As you peruse the fancy new RVs on the market, you may be feeling discouraged that your RV won’t have much resale value. No matter how well you’ve taken care of your home on wheels, it’s hard to compete with the RV technologies that have become standard and more affordable in the last two decades. If you find that dumping a retired RV won’t bring you much monetary satisfaction, try repurposing this versatile resource.
Guesthouse
You may have noticed an uptick in hosting networks offered by owners. Used RVs can function as guest houses to make money when marketed correctly. Decorating the interior of the RV as a cozy getaway, filling the closets with quality amenities, and positioning the vehicle for the privacy of your guests will earn you rave reviews online and by word of mouth. Your guest cabin can double as an extra bedroom when your own friends and family come to town.
Home Office or Study
Most homes need an office or den of some sort, but too often it’s in the middle of domestic traffic, wedged in a corner, or taking up space in a multi-purpose room. Retired campers are the perfect place to relocate your home office or den, providing ample storage space, privacy, and proximity to sources of electricity, internet, and running water. Whether it’s used for working from home, for regular household filing and accounting, or as a space for the kids to do their homework, reimagining your RV as a home office or study will allow you to reclaim your vital space.
Recreation room
Speaking of kids: Just like they need a place to study, they need a place to play and entertain their friends. Depending on the needs of your family and the size of the vehicle, removing some of the built-ins can open up the floor plan to house toys, entertainment centers or even air hockey. Arcades on wheels can also double as restrooms after a particularly messy game. Rehabbed RVs serve as the perfect rainy day room for any age group.
Food Truck/Fundraising Booth
Even if you’ve never dreamed of starting your own food truck, according to Mobile-Cuisine.com, “By 2017, food trucks will generate about $2.7 billion in revenue,” a 400% increase over 2012 numbers of the National Restaurant Association. Modifying and marketing your RV as a food truck might appeal to more chefs than nature enthusiasts. Donating your vehicle to a local school or non-profit organization to use as a fundraising booth could earn you some tax breaks.
Environment enriched for wildlife
If you own an RV, chances are you’re a nature fanatic. If you want to see more wildlife in your own backyard, the possibilities for used RVs are endless. From enriched environments for your household pets to havens for undomesticated creatures, converted RVs can serve as chicken coops, terrariums, bee colonies or watering holes for larger animals. Be sure to check any zoning or neighborhood restrictions if you opt for this alternative. Your experience may be different.
