Welcome to Motorhomefacts, we are a thriving motorhome community (Largest in Europe). Why Not JOIN NOW and get instant access to more of the website. It costs nothing to join and only takes a few minutes. We have 200,000 different people visiting our site monthly and this amount of motorhomers in one place guarantees a fast response to any questions you may have. We also have unique facilities not found elsewhere such as our Online Logbook, stopover tracker, Motorhome directory with Ebay type feedback and the largest repository of motorhome campsites reviews found anywhere
At Grizzly's request, here's one I prepared and posted earlier:
Folks, I just wanted to add some stimulus to those who are curious about hiring their MH out.
This is often a subject met by a barrage of very good reasons why one shouldn't consider the notion of someone else using their motorhome but as with everything, there are other sides to every subject.
Sharing a couple of facts might help others who feel this might be a necessary move during these tough economical times.
"How many times might I expect my motorhome to go out on hire?"
A: We are located in London and our 1st motorhome went out on hire between May and December 2008 for a total of 143 days. Your location will normally determine the level of hires achieved.
"How much does it cost to Insure?"
A: We started using hire-agencies who provide insurance for your MH for each hire at a daily rate. These are very useful and a reasonable way to start. Later in the year, we changed our cover to our own Commercial Self-drive Hire Insurance through an amazingly helpful broker and the approximate cost is £1500 per annum.
"Can I expect my MH to be abused and damaged?"
A: Yes, you can, is the honest answer. But that is a bit strong....virtually every aspect of damage or breakage was as a result of an honest accident. The most important thing is to approach this with a 'buy-to-let' attitude and understand that everything on or in the MH can be repaired or replaced. Essentially, so long as you have the protective measures in place, such as insurance and deposits, the hirer will cover the cost in 100% of occasions.
"What bad experiences did you have and how did you overcome them?"
A:
Internally
1. One client smoked in the van and a single burn occured to one cushion - a brand new cushion for £90 was purchased and the client charged.
2. A table leg became detached by accidental force and it was re-attached.
3. Wardrobe door hinges became loosened due to back-force of the door but this is as a result of poor build quality by Rollerteam - re-affixed.
4. Frequently, curtain track hooks are pulled from their 'eyes' - simple replacement.
5. Some juice was spilt and stained a bunk mattress - brand new replacement purchased and client charged.
Externally
1. One client regretfully reversed into a tree stump causing cracks etc to the low rear bumper skirt - deposit held and paid for professional rebuild.
2. One client returned to the MH to find the rear skirt damage by an unknown vehicle - client organised professional repairs and deposit refunded.
Thats about it. There were other minor aspects occasionally which were consumer matters, such as someone not reaslising which may to input a DVD, someone getting confused over heating settings etc etc but these are totally normal matters to resolve over the phone.
We have received numerious positive feedbacks and of all our hirers, I would say that one reported the worse holiday of their life having been stuck in the welsh rain for 11 days then reversing into the tree by accident and aside from that, without exception, all have had wonderful experiences.
This gives us great satisfaction.
It provides the ability to own a MH for our own benefits, costs covered, and it also provides a far higher ROI(return on investment) when compared to bricks and mortar in todays environment. Yes, yes, we do realise that homes are a better long-term investment so no education needed there, thanks.
Enthused by the 8 months of 2008, we invested in our new, second MH in October and it's been a favourite for the Alps already.
In 2008, we started receiving trickles of enquiries sometime around April and it started going out in May.
In 2009, enquiries started coming-in daily in the second week of January and we are fielding, as a private owner, at least a dozen enquires a week and this will accelerate once people overcome their January bills etc and they start to focus on holiday plans.
If anyone would like any advice, do not hesitate to get in touch. There are also, ofcourse, many agencies out there who are speciallists in their field. Contact them too.
If anyone would like to consider their MH being 'fostered' in London, get in touch. Maybe you're having issues with parking it at your home, or simply feeling the pinch. I can offer, perhaps one or two of you, free and secure MH storage near Central London, and the possibility of some un-garaunteed income aswell. Not much will happen till April/May but after that, it should go well.
I respect everyone's individual views. I merely ask that you don't turn this post into an excuse to 'slur' suggestions and desires by some owners who are researching hiring their MH out - they might not be in your fortunate position. Practical criticism aside ofcourse.
Remember, some hirers become owners, thus the fraternity grows.
I think we're going to be doing a whole lot more waving this season.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You cannot download files in this forum
Italy
