In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon tackle one of the least glamorous—but most important—parts of the RV rental business: insurance claims and damage management. From totaled RVs and renter disputes to platform requirements and documentation best practices, they share real-world experiences and practical advice for protecting your assets and minimizing headaches when things go wrong. While damage is an inevitable part of the rental industry, having the right processes in place can make all the difference when it comes to resolving claims and keeping your business running smoothly.

The discussion covers the importance of thorough documentation, including timestamped photos, videos, inspection checklists, and following platform-specific claim procedures. Garr and Stacy also share lessons learned from years of rental experience, including creative ways to keep rentals on the road when minor damage occurs, how to handle cosmetic repairs without disrupting customer vacations, and why great communication can turn a potential complaint into a five-star review. Whether you're managing a fleet or renting out a single RV, this episode provides actionable tips to help you stay prepared for the unexpected.

Key Takeaways:

• Damage is not a matter of "if" but "when" in the RV rental business.
• Proper documentation is your best defense during insurance claims.
• Use timestamped photos and videos before and after every rental.
• Follow all platform and insurance provider requirements for claims.
• Create and follow a consistent inspection checklist.
• Consider tools like selfie sticks to document hard-to-reach areas such as roofs.
• Cosmetic damage doesn't always require canceling future rentals.
• Have backup solutions available for common equipment failures.
• Strong communication can turn difficult situations into positive customer experiences.
• Train renters on common risk areas, such as maneuvering through gas stations.
• Encourage renters to document the RV themselves for added protection.
• Great operators solve problems instead of canceling vacations.

In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, hosts Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon pull back the curtain on the realities of business partnerships and entrepreneurship in the RV rental industry. With a mix of humor, honesty, and practical insight, they discuss both the strengths and struggles that come with building and scaling a business alongside another person.

Garr and Stacy dive into the importance of communication, clearly defined expectations, and maintaining healthy working relationships when emotions, growth, and major business decisions are involved. They share personal experiences from running and scaling Fireside RV Rental, including navigating staffing changes, budgeting, leadership responsibilities, and the emotional side of entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights why having a written partnership or operating agreement is essential, especially when roles, expectations, and long-term visions evolve over time.

The episode also explores the positive side of partnerships — having someone to brainstorm with, encourage you, challenge you to grow, and complement your strengths with different skill sets and perspectives. Garr shares how entrepreneurship can feel lonely without community and why finding the right people to collaborate with can accelerate growth and create new opportunities.

Listeners will also hear practical examples of partnerships within the RV rental industry, including:

• Partnering with franchise systems to grow faster
• Opening second RV rental locations with local operators
• Working with storage facilities and local businesses
• Networking through Facebook groups and online communities
• Building relationships through events, podcasts, and social media

The hosts discuss how community and networking played a major role in the growth of their RV rental businesses and encourage listeners to actively participate in industry groups, ask questions, and provide value to others.

If you’re an RV owner, entrepreneur, or someone considering starting or scaling an RV rental business, this episode offers valuable insight into leadership, teamwork, communication, and the mindset required to grow a successful business while continuing to grow personally.

• RV Rental Owners Community Facebook Group
• RV Rental Private Owners Facebook Group
• The Science of Scaling by Benjamin Hardy

In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets, Stacy Maxon and Garr Russell dive into practical strategies RV owners can still implement as the busy summer rental season begins ramping up. From de-winterizing RVs and reviewing pricing structures to increasing profitability through prep fees and smarter booking strategies, this episode is packed with actionable advice for both first-time RV owners and experienced operators. They discuss why patience is critical early in the season, how avoiding the “race to the bottom” on pricing can actually lead to larger bookings, and why adding value is often better than offering discounts.

Stacy and Garr also share real-life stories from their early years in the RV rental business, including how last-minute bookings turned into six-figure summers. They explain how longer minimum stays can create better opportunities, why guest experience matters so much for repeat business, and how simple touches like follow-up texts, added amenities, or rebooking guests during their vacation can dramatically increase future reservations. The episode wraps up with encouragement for RV owners who may be considering turning their rentals into a larger business opportunity through the Fireside RV Rental franchise model.

In this insight-packed episode of RV Rental Secrets, Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon pull back the curtain on a reality many business owners face but few want to confront—what your numbers are actually telling you. After a tough morning reviewing budgets, missed opportunities, and shifting projections, they use that real-life experience to emphasize why avoiding your financials can quietly derail your growth. Instead of guessing or hoping things will improve, they challenge RV rental owners to lean into the data, even when it’s uncomfortable, because that’s where real decision-making power comes from.

