Top Takeways from RVDA Conference

In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, your host Stacy Maxon shares her biggest takeaways from the RVDA Conference and MBA Rental School she attended this past November. Whether you’re just starting your RV rental business or you’re a seasoned owner looking to grow and improve, this episode is packed with practical strategies, industry insights, and systems you can implement right away.

Stacy kicks things off with pricing strategies, explaining how dynamic pricing and tiered "menu pricing" packages can help you maximize income while adding perceived value for renters. She then dives into fleet building tips, emphasizing that having 20+ units—especially under consignment—is often the benchmark for earning a full-time income. She shares actionable ideas for building dealership relationships and how to manage underperforming units to keep your fleet strong.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are also a focus, with a breakdown of what to track—like utilization, lead conversion rates, and the importance of creating a pro forma to forecast and measure your success. From there, Stacy talks about the power of niching down and defining your ideal customer, whether it’s families, festival-goers, or long-distance adventurers. She offers advice on how to craft marketing and services around that one specific avatar to stand out in a competitive market.

Complaints are part of the business, and Stacy outlines smart ways to handle them by implementing policies like cost sheets and future-use credits, rather than emotional or case-by-case decisions. She also explores ways to increase cash flow, from accepting full payments upfront to encouraging rebookings using a customer’s security deposit.

She touches on current RV rental trends like solar panels, king beds, upgraded mattresses, and entertainment systems that renters are looking for. Stacy also cautions against certain features like Murphy beds or cassette toilets that can lead to more customer complaints and repairs.

Mitigating risk is a major topic in this episode as well. Stacy shares advice on verifying customer IDs and insurance, using GPS tracking legally, and maintaining strict and consistent policies to avoid discrimination or liability claims. She also covers ADA compliance regarding service animals, tips for documenting maintenance, and legal best practices when working with both motorhomes and towables.

This episode is full of real-world experience and operational tips that can help you build a profitable, professional RV rental business. Whether you’re managing a few units or aiming to scale, Stacy’s insights will help you avoid costly mistakes and set your business up for long-term success.