I read an article the other day about people who rent their personal vehicles out by the day or week, through a nationwide company called "RelayRides". The company supplies all necessary insurance with 1 million in liability coverage. The vet the perspective renters by checking DL records and such. You set the rate, either daily or weekly for the use of your vehicle.
This caught my attention because I was wondering if a similar service for RV tow vehicles would "fly". I sold my truck this past year because it was simply not economical as a daily driver and I drive way more for work that I tow my 5'er. We ended up going seasonal with our rig and I have to say it's already bugging me. What do you think the market would be for a "shared" tow vehicle service for those of us that only tow occasionally? I'm not looking to start a business here, just thinking that the current service might consider adding TV's as an option. I figured the best place to get opinions was here.
(PS: it's killing me to see all the RV's on the road)
Thanks.
I'm sure there is a market, but probably not too large, especially something specialized like a truck with a 5er hitch.
Personally, I can't imagine ever renting out my truck for someone I don't know to use as a tow vehicle. That said, times are hard, and I'm sure there are folks out there that would be interested in doing it.
2012 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn DRW CC 4x4 Max Tow, Cummins HO, 60 gallon RDS aux fuel tank, Reese 18k Elite hitch
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 QC SB 4x4 Cummins HO NV5600 with Smarty JR, Jacobs EB (sold)
2002 Gulf Stream Sea Hawk 29FRB with Honda EV6010
Bionic Man wrote: Personally, I can't imagine ever renting out my truck for someone I don't know to use as a tow vehicle. That said, times are hard, and I'm sure there are folks out there that would be interested in doing it.
Me either. We just picked up another car for me/wife to drive when I can't ride the motorcycle. I will fess up and say that she wanted this dumb convertible bug for fun and we got it because she wins, but I will drive it around instead of the Dodge.
There is no way that I would rent out ANY of my vehicles... My OCD self has a hard time loaning one out to a friend for an emergency.
2005 2500 Cummins/48RE/3.73, QCLB, 4wd, BigHorn, Edge Juice w/ CTS + Turbo Timer, ISSPro Oil and LP pressure gauges in cubby hole, GDP 20/2 filters on frame rail, Custom Diesel Steering Box Brace
'10 Forest River Shockwave Toy Hauler 21'
Honda EU3000I Genny
A couple we met use a RV moving service. They call the guy up, he picks up their 5th wheel at the storage lot and tows it where ever they want to go. He sets it up for them so all they have to do is go inside and begin relaxing.
It's reasonably price when you consider the cost of a new tow vehicle or cost to replace an engine or transmission. They use the service about 4 times a year.
You can find drivers on www.uship.com They bid for your RV move. You can look at reviews from their customers to see how good or bad they are before you decide who to use.
I certainly don't mind driving someone else's truck, but I know I don't want someone else driving mine.
Heck, I even "wiggle" a little when my wife drives it....
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane."
GMC Duramax LBZ
Komfort
Reese Dual Cam HP Our Rig Picture...CLICK HERE
I don't know about your specific location, but in alberta it is very hard to find a rental company that will allow you to tow. This has me thinking that they've researched it and decided it wasn't worth it. In fact most trucks I rent either don't have hitches installed (yes bumper hitch) or have a locked hitchpin through the hitch.
Me personally, I can see a market for it, although here it would by a seasonal business (4-5 months/yr). Perfect example, is when my brother's truck broke down 2 hours out of town, starting their 2 week vacation with a bang (literally), lucky we had another truck in the family that could tow his trailer. BUT. This reason alone, is why i didn't purchase a 5th wheel. IF my truck was to break down (knock on wood), it's ALOT easier to find a tow vehicle that would be able to tow my trailer than if I needed a 5er hitch. but YMMV.
Well, how about buying a used truck? How do you know how it was used in the first place?
2011 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 5.7L V8 (next will be a 3/4, someday)
2012 Jayco Flight Swift 267BHS (5963lbs dry, 6650 wet)
Propride hitch (I had a Reese dual cam round bar WDH for 4 months)
Good riddance to city living.
This is farm country. Every single driveway has a big pickup with a gooseneck ball. Truck suddenly won't start? Call ANY of your neighbors, in ANY direction.
Visiting someone? Leave your keys in your truck. ( In case they or their help needs to move it a few feet, or a few hundred feet.)
Welcome to the good life.
'06 GMC C2500HD RCLB gasser 4.10:1, 4L80E, custom camshaft
'84 Trans Am 6.2 diesel, 700R-4, custom Class-3 receiver
'69 F350 dually. GM 6.2 diesel, turbo, 700R-4, NP208 all pending.
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