Paul B
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Friendship Vacationaire
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Post by Paul B on Aug 11, 2015 17:10:40 GMT -8
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mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 11, 2015 19:22:58 GMT -8
Hope they have it insured properly. The first dents will most likely be In the rear. Backing is the hardest thing to learn with towing. Dogs and smokers shouldn't be allowed. I have friends who own a vintage trailer rental company and they deliver and set up the rentals. So the renters never tow them.
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Post by vikx on Aug 13, 2015 22:15:44 GMT -8
I recently met a guy who wanted to start a vintage trailer bnb. He hadn't bought any trailers yet, but came to look at mine just to chat. (And NO I DON'T WANT TO SELL to a bnb) He wanted to start with 4 at a waterfront park near here. It has bathrooms and showers but none of the utilities are in place. The park says they have a "budget" to improve the park.
Anyway, tho I tried to be gentle, I could visualize a few problems...
1. New comfortable mattresses and appropriate fitting sheets would be a priority. Mine have nice 4" foam and I usually recommend a topper, but for everyday use, a *real* mattress would make a renter want to return... Oh, and beefing up the bed framing (middle brace for sure). I can see one collapsing with two hefty adults.
2. Propane system: Does a person really want newbies fiddling with the stove or a heater?? What about the gas light? I mean, lots of ambiance, but an accident waiting to happen.
3. The water system would need a hose hookup. That means a regulator and decent faucet at every spot. Hoses tend to fail, so that would be an ongoing maintenance issue.
4. Electrical power will be minimum, 15 amps usually. So, on a chilly night, an electric heater might be requested. I'm thinking this is not wise with 15 amps total. A person might want to curl her hair, or make himself a hot toddy. Too many appliances and not *one at a time*. Does this scenario mean that every trailer should be upgraded to 30 amps? I think yes. Lots of $$$ ahead, for the trailer AND the park. Air Conditioning is another little problem. Where to install, how to power, etc. And finally, a microwave...
5. Then there's the drain problem. Most vintage trailers do not have grey tanks, so how to connect to a park/city approved system?
Going into this, open your eyes and study a LOT. Successful bnb/s are using larger trailers and are geared to all the comforts of home. Basically, lots of electrical power, WiFi, hot and cold running water heaters and air conditioners.
And Mobile nailed it: NO SMOKING!
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Post by vintagebruce on Aug 14, 2015 5:40:41 GMT -8
I agree with everything mobiltec and vikx said. Plus, I can not understand how a person who owns a vintage camper in excellent condition can comfortably rent it to some stranger who is going to hook it to their car and drive away with it. What happens when the renter is tooling along at 70 or 75 mph and hits some debris in the road and has a blowout? You can bet they won't fess up to not paying attention and hitting debris. They will want to know why you let them take off on crappy unsafe tires! What happens when it becomes party city at some remote area and comes back with considerable damage? Can't simply get the room attendant to freshen it back up. The only vintage camper I'd consider turning into an air bnb would be a small egg that has indoor/outdoor carpeting and molded in cabinetry throughout, that could be hosed out after an unsuccessful rave, I mean rental.
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