A major focus of the episode is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes in the RV rental space: underpricing delivery and setup fees. Garr and Stacy break down why offers like $50 delivery for long distances—or even free delivery—are not just unsustainable, but damaging to the industry as a whole. They walk through the true cost structure behind every delivery, including fuel, mileage, wear and tear on both the RV and tow vehicle, labor, and platform commissions. When these factors aren’t accounted for, what looks like profit quickly disappears. They also explain how failing to price correctly today leads to long-term losses through depreciation and burnout.

Beyond delivery pricing, the conversation expands into other overlooked revenue opportunities, like prep fees. Cleaning, propane refills, water usage, electricity, and general turnaround costs all add up over time, and if they’re not built into your pricing model, you’re essentially absorbing those expenses yourself. The hosts reinforce a simple but powerful mindset shift: you didn’t get into RV rentals just to let others use your camper—you got into it to generate income. Pricing should reflect that.

They also share tactical strategies that franchisees and independent owners alike can implement immediately. One key tip is to “start high and adjust down”—build quotes that include all add-ons and services upfront, then remove items if needed, rather than trying to increase pricing later. They discuss using split testing to gauge what your market will bear and how small adjustments can significantly impact profitability. Additionally, they touch on creating standardized pricing models, such as base delivery fees plus per-mile rates, to ensure consistency and scalability in your business.

This episode is a reminder that staying busy doesn’t always mean being profitable. Without a clear understanding of your numbers, it’s easy to operate at a loss without realizing it. Garr and Stacy encourage listeners to regularly review their financials, understand their true costs, and make data-driven adjustments to protect both their time and their assets.

If you’ve ever questioned your pricing, felt unsure about your margins, or avoided looking too closely at your numbers, this episode will give you both the clarity and the push you need to take control of your business finances. And don’t miss what’s coming next—they hint at a future episode where they’ll reveal how they’re using AI to streamline operations and uncover even more growth opportunities in the RV rental space.

In this mindset-shifting episode of RV Rental Secrets, Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon dive into a powerful concept from Benjamin Hardy—the difference between living in “the gap” versus “the gain.” As entrepreneurs juggling endless tasks, it’s easy to focus on what didn’t get done rather than recognizing the massive progress you’re actually making. Garr and Stacy open up about their own daily struggles with this, sharing how even highly productive days can feel unaccomplished when you measure yourself against unrealistic expectations instead of real results.

Throughout the episode, they explore how shifting your perspective from measuring forward (what’s left to do) to measuring backward (what you’ve already achieved) can dramatically improve your mindset, confidence, and momentum. Stacy shares a relatable example of feeling behind—only to realize she had completed dozens of meaningful tasks that day. They also highlight a powerful story from a franchisee who went from zero bookings to multiple units and reservations in just one year, illustrating how looking back reveals growth you might otherwise overlook.

Garr introduces the concept of “starting at the finish line,” encouraging listeners to clearly define their goals and visualize success in vivid detail. By imagining what life looks and feels like once you’ve reached your goals—financially, personally, and professionally—you create clarity and motivation that fuels intentional action. This ties into the idea of having a “best yes,” where every opportunity is filtered through whether it aligns with your long-term vision.

They also share simple but impactful daily practices, like mentally reviewing accomplishments before bed, focusing on gratitude, and setting intentions for the next day. These habits help rewire your thinking, reduce overwhelm, and keep you grounded in progress rather than pressure. Whether you’re building an RV rental business, scaling a franchise, or simply trying to stay motivated in the day-to-day grind, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you measure success—and help you move forward with more clarity, confidence, and purpose.

In this episode, Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon break down RV Rental Management—the perfect solution for RV owners who want the income… without the hassle.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I don’t have time to manage rentals”
• “I don’t want to deal with renters”
• “I’m thinking about selling my RV…”

This episode walks you through a hands-off way to turn your RV into income while someone else handles everything.

RV rental management is similar to Airbnb property management.

A company (like Fireside RV Rental) will:

• List your RV on rental platforms
• Handle bookings, communication, and customer screening
• Manage delivery, setup, and cleaning
• Take care of insurance, claims, and logistics

👉 You earn income without doing the day-to-day work.

• How RV rental management actually works
• The top questions RV owners ask before getting started
• How insurance and liability are handled
• What kind of income you can realistically expect
• Tax advantages of renting your RV
• Who is a good fit (and who is NOT) for this model
• How to avoid working with the wrong company

• Nightly rates typically range from $100–$300+
• Average reservation: ~6 days
• Average booking: ~$1,600 total
• Owners typically earn around 45% of nightly rental revenue

👉 Plus potential tax benefits like:

• Depreciation
• Expense write-offs (maintenance, storage, interest)

One of the biggest concerns—and the most important to understand.

