How do you start an RV rental business in 2027?

Honest 5/10 take. Two paths: (1) own RVs and rent direct, or (2) list on peer-to-peer platforms (RVshare, Outdoorsy). Startup costs: a used Class C is $25K-$60K, travel trailer $8K-$30K, Class A motorhome $80K-$200K+. Plan $1K-$3K initial for inspection, generator service, awning, hookups, basic supplies. Insurance is the killer - commercial RV rental insurance runs $1.5K-$5K per unit per year. Storage lot $50-$300/month per rig. Licenses/zoning: state DMV/DOT rules vary - some require a dealer or rental license, plus sales/use tax registration on rental income. HOAs and many cities ban RV storage at home. Customer acquisition: Outdoorsy and RVshare drive 80%+ of bookings for new operators. They take 15-25% commission but handle insurance and screening. Direct rental is hard until you have reviews. Revenue model: $120-$350/night gross, 20-35% utilization realistic year 1. Net 10-25% after platform fee, insurance, maintenance, depreciation. Year 1: damage from renters is real - bring it under management contract or expect repair bills. Most owner-operators net $3K-$12K per rig year 1. Scale past 5 rigs and operations get hard.