for your renters.

HMRC and tax implications

Renting out your motorhome for remuneration will (if you’re a UK taxpayer) require you to inform HMRC and pay tax if certain thresholds are reached. You should keep full records of all transactions and inform HMRC of all taxable income. Having a separate bank account that you use for your motorhome expenses and income, will make record keeping so much easier.

Summary

Renting out your motorhome is a deeply personal decision and depends on your individual preferences and circumstances. For some, their motorhome holds sentimental value or is reserved for personal use. Practical considerations, such as the potential wear and tear, maintenance, and the time required to manage rentals, may also deter some owners. 

On the other hand, many see motorhome rental as an excellent opportunity to offset ownership costs, generate extra income, or simply ensure the vehicle is used more frequently rather than sitting idle. It can also be a rewarding way to share the joy of motorhome travel with others, introducing new adventurers to the lifestyle.

Ultimately, the decision requires balancing the emotional and practical aspects of ownership with the potential financial and personal benefits of renting out your motorhome.