• Renters purchase insurance through platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy
• Security deposits are collected to cover deductibles
• Management companies handle:
  • Claims
  • Disputes
  • Screening renters to avoid high-risk bookings

👉 Bonus: If something gets damaged, it’s often covered—sometimes resulting in upgrades or replacements at no cost to you.

RV rental management is ideal for:

• Owners who don’t have time to manage rentals
• People who want passive income
• RV owners who:
  • Are in the military (deployment)
  • Travel frequently
  • Only use their RV occasionally
• Owners who owe more than their RV is worth and want to offset costs
• Investors looking for tax advantages + income

This may not be for you if:

• You use your RV frequently
• You’re emotionally attached to your RV
• You’re uncomfortable with wear and tear (even with insurance)
• You’re unwilling to place your RV in a managed location
• You expect guaranteed income without market variability

• Work with a reputable company with proven systems
• Ask for:
  • Owner references
  • Historical performance data
• Make sure they have:
  • Proper contracts
  • Insurance processes
  • Claims handling systems

⚠️ Not all operators are created equal—doing your research matters.

• Some markets perform better than others (e.g., Florida, Arizona, California)
• RVs can sometimes be relocated to higher-performing areas for better income potential
• Drivable RVs and bunkhouse models tend to perform best

You don’t have to choose between using your RV and making money—you just need the right strategy.

RV rental management gives you the opportunity to:

• Offset costs
• Generate income
• Reduce stress

All while someone else handles the operations.

If you're interested in RV rental management, check the links in the description to:

• Calculate your RV’s earning potential
• Learn about Fireside’s program
• Get connected with a location near you

Welcome to Season 4 of RV Rental Secrets! In this episode, Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon dive into one of the biggest shifts happening in business right now—Artificial Intelligence—and how it’s transforming the RV rental industry.

From automating daily tasks to scaling faster than ever before, they break down real, practical ways you can start using AI today—whether you have one RV or a growing fleet.

• How AI is changing the speed of business (and why you can’t ignore it)
• Real examples of how Fireside is using AI to save time and scale faster
• Simple ways to start using AI—even if you're a beginner
• How AI can help you increase bookings, improve customer experience, and streamline operations
• Why embracing AI now gives you a competitive advantage
• The balance between automation and maintaining personal connection
• How AI will actually increase demand for RV travel and outdoor experiences

• AI is not replacing you—it’s empowering you. Use it to eliminate repetitive tasks so you can focus on growth and relationships.
• Speed wins. What used to take months can now be done in days (or hours).
• Don’t get left behind. Just like Blockbuster ignored Netflix, businesses that ignore AI risk falling behind fast.
• Start simple. You don’t need complex systems—just begin with tools like ChatGPT.

• Writing listing descriptions for RVshare, Outdoorsy, or Wheelbase
• Responding to customer inquiries and complaints professionally
• Automating review requests and follow-ups
• Creating social media content and marketing plans
• Building systems for lead tracking and follow-up
• Streamlining onboarding and customer communication

• Upgrade to a paid AI tool (like ChatGPT) to unlock memory + better outputs
• Use clear prompts (tell AI who it is and what you want)
• Consider building custom GPTs trained on your business voice
• Don’t try it once and quit—AI improves the more you use it

As AI handles more of the workload, people will have more time for travel, experiences, and family—which means the RV rental industry is positioned to grow even more in the coming years.

• 🚐 RV Rental Summit (Coming Soon!) Learn from top industry leaders, ask questions, and grow your business faster. 👉 Stay tuned for the waitlist!

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a review
• 📲 Share with another RV owner or entrepreneur
• 🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next

In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, Stacy Maxon and Garr Russell dive into the power of imagination and how it impacts both life and business. Fresh from the Hershey RV Show, Stacy shares the excitement of connecting with new franchisees and witnessing how vision and faith fuel their entrepreneurial journeys. Together, she and Garr unpack the idea that imagination isn’t just for kids—it’s something we use daily, whether we realize it or not. They highlight how imagination often defaults to fear and negativity, but with intention, it can be trained to create hope, vision, and solutions that move us forward. Drawing on biblical principles, practical business examples, and personal experiences, they encourage listeners to shift from “what if it fails?” to “what if it succeeds?” and to see how this mindset shift opens the door to new opportunities and resources. The conversation also touches on the importance of partnerships, complementary skillsets, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community. With practical takeaways like focusing on daily wins, journaling, and reframing challenges, this episode reminds listeners that imagination is the starting point for growth—in business, family, and faith.